Bird Study 147 



LESSOM XXXV 



The Study of Birds' Nests in Winter 



There are very good reasons for not studying birds' nests in summer, 

 since too much famiHarity on the part of eager children is something the 

 birds do not understand and are Hkely, in consequence, to abandon both 

 nest and locaHty. But after the birds have gone to sunnier chmes and 

 the empty nests are the only mementos we have of them, then we may 

 study these habitations carefully and learn how to properly appreciate 

 the small architects which made them. I think that every one of us who 

 carefully examines the way that a nest is made must have a feeling of 

 respect for its clever little builder. 



I know of certain schools where the children make large collections of 

 these winter nests, properly labelling each, and thus gaining a new 

 interest in the bird life of their locality. A nest when collected should be 

 labelled in the following manner? 



Name of the bird w^hich built the nest. 



Where the nest was found. 



If in a tree, what kind? 



How high from the ground? 



Bird Homes, by A. R. Dugmore is a book which affords practical 

 help in determining the species of birds which made the nests. 



After a collection of nests has been made let the pupils study them 

 according to the following outline: 



1. Where was the nest found? 



a. If on the ground, describe the locality, 



b. If on a plant, tree or shrub, tell the species, if possible. 



c. If on a tree, tell where it was on a branch, in a fork, or hanging 

 by the end of the twigs. 



d. How high from the ground, and what was the locality? 



e. If on or in a building, how situated? 



2 . Did the nest have any arrangement to protect it from rain ? 



3 . Give the size of the nest, the diameter of the inside and the outside ; 

 also the depth of the inside. 



4. What is the form of the nest? Are its sides flaring or straight? 

 Is the nest shaped like a cup, basket or pocket? 



5. What materials compose the outside of the nest and how are they 

 arranged ? 



6. Of what materials is the lining made, and how are they arranged? 

 If hair or feathers are used, on what creature did they grow? 



7. How are the materials of the nest held together, that is, are they 

 woven, plastered, or held in place by environment? 



8. Had the nest anything peculiar about it either in situation, con- 

 struction or material that would tend to render it invisible to the casual 

 glance ? 



