HINTS ON OBSERVING BIRDS. 267 



expected when we consider that they feed more or less indiffer- 

 ently and freely at all hours, and are not accustomed to seek 

 safety in concealment. 



" Certain species of Ducks, as well as all the Loons, Grebes, 

 and Auks do, however, frequently or habitually elude their 

 various enemies by diving. Thus water is in one respect to 

 them what grass, rushes, etc., are to Snipe and Quail, r a 

 refuge from danger. This doubtless explains a fact which I 

 have often observed ; viz., that while most diving birds migrate 

 freely by day along our coast they invariably perform long 

 overland journeys by night. The reason is obvious. In one 

 case flying directly over a continuous expanse of water they 

 are able to avail themselves of its shelter at a moment's notice 

 in the other they would be quite without this resource, if 

 suddenly threatened or attacked. 



" The manner of migration of our birds is determined by one, 

 two, or all of the following considerations : habitual manner of 

 procuring food, disposition, wing-power. It evidently has little 

 or nothing to do with relationship or affinities except within 

 very narrow limits." 



HINTS ON OBSEBVINO BIBDS. 



Briefly stated, these hints fall under a few heads, tools, 

 time, what to look for, how to see it, where to go, what to 

 notice. The last is treated under hints on identification. 



Of tools. Besides books, a teacher needs a note-book and, if 

 possible, a good glass. A beginner's note-book should be kept 

 after his own whim, and with little elaboration beyond a fixed 

 set of abbreviations. This is nobody's but his own, and it 

 makes no difference if the birds all fly away before they have 

 been described. An elaborate note-book is possible only when 

 one is well acquainted with the commoner birds. 



Children should not be urged to keep note-books ; they see 

 more and see it better when there is no effort at composition. 



