Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-24
Solution of Startling
Problem IL Presented
TO The EaitOv Of The star:

10 tne Nqltog o. Tne STAR =
The wTitar does not know the exact
status Of the chronic struggle between
the authorities and the darling starlings.
However, he submits solution Of the
problem, which may, or may not, be at
tempted, but which has proved eflca-
cious elsewhere. When the human
forces are tired Of trying limb trimming,
stink-pots, hydraulics, Roman candles,
beaten tinware and all the other recipes
attempted or suggested, they may turn
with more than fair chance Of sue
cess to few loads Of hirdshot accu-
rately and regularly applied.
One small city In Western New York
State until recent years underwent q
plague Of starlings similar to that suf-
fered here. In that case they had pre-
empted the conlmuntty's one consid-
cradle park, with the result that 1t was
made largely unavailable TO substantial
citizens and spooning couples alike.
After weeks Of decorous Difference 10
ill-advised and injudieiously self-styled
bird lovers" with unsuccessful recourse
to flFe and water, etc., it was decided by
the city fathers that the enjoyment Of
the human populace was slightly more
important than the comfort and safety
of the pests. Four policemen, all skilled
gunners, appeared at dusk below the
laden trees and fired upward plenty Of
birdshot. The dead starlings were re-
moved by the street-cleaning depart
mont; the live ones promptly few on
Next evening q proportionate, but
smaller, slaughter ensued. The third
evening saw similar performance.
There was no fourth evenings shoot
ing, nor need Of any. There were no
more Starlings there, and have been
none since. The live ones took the hint
and are permanently committed to nj
raj life. The starting Is by no means
subnormal mentally, and In this case he
readily got the idea. As In countless
cases of desirable game birds and ami
mails, It was not found necessary to kill
all: KIN certain portion and the rest
fade away.
not, when analysed. What the intoler-
ant bird lover" seems entirely to over
look is the proved fact that to refrain
from killing the starlings does not re-
suit in more birds, but in the same or
smaller number of poor and largely
undesirable birds. The starting drives
out and supplantS his preferable feath-
cred neighbors. To put him where he
belongs-namely, In the country or in
refuse-results simply in the diminu-
ton Of the worst and the preserva-
ZION OF the best IN bird~l1fe. Rea-
soning as certain fanatics reason, It
is cruel and improper to kill wolves and
thereby have more deer. These "or-
nithomaniacs" should realize that we
are going to have about so many birds
to watch, listen to and enjoy. Do they
desire attractive or unattractive birds?
1t IS time they asked themselves this
question and gave a truthful answer.
know 1t is doubtful, even If It should
be judged expedient. that the local au-
thorities detail policemen to go just be-
fore dawn, the best time here, and dc
what the bluecoats Of this smaller city
so successfully did. I can anticipate the
"squawk" that would promptly come
from lovers Of starlings and Of cock
reaches. Just the same, the remedy
tried and true, is at hand and can be
used at any time. and the unorganized
but adamant society for the protection
Of crows, of starlings, and indiscrim-
inately, all of the creatures made by
God" should be far-sighted enough Il
keep quiet in case those in authority
should wisely utilize it.
r. M. MARCEAND.