BIRD'S NEST 63 



Nest of the English Sparrow. — Where have yon seen English 

 sparrows building their nests ? Of what were they making 

 them ? How large are their nests ? Have you seen one made 

 out of an old' robin's nest? At what time of the year do Eng- 

 lish sparrows build their nests ? Have you seen them building 

 in winter ? Do they lay eggs in winter ? 



A Bird Census. — In winter is the best time to begin the 

 study of birds' nests. Then the leaves are off the trees, and 

 the nests can easily be found. Then, too, the birds are through 

 with them, and no harm is done if we take them. 



What kind of nests can you see along your street? By 

 counting the nests you can get some idea how many birds 

 lived near you daring the last summer. 



On your way to school count the birds' nests that you find. 

 What kind of nest do you see the most often ? How many 

 kinds do you find? How many birds do you suppose were 

 raised in them ? Besides the nests that you see, there are 

 probably other nests hidden in hollow trees and in barns and 

 outbuildings. 



Protection for Birds. — Birds protect our fruit and grain from 

 insects, and enliven us w^th their songs. What have you done 

 to help them ? Did you ever put pieces of hair and string 

 where they could get them for their nests ? Have you made 

 houses for them ? Have you put water where they can drink 

 and bathe ? Have you given them food and water in winter ? 

 Have you helped to preserve the bushes where they nest, and 

 the wild berries and seeds on which they feed ? Have you 

 always tried to be friendly wdth the birds so that they would 

 be glad to live near you ? 



