Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1917-05-17
NOTES BY OBSERVER.

NOTES BY OBSERVER.
Although this spring has been very cold
and backward, the birds made their re-
turn from the South rather earlier than
usual, and all OF our feathered friends are
here and busy with housekeeping affairs.
The robins made their nests before the
leaves came out on the trees, and OBJ
server has noted that the first brood in
some cases have already left home and
struck out for themselves. Even the
wrens have Matched out their young, and
we know OF some cardinals that are about
due. The birds seem TO be growing more
fearless, as if they know that they are
welcome in Shepherdstown and have
friends who desire to protect them IN
stead of harming them. In crotch OF a
tree along certain pavement, almost
within reach, Observer has been watch
ing a mother robin who has hatched her
brood in a snug nest, while those who
know her secret gazed rightinto her bright
ewes. She has seemed entirely unatraid,
though persons and vehicles pass almost
continuously. A pair OF cardinals have a
nest in arosebush right along the busiest
part OF Main street, and Mrs. Redoird
knows that she is safe, even though her
nest is known and can be reached by an
outsiretched hand. She has some human
friends who would fight for her if neceS-
sarY.
The orioles are numerous this year,
and their sweet song may be heard from
morning until night. There is popular
belief that orioles always build their nests
on the north side OF the tree, and while
this is usually true, Observer knows OF
some nests that were around to the SOUTH
east. The orioles are mighty nice neigh
bors. The bluejay is very unpopular
with the other birds and il must be admit
ted that his song is not altogether musical
but with all his faults, Observer likes the
noisy fellow, for he stays with US all the
year and has many good qualities. There
are great many bluejayS in town this
spring, and they have nests on Main
street in the tall naples on, later Hill.
The jays have plenty OF color and strident
voices, but no bird can be less obtrusive
than they when they so desire. Just
watch them when they slip in to and out
from the nest if you want to note their
cunning.
The martens, which arrived ahead OF
time this spring, have suddenly become
very scarce, and most OF them have left
town. They have left some OF their
most popular boxes. 1t. is thought that
the cold weather has caused scarcity OF
insects in the air, and the martens, lack
ing their natural food supplies, have re-
treated south. We hope that they will
return, for they are very friendly birds.
A little girl in town has been very much
disturbed over the probable fate OF FAM
lily OF wrens on her back porch. With
much confidence the wrens made their
nest where the folks could see them and
enjoy their home life-but they hadn't
counted on cats Now the little girl has
to keep close watch on cats for fear they
will devour the birds-indeed, she had to
drive away three murderous felineS inside
OF an hour or two. Which leads to the
that at least half OF the cats in
town could be done away with, and no.
body the worse off, 10 the great happiness
and prosperity OF our bird friends. There
have already been some sad tragedies,
and there will be many more unless the
cats are watched.