Introduction 



Recognizing the need of a brief and simple guide to the birds 

 of the New Haven region, — something that might aid teachers 

 and others interested in knowing what birds to look for and 

 to a certain extent when and where to look for them, — the com- 

 mittee have endeavored to fill that need with the present bulletin. 

 Complete descriptions of all our birds will be found in any of 

 several well-known manuals, obtainable at the book stores and on 

 the shelves of public and other libraries : in the New Haven pub- 

 lic library the officials have kindly reserved, on a special shelf, 

 books for the use of members of the Bird Club and others partic- 

 ularly interested. Such descriptions are not within the compass 

 of this bulletin ; nor is it always possible to say which birds may 

 most easily be tound, or the exact locality where any one species 

 may certainly be seen. It has, however, been found feasible to 

 deal brieflv in a more or less satisfactory manner with about 

 two hundred birds that can be seen during any year 

 in the immediae vicinity of New Haven : a supplementary list has 

 been added, containing the names of birds that have been re- 

 corded, but are extremely rare and not likely to be seen by the 

 average observer. For the most part the data for the bulletin 

 have been found in the field notes of individuals, taken during 

 the last few years: we therefore feel certain that the information 

 is accurate for his time and region. It is hoped that this may 

 be the first of a series of bulletins issued annually or at shorter 

 intervals if circumstances warrant; and the committee will wel- 

 come any suggestions with regard to future issues. 



FREEMAN F. BURR, 



For the Committee, 

 May 5, 1908. 



