OUT- DOOR I!IRO STL'in' xi 



appearance of stealth, and seem not to notice your bird. Make no quick movements, and 

 do not hurr\'. Most birds meet violent deaths, and they must be constantly on the watch 

 for their enemies. They are accustomed to flee for their lives from quick-moving creatures. 



Shy water birds and marsh birds sometimes may be approached by the skilful use of 

 a canoe. Let the canoe drift slowly along the marshy margin of a river, and watch the 

 reeds and rushes closely. In this way Rails, Coots, Gallinules, and even Sandpij^ers are seen 

 at close range. I have gotten very near resting flocks of shore birds by sitting or lying 

 motionless in an Indian canoe, and drifting down upon them. The canoe may be used 

 to advantage on a river not only in watching Bitterns, Rails, and other marsh birds, but 

 also in going close to the smaller land birds in trees and bushes on the bank. For this pur- 

 pose the canoe is much superior to the rowboat. It is noiseless, and the paddler is always 

 facing ahead. Many birds may be seen at close range by working a sail-boat up or down 

 a river before a light, fair breeze. A small boat covered with bushes, and sculled or allowed 

 to drift down on birds sometimes is useful. A fast-sailing boat is one of the best devices 

 for api:)roaching swimming birds on a windy day. Such a boat, manoeuvred skilfully, will 

 be upon the birds before they are aware of its nearness. During a squall I once drove a sloop 

 so near a Merganser that the bird rose on the next sea as we swept past. There is 

 an advantage in sailing down wind, as the bird must rise against the wind, and may come 

 quite near, giving a good view, first of the breast and then of the back, as it turns away. 

 The noisy naphtha launch is the abomination of the bird student. It has driven most 

 of the water-fowl from our eastern rivers. 



When birds have young in the nest they usually are less shy than at other times, 

 forgetting their regard for their own safety in their solicitude for the welfare of their off- 

 spring. For this reason, if for no other, the bird student should strive to find the nesting 

 sites. A word of caution is necessary here, however. Those who have found and watched 

 bird's nests often complain that something usually happens to the eggs or the young birds. 

 There are creatures always on the watch for an opportunity to rob birds' nests. The fox 

 sometimes follows a man-track. Perhaps he has learned that the path of a man in the woods 

 often leads to food. Too often the man-trail leads to wounded or dead birds and animals; 

 the remains of a lunch may reward the fox. Sometimes fish heads and other offal are 

 thrown around the camping place. So Reynard cunningly follows. Those who closely 

 examine the nests of birds in trees or shrubbery are likely to be watched unawares by the 

 astute and cautious Crow, the thieving Jay, the mischievous squirrel, or the bloodthirsty 

 weasel. I have learned by sad experience that a close or frequent examination of a bird's 

 nest in the woods only serves to call the attention of the bird's enemies. I have seen both 

 Jay and squirrel following a man through the woods, keeping well hidden from his sight. 

 If you approach a nest containing young, the cries of the parent bird may apprise all the 

 wood folk of its location. Therefore, watch the birds with a glass, and do not go to the 

 nest. Those who carelessly approach the nests of Herons or water-birds that breed in 

 colonies are likely to drive the old birds away, and thus expose the eggs and young to the 

 attacks of Crows, for Crows are quick to seize such opportunities. 



When watching a nest, approach it with caution, and observe it from such a distance 

 that neither young nor old will be much disturbed by your presence. Many interesting 

 habits may be seen in this way, if a good glass is used. 



He who, unable to go far afield, waits and watches for birds in some secluded spot, or 

 imitates their notes and so calls them to him, may learn more of their ways than will the 

 most active pedestrian. The country dweller may entice birds to the homestead by planting 

 fruit-bearing trees, shrubs, vines, and other plants that will supply them with food. Even 

 the urbanite possibly may attract a few Chickadees or Nuthatches in winter by putting 

 out suet on trees; but other means are required to bring birds about the student in the field. 

 You may facilitate your winter bird study by scattering millet seed in suitable spots along 

 your walks, or by hanging bones and suet in favorably situated trees, which you can visit 



