78 YOSEMITE NATURE NOTES 



HOW TO USE THIS BOOK 



Identification.— One of the delights and fascinations of bird study 

 _ is the possibility of the discovery of a new species within a given area. 

 The visitor to Yosemite is invited to contribute to the recorded natural 

 history of the region. It is hoped this booklet will encourage such an effort 

 and at the same time will further the mental and physical refreshment that 

 accompanies the pursuit of bird study. 



Illustrations have been designed to emphasize the more conspicuous 

 field marks which serve as clues to recognition. An effort has been made 

 to place the birds in characteristic poses, and a suggestion of habitat 

 has been included. The figures below the name of the bird in each sketch 

 are a measure of total length in inches. 



Descriptions are in semi-scientific terms with distinctive features empha- 

 sized in italic type. The diagram on page 77 showing the parts of a bird 

 will help to clarify certain of these terms. Statements in the descriptions 

 that have bearing on the range or habitat of a species apply to the Yosemite 

 region or the Sierra Nevada and are not to be applied more broadly. 



An identification key will be found on pages 146 to 150. The birds are 

 segregated, first, on the basis of some conspicuous color or other character- 

 istic and, second, on the basis of size, comparing with certain well-known 

 birds. Hawks, eagles, owls, and hummingbirds are not included since most 

 people recognize these birds as to group. The many pictures including the 

 plate showing the hawks, vultures, and eagles in flight should suffice for 

 identification. 



An excellent exercise for one interested in learning to know the birds 

 is to color the illustrations from birds seen in the field or from study skins 

 or museum mounts. Colored indelible pencils or water colors may be used. 

 A light spray of "fixatif" will hold the pencil colors fast. 



Seasonal status. — Throughout the descriptive accounts the status of 

 each species is given for the Yosemite region. Status refers to the time 

 and duration of occupancy of an area — whether the bird is present through- 

 out the year (R. — resident), during the winter period only (W.V. — winter 

 visitant), during the summer only (S.V. — summer visitant), or sporadically 

 for brief periods (C.V. — casual visitant). In the latter category are birds 

 that pass through the area only in fall and spring migration or enter it 

 during postbreeding upm.ountain movements (M. — migrant). To shorten 

 the text the abbreviations have been used. 



HOW TO STUDY BIRDS 



First leam this quotation: "A bird in the heart is worth more than a 

 hundred in a notebook." Second, learn repose. Third, learn to listen. 

 Fourth, leam to see accurately. 



To study birds most successfully, proceed with your notebook and, if 

 possible, a good binocular fieldglass, with si.x- or eight-power magnification, 

 to a place frequented by birds. Choose bright mornings or late afternoons 

 for your study. Sit quietly and patiently and you may be rewarded. When 

 a bird comes into view take a detailed description, noting size, colors, type 

 of beak, and other characteristics. Refer to the illustrations and "key" 

 as soon as convenient. Suppose you have found a Steller's jay and are 

 unable to identify the bird by examining the illustrations. Turn to "Birds 



