PREFATORY | 
When a book is eciab to be pial etait the time Arrives — 
to sum up the sources from which came the author’s. 
inspiration and materials, so that thanks may be given to 
- those remembered who have aided in its inception - ee So 
production. | 
| For this volume oratiiude should first be expressed to 
the past and present children of Seattle whose sharp eyes 
and eager questions pointed out the way that led to these 
excursions about birdland. Barbara of Stanford University, | 
Tom of Stockton, California, and Ted of Seattle especially : 
gave from their childish observations knowledge that was 
simple enough to be grasped by a beginner, whose senses had 
never been trained to register the sights and sounds under- 
stood by the initiated. The bewildering population of the 
sky and tree world were also teachers, and their fascinating | 
ways and words were continual incentives to further study. 
Books, too, were needed and thanks should be given to 
William Rogers Lord, Olive Thorne Miller, Bradford Torrey, 
Elliott Coues, Frank Chapman, Finley, aad Robert Ridgway. — 
Constant reference has been made to Dawson and Bowles 
“Birds of Washington” and Ridgway’s “Bulletin Noe. 50) 
whenever observations were doubtful. Professor Trevor — 
Kincaid loaned bird skins of the University of Washington; 
especial help was given by Dr. W. Shaw of the Agricultural — 
College at Pullman; while helpful suggestions were received | 
from Miss Clara Reynolds, of Seattle on book mechanics, — 
and from J. W. Hungate, of Cheney Normal, about bird 
houses. Appreciation should be expressed, also, SOE the 
helpful suggestions given by the printers. | 
