SUGGESTIONS FOR THE STUDENT 83 
and removing it to the blind may be employed by careful, conscientious 
students, who are in a position to assume the responsibilities involved and 
who desire not merely to photograph but to see at close range the details 
of the later phases of nest-life, but it is not a method to be recommended 
to the general public. In the beginning, at any rate, one will find abundant 
opportunity afforded by nests which can be studied without moving them 
or unduly disturbing their surroundings. 
Do not imagine that the most thorough history of the life of one nest 
completes your studies of that species. It may serve for the individuals 
concerned, but the behavior of many individuals must be learned before 
one can assert what are the habits of the species. Again I emphasize the 
need for specialization. Better a mass of data which permit one to judge 
of the significance of the facts involved, than an accumulation of isolated, 
unrelated observations. 
The preceding annotated outline of the principal phases of bird study 
in the nesting season will be of greater value to the student if read with 
the nesting habits of some particular species in mind, and as a further guide 
to the study of nest life there is appended a summary of the more im- 
portant problems confronting the local student. 
Date.—What species are among the first to nest? Why? How long 
after its arrival does a migratory species nest? Are there any relations 
between the development of foliage and nesting-date? Between food and 
nesting-date? What appear to be the local factors governing the nesting- 
date? What species raise more than one brood? Do you know of any defin- 
ite cases of third broods? Why are some birds single- and others double- 
brooded? 
Courtship.—Does the male arrive in advance of the female? Do the 
birds ever arrive mated? What evidences of courtship are noted? Does 
the male display before the female? Does the female appear to be inter- 
ested? Does she select or accept a mate? Does the sexual display continue 
after mating? Does display precede a second brood? 
Nest Enemies.—To what forms of danger are nesting birds subjected 
in your vicinity? 
Nesting-site—What factors influence the choice of nesting-site? Which 
of them are potent in your vicinity? Why do gregarious ground-builders 
nest on islands? What variations in site have been noted? How are they 
to be accounted for? With what species has civilization affected the nature 
of the nesting-site?_ Which sex selects the site? Is the same site used for 
the nests of second broods? or in succeeding years? 
Material—What factors govern the bird in the choice of material? 
What variations have been noted? What birds use artificial material, 
string, etc.? How is it gathered? How far from the nest? By one or both 
sexes? How is so-called ‘‘nest decoration” to be explained? 
Nest-Building.—Is the nest made by one or both sexes? If the male 
does not build, does he bring material? How is the nest constructed? 
How much time is required for its completion? Is it delayed by inclement 
weather? Is more than one nest built? If the nest is abandoned, state why. 
_ The Nest—What relation exists between the nest and the structure 
of its builder? What causes determine the appearance of the nest? What 
variations in form have been noted? How are they to be explained? Which 
nests are of the most primitive kind? Which nests are most advanced? 
How do new conditions change the character of the nest? Do birds inherit 
their nest-building abilities? Do second nests resemble those built for the 
first brood? 
The Egg.—How long after the completion of the nest is the first egg 
laid? Are the eggs laid at regular intervals? At certain hours? How many 
are laid? What factors appear to govern the number? the size? the shape? 
the color? What variations have been noted? If an egg should be removed 
will the bird replace it? Will a Cowbird’s egg be rejected? How? 
Incubation.—When does incubation begin? How long does it continue? 
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