Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1855-04-13
5fIisrRIlanrOug.
The Birds of Spring.
BY wAsnINGroN IRvIxa.

My quiet residence in the country,
aloof from fashion, politics, aud The
money market, leaves ne rather at
loss for occupation, and drives me
occasionally TO the study Of nature,
and other low pursuits. Having few
neighbors, on whom TO keep watch
and exercise my habits of observa-
ton, | lam 10 amuse myself with pry-
ing into the domestic concerns and
peculiarilies OF the animals around
me and, during the present season,
have derived considerable entertain
ment from certain soclable little
birds, almos, the only visitors we
have, during this early part of the
year.
Those who have passed the win
ter IN the country, are sensible Of
the delightful influences that accom-
pany the earliest indications of spring,
and Of these, none are more delight
ful than the first notes of the bird.
There is one modes, little sad-color-
ed bird, much resembling wren,
which came about the house Just on
the skirts Of winter, when not blade
of grass was TO be seen, and when a
few prematurely warm days had CIV
en- flaiierIng foretas,e of soft wea-
Their. He sang early in the dawning,
long before sunrise, and late IN the
evening, just before the closing in of
night, his mailn and his yesper hymns.
1t is true, he sang occasionally thro'-
out the day but at these still hours
his song was more remarked. He
sal on lcafess tree, Just before the
window, and warbled forth his notes,
few and simple, but singularly sweet,
with something OF plaintiye tone
that heightened their effect.
The first morning that he was
heard, was joyous one among the
young folks OF my household. The
long, dealh-like sleep of winter was
an end nature was once more ava
kening they now promised them
selves the immediate appearance Of
buds and blossoms. was reminded
of the tempest tossed crew of Co
lumbus, when, after their long dubi-
Gus voyage, the field birds came sing
ing round the ship, though still far
at sea, rejoicing them with the be-
lief of the immediate proximity of
land. A sharp return Of winter al
most sllenced my little songsler, and
dashed the hilarlty of the household !;
yet still he poured forth, now and
then, few planliye notes, between
The frosty pipings Of the breeze, like
CLEANS of sunshine between WINERY
clouds.
have consulted my books of or
anthology in vain, TO fad out the
name Of this kindly little bird, who
certainly deserves honor and favor
far beyond his modest professions.
He comes like The lowly violet, the
most unpre,ending, but welcomest Of
flowers, breathing The sweet promis-
es Of the early year.
Another OF our ieaihered visitors,
who follows close upon the steps of
winter, is the Pewit, or Pewee, or
PhGbe-bird, for he is called by each
of these names, from fancied re-
semblance TO the sound of his mo-
notorious note. He is a social little
being, and seeks the habitation of
men, A pair Of them have built be-
meath my porch, and have reared sew
eial broods there for two years past,
their nest never being disturbed they
arrive early in the spring, just when
The crocus and snowdrop begin 10
peep forth. Their first chirp spreads
glsdness through the house. The
" PhGbe- birds have come !" is heard
on all sides. They are welcomed back
like members Of the family, and
speculations are made upon where
they have been during their long
absence. Their arrival is the more
cheering, as il is announced by the
old weather-wise people OF the coun-
try, the sure sign that the severe
frosts are at an end, and that the
gardener may resume his labors with
confidence.
About this time, too, arrives the
Blue-bird, so POLITICALLY yet truly de-
scribed by Wilson. His appearance
eladdens the whole landscape. lie
socially approaches your habiiation,
and takes up his residence in your
vicinity.
The happiest bird of our spring,
however, and one that rivals the Eu-
ropean lark in my estimation, is the
BobiincoIn, or Boblink, ashe is COM
monty called. He arrives at that
choice portion of our year, which, in
this latitude, answers 10 tho descrip-
lion Of the month of May so often
given by the poets. With " j. be-
gins about the middle Of May, and
lasts until nesrly the middle Of Jane.