220 HOW TO STUDY BIRDS 



plumage, linger to feed after crossing the Gulf, af- 

 fords the best opportunity to know them. A vaca- 

 tion by the sea or inland waters In October when the 

 wild ducks are migrating is a delightful experience. 

 To watch the sea ducks in rapidly following squad- 

 rons flying south off the ocean beach before and dur- 

 ing an easterly blow is thrilling and wonderful. Op- 

 portunities can be found for photographing these 

 migrants. 



When it comes to winter trips, the best opportu- 

 nities are found south. Wild-fowl in immense num- 

 bers resort to the shallow bays from Virginia 

 southward. In Louisiana and Texas are wonderful 

 resorts for ducks. Florida is pretty much '* shot out '' 

 along traveled routes, but there is some interesting 

 bird-life in the more remote parts. Mexico is a 

 treasure-house of winter bird-life. The same is true 

 of localities on the Pacific coast, but of these I can- 

 not speak from experience. 



In planning these trips, especially those to distant 

 or inaccessible localities, it is necessary to begin a 

 number of months in advance. Communication is 

 very slow, owing to Infrequent mails and the reluc- 

 tance of many local correspondents to submit to the 

 ordeal of writing. Often It takes months before they 

 can be Induced to reply. All details should be ar- 

 ranged in advance, and even then important matters 

 may fall through, as when the owner of a vessel 

 failed to keep his agreement and we were compelled 

 to risk a visit to Bird Rock In an open boat. 



