Page:The British Warblers A History with Problems of Their Lives - 3 of 9.djvu/23

 imparted to his song depends to some extent, at this early stage of the season, on the weather. Cold winds do not suit him; on the other hand, sunshine is not a necessity, but warmth, no matter whether accompanied by dampness or actual rain, he must have, if he is to enjoy life to the full. On cold mornings in April he often establishes himself on the top of some high tree, and here for a while remains in meditation and song, gathering what comfort he can from the warmth of the feeble rays of the rising sun, that glisten on his breast as he preens his feathers, while below everything is white with frost. Presently, leaving his perch, he flies direct to the nearest ivy berries, and having rapidly swallowed six or more, rests while digestion takes place, then again goes in search of another quantity. While thus resting he either warbles quietly to himself for some minutes together, finally bursting out into song, preens his feathers, or sits with all his feathers relaxed.

If cold winds prevail he makes his way during the daytime to the more sheltered spots, where he can enjoy what sunshine there may be. I have sometimes found the males, early in April, in a quiet corner on the outskirts of small woods gathered together on the low bushes, there sunning themselves, with their feathers relaxed and fluffed out in their peculiar manner. Each male on his arrival regards a space of ground within certain limits as his peculiar breeding territory, and if two, arriving during the same night, happen to have settled in the same locality, a severe fight for possession ensues. During these battles their whole attitude is expressive of intense rage, their feathers are drawn closely to their bodies, but their black head-feathers are raised; they fly at one another, and, meeting in the air, peck furiously at each other as they flutter round and round. Such fights are evidently a great exertion, for, when resting after each trial of strength they sit with bills open, panting for breath, before they again dart off, flying very rapidly in and out of the trees.

The note principally uttered is the one used by the male