OREGON TOWHEE 
When Mr. Rufous Breast is found, — 
With habitation near the ground, _ 
Who seems to court my favor, 
I listen for the Towhee’s call; 
For early spring or late in fall 
He is my faithful neighbor. _ 
When garden-making time comes round, 
This constant friend is ever found | 
To dignify that labor; 
His proffered service is the best, 
He toils for me with friendly zest, 
A most resourceful neighbor. 
We love him for his sterling worth, 
He boasts in pride his humble birth 
And scorns not menial labor. | 
He builds his home in lowly place, 
Nor seeks the lofty heights to grace, 
This most delightful neighbor. | 
An attractive bird of striking pattern is often to be seen 
about many country homes, and met in rambles through 
parks or quiet streets of residence districts of the Northwest 
Pacific Coast cities and towns. He may be a neighbor of a 
loving observer wherever there are vacant lots which are 
heaped with branches, or covered with tangles of hazel, 
- willows, or other efforts of nature to cover the soil, which 
man has made bare. Such places give shelter sufficient for 
a the wild creatures that once were the sole inhabitants of this 
region and they seem to love the old locality well enough to 
take chances under new conditions. 
These birds may be oftener heard than seen, for while 
_ they are one of the friendliest species, they prefer to choose 
their acquaintances themselves. The rustle of kicked-over 
141 
