Part 1

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IN BIRD LAND

BY LEANDER S. KEYSER

Hast thou named all the birds without a gun? Loved the wood-rose, and left it on its stalk? Ralph Waldo Emerson: Forbearance

Teach me half the gladness That thy brain must know, Such harmonious madness From my lips would flow The world should listen then, as I am listening now! Percy B. Shelley: To a Skylark

CHICAGO A. C. McCLURG AND COMPANY 1894

Copyright By A. C. McClurg and Co. A.D. 1894

NOTE.

The articles comprising this volume having been previously published in various periodicals of the country, I would desire to tender my grateful acknowledgments to the several publishers and editors for their uniform courtesy in permitting me to reprint the papers. My observations on birds have been made, except when otherwise indicated, in various haunts in and about Springfield, Ohio,—a region well adapted for ornithological research or pastime. L. S. K.

August, 1894.

CONTENTS.

Chapter Page

I. Wayside Rambles 9

II. Bird Curios 24

III. Winter Frolics 40

IV. February Outings 58

V. Arrival of the Birds 64

VI. Winged Voyagers 76

VII. Plumage of Young Birds 87

VIII. Nest-Hunting 92

IX. Midsummer Melodies 110

X. Where Birds Roost 116

XI. The Wood-Pewee 127

XII. A Pair of Night-Hawks 135

XIII. A Birds’ Gala-Day 141

XIV. Rife with Birds 152

XV. Various Phases of Bird Life: I. Bird Courtship 160 II. Bird Nurseries 169 III. Bird High Schools 185 IV. Bird Work 193 V. Bird Play 201 VI. Bird Deaths 207

XVI. The Secret of Appreciation 216