"Chick-a-dee! Chick-a-dee! Chick-a-dee-dee-dee!" twittered the little fellow. It seemed to Phyllis that he laughed because she did not know him.
"Oh, to be sure," said she. "How stupid of me not to remember. I have met you a hundred times.
"I should have remembered your black head and throat. The sides of your head and neck are white. Your breasts and sides are light yellow. Your tail and wings are of a much darker shade, and how daintily they are edged with white!"
The chickadee fluttered about for a moment, and noticing the friendliness in Phyllis's tones he perched a little closer to her side.
"I do not believe you noticed the large white feathers in my shoulders," he said. "You may always know a chickadee by the white markings there."
"I did not notice your white shoulders at first," said Phyllis, "but I saw at once what fine downy feathers you have. They are beautifully soft. Do they make a warm winter dress? How do you chance to be here in the winter-time?
"I think it is time you were in the South, Mr. Chickadee! Did your family leave you behind?"
"No, indeed," replied Mr. Chickadee. "No, indeed, Phyllis! My entire family are wintering here in the North. We never go South for the winter.
"We are quite happy to remain here at home, and to come out on sunshiny days and whistle and sing and be happy.
"Only half an hour ago some boys went coasting down that hill. I whistled at them but they did not hear me.