128 HOW TO STUDY BIRDS 



South, tends to discourage many from the quest. Yet 

 there are quite a number of species which winter even 

 in the northern or middle districts, hardy creatures 

 which are able to withstand rigorous conditions of 

 temperature, storm, and scarcity of food. A won- 

 derfully good idea of what birds are to be found in 

 different parts of the country on a winter's walk can 

 be gathered by reading in the January-February num- 

 ber of Bird-Lore each year the reports of the " Christ- 

 mas Bird-Census." 



The number of species seen by various observers in 

 a day is usually from about six to eighteen, sometimes 

 more — usually more on the coast, in the South and 

 on the Pacific Slope. At times, one will hardly see a 

 living thing, but if one has acquired an interest in 

 birds, their very scarcity will make the appearance of 

 the few all the more welcome. The sight even of a 

 single interesting individual under these conditions 

 will give a feeling of pleasure more vivid than might 

 be aroused by many a songster in May. 



The birds to be seen on a genuine winter outing are 

 not all the reward. There is a keen joy in ranging 

 the leafless woods and looking through vistas that are 

 closed in the leafy season. Climbing steep hills is a 

 keen delight, when the cold conduces to activity, and 

 one is able to maintain a glow of warmth without be- 

 ing overheated. One can examine glittering cascades 

 of ice, see the forms of the trees, and view miles and 

 miles of country. All that is needed is an incentive 

 to get us out, and the birds supply it. 



