57;/; /yz? 
 
 United States Department of the Interio 
 Bureau of Biological Survey 
 
 Wildlife Leaflet BS- 150* 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 January 1940 
 
 SUGGESTIONS FOR BIRD HELD STUDY 
 
 c O 
 < i t— i 
 
 • i 
 
 By May Thacher Cooke Biologist, Section of Distribution 
 and Migration of Birds, Division of Wildlife Research 
 
 Content s 
 
 Page 
 
 Introduction 1 
 
 Time to begin ? 
 
 Equipment 2 
 
 Where and when to go 3 
 
 Field identifications 4 
 
 Page 
 
 Permanent notes . 5 
 
 Significance of the study . . 5 
 
 Organized study 5 
 
 List of hooks, periodicals 
 
 and pictures 6 
 
 The beauty and animation of birds stimulate the student to learn their 
 names and often lead him from a merely pleasant pastime to a more serious 
 and intensive study. The present popularity of bird study makes the way of 
 the beginner far easier than it was a generation ago. There are many other 
 students to help him, and a wealth of literature is available for his use. 
 Colored "portraits" of most species of North American birds are obtainable, 
 as well as manuals for identification, some of which contain field keys in 
 which the birds are grouped according to color. Phonograph recordings of 
 the songs of certain birds are now on the market. Many periodicals deal 
 entirel" r with birds, and some contain local lists and are designed especial- 
 ly to meet the needs of the amateur. State lists have been and are being 
 published, some elaborately illustrated, giving descriptions of the birds, 
 details of their occurrence, and accounts of their habits. Lists of birds 
 are also being issued for restricted areas. There are now many museums 
 where mounted specimens of the birds of the region are exhibited and where 
 scientific (study) skins may be examined. 
 
 The beginner should always bear in mind that only a part of the birds 
 treated in any standard manual or State list are likely to occur in his 
 immediate locality, and he should accordingly study th~ local list to 
 learn which ones he can expect to see. If no local list has been published, 
 a list of birds found in his own or in an adjacent State will be helpful. 
 
\ 
 
 Time to Begin 
 
 Winter or early spring is undoubtedly the best time and late spring 
 or summer the poorest time to begin a study of birds in the field. In 
 winter, when only the resident species and a few visitants from farther 
 north are about, the student is less bewildered than when the trees arc 
 full of migrants and the foliage makes it difficult to see them distinctly. 
 Winter is a good time to prepare for the time when mild weather and the 
 returning migrants will tempt the student more afield. If a museum is 
 accessible it should be visited as "requently as possible for the study 
 of specimens, so that familiarity may be gained with the general abear- 
 ance, relative Bizes, and distinctive characters of various species of 
 birds. Where there arc no museum facilities, colored pictures and descrip- 
 tions are excellent substitutes. 
 
 To persons living outside the city, sometimes even to those within its 
 limits, a feeding shelf or table or a bird bath affords an excellent intro- 
 duction to the birds, bringing them near at hand where they can be studied 
 at leisure. The number of kinds visiting a table or bath is usually lim- 
 ited, but the repeated visits of certain individuals lead to familiar ac- 
 quaintance, l/ 
 
 Equipment 
 
 A notebook and a t>air of field or opera, glasses are almost indispen- 
 sable equipment for field study. Any kind of a notebook can be used, and 
 the beginner will probably try several before deciding which best suits 
 his particular needs. Several kinds of bird notebooks are published, vary- 
 ing from those with mere lists of names to be checked to those providing a 
 page for each species with an outline of a bird on which color notes may 
 be made find several headings under which observations may be recorded. 
 
 Because of their larger field of vision and greater ease of focusing, 
 opera glasses are considered easier for beginners to use than are the high- 
 er-powered field glasses, especially when it is considered that a beginner '.s 
 identifications are usually made at relatively close range. As observations 
 become more extensive, however, and finer distinctions must be looked for, 
 the need for a stronger glass will be felt. When buying a field glass, it 
 is advisable to get one of at least 6-power magnification with a wide field 
 of vision. Good field glasses are not cheat), and it is well to compare 
 several pairs of various makes before purchasing. "Snottin^" telescopes 
 now on the market are often useful in identifying water birds that must be 
 studied at considerable distances. 
 
 A pocket manual or guide will be a convenience. By its use birds may 
 be looked uo and identified on the spot, and sometimes a check on special 
 markings, call notes, songs, and actions can be made, thus making sure of the 
 identification and impressing the distinguishing characters on the memory. 
 
 l/ Wildlife Research and Management Leaflet BS-8 lists publications 
 on attracting birds. 
 
 2 
 
Where and When to G-o 
 
 It is seldom necessary to go far afield to find at least a few "birds* 
 City folk may find them in small city parks, while the suburban or rural 
 dweller has them in his dooryard. Experience will soon show which are the 
 most favorable places for finding "birds. In general, the more diversified 
 the territory the greater the number of species of "birds. The edges of 
 woods, or the banks of a brushy stream, alternating with open fields and 
 orchards, offer the greatest variety. Deep woods, either pine or hardwood, 
 have few birds, but large clearings within forests may Throve to be good 
 places. 0-oen woods, predominantly hardwood and not too extensive, are usu-.. 
 ally good, particularly during migration. Lake shores and the seashores, 
 if somewhat brushy, usually show an abundance of bird life. 
 
 In winter, birds are likely to be found sheltered from the wind in 
 brushy hollows, generally those open to the south, or near bodies of water 
 where the air temperature is. more uniform. As he becomes more experienced, 
 the bird student will vary his trips afield, going to various localities 
 at certain seasons to look for species previously seen there. 
 
 The best times for making observations are early in the morning and 
 late in the afternoon when birds are feeding and active. It is not, how- 
 ever, necessary to be out at dawn unless a long trip is planned; In fact, 
 the jumble of song that follows the awakening of the birds and precedes 
 their morn'ng search for food is likely to be confusing. Even in summer, 
 birds are usually active until about 11 o'clock in the morning and again dur- 
 ing the ?. hours before sunset, but are more quiet and retiring during the 
 middle of the day. In itfinter and early in spring, however, thev p.re most 
 active during the warmer part of the day. 
 
 Weather, time of day, and season affect the preference of birds for 
 certain areas. Early in the morning they are most likely to freauent fields 
 and orchards, and later in the day they will be found along the warm, sunny 
 edges of the woods. In windy weather birds are retiring and silent, usually 
 keeping under cover in the lee of the woods; a blustering day, therefore, is 
 not a good one for observations. 
 
 When watching birds afield an observer should be alone or with only one 
 or two comoanions and should speak only in undertones. He should avoid all 
 conspicuously colored clothing and should move slowly and as quietly as pos- 
 sible. He should often stand still, listening and looking, or conceal him- 
 self by leaning against a tree, or sit down and let the birds come to him. 
 Birds may of f en be attracted close to the observer by "squeaking" (imitating 
 the call of a young bird) or by means of mechanical bird calls now on the mar- 
 ket. The observer should have the sum at his back, if possible, for it is 
 practically impossible to distinguish the color of a bird seen against the 
 light, since even as brilliant a bird as the scarlet tanager may then appear 
 black. 
 
 3 
 
Field 
 
 Identifications 
 
 The "beginner should not attempt to see and learn too much at one time. 
 At first, he should pay attention -only to the more conspicuous "birds and 
 songs, taking careful notes on a few species at a time and not trusting to 
 memory. His first notes will probably pertain entirely to the identifica- 
 tion of the bird, later ones being added on song, flight, feeding, and 
 other habits. An outline drawing of the bird, however crude, with notations 
 on it of color or special markings as seen, is a great help in identifica- 
 tion. Such a drawing, with notes as to size, gives the information desired 
 for identification without ambiguity in use of terms. N t es on size, as 
 "larger" or "smaller" than well-known birds, as the robin and English spar- 
 row, make good bases for comparison. After a bird has been satisfactorily 
 identified, the student should study its description, memorizing the diag- 
 nostic markings. He should also read as much as possible of what other ob- 
 servers have found out about' its habits, and type of country in which it 
 is most likely to "be found, its "breeding and winter ranges, and its seasonal 
 occurrence in his locality. 
 
 The "beginner will do well at first to confine his efforts to identify- 
 ing birds by sight , making no special attempt to learn their songs. He will 
 soon find that the commoner and more striking songs have unconsciously be- 
 come familiar. When giving special attention to songs, however, he should 
 not let one pass without identifying it by name if possible. To some per- 
 sons words or some form of graph convey the best impression of a song and 
 are readily entered in the notes; to others the tone quality and rhythm best 
 express it. Songs must be learned individually; no universally satisfactory 
 way of describing them has vet been invented. Many persons, especially those 
 who are near-sighted or who have a keen ear for music, find it easier to de- 
 tect and recognize birds by song than by sight. Call notes or songs often 
 reveal the presence of birds that might otherwise be overlooked. 
 
 Pe rmanent Notes 
 
 -' A double system of note keeping is almost a necessity — (l) a daily list 
 or notes made in the field and (2) a permanent record to which they can be 
 transferred. For the latter a loose-leaf notebook has generally been found 
 most satisfactory, the sheets, one for each species, being arranged either 
 according to the Check List of the American Ornithologist s' Union or alphabet- 
 ically, as is most convenient. Each sheet is headed with the name of the 
 species, and each day's records are entered in chronological order, including 
 date and place of observation. Notes on the nature of the locality visited, 
 and on temperature, wind, and other weather conditions may be incorporated 
 or kept in a separate journal. With such a system the notes on each species 
 for a season or a lifetime can readily be brought together. In addition, 
 some observers keep a file of the daily lists of birds observed, with notes 
 on date, locality, time afield, weather, and other pertinent data. 
 
 - 4 - 
 
Significance of the Study 
 
 Since ornithology is primarily a field study, a careful amateur will 
 "be able to help a professional. He may be called upon for notes on his 
 observations on the dates of arrival and departure of birds, or on their 
 nesting habits and other phases of their life history, or for assistance 
 in banding. 
 
 Photography is another phase of study open to amateur and prof essional 
 alike. As the student comes to understand the possible significance of his work 
 its relation to that of other people, his enjoyment and interest 
 will grow, and he will find much in common with other nature lovers to whom 
 the bird is neither a specimen nor a problem, but something alive, to be 
 watched and enjoyed for its life and beauty. 
 
 An amateur, however, -must temper his enthusiasm with caution. - He 
 should bear in mind that the first essential of field work is exact observa- 
 tion , and that snap judgment should be carefully avoided. Field observation 
 therefore must be supplemented by study. A student should be thoroughly 
 familiar with his local bird list and kno'- r the descriptions and the season? 
 of occurrence of the birds regularly found in his vicinity. The importance 
 of State or .local lists can hardly be too .much stressed. Ignorance .of its 
 status in a given locality may cause a student to misidentify a rare species. 
 This applies also to the commoner birds that may occur before or after their 
 regular season. Even a more advanced student should take care to make exact 
 notations of the markings of an unusual s-oecies. Then, if challenged, he 
 can defend his identification. • . ... 
 
 '• rga n i z c d Stud y 
 
 The bird lovers of a community will soon come to know one another and 
 will find that some form of organization, however informal, will be. verv 
 helpful to them. Besides stimulating their own interest, it will help to 
 arouse interest in others. Meetings for the exchange and comparison of ex- 
 periences may create a rivalrv in observation and at the same time serve as 
 a check on bird students inclined to be over-enthusiastic in the making of 
 large daily lists* If no authoritative local list is available, the com- 
 bined records nf a community group will soon provide the nucleus for one. 
 Arrangements should then be made for its preparation and publication. 
 
 C-roup study should be organized, both indoors and in the field, and 
 nature study in the schools should be encouraged and assisted. Meetings and 
 lectures also should be arranged to stimulate public interest. A group li- 
 brary may be formed, or the local public library may be urged to purchase 
 good books on birds. 
 
 Many St^te bird clubs or associations publish a mimeographed or printed 
 journal. Information, about these may be obtained from 'the State game or con- 
 servation agency or from the National Association of Audubon Societies, 1006 
 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Assistance in forming a local club may also 
 be obtained, .from the latter. * "•• 
 
 5 
 
The conservation of "birds may bo furthered by inducing the local 
 authorities to set aside a certain area, a small park or -clot of wild 
 land, as a sanctuary. The bird refuge '"ill soon become a nlaco of in- 
 terest and will be the means .of awakening the local public to the general 
 need for conservation of wild life.. 
 
 Lists of Books, Periodicals , an d Pi ctures 
 
 following are. brief lis'.s that will be especially useful to the 
 beginner. A more detailed list will be- found in leaflet 3-787, Aids for 
 Bird Study, which may be obtained free on request to the Biological 
 Surve--, Department of the Interior, Washington, T5. C. 
 
 Books 
 
 Allen, A. A. The Book of Bird Life. D. v an Nostrand Co., Inc., New York, 
 N. Y. $3.50. 
 
 Bailey, P. M. Handbook of Birds of the Western United States. Houghton 
 Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. $6. 
 
 Baynes, P. H. Wild' 3ird Guests. P. P. Dutton & Co., New York, N. Y. $2. 
 
 Bralliar, P. Knowing Birds through Stories. Punk & Wagnalls Co., New 
 York, N. Y. $2.- 
 
 Chapman, P. M. Bird Life. D. Apoleton-Century Co., Sew York, % " r . $5. 
 
 Handbook of Birds of Pastern North America. P. AoBleton-Century 
 
 Co. , New York, N. Y. $5. 
 
 Hoffman, P. A Guide to the 3irds of New Pngland and Pastern New York. 
 Houghton Mifflin Co. , Boston, Mass. Cloth $3; pocket edition, fabri- 
 coid, $4. 
 
 Birds of the Pacific States. Houghton Mifflin Co. , Boston, Mass. 
 
 $3.50 . 
 
 Lincoln, P. C. The Migration of American Birds. Doubleday, Doran & Co., 
 Garden' City, F. Y. $4. 
 
 Mathews, P. S. Pield Book of Wild Birds and Their Music. G. P. Putnam's 
 Sons, New York, N. Y. $3.50. 
 
 Morris, P. A. Nature Photography around the Year. P. Appleton-Centurv 
 Co. New York, N. Y. $4^ 
 
 National Geographic Society. The Book of Birds. 2 vols. National Geo- 
 graphic Society, Washington, D. C. $5. 
 
 Peterson, R. T. A Pield Guide to the Birds. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, 
 Mass. $2.75. 
 
 The Junior Book of Birds. Houghton Mifflin Co., 3oston, Mass. $2. 
 
 6 
 
Seed, C. A. Bird Guide (in two parts): Part I, Water Birds, Game Birds and 
 Birds of Prey East of the Rockies; Part II, Land 3irds East of the 
 Rockies. Double day, Do ran 1 Co., Garden City, N. Y. Cloth, per oart, 
 $1.25; fabricoid, oer part , $1.50. 
 
 Reed, C. K. Western Bird Guide. Doubleday, Doran & Co., Garden City, N. Y, 
 $1.75. 
 
 Saunders, A. A. A Guide to Bird Songs. D. Appleton-Century Co., New Yor^, 
 ST. Y. $2.50. 
 
 Wyman, L. S. , and Burnell, 3. P. Pield Book of Birds of the Southwestern 
 United States. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. Cloth, 3?. 50; 
 Leather, $5. 
 
 Perio dic als 
 
 Bird-Landing. Quarterly. Charles 3. Floyd, 210 South St. , Boston, Mass. 
 $2.50. 
 
 Bird-Lore. Bi_ mon thly. Bird-Lore, IOCS Fifth Ave. , New York, N. Y. $1.50. 
 
 Pictures 
 
 Bird Portraits in Color: Two Hundred Ninety-five North American Species. 
 With brief descriptions by Thomas S. Roberts. University of Minnesota 
 Press, Minneapolis, Minn. Cloth, $3.50; limo cloth, $2.50; in port- 
 folio without text, $1.50. 
 
 Birds of New York. Plates. University of the State of New York, Albany, 
 N. Y. $1.25. 
 
 Educational Leaflets, Bird Charts, and Pictures in Color. National 
 Association of Audubon Societies, 1006 Fifth Ave., New York, IT. Y. 
 
 Fifty Common Birds of Farm and Orchard. (Color illustrations.) U. S. 
 Dent. A~r. , Farmers' Bulletin 513. Superintendent of Documents, 
 Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C. 25 cents. 
 
 7 
 
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 
 
 3 1262 08928 0050