Birds of Nebraska: Newspaper Accounts, 1854-1923

Editor [possibly Miles Greenleaf]. June 24, 1917. A Very Sensible Bird [Ovenbird]. Omaha Sunday World-Herald 52(39): 4-E. A bird editorial.

A Very Sensible Bird.

If you don't mind ruthless frightfulness on the part of the Missouri Valley mosquito squadron now infesting our most delightful wooded spots, you might try a jaunt through the Fontenelle Reserve or the forests north of Florence today, and make yourself acquainted with a very sensible bird.

He is the Golden Crowned Thrush, better known as the Ovenbird, and has a well earned reputation as being a favorite often heard but seldom seen. The man who sees an Ovenbird is likely to have a reputation among amateur ornithologists such as is borne by the sea-faring party who is constantly sighting sea-serpents.

For the Ovenbird is of a modest and retiring disposition - very. He attends to his affairs in the deepest clumps of undergrowth in dark ravines, as a general thing, and doesn't mix very much with his more demonstrative neighbors.

His name is secured from the shape of his nest, which is built of grasses on the ground, a fair imitation of a miniature oven. During this season the shape of this nest isn't the only way in which it resembles an oven, either. Admiral Peary wouldn't feel a bit at home in those deep-cut ravines, where no cooling breeze can filter.

But the Ovenbird shows his wisdom by constantly seeking knowledge. His cry is "Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!" with the accent on the last syllable. It is a call never mistaken after once heard.

Fontenelle Reserve is well populated with Ovenbirds. They will be glad to see you, albeit you will be lucky if you succeed in seeing them.