How do birds first learn to sing?

From the whistling wind so fleet,

From the waving of the wheat,

From the rustling of the leaves,

From the raindrop on the eaves,

From the children's laughter sweet,

From the splash when brooklets meet.

Little birds begin their trill

As they gayly float at will

In the gladness of the sky,

When the clouds are white and high;

In the beauty of the day

Speeding on their sunny way,

Light of heart and fleet of wing...

That's how birds first learn to sing.

Mary Mapes Dodge