Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1885-12-23
BIRDS IN ARIZONA.
The shrewi Man1-r in which the Road
Runner Destroys Snakes.

The shrewi Manner In Which tho Road
Runner Destroys Snakes.
Although not especially an enthusi-
ast in regard to birds, my attention has
been attracted to the great variety
here. One of tho most remarkable
kinds is known by the unpoctic title of
road-ruEncr. The name is certainly
we'll deserved, as it is q vcrtablc tramp;
but unlike the human species of the
same profession. it Is neither feared nor
detcstcd. On the contrary. this
feathcred tramp of the desert is re-
spccted, and its person guarded, by all
classes. The Indians regard the bird as
sacred. and to injure it would be
deemed sacrlcgc. Its great popu arity
Is derived from its invctcrate hatred of
reptiles, on which 1t wages relentless
and successful war. The rattlesnake
and ali other poisonous kinds are ITS
especial aversion. Its mode OF attack
on its enemy Is as peculiar rs the dis
like it exhibit. Being ever on the
alert for conquest, it catches it's game
mapping" and seldom fails to secure
an easy victory. The customary sleep
ing hours Of the snakes are when the
scorching sun has rendered the rocks
and sand too hot TO allow it TO travel
with comfort. Seeing it, victim in its
half-stupid coil from whence it is not
easily aroused, the bird commences
cutting of twigs, of the most thorny
species Of cactus, which grows every
where in profusIon. When Il sufficient
number of limbs is secured. they are
rapidly carried and quietly dropped in
circle abou. tho reptile. This work
Is continued until the fence is consid-
cred strong enough to serve the intend
cd purpose; and such is the dread of
the serpent for the sharp prickers on
the cactus limbs AMI leaves that 1t Is
said to prefer death from starvation
rather than to attempt 10 q cape
through the circle Of thorns, which
bristle at It from every d rect on. AL
though the snake Is frequently known
TO die In those enclosures from heat and
famine IL more frc ,ucntly falls prev
to hawks and eagles who take all
vantage of its hclplcssncss and carry it
of. In size the road runner Is arly
twice rs large ~ pigeon. Is of dark
brow color, me lium legs with .trong
bcak well adapted TO cutting OH twlgs.
and very long fan-!ikc tail. Unlike
the crow and some other birds who
perform good services to the farmer
by destroying worms and bugs that
make inroads upon his crops, and thea
turn and collie { tribute, this serpent.
hating bird asks nothing in return fof
services. IL is no doubt con scious of
having done u go vi deed. and Is sati =
fed with having done its duty.
The large SPOTTED mocking BIRD Is al
so well represented among the fe ti:crcd
tribes that congrcgaic h r.. These and
whitc-tailcd pigeons are mus cal rivals,
and their musical concerts arr conlin-
nous through tie day and night. The
notes of the former. however. are by far
the most musiral. those Of TIL pigeon
being more a wall than n song Why
90 many beautiful birds should ngrc.
gate at such an uninviting spot, where
| timber and water are scarce. and the
general means a subsistence apparent
Iy mcagcr, II question Tor those
versed In ornithology 10 decide. --ftou
chic a. IT, On. NJ Y. Posi-