88 NATURE-STUDY 



meadow-larks, bobolinks, swallows, orioles, robins, wood- 

 peckers, quail, grouse, prairie hens, etc. 



In the woods the birds are not so abundant nor as easily- 

 seen as in more open places, but here are to be found wood- 

 peckers, nuthatches, tree creepers, pewees, thrushes, ruffed 

 grouse, hawks, owls, whippoorwills, tanagers, warblers, 

 vireos, etc. 



But we do not have to go far from home to find birds. The 

 following birds are frequently seen close about the house, or 

 in the shade trees of the streets, and in the gardens and 

 orchards near the house: Robins, wrens, sparrows, rose- 

 breasted grosbeaks, bluejays, kingbirds, orioles, bluebirds, 

 woodpeckers, catbirds, blackbirds, vireos, warblers, nut- 

 hatches, brown creepers, phoebes, chickadees, juncos, snow- 

 birds, kinglets, thistlebirds, waxwings, humming-birds, with 

 English sparrows nesting in every available place about the 

 house, eaves-swallows under the eaves, and chimney-swifts 

 in the chimneys, purple martins in the bird-cots, and owls in 

 belfry towers. 



Bird study is an excellent hobby for the teacher. A 

 good bird key, such as Chapman's " Color Key," Bailey's 

 "Birds of the Western United States," Nuttal's "Birds 

 of the United States," Apgar's "Birds of the United States," 

 or Chapman's "Handbook of the Birds of North-Eastem 

 United States," a field-glass (not absolutely necessary), 

 a love for the birds, and a watchful eye are all that is 

 needed for the study. One can pursue it all through Hfe. 

 It will afford a perennial pleasure, and add interest to every 

 journey. Moreover, it is a hobby through which one can 

 give to others some pleasure. For most persons are wilhng 

 and eager to learn about the birds. 



