ield-notes.

FRANK M. CHAPMAN.

American Museum of Natural History.
New York City.

CONTENTS

PAGE

INTRODUCTION vii

BIRDS AND SEASONS xi

ABBREVIATIONS xxvi

LAND BIRDS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES 1

THE POCKET MUSEUM

CASE FACING PAGE

NO. 1 PERMANENT RESIDENT LAND BIRDS OF THE
NORTHERN UNITED STATES xviii

NO. 2 PERMANENT RESIDENTS (CONCLUDED) AND
WINTER VISITANTS LAND BIRDS OF THE
NORTHERN UNITED STATES xix

NO. 3 WINTER LAND BIRDS OF THE SOUTHERN
UNITED STATES xx

NO. 4 WINTER LAND BIRDS (CONCLUDED) xxi

NO. 5 EARLY SPRING MIGRANT LAND BIRDS OF
THE EASTERN UNITED STATES xxii

NO. 6 EARLY SPRING MIGRANT LAND BIRDS
(CONCLUDED) xxiii

NO. 7 LATE SPRING MIGRANT LAND BIRDS OF
THE EASTERN UNITED STATES xxiv

NO. 8 LATE SPRING MIGRANT LAND BIRDS
(CONCLUDED) xxv

BIRDS AND SEASONS

BEFORE a leaf unfolds or a flower spreads its petals, even before the
buds swell, and while yet there is snow on the ground, the birds tell us
that spring is at hand. The Song Sparrow sings "Spring, spring, spring,
sunny days are here"; the Meadowlark blows his fife, the Downy rattles
his drum, and company after company of Grackles in glistening black
coats, and of Red-wings with scarlet epaulets, go trooping by. For the
succeeding three months, in orderly array, the feathered army files by,
each member of it at his appointed time whether he comes from the
adjoining State or from below the equator.

Besides the Blackbirds, March brings the Robin and Bluebird, Woodcock,
Phoebe, Meadowlark, Cowbird, Kingfisher, Mourning Dove, Fox, Swamp,
White-throated and Field Sparrows.

Near New York City the New Year of the birds has now passed its infancy
and in April each day adds perceptibly to its strength. 'Pussy' willows
"creep out along each bough," skunk cabbage rears its head in low, wet
woods, and in sun-warmed places early wild flowers peep from beneath the
sodden leaves. With swelling ranks the migratory army moves more
steadily northward. S