58 SUGGESTIONS FOR THE STUDENT 



studied with reference to its distribution, relationships and the climatic 

 influences to which it has probably been subjected, opening a most 

 suggestive and instructive fie.ld for speculation on the origin of exist- 

 ing conditions. 



SUGGESTIONS FOR THE STUDENT 



Returning now to the more practical and personal side of bird migra- 

 tion, I append here a few hints to the local student for observing and 

 recording it. 



Too much time cannot be spent in the field during the migration sea- 

 son. If possible, one should go out both in the early morning and late 

 afternoon, visiting as great a variety of ground as opportunity permits. 

 It is desirable also to follow the same route daily, in order that changes in 

 bird-life, other than the first arrival of certain species (for example, increase 

 or decrease, flocking, roosting, pairing, etc., of species which have already 

 been noted), may be more readily and definitely ascertained. 



Weather conditions should be observed as closely as the migration 

 itself and the charts issued by the Weather Bureau at Washington should 

 be studied. Examine also published tables of migration. One's chances of 

 finding a given species are greatly increased if one knows where to look 

 for it. 



The blooming of plants, shrubs and trees and the advance of vegetation 

 in general, together with the appearance of various forms of insect life, 

 calling of hylas, etc., should all be recorded. 



The record of each species of bird should show its date of arrival, with 

 the number and, if possible, sex of the individuals observed, if migrating 

 singly, in scattered companies or in flocks. Succeeding records of the same 

 species should be entered with as much detail as the first one, in order that 

 the whole record may show the rise and fall of its migration. 



Try to observe closely the movements of the same birds a certain 

 flock of Robins, for example, which is found day after day near the same 

 place, or an isolated Red-winged Blackbird or two, which appear to remain 

 in some small marsh with the object of learning whether the first individuals 

 to come, among summer resident species, are the birds which nest with us, 

 or those which continue their journey northward. 



Note the movements of winter birds Juncos, Tree Sparrows, and 

 others indicating that their migration is under way. Do the winter resi- 

 dent individuals of these species start before their ranks receive additions 

 from the South? 



Observe the connection between the time of a bird's arrival and the 

 character of its food; for example, water-fowl appearing when the ice breaks; 

 Woodcock when frost leaves the ground and worms can be secured; Phcebes 

 when aerial insects appear. 



At night listen for the calls of birds passing overhead as evidence of a 

 general movement, or use a low-power telescope in the manner before 

 described. 



By day note the extended migratory flights of such birds as Hawks, 

 Crows, and other diurnal migrants. Are they dependent on the direction 

 of the wind? Do they follow certain routes regularly? 



Observe also the more restricted movements of such night-fliers as 

 Warblers and Vireos, which as they feed still move toward their goal. 



During the summer note the gathering of birds in flocks and the forma- 

 tion of regularly frequented roosts, as a first step in their southward migra- 

 tion. Be on the lookout also for certain more southern species,which may 

 wander northward after their breeding season has closed. 



Close observation is required to detect the arrival of the first Warblers, 

 Vireos and Flycatchers from the North; as well as to determine when our 

 earlier departing summer residents leave us. 



