58 
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE STUDENT 
studied with reference to its distribution, relationships and the climatic 
influences to which it has probably been subjected, opening a most 
suggestive and instructive field for speculation on the origin of exist- 
ing conditions. 
Suggestions for the Student 
Returning now to the more practical and personal side of bird migra- 
tion, I append here a few hints to the local student for observing and 
recording it. 
Too much time cannot be spent in the field during the migration sea- 
son. If possible, one should go out both in the early morning and late 
afternoon, visiting as great a variety of ground as opportunity permits. 
It is desirable also to follow the same route daily, in order that changes in 
bird-life, other than the first arrival of certain species (for example, increase 
or decrease, flocking, roosting, pairing, etc., of species which have already 
been noted), may be more readily and definitely ascertained. 
Weather conditions should be observed as closely as the migration 
itself and the charts issued by the Weather Bureau at Washington should 
be studied. Examine also published tables of migration. One’s chances of 
finding a given species are greatly increased if one knows where to look 
for it. 
The blooming of plants, shrubs and trees and the advance of vegetation 
in general, together with the appearance of various forms of insect life, 
calling of hylas, etc., should all be recorded. 
The record of each species of bird should show its date of arrival, with 
the number and, if possible, sex of the individuals observed, if migrating 
singly, in scattered companies or in flocks. Succeeding records of the same 
species should be entered with as much detail as the first one, in order that 
the whole record may show the rise and fall of its migration. 
Try to observe closely the movements of the same birds — a certain 
flock of Robins, for example, which is found day after day near the same 
place, or an isolated Red-winged Blackbird or two, which appear to remain 
in some small marsh — with the object of learning whether the first individuals 
to come, among summer resident species, are the birds which nest with us, 
or those which continue their journey northward. 
Note the movements of winter birds — Juncos, Tree Sparrows, and 
others — indicating that their migration is under way. Do the winter resi- 
dent individuals of these species start before their ranks receive additions 
from the South? 
Observe the connection between the time of a bird’s arrival and the 
character of its food; for example, water-fowl appearing when the ice breaks; 
Woodcock when frost leaves the ground and worms can be secured; Phcebes 
when aerial insects appear. 
At night listen for the calls of birds passing overhead as evidence of a 
general movement, or use a low-power telescope in the manner before 
described. 
By day note the extended migratory flights of such birds as Hawks, 
Crows, and other diurnal migrants. Are they dependent on the direction 
of the wind? Do they follow certain routes regularly? 
Observe also the more restricted movements of such night-fliers as 
Warblers and Vireos, which as they feed still move toward their goal. 
During the summer note the gathering of birds in flocks and the forma- 
tion of regularly frequented roosts, as a first step in their southward migra- 
tion. Be on the lookout also for certain more southern species, which may 
wander northward after their breeding season has closed. 
Close observation is required to detect the arrival of the first Warblers, 
Vireos and Flycatchers from the North; as well as to determines when our 
earlier departing summer residents leave us. 
