There are usually high winds in Kansas during the Spring months, and these may have helped to entangle the unfortunate bird. It is certain that in some manner he had snared himself, and in attempting to fly had jerked the cord tight about his neck. There he hung, a martyr to his own energy and ambition; and somewhere his mate mourned for the partner who had gone from her never to return.
Two little twittering sparrows Shivering under the eaves, Watching the slanting raindrops Pattering over the leaves.
Chilled to their poor little marrows, Though feathered in winter array, For cold blows the wind o'er the housetop And bitter and bleak is the day.
"You two little balls of brown feathers! You chattering he and she! Of what are you thinking, my pretty ones, As you nestle close under the lea?"
"Shall we tell you," they twitter in chorus, "Our thoughts in this sharp winter air, Through which the chill ice drops are falling O'er treetops so wind-torn and bare?
"We remember our love in the spring time-- Ah, life to us then was so dear, As we drifted through days joy-laden, And nights filled with moonbeams so clear.
"We remember the sunshine of summer, When the hours floated by like a dream, And the air was alive with bird-music And the world was a shimmer of green.
"We remember, too, winter is fleeting, Though now it is snow-bound and drear; But sometime the sunshine will loosen The ice chains and spring will be here.
"We remember"--the little heads quiver And the voices sound drowsily deep, As they come from 'way down among feathers; "We remember"--a pause--"then we sleep." --Alberta A. Field.
SOME OF OUR WINTER BIRDS. IN EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.
One of our most interesting winter birds and (with the exception of the English sparrow) perhaps the commonest, is the little black-cap chicadee. He is frequently seen in one's orchard and around the door, and a stroll into the woods will reveal him at any time. He may be easily distinguished by his jet black cap, his bluish drab back and wings, and a yellow tinge on his downy breast. Cedar trees are a special delight of his and, in the winter season, he may be found in nearly every grove of these evergreens. As one walks along through the woods, he is attracted by their notes, usually the simple, cheerful "chic-a-dee-ee e e," varied with squeaks and chirps, or if it be in February or March, he may hear a beautiful whistle ("pee-a-wee-a"), and possibly catch a pretty warbling song. They are always lively and cheerful and on a gloomy winter day they cause one to forget everything but them and their pleasant notes. They feed principally on berries and seeds, such as can be found in cold weather when the ground is covered with snow. But our little friends are seldom alone; as almost constant companions they have the nuthatches, snowbirds, tree sparrows and goldfinches.