Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 129, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 June 1911 — The Starling and the Organ [ARTICLE]

The Starling and the Organ

New York’s big new Cathedral of St John the Divine, on Mornlngslde Heights, already has a permanent tenant This la a starling, which apparently has settled in a shadowy niche high up above the organ, built a nest there and designs to rear a family. The starling lends a decidedly RngH«h touch to -the massive structure. From Its lofty perch It looks down curiously oq the assembled worshippers, as though they, not it, were the interlopers, as no doubt It feels they are. But when the organ is being the starling forgets Intrusion to join 'in the music. It swells its throat and starts out bravely to drown the thunder of the mighty instrument. Presently a look of perplexity steals across its countenance. It has found something against which its own shrill tones beat themselves into silence. And then it ceases its attempt at rivalry and surrenders itself to the pleasure of listening. It la a good listener. As long as the organ continues It remains attentive, confessing by Its attitude that betels something superior even to bird sons,