Preface 



has marvelously supplemented such value as may 

 lie in the text by his wonderful drawings in full 

 color. They were made especially for this volume 

 and are so accurate, so true to life, that study of 

 them will enable any one to identify the species 

 shown. I am greatly indebted to Mr. Fuertes for 

 his cooperation in the endeavor to make this book 

 of real assistance to the beginner in the study of 

 our native birds. 



It is offered to the reader without apologies of 

 any sort. It was written as a labor of love love 

 for little children and love for the birds. If as a 

 result of it even a few children are led to a keener 

 interest in and better understanding of our 

 feathered friends, its purpose will have been ac- 

 complished. 



THOKNTON W. BURGESS 



[ viii ] 



