Page:Bird-lore Vol 06.djvu/231

 183 Bird - Lore

\Vhen he first came, the top of his head was nearly white. which made him look bald by the side of his red~headed parent. but after a day or so the bright scarlet feathers began [0 appear. and looked like drops of blood on the white. As soon as he could provide for himself. the father ceased to notice him. and began to show around another young one. a timid little female. During all this time. the mother was not seen once, and we con- cluded that she was looking after‘other young members of the family. The Brown Thrasher came regularly for his supper just before dark. and his threatening scold could be heard some time before he would appear

MALE REDVHELHED WOODPECKER

at 'his favorite feedingrplacet I have often seen him on the ground in between some orange trees in our yard. ‘thrashing' the sand from side to side with his long bill. until his head and back would be covered with dust. Many an hour did I wait before I could obtain even a snap-shot of this most tantalizing bird, and then. at the last. how vexatious it was to have him hide his lovely long tail behind the moss, as one can see by the photo- In my estimation. Chapman does not do justice to the glorious song of this bird [ts notes are so varied. so full of volume. the long inter- vening pauses giving an expression of great dignity. In the early spring it sings the same notes very low. making a melody that is inexpressibly sweet. but which can he heard only when very near them.

Dozens of other and smaller birds come to us. some daily. others only nt‘casionalh'. the daintiest of all. perhaps. being the little Painted Bunting.

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