The Audubon Societies 247 



14. How long does it take for the eggs to hatch of such birds as you know and what 

 determines the period? 



15. Do both male and female incubate and how are the eggs cared for during incu- 

 bation? 



FOR AND FROM ADULT AND YOUNG 

 OBSERVERS 



EARLY SPRING BIRDS 



For days I have been patiently awaiting the arrival of the birds. Winter 

 has gone, it is true, but it seems as if spring fears to venture forth. For a time 

 I had great hopes, but a cold north wind blew them all to pieces. However, 

 Robin and Towhee have been braver than spring and the dignified Grackle is 

 also here with us. 



It is surprising how much enjoyment one may obtain while watching these 

 three truly common species. One's eagerness for rare birds is forgotten when 

 watching friendly Robin hopping about on the ground, seizing enormous 

 earth-worms, and swallowing them with amusing effort, while all the time he 

 never takes his eyes off you. 



A flock of Crackles, having a friendly chat in the topmost boughs of some 

 tree, also provides means of entertainment. While 'tchacking' in a most sociable 

 manner, a member of the flock will suddenly fly to another tree, or perhaps 

 to the ground, and will be joined presently by one of his comrades. Another 

 pair will suddenly take flight into the air and disappear behind the house-tops, 

 perhaps to return, perhaps not. Eventually the whole flock will take flight in 

 this manner. 



The little Junco, so noticeable by his white outer tail feathers, though not 

 a spring migrant, is another interesting character. He is easily recognized, also 

 by his note which resembles the twang of a wire. He is almost as friendly as 

 the Robin, and if you will sit still but a few moments, he will come hopping 

 over, and, perhaps, feed only four or five feet from you. 



So you see our early spring birds also are interesting, though they do not 

 give you thrills at sight, and much may be learned in observing their habits. — 

 N. Travers Hand (age 13 years). 



P. S. Kindly tell if the earth-worm is beneficial or not, for I have seen the 

 Robins consuming many. 



[It is certainly true that much can be learned by observing even the commonest 

 birds, and one does not have to be seeing new birds continually in order to have a 

 good time. Answering the question about the earth-worms, it is true that a certain 

 number of worms are beneficial to the soil, but the Robins do not get enough to do any 

 harm, and they do a great deal of good by destroying cutworms, grubs, and other 

 destructive insect larvae, which are not so conspicuously caught but which are consumed 

 in even greater numbers. — A. A. A.] 



