File:A year with the birds (1917) (14747631804).jpg

Identifier: cu31924022541563 (find matches)
Title: A year with the birds
Year: 1917 (1910s)
Authors: Ball, Alice Eliza, 1867- Horsfall, R. Bruce (Robert Bruce), 1869-1948
Subjects: Birds Birds
Publisher: New York : Gibbs & Van Vleck
Contributing Library: Cornell University Library
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN

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Text Appearing Before Image:
NIGHTHAWK The Whip-poor-will 109 The Whip-poor- When winged creatures for the night Are safely hid away,And even swifts and nighthawks bold Have ceased to search for prey;When owls, with round, wide-open eyes Begin to prowl about—Mysteriously, with noiseless wings, A gentle bird comes outOf densest thickets, where he hides— And rarely is he found;He seems a lichen on a log, A dead leaf on the ground. He opens wide his monstrous mouth. All fringed with bristling hair.Entangling gnats and soft-winged moths In the net-like meshes there.While sleeps the world, these shadow birds For long hours sweep the sky,And rid the land of countless pests Their large bright eyes espy.At times they pause, and weirdly call When all around is still—And best when moonlight floods the earth— Whip-poor-will! Whip-poor-will! Whip-poor-will! A. E. B. 110
Text Appearing After Image:
WHIP-POOR-WILL The House WrenThe Oven-Bird 111 The House Wren When apple-blooms are hangingOn the boughs like rosy shells, And the warm, soft rain is bringingAll that budding May foretells, If you waken in the morningWhen the birds their matins sing. Loudest, clearest, fullest, gladdestOf the voices of the spring Burst the wrens sweet notes of rapture; And you wonder that so strongIs the throat of such small creature. To pour forth so great a song. * * * * * You may find him in the orchard,In a suit, black-checked and brown. With a white vest. Watch his restlessTiny tail go up and down! When the honeymoon is over.Little John and Jenny Wren Choose a nesting-spot unusual,Near the dwelling-place of men: Flower-pot, can or hanging milk-pail.Worn-out shoe, or hat of straw. Pocket of a coat discarded,—Queerest home you ever saw. 112

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