14. Miscellaneous Circular 18, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. 
of the nest, ready to release the bird immediately. Generally, such 
methods should be used only when observation has revealed that one 
or both of the parent birds are wearing bands, of which it is desired 
to obtain the numbers without injury to the carriers. There is much 
less danger that the parents will desert the nest if such operations are 
delayed until the young are about half fledged. From present 
knowledge it is not ‘safe to use horsehair loops or snares for this 
purpose. 
Bird lime should not be used under any circumstances, as it is vir- 
tually impossible to release in good condition a bird that has been 
caught by its use. 
For capturing swallows, kingfishers, and other birds that nest in 
banks, the net mentioned in connection with the nest-box trap (fig. 
14) will be found useful. 
Banding waterfowl and shorebirds is of great importance, and 
various traps for this purpose may be constructed easily by an in- 
genious operator. Such traps usually take the form of the funnel 
trap on a large scale; or, for diving birds, an open pen in about 2 
feet of water, with a rising door operated from a blind located at a 
convenient distance. Such operations frequently involve consider- 
able expense, and, of course, can be carried on only by operators 
properly situated with relation to the habitats of these birds. The’ 
Biological Survey will furnish details of trap construction, and 
otherwise assist operators contemplating such activities. 
BAIT FOR LAND BIRDS. 
Crumbled bread has been found to be the best all-round bait, but it 
is well to use finely cracked grain with it, as wheat or corn, with 
hemp, millet, or other small seeds, particularly since a large per- 
centage of captures are likely to be seed-eating birds. Whole corn 
or wheat will not answer. Weed seeds, which may be collected in 
abundance in the fall, make excellent bait. 
Robins, catbirds, and many other birds are notoriously fond of 
small fruits. Small branches bearing cherries, wild haws, mul- 
berries, or other fruits are effective baits during the summer. In- 
sects should also be used at this season. Meal worms may be readily 
raised, and a constant supply kept available,* while the larvae of 
borers and other insects may be obtained under the bark of old logs. 
Vary the bait with the season, and remember that even seed-eating 
birds consume large quantities of insects in summer. Cereal and 
fatty foods are heating, and, while desirable in winter, are not 
readily taken during hot weather. Weed seeds, previously men- 
tioned, may occasionally be obtained in large quantities from ele- 
vators where wheat, oats, and other grains are cleaned. Corn bread, 
cooked macaroni, cooked and uncooked pie crust, nut kernels, 
suet, and many other baits will suggest themselves to the attentive 
operator. 
A supply of water, either for drinking or bathing, will prove a 
potent attraction. With most traps, the water receptacle may be 
eee Beleeical Survey will furnish full instructions for raising meal worms to those 
nterested, 
