arc laid, with an average Icnfjth of sixty-five hundredths of an inch by forty-eight 

 hundredths of an inch in l)rcadth. The period of incubation is two weeks. 

 This species has been found nesthnj^ on the tops of thistle plants, from which 

 they often take the name of Thistle Bird. 



The nest illustrating this article was built in an oak shrub, five feet from the 

 ground, and was taken September 1, 1901. At this late date incubation had 

 only commenced, and although the timber about the nesting site swarmed with 

 migrants passing southward, Mother Goldfinch expressed no anxiety over the 

 late condition of her household atTairs. 



The Return of the Birds 



Get ready to observe the return of the birds. If wc were in the southland 

 and understood bird language, no doubt we should hear many conversations 

 among the birds about getting ready for their trips north. Before this month 

 is out, unless the weather is unusually rigorous, some of the early arrivers will 

 have come. It is to be hoped that the study and observation of the winter 

 birds will have created enough interest in our feathered friends to lead us 

 to study more carefully the many summer birds. 



Prepare to keep a bird-book. Note the time of the first arrivals, whether 

 you observe the first robin in the morning or the evening, etc. Look in your 

 Birdcraft or Bird Life for the probable time of the arrival of different birds 

 and set down in your note-book whether they come in on time or not. If you 

 see a bird that is not familiar to you, note as many of its characteristics as 

 possible, then compare your notes with some authority and learn its name. 



.\s the nights grow warmer, go out and listen, and see whether you do 

 not hear the cries of birds as they come back. 



Put into your note-books the things you actually see, observe and think 

 about the birds. You will find so much of interest to note, as the birds sing 

 their spring songs, commence their nest building and all, you will soon grow 

 enthusiastic over your book. 



Your note-book may become a general nature-book as well as a bird-book. 

 While in the w'oods or fields observing the birds, you may note the sprouting 

 of a nut or seed, the bursting of the shell of a chrysalis, the unfolding of the 

 frond of a fern, and many other interesting things. — S. S. M. 



821 



