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Suggestions for Bird-Day Programs in the Schools 



BY C. A. BABCOCK 



(OriRinator of Biril-Day) 



A BIRD-DAY exercise, in order to have much value 

 educationally, should be largely the result of the 

 pupils' previous work, and should not be the mere 

 repetition of a prepared program, taken verbatim from 

 some leaflet or paper. The program should be prepared 

 by the pupils, under the direction of the teacher, and should 

 contain as many original compositions or statements about 

 birds, derived from personal observation, as possible. 

 Bird-Day should be announced some weeks beforehand, in order 

 to give the children time to prepare for it. In the meantime, direct 

 them to observe the birds, and allow from five to ten mmutes each 

 morning to receive the reports. Direct that crumbs be scattered m 

 the back yards, and cups containing seeds be put up m the trees, or 

 on the fences, and that bones from the table be fastened where they 

 can be seen from the windows. Then, with an opera glass, if one 

 can be obtained, results are to be looked for. 



For directing the young observer, write upon the board a scheme 



like this : 



ENGLISH SI'ARR<>W 



Length from tip of beak to end of tail ? 



What is the shape, color, and size of beak ? 



What is the color of legs and feet ? 



How many toes ? Which way do they point ? 



Gait upon the ground,— does it walk, hop or run? 



Color of head and throat ? Color of under parts ? 



Color and marking of back ? 



Difference in markings of male and female ? 



Describe actions which indicate its character. 



Is it pugnacious ? Is it brave ? Is it selfish ? 



Does it trouble other birds? 



Describe its voice or song. Does it utter notes indicating diverse feelmgs. as 

 joy, anger ? What syllables best recall some of its notes ? 



For the younger pupils a few of these questions, perhaps two or 

 three, will be sufficient for one exercise. Children will vary and 

 often contradict one another in answering the same questions. Dwell 



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