Ill 



Identification, Nest-Building, General Field 

 Observations 



When one goes afield he should carry with him pen- 

 cil and paper for recording his observations on the spot. 

 Memory is fickle and what one sees today may be soon 

 forgotten. When you go bird-hunting armed with only 

 a pencil and paper, a camera and some one of the 

 standard books on bird identification you are sure not 

 to be met by the landowner and ordered from his prem- 

 ises. Therefore, take your time. 



For comparison in size I know of no better way than 

 to think of the familiar Robin as being ten and the Crow, 

 twenty inches long. For color estimates the task is more 

 difficult, as the plumage of a given bird as in the young 

 or the sexual difference often varies greatly. Make note 

 of the following : 



1. Where nest is located. 



2. Of what nest is made. 



3. Whether old or new nest is made. 



4. Time of year. 



5. Whether both birds assist in building. 



6. Number of eggs, size and color. 



7. Incubation periods. 



8. If both birds incubate. 



9. If both birds feed the young. 



10. How long the young remain in nest. 



11. How fed at nest and after leaving it. 



12. Plumage of young as compared to that of old 

 birds. 



13. How nest is cleaned. 



14. If young returned to nest after leaving it. 



16. When they arrive and depart, if migratory. 



17. If residents, where they reside and feed. 



18. If both birds fight in defending the young. 



19. Color of young as compared to that of old birds. 



20. What young birds are fed and how often. 



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