And Lowell:—
“Shifting his light load of song,
From post to post along the cheerless fence.”
The Bluebird—7 inches
THE PHOEBE
Toward the end of March, the peaceful, confiding Phoebe ventures northward. Sometimes ice and snow greet the little bird, but on he goes to take the weather as it comes. The return journey to the far south does not begin until the first frosty nights of September tell the story of approaching winter.
Food: At the time of the Phoebe’s arrival, some of the first flying insects are trying their wings. As the Phoebe is a flycatcher, he may be seen, darting and wheeling about, in pursuit of his food. The snap of his beak may be heard as some small creature is overtaken and swallowed. Beetles, weevils, flies, grasshoppers and other insects help to feed this bird.
Bill: The bill of the Phoebe is admirably adapted to its feeding habits. This Quill is quite broad and strong. Upon each side are small “bristles” which help the bird to feed while flying. How do these “bristles” help?
Wings and Tail: The Phoebe is an expert in the air. His wings and tail are comparatively long and powerful. Compare them with those of the Wren. Which one of the two is the best flier? Why?