The Washington herald., 1911-05-07

leCteU ny laws ITOin INC TdNdkcb VI
I'LL spUrtsmens guns, aud the chief dang
~ ers which the inhabitants OF the air
are subjected to arise from the quar-
relsomc or prcying natures OF some OF their
own species.
Bird life at this season OF the year is IN.
teresting. As ii losing all fear OF man, the
birds quarrel and fight among themselves most
vigorously. The primary cause OF this Is,
that each pair has particular tree for its
nest, and the encroachment OF any stranger
upon the territory will call forth the most
determined opposition and vindIctiveness from
the residents.
Chief aIr0ng these bold warriors is the
small king bird, whose home Is generally To-
Gated in the orchard of some farm, or i'll the
trees near the living house. lie Is often prop
erly styled the tyrant fy.catcher, for he at.
tacks not only the bees and insects. which
are his foOt, but also any enemy that has the
temerty to cncroach upon his doninions. lie
is remarkably quick and active upon the wing,
and Is cndoM cd with degree OF courage that
will lead him to attack with boldncss an
eagle. hawk or crow.
In the early spring he Is ever watchiul Tor
the appearance OF any intruder, and when
one appears he darts forth to give battle,
with loud, shrill cry. His great wing power
enables HIM to rise above his larger enemy,
and down he comes upon the back OF his Toe
with the swiftness of an arrow, striking such
a sharp blow that feathers are scattered in
every direction.
Generally the foe endeavors to escape from
the scene as quickly as possible, but the de.
term,ncd little bird follows for a considerable
distance before giving up the battle.
a large hawk or crow will sometimes en-
deavor TO strike back. and 1 have seen two
king birds sally forth to give battle to such a
formidable enemy. One blow from the hawks
bill or talons would settle the fate OF the
small heroes, but they are always too sharp
and rlgilaDt to get in the way OF the deadly
weapons. Ii Is rare occurrence to see one
oil these large birds ot prey overcome king
bird.
While they will scour the woods and fields
Tor small song birds they Will generally hurry
away from the determined little warrior that
goes forth tc give them battle.
There Is another small bird however which
sometimes prove more than a match for the
king bird The purple marten Is even quick.
er upon the wing than the king bird and
this superior quality not only enables him to
avoid the sharp blows of the tyrant hy-catch.
er, but frequently 1t gives him such an ad-
vantage IN fight that he will succeed IN
driving tho enemy away.
The marten is very familiar and welcome
bird IN the spring. and its beautiful plumage.
changing from blue to green and from vioct
to golden purple, makes 1t a picturesque IN.
habitant OF the garden.
IL breeds IN boxes constructed for its nest
close to the house. and this frequently brings
it IN direct contact with the king bird One
or the other generally has to vacate the prem.
ises; but usually sharp, determined contest
Is frst wagcd between these two feathercd
fighters.
1he martcn NJ less quarrelsome than the
king bird, but should the latter approach too
close to his nest a battle will inevitably ioI.
low. Both birds are determined warriors
without a particular fear IN their ,nakc.ups
Each sallIes forth to the conflict with full
confidence in his powers
have often watched them fight IN md
air. There is series OF shrIll calls a. they
plunge up and down. one moment making
rapid evoiutions high in the air and the next
dashing toward the earth with almost the
speed OF lightning.
They tumble and fall over each other. make