27 



the only feature ordinarily observed. First, if possible, note 

 the color of the upper parts, i.e., the top and sides of head, 

 back and sides of neck, back, wings, and tail; next that of the 

 under parts, — throat, front of neck, breast, and belly. Re- 

 member that the breast and belly often will seem darker than 

 they really are, on account of being in shade. Thus a pure 

 white will seem gray. Many birds have some prominent mark 

 or color by which they may be identified in the field. Be care- 

 ful to note just where each color actually is; then note any 

 conspicuous mark, and exactly where it is placed, for such a 

 mark alone, taken with its situation and the size of the bird, 

 often is enough to establish its identity. The vesper sparrow, 

 for example, is known from all the other common summer 



Tree sparrow. 



sparrows by the white webs of the two outer pairs of tail 

 feathers, which show in flight; while the junco may be known 

 from other winter sparrows by a somewhat similar marking. 

 The song sparrow shows a cluster of spots which form a blotch 

 on its spotted breast just below the throat, while the tree 

 sparrow has a single spot on a plain gray breast, and two 

 whitish wing bars. The flicker and the meadowlark each 

 have a black crescent on the upper part of the breast, but the 

 flicker's breast is dotted, while the meadowlark's is a clear 

 yellow. The color of the bill or feet may sometimes aid in 

 identifying. 



In this work the notebook and pencil are indispensable. 

 The effect of noting down details on the spot is to sharpen the 

 powers of observation and strengthen the memory. Then, 

 also, you have something permanent to refresh your recoUee- 



