MU'IIKiAN Al'Dl'HON SOCIKTY. 
43 
affordecl means for study, whicli will broaden your insight 
into nature. 
It is impossible to understand birds from the study of 
books alone, and it is too long and laborious a problem to 
learn the charaeteristics of birds without books. It is better 
to read up on your birds directly after an excursion taken for 
bird observation, and the ])roblems will be less difficult if field 
notes are taken at the time of observation. The study of 
birds is also much simplified by the use of opera or field 
glasses, as you can observe from a distance without disturb- 
ing the object of study. 
d'he spring brings the migration of scores of species run- 
ning considerably over the hundred mark in almost any local- 
ity. It is not advisable to endeavor to identify all the 
thrushes, warblers and s])arrows the first season, and it is just 
as well to ])ass by the fiycatchers, exce])t the king bird, and 
not to worry over the vireos. The larger birds are. as a 
rule, more easily studied, their colors more readily distin- 
guished and their song more characteristic possibly, because 
it is loud and distinct. Among- the more easily identified 
and studied are the blue-bird, meadow lark, brown thrasher, 
cat-bird, Baltimore oriole, kingfisher, towhee, purple martin, 
red-winged blackbird, wood thrush, cowbird and American 
goldfinch. If you must have warblers, you will find the yel- 
low warbler and redstart common enough. 
During the nesting season l)e careful not to touch the 
eggs of any species until you learn their habits, as some birds 
abandon a nest that has been disturbed. Watch at a dis- 
tance until you are sure you may make close observation. 
Tirds that are not too greatly disturbed may be photographed. 
1'hose who desire to attract the birds about their houses may 
do so by ha\'ing fresh drinking water in convenient spots. A 
fountain with sufficient water for bathing ])urposes is the best 
attraction. lUuebirds, house wrens and purple martins \vill 
build in boxes if ])roperly ])laced. W rite Xational Association 
of Audubon Societies for Bird-Lore treating of bird houses. 
(January and I'ebruary, DOn.) Address 141 Broadway, New 
44)rk City. 
44ie student will find much interest in the gathering and 
study of nests. 44ie nests should be taken soon after the 
