Vermont Bird Cli^b 53 



are then assigned to as many members of the group as may be inter- 

 ested to follow their history, and careful records kept somewhat as 

 follows: 



(a) Exact location described in full. 



(b) Materials used. 



(c) Date commenced and date finished. 



(d) Eggs laid, date, number. 



Add any notes on color and markings, if at all peculiar. 



(e) Description of parent birds, which are designated by the num- 

 ber of their nests. 



(f) Hatching of eggs. 



(g) Date of leaving nest. 



(h) Any additional notes on the domestic affairs of this particu- 

 lar establishment. 



P. Songs 



If it is possible to go into bird music, it will be found very inter- 

 esting to make notations of the songs of the different birds. As soon 

 as the nests are under way and the birds distinguishable, the variations 

 in the songs of each bird will probably be found to be very slight, 

 whereas considerable differences will be noticed between the various 

 birds. Compare the songs of the birds in this area with those inhabit- 

 ing widely different areas, as at seashore, on mountains, etc. Record 

 songs on musical staff, using pitch-pipe or tuning fork to determine 

 pitch. Pitch will be found to vary much more than rhythm. Wide 

 variation in the timbre or quality will appear and notes should be 

 added to indicate this so far as possible. 



G. Feeding 



In observing the habits of the birds on the nests, make a few all 

 day observations of favorably located nests from before sunrise to sun- 

 set, so as to note the number of visits of male and female and so far 

 as possible the character of the food brought to the nestlings. 



The persons assigned to these separate tasks will probably, in some 

 cases at least, wish to change their assignments, but so far as possible, 

 it is important that the same person see the work through to the end. 



