Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-16

young that bless the ear of the sympa-
thetic bird lover alone, and force him to
the irresistible conclusion that they are
exchanges of sentiment-talk, in fact.
No one who has closely studied birds at
this period in their lives doubts that they
have some sort of language.
For what are the voices Of birds
Aye anu of beasts-but words our words,
Only SO much more sweet?'
Birds are seen to consult over their
d1fhcultieS, sometimes to dispute, to quar-
rel. to settle upon line of action and to
make little remarks. This may be OBJ
served with great clearnesS in captive
birds. Where one bird of species will
pass his days in silence, except when sing
ing, two of them will keep up a constant
chatter.
Conversation may be seen, too, in the
sparrows of our streets, who are great
takers. If we could understand we might
get their opinions of US and of our doings,
which they watch with much apparent
interest. 1t would be interesting, though
perhaps not 1attering, to know how human
life appears from the birds point of view.
No one will question the assertion that
birds can scold. Orioles are the most pro-
ficient in this accomplishment of any birds
l know-especially the orchard oriole, who
can hardly deliver his sweet song without
the Interpolation of scolding notes. The
world seems to be all wrong with this fell
low mortal: even his wooing is a rather
savage affair, and conducted with many
learned to manage her domineering part
ner, for in the several 1 have known she
never talks back. but goes quietly on, and
has her own way, in spite of his buster
ing. One of these birds whom l had sew
eral years ago in semi-freedom in my
house actually bullied and leased his mod
est little spouse-a beautiful bird and a
sweet singer-till she was starved and
worried to death. to my great grief, for l
had not suspected this result.
The house wren, too is a bumDtiOuS In
dividual always ready with an opinion,
and speaking his mind on every occasion.
The 'fire-winged blackbird' is another
who takes the burden of the whole world
on his shoulders while his mate is sitting.
and protests vigorously at the intrusion of
any one upon the territory he claims as
his own. Not only does he make it I'M
comfortable for the feathered world, but he
has no faith in the honest intentions of the
human race. Sound reason he has. too, for
that opinion, for he is one of the perse-
cuted.
1t is doubtless because of this birds ardu-
Gus labors in protecting his family that as
soon as the young can look out for them
selves he returns to bachelor ways. In a
gay flock all the fathers of neighborhood
depart, leaving their mates and young to
take care of themselves. This is rare
thing among birds, who are usually model
parents. Most of them not only feed and
train their little families in the way they
should go. teach them their manners and
their songs, but they submit to imposition
or the true American style at their hands.
Nothing impresseS the intelligent student
OF bird manners and customs more strong
ly than the human nature $50 called)
that they display. Their loves and hates.
their anxieties and fears, their joys and
sorrows are plain to be seen and their
pecultarities of character are strongly
marked And there is as great diversity
among them among ones human az
quaintances. They show individuality in
disposition and manners, and they do NOT
exactly resemble one another even in
looks. close observer comes to know in
divtduals, not merely species Keepers Of
birds in captivity have long recognized
these facts.
This Is what gives the study of bird life
us great ana iastlng charm. Each new
bird Is a fresh subject. and nesting time
offers the golden opportunity to make his
acquaintance ~