. Handbook of birds of eastern North America : with keys to the species and descriptions of their plumages, nests and eggs, their distribution and migration ... Birds. THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 383 fallen trees. In the shadow of the woods it is easy to overlook the small dark bird creeping under a log or clambering over an old stump. But often, when sitting alone in the deserted patch, my heart has been warmed by the sudden apparition of the plump little Wren atilt of a dry golden-rod stalk close beside me, his tail standing straight over his back and his head cocked on one side. He would bow to
. Handbook of birds of eastern North America : with keys to the species and descriptions of their plumages, nests and eggs, their distribution and migration ... Birds. THRASHERS, WRENS, ETC. 383 fallen trees. In the shadow of the woods it is easy to overlook the small dark bird creeping under a log or clambering over an old stump. But often, when sitting alone in the deserted patch, my heart has been warmed by the sudden apparition of the plump little Wren atilt of a dry golden-rod stalk close beside me, his tail standing straight over his back and his head cocked on one side. He would bow to me with a droll bobbing motion, but his hearty quip-quap and the frank look of interest in his bright eyes showed that he was quite ready to make friends. Many a dull morning has been gladdened by such an en- counter. Perhaps my choicest memories, however, are of a Wren who left his usual home in the dark coniferous forest for our brighter wood- lands of maple and beech. He built his nest in an upturned root on the edge of a bit of marshy land, helping himself to some feathers the Scarlet Tanager had left at his bath in the swamp behind. I had never before had a chance to listen to his famous song, and it was the event of the summer in the woods. Pull of trills, runs, and grace notes, it was a tinkling, rippling roundelay. It made me think of the song of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, the volume and ringing quality of both being startling from birds of their size. But while the Kinglet's may be less hampered by considerations of tune, the Wren's song has a more appealing human character. It is like the bird himself. The dark swamps are made glad by the joyous, wonderful song. Floeencb A. Merriam. 724. Cistothorus stellaris {ZicTit.). Shobt-eilled Mabsh Wren. Ad.âEntire upper parts streaked with white, black, and oohraoeous-buff; wings and tail barred; under parts white, washed with ochraoeous-buflF on the breast, sides, and under tail-ooverts. L., 4-00; "W"., 1-75; T., 1-
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Photo credit: © Central Historic Books / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, booksubjectbirds, bookyear1901
