The Burgess Bird Book for Children

himself bobbing and bowing in the friendliest way, and hurried over to where the bulrushes grow. In the very top of the Big Hickory-tree, a little farther along on the bank of the Smiling Pool, s

one that it was Redwing the Blackbird, f

As he flew, Peter saw the beautiful red patch on the bend of each wing, from which Redwing gets his name. "No one could

bit?" cried Redwing, coming

cepting that Teeter the Sandpiper has

ighbor to Teeter and don't know where his nest is and all about his affairs? There

s better than to be the bearer of news. "I suppose," said he politel

contented sort of chuckle. "No, Peter," s

d his two long ears stood s

g to build a nest, and if you want to know a little s

ve to see it. I suppose it is because she is sitting on those eggs that I haven't seen Mrs. Redwing. It was very stupid of me

s eyes t

hich is kno

will not a

you wouldn't intentionally let my secret slip out. But you m

so much sense," said another voice, and M

ird at all. In the first place she wasn't black. She was dressed all over in grayish-brown with streaks of darker brown which in places were almost black. She wore no bright-colored shoulder patches. In fact, there wasn't a bright feather on her anywhere. Peter wanted to ask why

Redwing demurely. "And if I do say i

ckles. You see, he had noticed how e

st is somewhere in these bulrushes, and if you can find i

water, and that nest was hidden in a certain clump of brown, broken-down rushes, with water all around. S

s between the roots of the Big Hickory-tree. Peter didn't waste any time getting there, and he was none too soon, for Reddy was so close at his heels that he pulled some white hairs out of P

d Mrs. Redwing scolding sharply, and by this he knew that Reddy Fox was still about. By and by they stopped scolding, and a few minutes later he

e sounds, little taps, and scratching sounds as of claws. They seemed to come from right over his

ee more little chips fell. Peter knew that they must come from up in the Big Hickory-tree, and right away his curiosity was aroused. Redwing was singing so happily that Peter felt sure no danger was near, so he hopped outside and looked up to find out where those little chips

ied. "My goodness, h

ach side at the beginning of the bill was a black patch. The top of the head was gray and just at the back was a

llow Wing, his eyes twinklin

I want to know what you are d

, so we have decided to live here again this year." He came wholly out and flew down on the ground near Peter. When his wings were spread, Peter saw that on the under sides they were a beautiful golden-yellow, as were t

a handsome fellow! I never reali

ad you think so, Peter," said he. "I am rather proud of my suit, myself.

er. "What family do you bel

amily," replied Y