6 BIRDS-NESTING. 



escape notice." The same course may be follow* d 

 in respect to birds observed with nest-material in 

 their beaks, but the process requires great patience, 

 — a virtue every young oologist should cultivate, 

 and must possess in order to do really good work in 

 this branch, which deserves to be ranked as an "exact 

 science." 



The best method of becoming possessed of many 

 nests, particularly those of sandpipers and other 

 ground-breeders, is for the collector to conceal him- 

 self near the place where he has reason to believe the 

 efiffirs are, and to endeavor to watch the bird as she 

 returns to her nest, using a telescope, if necessary. 

 Marking where you find nests one season will very 

 likely lead to discovery of others near by, in the 

 next season. 



When you are exploring a locality do it thoroughly : 

 peer into every bush, clump of gTass, hollow tree 

 and other likely place for a bird's home ; kick stumps 

 and fallen logs to frighten out wrens, nuthatches, etc. ; 

 look in all directions quickly, keeping your eyes wide 

 open and your tongue still, — 



" Step softly and speak low." 



While some birds, instinctively avoiding exposure, 

 will let 3^ou pass close by and make no outcry, others 

 betray their homes at once by their clamorous anxiety, 



