Observing that the goldfinch alone was not able to keep the robin away,
I provided the cage with a roof of paper, which is usually a perfect
protection, since birds dislike the rustle. It did not dismay this
naughty fellow, however; on the contrary, it gave an added zest because
of that very quality. He pranced across it in glee, making a great
noise, and when the violence of his movements pushed it aside, he peered
down on the tanager, who stood panting. The sight pleased him, and he
resumed his pranks; he lifted the handle of the cage and let it drop
with a clatter; he jerked off bits of paper and dropped them into the
cage, and in every way showed a very mischievous spirit. Meanwhile, all
through the confusion the goldfinch scolded furiously, flying around to
get a peck at him, and in every way challenging him to fight.
Occasionally, when he became too troublesome, the robin turned and
snapped his beak at him, but did not choose to leave the bigger game.
When at last he tired of his fun, or was driven away, the goldfinch flew
to the side of the cage where the frightened tanager had taken refuge,
though there was not even a strip of tin to hold on, uttered his loud
cheerful call several times, plainly congratulating and reassuring him,
and telling him all was safe; and here he clung with difficulty to the
upright wires, all the time slipping down, till the tanager went to the
upper regions again. Every time the robin so much as flew past, the
tireless little fellow rushed out at him, scolding. When finally the
robin went into his own cage, and the tanager returned to his usual
place, the goldfinch at once assumed his uncomfortable perch and sang a
loud sweet song, wriggling his body from side to side, and expressing
triumph and delight in a remarkable way.
The approach of spring made a change in the tanager. He had not so
completely given up the world as it appeared. He began to chirp, to
call, and at last to sing. He was still so shy he went down behind his
screen to sing, but sing he must and did. Now, too, he began to resent
the attentions of his admirer, occasionally giving the poor little toes
a nip, as they clung to the tin band near his seat. He also went out
now, and turned an open beak upon his friend. From simply enduring him,
he suddenly began offensive operations against him. Poor little lover!
an ungrateful peck did not drive him away, but simply made him move a
little farther off, and stopped his gentle twittering talk a while. But
the tanager grew more and more belligerent. He came out every day, took
soaking baths, and returned to his examination of the windows, for the
trees were green outside, and plainly he longed to be on them. He stood
and looked out, and called, and held his wings up level with his back,
fluttering them gently.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account