. The birds of California : a complete, scientific and popular account of the 580 species and subspecies of birds found in the state. Birds; Birds. The Song Sparrows Even in winter the brave- hearted bird avails himself of the slightest pretext—the passing of clouds or a rise in temperature—to mount a bush and rehearse his cheer- ful lay. The song is not continuous, but it is frequently repeated through periods of several minutes, and is followed by little intervals of placid contemplation. But no matter how gentle a bird's disposition may be, there is ample use, alack! for the note of warning
. The birds of California : a complete, scientific and popular account of the 580 species and subspecies of birds found in the state. Birds; Birds. The Song Sparrows Even in winter the brave- hearted bird avails himself of the slightest pretext—the passing of clouds or a rise in temperature—to mount a bush and rehearse his cheer- ful lay. The song is not continuous, but it is frequently repeated through periods of several minutes, and is followed by little intervals of placid contemplation. But no matter how gentle a bird's disposition may be, there is ample use, alack! for the note of warning and distrust. When, there- fore, the Song Sparrow's nesting haunts are invaded, the bird emits a chip or chirp, still musical, indeed, but very anxious. In winter, resi- dent birds deny themselves even this characteristic cry; and, except for the occasional outbursts of full song, they are limited to a high nasal tss, which seems to serve the purpose of a flocking, or recognition, call. Song Sparrows are not really gregarious birds; nor are they even seen in close proximity save in mating time, but they like to assure themselves, never- theless, that a dozen of their fellows are within call against a time of need. Song Sparrows are among the very first to respond when the bird- man "screeps" like a mishandled nestling, in the depths of the swamp. If he is well hidden, the reeds are soon astir with excited quest and still more excited chirps of baffled inquiry. Even when the hoax has been discovered, the incensed house-mother will scarcely forgive, but publishes her discomposure to the swamp for an hour afterwards. Save in favored localities, such as the margins of a tule swamp, nests of the California Song Sparrows are not obtrusively common. "Back East," in a season of all around nesting, about one-fifth of the nests found would be those of the Song Sparrow. Not so in the West, for where. "THE FIRST TO RESPOND" 342. Please note that these ima
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1920, booksubjectbirds, bookyear1923
