30 HOW TO STUDY BIRDS 



the New England and Middle States. These books 

 contain convenient " keys " for the identification of 

 birds. Sufficient explanation is given with each key; 

 as to its use. 



The matter of making records of observations 

 afield is a very important element to add zest and 

 definiteness to the study of birds. This is imperative 

 even if the study is solely for recreation. Merely to 

 see and identify birds is very pleasant for a time, but 

 it is so indefinite that one is liable to weary of it, or 

 merely to dabble in it occasionally in a languid sort 

 of way. But if things are put down in black and 

 white one has something to show, something perma- 

 nent to remember. Besides, the future use of the 

 record is part of the game, as we shall see presently. 



One should carry afield on every jaunt a small, or- 

 dinary pocket note-book and pencil. Write first the 

 date, weather, and the general locality. Then, as the 

 first individual of each species is seen, however com- 

 mon, put down the name at once, if it is recognized. 

 It is part of the sport to find as many birds as possible 

 in a day and to compare the list with that of others 

 who may have gone afield on the same day, or the 

 same week. Not only is the total number a matter 

 of interest, but also the varieties seen. 



A friendly rival might, for example, see exactly the 

 same number of species that we did, and yet one 

 greatly surpass the other in the real value and interest 

 of the list by the discovery of rare or uncommon 

 kinds. It is usually more of an achievement, say, to 



