BIRD STUDY 307 



whelmed with descriptions of birds and questions about 

 birds. 



The spring is undoubtedly the best season of the year 

 in which to emphasize bird study. For beginners no time 

 is better than the latter part of winter or very early spring. 

 Only the winter birds are to be found at this time and the 

 acquaintance of these may easily be made before the 

 migrants arrive from the south. Also the birds are less 

 shy, more numerous, and more musical at this season than 

 at any other. Then, too, the buds are only beginning to 

 open and the birds cannot hide behind clumps of foliage 

 as they are able to do later in the season. 



The following are suggestions for conducting classes in 

 the field : Quietness on the part of every member of the 

 class is essential. Loud talking and laughing must not 

 be allowed. Move slowly and together. One member 

 who is inclined to chase ahead may spoil the study for all 

 the rest. Make the most of one bird when opportunity 

 offers. If two or three birds appear in the same locality 

 at the same time there is a temptation to try to see them 

 all at once. The result is that nothing definite is observed 

 about any one of them. Strive for accuracy of observa- 

 tion. Do not form the habit of making decisions without 

 sufficient data. One feather does not make a bird. Stop 

 now and then and be perfectly still in order to locate birds 

 by their notes. Occasionally divide the class into small 

 companies. Let each group take a different direction for 

 study. A comparison of reports from the different groups 

 will make a profitable exercise. Encourage the children 

 to feel that it is just as important to become better ac- 

 quainted with the birds they know already as it is to 



