Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1930-03-14
Protect Our Song And Insec-
tiv0rous Birds.

At this season Of the year when practi
cally all species Of migratory birds (especi.
ally the song and insectivorous birds) are
returning to Maryland covers to begin
housekeeping for the season of 1890, it /:
very essential that we should give then
adequate protection. thereby assuring q
successful propagation season.
Our attention is very often called to the
fact that INSCRIPTIONS boys are killing song
and insectivorous birds by the use Of sling
shots. air relies and other means. which
is not only unlawful but very detrimental
to our supply. and again it is very annoy
ing to persons interested in birdlife to see
the depredations upon our feathered friends
by these boys. who. as rule. thong
kill or attempt to kill thru malicious devil
ment rather than for the purpose Of
securing food.
We are endeavoring thru the cooperation
of the State Board of Education and the
teachers of the public schools Of the State
to educate the pupils in the necessity of the
conservation of birdlife. and sincerely appre-
ciate the efforts which are being used in the
schools not only by the teachers, but also the
supervisors and county superintendents who
have intellectually endorsed our educa-
tional campaign and are cooperating with
US in every manner possible to make 1t
effective.
The agriculturists and gardeners of our
State should be v,ry much interested In
our program for the conservation of bird
life. as it is impossible to grow crops with
out the assistance of the insectivorous
birds which annually destroy millions of
insects and obnoxious weeds. which are so
detrimental to the growing of crops and
flowers. If it were not for the birds assist
ing in this manner. starvation would over
take the country in few years. Therefore,
we appeal to the aericulturist and gar
deners of Maryland at all times to furnish
ample cover and protection for the birds.
especially those which are 50 beneficial to
their interests.
The expense of building and maintaining
bird houses which furnish nesting places
for numerous species of birds is so small
that the general public should by all means
furnish more homes for their feathered
friends. Not only are the Lirds beneficial
to those persons interested in tilling the
soil and to those persons growing flowers
but the enjoyment received from the pres
ence of birds around the home and on the
properties is very valuable asset.
Chapter 568. Acts of 1927. provides it
to be unlawful for any person to kill. catch
or have in his possession, living or dead.
any resident or migratory wild bird other
than game bird; purchase. offer or expose
for sale any non-game birds. the plumage.
skin or body. whether said bird was
captured or killed in Maryland or within
any other State or Territory or country.
This Act also provides it to be unlawful to
take or destroy or attempt to take or de-
stroy the nest or the eggs of any wild bird.
whether same be game or non-game, or
have such nest or eggs in possession. under
a penalty of not less than $25. 90 nor more
than $4,000 for each and every offense.
We earnestly solicit the cooperation of
the public in assisting US to conserve our
song and insectivorous birds. as well as the
game birds of our State.
E. LEE LELECOMPT.
State Game Warden of Maryland.