352 THE STUDY OF BIRDS IN THE FIELD 



the tip of the tail, whether notched, square, or rounded; and 

 the presence or absence of white on the tail feathers (to be 

 seen when the bird is on the wing). Of course any peculiarity 

 of habit of perching or flying, any soiinds produced, any posi- 

 tion habitually taken, the method of gathering food or of 

 progressing on the ground (walking or hopping), should be 

 observed. 



Aids to successful work. — A power of mimicry is a valuable 

 attainment for bird study. By imitating the notes heard, not 

 only will you better remember the sounds, but the birds will 

 try to investigate the source of the notes, and will thus come 

 nearer to you than under any other circumstances. If you are 

 not able to imitate bird sounds, then " squeak " by rapidly kiss- 

 ing the finger ; this gives a sound similar to that of a bird in 

 distress, and will usually bring into view many of the birds 

 of the vicinity, especially during the mating season. Bird 

 whistles that can be held in the mouth are useful in lieu of 

 mimicry. 



Winter study of birds. — Though for a beginner spring and 

 summer are the best times for study, there are some advan- 

 tages in winter work which are worthy of mention. There are 

 comparatively few birds to be seen in the winter, and no young 

 to confuse by their nondescript plumage ; and there is but little 

 foliage to hide the birds from view. The middle of the day is 

 the best time for study during the winter. 



Local bird lists. — Obtain all the lists you can of the birds 

 of your locality. The more local the list, the better it will be. 

 Such a list will enable you to know what birds are to be ex- 

 pected at any season. 



General hints. — In order to emphasize the important points, 

 a brief resume is here given. 



(1) All your movements must be quiet and not sudden. 

 Acquire the habit of investigating without appearing to do so. 

 If you need to get near a bird, do it by imperceptible advances. 



(2) Your clothing should be free from bright or sharply con- 

 trasted tints ; and it is better to have the sun back of you. 



