When Doodle was examining the Scarlet Ibis in the front yard, the narrator recalls, Doodles hands were clasped at his throat, and I had never seen him stand still for so long. Why were Doodles hands clasped at his throat?

Doodle was scared of the bird.

Explanation:

Doodle was scared of the scarlet Ibis in front of the yard , this made he tightened his hands on his neck.

According to the narrator, doodle helds his necks with his hand and was standing still at a point for some long, which was actually awkward. This actions and unconscious display by Doodle are evidence that he is really scared of the bird.

answer; observation and imitation;