Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-01-25
BIRDS WITH NERVE
m CALIFORNIA THEY. HAVE FREE
AND EASY WAYS.
Annoy tbs Children and Steal Articles
From clotheslinss-Gulis at the
seashers Are Wonderfully
Tame and soeiable.

NV first experience oil the fearless
ness of the California bird came to me
at second hand. writes correspond
emit of Suburban Life. 1t also came
near getting a small boy into trouble.
After we were settled in little home
the said small boy went to school on
his bicycle, down a busy avenue, with
street cars running TO and fro con-
stantly. Before he had made the jour-
new many times the child came homo
one evening and said:
"f wish the birds would leave me
alone"
What birds?" asked.
"Why, those little blackbirds you
see around he answered. when I'm
-lding to school they come down and
try 70 peck my hat off,
The child had always been truth
full child, but my faith in his veraci'y
was shaken. | gently expressed .
doubt, but tue boy backed up his as
sertion vehemently.
"They do it every morning" he per-
sisted and I had to let it go at that.
Later on. in speaking OF this par
ticular breed OF bird to nelghDor,
the boys statement was justified.
"Those little birds certainly are dar-
Ing" said the neighbcr. give seen
them try to take piece of bread or
cake from childs hand--and not
such a small child, either. They dom
seem to have the ordinary fear OF NOR
tails, probably because they are never
molested here in the city"
One morning, going out to the front
door. found caller. He was tiny
fellow, riding tricycle..
Hello" he said.
"IIeilo." l answered. Whats your
name?"
Henry" was the reply. Il live
over there" pointing 10 house some
distance across a vacant lot, and on
another street.
And what are you doing 80 far
away from home:" I assed. ,
81 want my little sisters shoe. It's
In your yard"
How did it get in our yard?"
"A bird took it off my mamma 8
cloihesline and brought it over"
And sure. enough search OF the
yard disclosed the little white shoe,
which the bird had pulled from the
line and brought over to us. The boy s
mother had seen the feathered thief,
snd watched it till it dropped its booty
in our back yard.
The tamepess OF the gulls at the sea-
shore is another source of wonder and
delight. When We go to the beach NO
save the scraps-of-onr- luncheon anu
use them as a coaXer for the gulIs.
Sitting on the sand. piece by piece tie
scraps are thrown around us. and h.
and by We have circle OF the beau
tiiul and graceful birds. all on the
alert for another piece, but equally
OIL the alert for the approach OF any.
thing which might be called an en-
envy.
AT last, when they have found out
that no aggressive move is made, the
creatures will approach, almost within
reach OF our hands. On the piers
where people are fishing, the gulls will
sit in rows. waiting for chance At
discarded bait or fish. People pass
constantly to and fro near them. but
they show no fear. Rules regarding
their protection are very strict. and
perhaps this is why they have learn
I'd 10 he so fearless.
In some localities in the city's out
skirts telephone and other wires will
be covered for block or more with
small birds. What they find 10 eat
i'll the city is problem. but they
thrive. Some of them are beautiful
Songsters, and all seem TO have cui-
livated friendly and fearless dlspo-
stion.