The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-11-25
BIRD LIFE IN THE CITY.


They VIII search Ont Flowers and Bits OF
Grecn, and scraps Is Food win Their
Friendship Many species TO Re seen.
1t might seem strange TINT any birds should
prefer to live in cities OF brick and stone In
preference to the swcct-sceutcd fields Of the
country. and that nests should bo constructed
under the corniccs of the house. on chimney
pots. and around shutters and blinds. when leafy
bowers In the col woods and forests invite the
birds to safe retreats. The presence III spar
rows and pigeons In most american cities has
become so common as not to cause won
der, but IT Is always with surprise that
some people hnl the nest 4 n Woodland
songster near home, when there seems 10 be no
excuse for such m uncoEgcnial existence But
a city to the dcnizcns " the air is not entirely
devoid of beauty, for there are many roof gar
dcns. parks. and bits " natural scenery where
they can get glimpscs of things which are de-.
MED 10 the sight OF the ordinary pedestrian be-
low. A birds view OF n city in the summer sea-
son would reveal many unexpected spots Of
beauty. glowing with blooming flowers, green
plants, climbing vines. and shady trees. Many
of them are high up In the air, exposed from
some window, on n roof. or in a conservatory en-
tension. opened to welcome the fresh air.
In city squares. shaded with trees, and In tbs
green parks birds might he expected, but else
where one would hardly look for meeting with q
thrush, blackbird. blue tit. wren. robin. or any
OF the other song birds OF the woods. In Paris
there are many bits uf hidden gardens that at
tract song birds near the houses, and II is not
unusual to he awakened in the morning by the
shrill SONG of n thrush or robin. Even In Lon
don and New York stray wanderers locate them
selves near window gardens high up in the air.
or on q tree that has pushed its way up between
the rows Of houses. Jackdaws congregate in
numbers in English cathcdrals. startling
the night visitor with their unearthly
c~roaking. which minelcs sometimes with
the tones OF the organ or sweet chimes.
The storks of Strnsburg are well known
as city inhabitants. Bats tenant bclfry tow
ers, ruins. and deserted buildings in every city,
and their swift, sladowy flight in the dusk OF
the evening startlcs visitors who venture into
such uncanny places. The doves OF Italy have
been immortalizcd in Hawthorne's Marble
Faun." and one Immediately recalls Hilda in
her high tower feeding and watching them. Ia
America doves ARE rarely met, with in cities,
they occasionally steal II march on some thrush
by stealthiiy laying an .Eg IN IT'S nest to be
swallows are frequent visitors in cities, es-
pecially in those situated near marshes and the
sea coast. where they, are assured Of plenty OF
pcrtinence they descend Chimneys and build
their nests on the insid, OF the brick structure.
where they are apparently safe from all harm.
Hut the modern revolving chimney ycntilator Is
rapidiN dr If a lnG u 1irL + i, nw mai These hes bird s,
ties for COMPANIONS. but ~ the cities they are
more the FREUD. of those living high ny above
the pavcmcnts. They seldom venture down in
the streets. but over the tops of the houses they
sweep In graceful circles, entertaining. hum
dreds of silent watchers in the homes of brick
and stone.
In the scaboard cities the roof watcher sees
many birds which people dwelling below never
dream of finding near nj hand. Long lines of
hawks, gulls. terms. and other sea fowl fly across
and lakes. Sometimes. as II interested in the
strange appearance of the city. with its curliug
~ before continuing their flight. \ few venture
closer to the roofs, but the rumbling noise and
safe distance. Tired with their long flights,
wild pigeons in former days frequently lighted
upon city houses, and. meeting no harm,i they
have been known to return many times. q,
In nearly every city there is Ia great quantity
the birds. especially in the autumn, when their
natural supply OF food Is growing scarce. Ia
the course of II month make II temporary rest in
some town or small city. where they dcvour the
fppi mem ""q 81 P's scattering 81 'nS'f plenty ,Tts az" OF t crnmbs o ON
the roof OF a house at this season, one will soon
c,isa disd n9gh' III" .n"d at N a ions d iir ! nneeSd
after once being fed will be sure to return.
place pnS to- to- stETdy the - migr%t{nss BIRDS in the !eii.s
BY taking u station behind u chimney at . safe
olstahce me nGncry x rhrns :. Gan nn n9 st iiasso Ie y
by day they will return. and IL fed regularly
they will often defer their journey south until
very cold weather OvertakcS them. Then, as IN
loath Ia say farewell. they. Will finally take "A
hastv departure. As migrating birds remember
very well their old feeding places from year TO
year they are apt To hunt out the same house.
next season and renew their Visit.
Birds love gardens and flowers. They will
search them out In the drcnrlcst place, even In
the very factory districts OF III" city, where
curling clouds OF smoke obscure the bright rays
OF the sun most Of the day. y roof garden, or u
high window garden. fragrant with blooming
plants and green vines, will attract the delicate
umming bird. the sweet wren, the noisy spar
row. the bright chippy. and the tunetul thrush.
Place a cage snngst"r near the window, and his
shrill notes will soon bring companions to the
place, where, amid The green bowers, they will
chirp and pick upthe crumbs OF bread ana grain.