Mabel Osgood Wright

“ While they are feeding, they constantly give their calling song, varying the intonation and accent in a way which is very expressive— “Spring o’ the Y-e-a-r, Spring o’ the Year!” It has a breezy sound, as fresh and wild as if the wind were blowing through a flute. ”

“ This abundant bird, common in the migrations, and present with us all winter in considerable numbers, is not a Lark at all; it has superb plumage, and its song, though consisting of but a few syllables, is sweet and thrilling. Almost before a tinge of green has come upon the meadows, these birds are searching for worms and larvae, which form a large part of their diet, and it is at this time that they show their yellow breasts, with the striking black crescent, to the best advantage. ”