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 



