Now bourgeons every maze of quick
About the flowering squares, and thick
By ashen rootes the violets blow.”
With the advancing seasons it passes still farther northward, till at last some of these birds have established their homes in Newfoundland and Southern Canada. They nest and rear their young from the Gulf States to the northern limits of their range.
Mr. Chapman has truthfully said: “The Chippy is among sparrows what the phœbe is among flycatchers—the humblest, most unassuming member of its family. Both show trustfulness, which, in spite of their unattractive appearance and far from pleasing voices, win our affection.”
Few of our feathered friends are more confiding or will show more confidence in us, especially when by quiet, kindly acts we attract them to our doorsteps. They love the habitations of man and will select the vines and bushes of the door-yard in which to build their homes. The name Social Sparrow is fully as appropriate as Chipping Sparrow. The latter name is derived from their song, which is best described as a “monotonous chippy-chippy-chippy-chippy,” ending at times in a quiet trill. Their happy dispositions and busy lives are inspiring.
“Bid the little homely sparrows,
Chirping in the cold and rain,
Their impatient, sweet complaining,
Sing out from their hearts again;