126 Bird -Lore 



After studying these faunal areas which birds occupy for a part or the whole 

 of the year, let us compare them first from north to south and then from east 

 to west, and try to discover where the greatest abundance of food is found at 

 different seasons, and where the best nesting-sites seem likely to be, — for these 

 are the two great necessities of the birds' existence. 



In our next exercise, we shall take up The Bird at Home. All that we 

 can learn about the food, nests and nesting-sites and materials used by birds 

 will help us to understand better why birds find congenial homes in so many 

 and such diverse places. 



i. Where has man cut down forests? 



2. Where has man drained marshes? 



3. Where has man brought water into arid lands? 



4. Where has man planted extensive tracts of grain or single crops? 



5. Where has man made large orchards? 



6. How has man changed prairie and grazing lands? 



7. What do you know about the Colorado desert and Salt Lake? 



8. What do you know about the rice-fields of the East as compared with the rice- 



fields of Louisiana and Texas, in connection with the Bobolink? 

 0. What have you observed in your own locality with reference to bird-life, when 

 timber-land was cut off, marshes drained, or houses were built up near together? 



10. What can you find out about the pollution of water by naphtha launches, or 



other harmful matter, and its effect upon water-birds? 



11. How is the Robin regarded in the East as compared with the West, and 



what is the cause of this difference of opinion? 



12. What do you know about the increase or decrease of insect pests in relation 



to the number of birds in any locality? 



The answers to these questions show how quickly birds are affected 

 by noticeable changes in their environment, whether with respect to their food 

 or nesting-habits. It might be well to take not only birds but all other forms 

 of life into consideration in seeing whether man is improving nature or not. 

 It has been said that man is always at war with nature; but at this season, 

 when the trees and shrubs are budding and plants are everywhere springing 

 into bloom, who can fail to feel the joy of being at one with the beautiful 

 outdoor world, which is our home and the home of birds and all living things. 



Small wonder is it that the poet, as he sat hugging the fire in winter, wrote: 



The sky is gray as gray may be, 

 There is no bird upon the bough, 

 There is no leaf on vine or tree. 



Slow creep the hours, slow creep the days, — 



and then finished this winter song by exclaiming, 



Just wait till bluebirds, wrens, and jays, 

 And golden orioles come again! 



