Marsh Morning — Marianne Berkes / Marianne Collins Berkes

During the day, a marsh comes alive with the sounds of birds. As dawn appears, a single heron stands motionless offshore, and then the blackbird begins the first melody. Soon the dawn chorus swells as the warblers and sparrows and wrens chime in. The marsh begins to rock as the woodpeckers drum out the beat and other species pick up the rhythm. Just before dusk, the birds gradually become quiet―but the serenade is not over. . . Although the story is a fantasy, each of the different species of birds has been carefully portrayed, and described by the author in an Afterword. The musical terms are defined in a glossary. Young naturalists who are fond of birds as well as youngsters who enjoy music will have a wonderful time as part of the marsh's daytime audience.