Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-24
MANY WINTER BIRDS
The Feathered Songsters
Found in This Locality
IN sEQUESTERED HOMES
THE MIDDLE LINE CONTAINS
BOTH NORTH AND SOUTH BIRDS.
Some Of the Various Species That May
Be Found on a Stroll in the
Country in Winter.
IN SEQUESTERED HOMES
Written for The Evening Star.

Written for The Evening Star.
A list of the birds that may be found
at this season of the year in the District
of Columbia would probably surprise those
who see none but English sparrows. How
ever. it is fact that this small area of
country gives food and shelter to nearly
a hundred species, including water birds.
The reason for this large number is found
in the geographical position of the District,
which lies on the middle line. not only be-
tween north and south, but between two
important faunal areas or life zones, and
so contains many representatives of both.
The winter climate is cold enough for the
hardy kinglets winter wrens and myrtle
warblers, which have passed the summer
far up toward the arctic circle, and is yet
SO mild that the hooking bird, cardinal
rosbeak and kingfisher are embroidered to
remain here. After all, it is question of
food supply rather than climate. shelter
and nourishment are all that required,
and this neighborhood furnishes these in
abundance.
In the Zoo Park.
Nearly all places outside the city limits
are good places to find birds-in winter or
at any other time-but some places are bet
ter than others. Probably the most favored
locality is the Geological Park. This tract
of land is remarkably adapted to bird life
in winter; the high wooded banks of Rock
creek shut put the cold and retain the heat
of the sun; the streams are almost always
open, thus affordng suStenance to those
birds which take their food from the water,
and the clumps of bushes which cover the
banks keep their seeds and berries until
spring. In the patches of pine on the
west side one may generally find little
groups Of tufted tits, chickadees and
downy woodpeckers feeding among the ever
green branches, sheltered from cold and
wind and making cheerful remarks to each
other, although they rarely sing in winter.
The kingfisher sounds his loud rattle as
he goes tearing up the creek and plunges
into the water to snatch an unwary MIN
now; the Carolina wren whistles his clear
three-syllabled call from the dark thickets,
for he is a shy creature and oftener heard
than seen; the nuthatch utters his curious
nasal note as he winds in long spirals
around the tree trunks, exploring every
crevice in the bark, and song sparrows fit
about the waters edge
The New England Favorite
In the deer inclosure one is likely to see that
New England favorites, the white-throated
sparrow or Peabody bird. In company with
English sparrows and juncos the white
threats CLEAN the scattered grain left by the
deer and will be readily known by the
black and white stripes on the head and
a distinct white patch on the throat These
are resident from September to May and
on mild day. from the sunny side OF a
thick evergreen tree there may come soft
sweet whistle that stirs the heart of the
northern born and gives him a thrill of joy
or perhaps Inconsistencies. Senator Hoar was
very fond of this bird which he called the
ffe-bird. and one of the last drives he took
about Washington was to the park in April
to hear the white-throats sing They begin
In March to get their voices in tune and
with practice the sweet notes grow stronger
and clearer. and before they leave they are
in full song. On their leisurely journey
north they are supposed to announce to
the waiting farmers through whose lands
they pass that it is time to SOW wheat
Sow wheat, Pepperly, Pepperly," being
the old-time Interpretation of their song,
although a certain Tom Peabody in Massa-
chusetts fancied they were calling Here
Tom. Peabody, Peabody" and hence the
name Peabody bird.
On WoodIey Lane.
Leaving the park by the Chevy Chase
gate and taking Woodley lane across to the
Tenleytown road. one Is likely to meet
many old friends Bluebird families are
often seen frolicking in the smaller tire IS,
for these are the merrest of birds, not
withstanding their plaintive notes. and play
games of tag and Il spy by the hour.
If the day chance to be mild. with a sug-
gestion of spring, one may hear their sweet
MARBLE and will feel the winter Of his dis
content vanishing as by magic, while a
pair of goldfnches bounding through the
air above his head. calling wait for me,
wait for me-" Will assure him that life is
we'll worth living. Perhaps no winter birds
are dearer to US than these little finches,
whose tender musical notes as they sail
imaginary billows" enliven the drearlest
day and add cheer to the brightest Their
golden coat is now changed to one of sober
brown. in which we might not know them
but for their sweet voices and characteristic
flight.
In the tall trees along this road downy
woodDeckers. tufted tits and the acrobatic