8 



Wild Birds. 



Precautions 

 to be 

 Observed. 



I will only suggest that the second day is always better than the first, and that the third 

 or fourth is always sure to bring something new. If one would learn the nesting habits 

 of any species thoroughly, it will hardly do to rely upon one nest. The more you see of 

 different nests and different birds the better. 



I usually spend five or six hours in the tent, from nine in the morning until three in 

 the afternoon, when the weather is fine. If the camping ground is near my house, as it 



usually is, I leave the tent for 

 half an hour at noon, but if 

 it is far, I carry a lunch and 

 spend the day. When possi- 

 ble, I am always on hand dur- 

 ing the last day of life at the 

 nest, to see the young leave 

 it, usually one at a time, and 

 to witness the manoeuvres 

 of the parents in conducting 

 them to the nearest trees. 



Young birds from one to 

 five days old cannot, as a 

 rule, stand exces- 

 sive heat. Even 

 when fed and 

 brooded they will 

 sometimes succumb, and here 

 lies the serious danger to be 

 guarded against. A nest of 

 very young birds well shaded 

 by foliage cannot be safely 

 carried into the direct sun- 

 shine of a hot summer's day, 

 hence the importance of be- 

 ginning operations at the 

 proper time when the weath- 

 er is suitable, and further of 

 not allowingyour enthusiasm 

 to get the better of your 

 judgment. 



The morning of a clear, mild day is preferable, but since we cannot order the weather, 

 it is better to leave the birds to themselves, if it promises to be excessively hot or windy. 

 The young may be fed or handled as much as one wishes, provided they have not 

 acquired the instinct of fear. If you are uncertain as to this and your aim is to study the 

 nesting habits, it is better to avoid approaching, touching, or in any way disturbing the 

 young after the flight feathers have appeared. The cutting of leaves or twigs which 

 obstruct the light or cast undesirable shadows should be done before this time. 



On the other hand, investigations of the young which require accurate weighing, 



Fig. 6. Nesting bough of Kingbird removed from apple tree in background 

 at a point where extended arrows meet, and fixed to upright stakes. Tent- 

 cloth thrown over frame which is set in position. 



