The Audubon Societies 189 



When the little birds were old enough to fly, she crowded them out of the 

 nest on to the limb. One of the little birds went to the ground and sat there. 

 The old bird flew down to the Httle bird and talked to him. Then she hopped a 

 few inches away, and the little bird hopped to her. She continued this a few 

 times, after which she went about three feet away ; but the little bird did not come. 

 She then hopped about haK-way back, and chirped; still the little bird did 

 not come. By this time she was provoked, and rushed back, and pecked him 

 on the head. Then she flew to the fence, and the little bird flew up to her. She 

 then flew away to let him take care of himself. — Dallas Vernett Gibson 

 (Age II years). 



BIRDS I HAVE SEEN 



Crow. — March 12, 1914, in a tree on west of street, on my way to school. 

 Color, black. 



Robin.— March 24, 1914, in a cherry tree between our house and the one 

 next door. Color, brown on back and light red on breast. 



Dove. — March 22, 1914, on one of the buildings down town. Color, purplish 

 blue and brown and red. 



Sparrow. — March 23, 1914, in front of the hotel. Color, brownish gray. 



Phoebe. — March 24, 1914, at the place next door. Color, brown and black. 



Woodpecker. — March 24, 1914, at the first farm east of town. Color, red 

 and black. 



Flock of Wild Geese. — April i, 1914, flying south. Color, brown and black. 



Bobolink. — April 11, 1914, on our lot back of the barn. Color, black and 

 yellow. 



Blackbird. — April 16, 1914, on the top of a barn. Color, black and brown. — 

 Lawrence P. Briggs (Age 10 years), Apulia Station, N. Y. (Member of class 

 524-) 



[The teacher of this class writes: "This is the manner in which the pupils report their 

 observations. These different reports make up the school bird calendar. 



"In this report the Blackbird I believe to be a Cowbird from the description, but as I 

 did not see it myself I am not positive." 



As a method of reporting birds, the above has certain points in its favor. It is 

 always desirable to note the locality where one sees a bird, even rather minutely, as 

 detailed particulars suggest the nature of its habits in perching, singing, flying or search- 

 ing for food and nesting. The date of a record is also an indispensable part of an accurate 

 report, and as careful descriptions as one can make of the color and appearance of the 

 bird seen. 



In addition to theses points, the size, form of bill, head, wings, and tail, kind of feet 

 expressed by noticing whether a bird walks, hops, clings, clutches, paddles, wades, or 

 runs are very essential matters which in reality are often of more assistance in identi- 

 fication than color, since colors appear very different in changing light and shade. 



A daily bird calendar and, also, a flower calendar are fine additions to any school- 

 room. Teachers everywhere will find them well worth the time and trouble given to 

 keeping them accurately. — A. H. W.] 



