Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 July 1917 — REAL TRAGEDY IN BIRD LIFE [ARTICLE]

REAL TRAGEDY IN BIRD LIFE

Story of Long Vigil Kept by ScarietCoated Songster for Missing ' Mate Is Full of Pathos. In the annals of bird lore nothing can be found surpassing In pathos the story which comes from Tarlrouu tit For many Weeks, close to the home of the writer, early and late there cctid be heard the loud, clear call <if * Mid to his mate. With his scarlet cost ia strong contrast with his sprrouii'lings, and his no less decided military tearing, he would perch on the TOpmist twig of a tall apple tree, and from his coign of vantage scan the little world around him with his eagle eye, bojuixg to glimpse the familiar form of his lost companion. His alert ear and eye catching no sight or sound of the absent loved one, he would jxrar out Lis soul in unavailing pleadings for her return. The little singer in his untiring song proclaimed the fact that he was waiting with a hopeful heart. One morning, while in quest of the early worm, he chanced to light upon a bush that stood by a window opposite the window of another bouse only a few feet away, and, seeing his image reflected so vividj.v and so close to him. he flew joyously at the apparition, believing it to be his long-lost mate. HI? enthusiasm knew no bounds. Quick and hard were the blows struck with his horny beak and claws in hi? impotent wrath until nightfulL, when he sank to rest. The next morning at early dawn he renewed his clarion call, and came back to renew the battle of the previous day with Ms delusive image. This little tragedy in the heart of the bird has been carried on for five months. His flaming coat is just as bright and his kingly tearing none the less striking, but a great change has come over the spirit of the bird. He gave no sign of the tettle royal that has raged in Ms breast for weary days and weeks, but Ms. song has fallen into silence.—Cincixtnati Enquirer.