16 BIRDS OF SOUTH DAKOTA 



The initiative in bird study should be taken by school 

 teachers. They are the natural leaders of the children in study, 

 and pupils look to them for guidance. A little extra work here 

 will amply repay any teacher by developing increased interest 

 on the part of her scholars and will furnish a means of recreation 

 and pleasure to them which she cannot measure. 



One of the best ways to study is to form bird clubs, which 

 should hold periodic meetings. This gives companionship in 

 study, benefits each by the observations of all, and furnishes 

 opportunity for correcting possible mistakes. Societies should 

 be organized in winter and our few winter birds learned before 

 the spring migrations begin. It is important to have a simple 

 but good book, with colored plates, for purposes of identifica- 

 tion. The authors know none better than the pocket edition of 

 Chester A. Reed's "Bird Guide" for birds east of the Rocky 

 Mountains, published by Doubleday, Page and Company, Gar- 

 den City, New York. Farmers' Bulletin 513, entitled "Fifty 

 Common Birds of Orchard and Prairie," gives splendid colored 

 cuts of fifty common birds and especially emphasizes their econ- 

 omic value. 



The University Museum at Vermillion is always glad to 

 identify birds or nests to those sending in a description of them, 

 and will answer inquiries about birds. 



Every bird club may receive material help by getting in 

 touch with the National Association of Audubon Societies, 1974 

 Broadway, New York City. Our county farm agents are al- 

 ways glad to render assistance in bird study, and none appre- 

 ciates the value of birds more than they do. An effective or- 

 ganized relationship between our State Game Commission and 

 all the active bird organizations of the State would be very help- 

 ful. Bird clubs should distribute literature on the subject, have 

 their county papers publish short articles, and use every effort 

 in carrying on an educational campaign to change public senti- 

 ment in favor of bird protection. 



It is obvious that those interested in birds must show to 

 the public that our birds are worth while, and one of the best 

 ways to acquire lasting results is to carry on educational propa- 

 ganda in the graded schools. All teachers should be urged to 

 spend at least one hour a week in bird study with their students. 



