Bird Study. 159 



the entire country to themselves in the winter. There are birds 

 who immigrate from the extreme north, such as the snow bird and 

 grosbeaks. 



Many birds of no special beauty of plumage seem far more in- 

 teresting than those of brighter colors and prettier song to recom- 

 mend them. Many of the plainer birds have indications of a great 

 deal of intelligence which may be studied with increasing in- 

 terest. Birds are more musical at certain times of day as well as 

 at certain seasons of year. Between dawn and sunrise occurs 

 the grand concert of the feathered folk. There are no concerts 

 during the day, only individual songs. After sunset there seems 

 to be an effort to renew the chorus, but it cannot be compared 

 with that of the morning. 



Just what meaning should be attached to a bird's notes will 

 very likely never be discovered. They really do seem to express 

 nearly every feeling of which the human heart is capable. 



There can hardly be a greater pleasure than in watching the 

 nest-building of birds. The intricate work in weaving the beauti- 

 ful nests of many birds is truly wonderful. Some observers af- 

 firm that, like the human builder, the bird improves in nest-build- 

 ing by practice; the best specimens of architecture being the work 

 of the oldest birds. Senses of sight, smell and hearing are re- 

 markably acute in birds; this is especially true of sight. Some 

 have three eyelids, the upper and lower and a membrane that 

 can be drawn down over the entire eyeball, enabling them to look 

 directly at the sun. Eagles, hawks and owls are thus provided. 

 The best method to arouse an interest among the children is to 

 go with them into the fields and groves and assist and encourage 

 them in the study of bird-life as they find it; have them bring in 

 written descriptions. As a guide, use the following points: 

 Shape, size, prevailing color, marks on head, wings, throat, or 

 tail; shape of bill, length of tail, where found, whether on the 

 ground or in trees. When the nest is found, describe its construc- 

 tion, where found and if there are eggs, give the color and mark- 

 ings, number, etc. 



