The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1918-10-05


made to attract and protect birds and
to increase their numbers. Where prop
er measures of this kind have been
taken an increase Of several fold In
the bird population mas resulted, with
decreased losses from depredations Of
Injurious insects.
The means Of increasing the num-
Der Of birds about the home are few
and simple. They comprise adequate
protection and the provision of suit
able nesting places, food and water.
Protection is the prime requisite for
increasing the number Of birds In any
area, and the results Of protection are
In direct proportion to its thorough.
ness. Besides being insured against
every form of persecution by human
kind, birds must be defended from va
rious natural foes. The most effectual
single step is to surround the proposed
bird sanctuary with a vermin-proof
fence. Such a fence should prevent
entrance either by digging or by climb
ing, but will serve its greatest use Il
It cannot be climbed and is therefore
cat-proof. If 1t is impracticable to
build an impenetrable fence, the next
device is to put guards Of sheet metal
on all nesting trees and ON poles sup
porting bird houses. This should be
done In any case where squirrels or
snakes are likely to intrude, as 1t Is
usually impossible to fence out these
animals. Tree guards should be 8 feet
or more above ground. Attacks by
hawks, owls, crows, jays, or other enc
mes are best controlled by eliminating
the Obstructive individuals.
a Breeding Places.
Although considerable number OF
our ative birds build their nests on
the ground, the majority place them
In trees or shrubs, either In holes or
on the limbs or in the crotches. Shrub
berry and trees for nesting sites, there
fore, are essential for making q place
attractive to birds, and double pur-
pose Is served IL the kinds planted are
chosen from the list Of fruit-bearing
species given farther on. Shrubs should
be allowed to form thickets and should
be pruned back severely when young
so as to produce numerous crotches.
Constant removal Of old trees, and
modern tree-surgery, have resulted in
a great diminution In the number Of
tree cavities, the natural homes of
most Of our hole-nesting birds. For
tunately, most Of these birds will util-
lie artificial nest cavities, or bird
houses.
Styles Of bird houses may be varied
almost endlessly. These structures
may be improvised by anyone, but they
may be purchased also from numerous
dealers.
The most common errors in putting
out bird houses are choosing poor Ioca-
lions and supplying too many boxes.
A bird house needs only partial shade,
and houses on poles usually are taken.
Martins prefer house standing apart
from trees.
Birds Seek Privacy.
Az rule birds do not like being
and If place is studded with |
bird houses only a few Of them will
be occupied. Birds not only do not |
want bird neighbors too near, but are
impatient of human meddling, and
therefore should have as much privacy |
as possible during the actual incubat-
Ing and brooding. Nests built In shrub |
berry are especially liable to come to a |
bad end IL the birds are disturbed
If ground-nesting birds, as bobolinks, |
and bobwhites, are to
be protected, grass In the nesting fields
must not be cut during the breeding |
season.