All birds of prey have hooked bills. The eagle, hawk, and owl are birds of prey. Birds have nails on their toes; some have hooked nails which are called claws. Most birds have four toes, but the ostrich has only two toes. The parrot has four toes, two that stick out in front and two that stick out at the back. Some birds build their nests in the branches of trees; some hang them on the limbs of trees, like little swings; some build them in the grass on the ground, and some in fields on the ground. The lark often builds her nest in a wheat field. Some birds build their nests in hollow trees, some on high rocks, and some in sand. Some birds will fight with their bills and feet, and some with only their feet, and some with only their bills, and some with their bills and wings. The little sparrows make a great noise, and pick with their little sharp bills, and often drive away much larger birds that come to do them harm. Some birds take a bath in the morning, some at noon, some in the evening, and some may be seen taking a bath at any time of the day. Mother Nature provides all birds with a new suit of clothes each year, and a few birds get two suits a year. Their feathers get worn by use, and often broken, and if Mother Nature did not replace them, they would soon be naked, or shabby-looking birds. After the young birds are hatched, the old birds lose their feathers; they drop out one by one,- one from one side and then one from the other,— and as fast as they drop out, others grow to take their places; and in a month or so each bird has a new suit of fine, strong feathers. Many birds need their new suit to carry them to their far-away winter home. Some birds hide while getting their new suits. All birds are useful, but people often do not understand nor know how useful they are. In the summer they save many plants and trees and much fruit from insects. If you watch the birds that live where you do, you will learn what they eat, how and where they build their nests, and many other things about them. NOTE.-Ask the children to name and tell about birds they know and have seen. |