The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1900-01-24
Studying the Blrds.


and flowers, blossoms and sunny skies
come the birds, the'r a ing and nest.
ing, love songs and good cheer. Indeed
what would 0nr world be without the
native music and animation we find in
our wee songsters? Societies are being
formed everywhere in our country for
the protection of our bird friends, for
such they are, and almost part of our
selves. Who has not watched and wait
ed for the coming of the robin, the
meadow lark and the bonnie blue bird,
10 tell MS of the coming OF spring, Gro.
cusses and daffodills.
| am afraid that few people realize the
Importance OF encouraging the nesting
OF small birds about the orchards and
small fruit plats. They are staunch en-
emies TO the small fruit pests and insects
which destroy more fruit than the birds,
with the possible exception of the Eng.
lish sparrow. There are few birds that
ever become an annoyance 10 any one,
unless II be the man who is TOO small
minded to properly feed his own family.
just the other day heard a thought.
ful and intelligent mother tell friend
that she had bought gun for her boy 80
he could make more complete study
of ornithology, for he had cunning in.
terest and desire to know the bird king
dom. Now who on the face OF this green
earth loves the pop Of II gun? Does it
not mean destruction and war? II means
the taking OF life, not to say anything OF
the broken wings and limbs that have
been the result Of careless hunting.
Audubon and Wilson have made some
fine studies and illustration ofour birds
which any industrious youth may buy
with few dollars. Besides these two
ruthors there are Thoreau, Maurice
Thompson, Olive Thorne Miller, John
Burroughs and others. Most of these
authors have made their study of birds
by quiet observation among the fields,
woods, aud along the wayside. With ,
.he assistance OF pair Of opera glasses
lr field glasses, much could be done and |
now comes within the last few wears the
oi birds. Some one in
he last year has successfully made use
II the lens from the field glasses, which
s used in the camera, to take pictures
4 birds at longs distrnces.
There are so many possibilities in the
manner OF studying our little friends
'thont the use OF the gun, that that
Implement OF war should be discarded
3 means for carrying on scientific
tudy. Instead Of this cruel practice
It the young folks make closer observa-
ion Of the ieathery tribes as they come
. contact with them in the back yards,
he orchards and meadows The prac-
ce Of feeding birds in the winter season
u stated time and place will bring
rem TO the young student in such nam
ers and variety that the cold season be-
,mes as good time to carry on bird
ndy as spring or summer.
Encourage the young people to study
le habits of birds, for it is much better
know a family by their peculiar habits
I'd traits than TO be able to correctly ,
,scribe the color of their hair. Learn I
distinguish their notes, songs and I
ayiul moods, their calls and answers
short, their language. Observe their
ating times and songs, cultivate their
quaintanoe ON all occasions, undsr all
rcumstances, and YOU viii be sur 4
Used at their multiplicity ofduties ami Y
easnres, their mnumerable joys and
nitless resources for work, play and
lusement. Ii the people who are
oeked to see beautiful bird wing ON
handsome lady's hat, and who lay
AXE nights 10 prevent Dame Fashion 10
m debating such customs, would sp 9D
end hall the time ON acquiring real Ii II
owledge Of birds aud their service in m
IS world, thep would be much happier a. \,
i gain broader aud more useful ":
owledge. Learn to recognize bird We
an ornament wherever you see him, Of
l the fad for supervising milliners hs
m using their wings will mo- longer Go
'ass society. A day spent with the bSl III
ds can only h. happy one and add
lwledge, culture and refinement to ri,
person who enjoys the,iiversion. Ev
LADY RIRn. ss'
school LunehsOns. Pti