ly during the fall migration.

The time of arrival, that is, when a bird may be expected during the
migration, is a point worthy of particular attention. Many wild guesses
may be avoided by simply noticing the dates when a bird has been known to
arrive in any given locality from year to year.

As a rule birds are identified by the method of elimination. Suppose, for
example, a small bird of lively motions is seen feeding among the twigs
of a tree late in March. It is, of course, neither a warbler nor a vireo
for these birds, although active and frequenting trees, arrive much later
in the spring. Provided it does not brace its tail and climb up and
around the trunk of the tree it is not likely to be a woodpecker, because
the motions of woodpeckers are too characteristic to be mistaken. In
similar manner, although sparrows and juncos may have arrived, it is
probably neither of these since it does not feed upon the ground, while
its size precludes the possibility of its being any bird larger than the
_English Sparrow_. There are only a few birds therefore, which it might
be and close observation together with the aid of a few leading hints,
will usually settle the question. In any case _watch the bird_ for it is
better to look at the bird than at a printed description of it.

The safest way, however, is to make careful notes about a stranger on the
spot. Memory is never more treacherous than in the case of the
description of a doubtful bird when one appeals to some book of
reference, a museum collection or the judgment of others. It is not
advisable to attempt extensive "field-notes" at first but it is essential
to keep a daily, dated list of all identified birds. A blank chart for
this purpose is inserted in the back part of the book.

Never _chase_ birds. Have patience, stand still a great deal and use your
common sense all the time.

Do not make yourself believe that you see a certain bird because it has
been reported by others. Do your own looking and listening and do it
well.

If you cannot go birding alone take along as few friends as possible
because birds are suspicious of human beings in flocks, especially when
they talk much.

A pair of field or opera-glasses is an invaluable aid, although practice
is necessary in learning to adjust them rapidly and to fix them instantly
upon the bird. Do not feel obliged to use the glasses when you are near
enough to see well without them.

Keep the sun at your back, ot