drafty mountain hut

Saw two splendid rose-breasted grosbeaks with females in the young wood in Emerson’s lot. What strong- colored fellows, black, white, and fiery rose-red breasts! Strong-natured, too, with their stout bills. A clear, sweet singer, like a tanager but hoarse somewhat, and not shy. The redstarts are inquisitive and hop near.

from the journals of Henry David Thoreau