Books with title North American birds eggs 1904

This illustrated book was published in 1904PREFACE:The greatest interest in the study of birds centers in their home life. Soon after their arrival from their winter quarters, all birds take upon themselves the duties of reproduction, the first step of which is the securing of a satisfactory location ; some species, such as Auklets, Petrels, Burrowing Owls, Kingfishers, Bank Swallows, etc., nest at the end of burrows or holes in the ground ; a great many nest upon the ground, some laying their eggs upon the bare sand, leaves, or rock, while others build nests, either bulky or slight as suits their respective tastes ; hundreds construct their homes among the branches of trees or bushes, some close to the ground, others among the highest branches, and still others swaying from the ends of the outermost limbs ; other species lay their eggs at the bottom of holes in trees, either in natural cavities or in holes dug by their own efforts, the most noticeable in the latter class being the Woodpeckers, which often chisel their way into limbs of living trees. The study of nests alone is most interesting ; the rude and slight platforms of the Herons, Cuckoos, Grosbeaks, etc.; the rough but sub- stantial structures of the Robin ; and the exquisite, architectural creations of the Hummingbirds, Flycatchers, Orioles, Bush-tits, etc. Surely the work of some of these little feathered creatures, these "homes without hands," show as great a degree of skill and artistic temperament as is seen in the human race. The eggs of the different species vary through all the tints from white to blue, green and brown, some unmarked, others handsomely specked, spotted, blotched or wreathed with different shades of brown, lilac and lavender, and their sizes vary from that of the diminutive Hummingbird to the Albatross, Swan and California Vulture as the largest North American eggs, and the Ostrich of Africa whose egg will contain several quarts. The nesting season ranges from January with some of the Owls to August in the case of the American Goldfinch, but by far the majority of species lay their eggs during May or June. It is at this period during their lives, that birds are at their best ; their plumage is the brightest, their voices are the sweetest, and their actions the most brilliant. The purpose of this volume is to furnish a reference and guide to all bird students who may desire to study the home life of our feathered creatures, by a description of how, when and where they build their nests, and the appearance of their eggs.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.