82 NOTES ON THE OBSERVATION OF BIRDS. 
NOTES ON THE OBSERVATION OF BIRDS. 
BY OSCAR BIRD WARREN, PALMER, MICH. 
How many there are who go through life with half-closed 
eyes and muffled ears—who neither observe the diversified 
forms of nature about. them, nor hear those mysterious 
sounds, the audible language with which she communicates 
with her devotees! The average person, indeed, instead of 
becoming a better observer, loses the perceptive powers of 
youth. In childhood all is interesting ; every object is more 
or less attractive, and readily makes its impression on the 
mind; but with advancing years comes careless observation. 
So much is seen and heard that, growing indifferent to our 
surroundings, impressions lose their vividness, pleasures de- 
crease, and dissatisfaction creeps into our hearts. Those 
‘who, aided by the power of careful observation, are able to. 
read the secrets of nature, find life more uniformly pleasant, 
fewer moments of idleness, and a satisfaction never found 
in the pleasures of the hour. They can shake off the cares 
of the busy world and spend a brief time each day in their 
favorite diversions--the entomologist with the insects, the 
botanist among his flowers, the ornithologist in the company 
of “the bright tenants of the earth and air.” In whatever 
line opportunity and inclination lead one, if it absorbs the 
attention during the time devoted, the observer will have 
received great benefit from the relaxation, be able to accom- 
plish more energetic work, and live a longer and more useful 
life than one who knows no relief from daily care and trials. 
For me a more pleasing and elevating recreation than the 
