BIRDS 31 



of New York (Chapman), and " winter visitants," seventeen 

 species of birds that come from the north and spend part or 

 all the winter. 



Make provision for the winter birds. Suet and a piece of 

 fat pork may be tied to a branch of a tree, with a tray also 

 fastened to the trunk, in which seeds (millet, corn, sunflower, 

 pumpkin, or squash) and cracked nuts (butternuts are espe- 

 cially good) may be kept, and on the ground close by a pile 

 of chaff or loft sweepings. The purpose of this is to attract 

 all the winter birds within range of easy observation. The 

 tray may be attached to the living-room window sill, if on the 

 south side of the house, an attractive branch may be fastened 

 at the side of the window, and the heap of chaff may be put 

 under it, close to the house. This latter must be kept free 

 from snow through the winter. 



The work of the year is intended to yield a complete pic- 

 ture of the life and work of the birds in your district. At 

 stated intervals your observations should be carefully written 

 up under various heads. We suggest the following : 



SEPTEMBER My Bird Study Tract (giving chart and descriptions 

 of natural features). 



OCTOBER To what Extent do Birds prevent Insect Depreda- 

 tions? 



NOVEMBER The Fall Migration of Birds. 



DECEMBER Winter Provision for Birds, Permanent Residents 

 and Winter Visitants. 



FEBRUARY The Work of our Winter Birds. 



MARCH My Plans for Bird Work this Spring. 



APRIL Birds' Nests; Nest Building; Nesting Sites of Different 

 Species ; Materials. 



MAY Bird Songs and Notes, and what they mean. 



MAY Feeding Habits of Birds. 



MAY My Observations on Feeding of Young; Amount of Insect 

 Food. 



JUNE Summary and Results of my Bird Study for the Year. 



