summer noon
The migratory tide of robins , song-sparrows , phoebes , and other early birds was still moving northward ; but multitudes had dropped out of line , having reached their haunts of the previous year . The sunny hillsides and its immediate vicinity seemed a favorite lounging-place both for the birds of passage and for those already at home . The excitement of travel to some , and the delight at having regained the scene of last year 's love and nesting to others , added to the universal joy of spring , so exhilarated their hearts that they could scarcely be still a moment . Although the sun was approaching the zenith , there was not the comparative silence that pervades a summer noon . Bird calls resounded everywhere ; there was a constant flutter of wings , as if all were bent upon making or renewing acquaintance -- an occupation frequently interrupted by transports of song . `` Do you suppose they really recognize each other ? '' Amy asked Webb , as he threw down an armful of wood near her .