NATURE-STUDY LESSONS. 39 



XII.-THE ROBIN. 



The robin is one of the earliest birds to return after the long winter. 

 Watch for its return and note the characteristics of this interesting bird. 



A. Its Return. 



1. (a) Make a record of the first appearance of the 



robin in the spring. 

 {b) Compare it with the times at which other birds 

 arrive. 



2. Describe the markings of this bird. 



3. Where does the one to arrive first seclude itself 

 until the coming of its mate? 



4. (a) Note the song of the robin on its return. 

 Ip) Imitate it. 



(c) Infer from it and its actions whether it is glad 

 to return to its home. 



5. (a) In what kind of trees or bushes do robins 



shelter themselves on their return ? 

 {b) Infer the reason for this choice. 



B. Its Food. 



6. {a) Discover what the robin eats. 



(^) Infer why gardeners at times welcome the robin, 

 and again drive it away. 



C. Its Appearance and Structure. 



7. (a) How long is the robin from the tip of its beak 



to the end of its tail ? 

 {b) How tall is it as it stands erect? 



8. Observe its head. Note the length of its bill, the 

 position of its eyes and ears. 



9. From the way it finds its food infer whether it has 

 keen sight or not. 



