study since they are a source of confusion to the beginner 

 and occur in any considerable number only during the fall 

 migration. * 



The time of arrival, that is, when a bird may be expected 

 during the migration, is a point worthy of particular atten- 

 tion. Many wild guesses may be avoided by simply noticing 

 the dates when a bird has been known to arrive in any given 

 locality from year to year. 



By eliminating all birds whose arrival is decidedly earlier 

 or later than that of the one in question, the matter is usually 

 narrowed down to a few species whose identification 

 is thus made much easier. 



The safest way, however, is to make careful notes about 

 a stranger on the spot. Memory is never more treacherous 

 than in the case of the description of a doubtful bird when 

 one appeals to some book of reference, a museum collection 

 or the judgment of others. It is not advisable to attempt 

 extensive "field-notes" at first but it is essential to keep a 

 daily, dated list of all identified birds. A blank chart for 

 this purpose is inserted in the back part of the book. 



Never chase birds. Have patience, stand still a great 

 deal and use your common sense all the time. 



Do not make yourself believe that you see a certain bird 

 because it has been reported by others. Do your own look- 

 ing and listening and do it well. 



If you cannot go birding alone take along as few friends 

 as possible because birds are suspicious of human beings in 

 flocks, especially when they move about much. 



A pair of field or opera-glassesisa valuable a id, although 

 practice is necessary in learning to adjust them rapidly and 

 to fix them instantly upon the bird. Do not feel obliged to 

 use the glasses when you are near enough to see well without 

 them. 



Keep the sun at your back, other^vise colors will deceive 

 you. 



Remember that birds do not stay "indoors" on account 

 of rain, clouds or unfavorable weather. Warm spring rains 

 literally fill the parks with feathered travelers who often tarry 

 but a day, 



11 



