The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1885-02-15
CENTRAL PAAH's NzrxxD eUksra
A auvprissns Variety 81 VIVA BlrAs which
OWEN Anens the Dslls aaa Drasfss.

A auvprssiAs Variety sf VIVA BsrAs which
OWEN Ansss the Dsils aaa Dfnsfss.
Anybody who has some knowledge of
birds. or 10 fond Of Watching their ways. can
ind much amusement this winter In wander
ing through the byways Of Central Park. A
reporter walking In the Park the other day was
surprised at the number OF wild birds he cav
spending the winter In the very heart OF New
York. some Of which ought to 10 with the swal-
lows. while othors. one would think. might find
freer existence In the vast Northern forests.
Hopping about among the dead leaves under
the miniature pinos was largo flock Of white
crowned aparrows which cannot DO regarded
as winter residents In tho North. Thoy APP
pear to live on seeds and some substance which
they pick from pine cones Theyjare beautiful
birds. somewhat larger than English sparrows.
which they resemble in colors. and about each
eye have broad band OF white. They utter o
dreamy. PARKWAY note very charming to the
ear. The Park Is peculiarly arranged. and
offers an unending charm to these birds. Tho
miniature creeks In the deep ravines have
swift running waters which have not boen
frozen this winter. On the edges OF those is q
birds delight 10 wade. When not scratching
picking in the mud Tor worms or bathing in
some me small pool warmed BY the rays Of the sun.
this winter. This Is the golden. crowned king
ls ; always seen zee, clinging upside down 70 the
tiinl In tue Park, Their color is n beautiful
olive; strenked with yellow, In the centre Of
ed with yellow on each sido. Tho birds 70
oeon in paiTds swinging among the punches
save an occasional chirp from mate to mate.
Next larger in size Than these and very nu-
heada. bright, swapping eyes white breasts.
anu tawny-eo'ored backs. They may be seen
"4S eric ths rfss singing Snse
stop to observe them. and they alight near you.
,ookbns In your face ghirpinF and apparsnty
nuthatehes and one or more downy woodpeek-
ers. the nuthatches and woodpockers fit
pecking in the bark ior Insects. The nnthatct
somswhst Ike knsllsher; sxespt that he is
smallest OF his kind In America. His colors
are entirely q black ard white; arranged in
and Inc ShSk s
with a shril high, sound. like that OF rod Of
Iron falling on end on an anvil.
Among the other curiosities which roam In
the PARK unconfned and unlimited is, tiny
and the smallest owl this side Of the Pacinc
brown. with light streaks on his breast and his
head is as large as his body. He is found sit:
sna Win hs esss s s
ing for the approach Of night, when he can hunt
for mice and small birds.
The commonest OF the wild species, and which
may be found in any part OF the city. are tho
so-called black enowbirds. They are little
mOuse-colored birds. with light breasts and
sparkling black eyes. and they often fight sue
cesstully with the sparrows for crumbs.
Whenever a furry of snow passes over the
CITY the stroller In the Park is surprised to 500
a flash Of wings. as a flock OF snow buntngs
and lapwings flies aimessy about. either
n hnnph a awapninU
down on the low land beside the artificial
streams. AT this time OF the year they are yell
lowish and white In color but as the spring APP
proaches the yellow disappears and they be-
come pure white with black blotehes; One may
see them any day on the ocean beach particu-
larry by the mouth Of some little stream or arm
OF the sea.