Milford chronicle., 1931-04-17
Cardinal Suggested AS
State Bird For Delaware

The most important feature in
choosing bird to represent an or
der or a State is primarily that the
bird in question be a good one in as
many way sas it is possible for him
to be. By good it is meant that the
bird be of the greatest possible ben
eft to man as well as his neighbors
and tree-fellowS. The next thing to
be taken into consideration is the
size, color and nature of. the bird.
1t would be unbecoming of State
which is situated in the land of the
fathers of the country to have some
sweet little bird which did not pos
sessE sufficient force of character. to
make itself recognized anywhere in
its habitat. The color is really quite
an important factor, as children as
well as people viii remember a coli
or long. after name, or sound has
been forgotten. The, nature of the
bird is wOrthysof mention because a
Bird no matter beautiful or use-
full will make an uufayOrable ini-
preston IL it is possessed ofla nasty
temper or mean disposition. A bird
should, if possible, be CHOSEN from
among those who stay longer than
the others, The psychological re-
action is unfaVotable when. one tells
ones friends that the bird which has
been SO carefully selected is winter.
Ing. i'd the Bahamas. The friend
might possibly think that the bird
did not altogether. approve of the
State which Had conferred the un-
questionable honor. upon him. There
is no 1eYity intended by. this state
ment. That is the way many peo-
pies thoughts would react.
The Cardinal Grosbeak is the
most distinguished of all the birds
to be chosen for a State representa-
tive. He is first of all, q good fa-
ther and an excellent husband. This
is a significant fact. He is also one
of the most beautiful birds in exis-
tence. His carriage and bearings
are aristocfatic. He is polite to his
neighbors and is a very great gen
tleman. 1t is true that he has a
liking for cherries, but what bird
after all, does not? He does not eat
nearly as many fruits and berries as
do the majority of other birds. Del
aware is the State where many of
the most aristocratic families live or
have lived. 1t is good idea to have j
the State represented b ythis crested |
prince of the bushes. He does not |
stoop to soil his feet by walking on
the ground as does the more demo- |
cratic robin, nor will be venture to |
go lower than the level of the laurel |
bushes. |
The Cardinal Grosbeak is a bird
that should be seen far more Oftener
than. he is He is of the greatest |
value to the farmer and gardener
as he is most fond of many varieties |
of nOXiOus insects. He is of the |
greatest artistic value as his color |
adds charm and grace to any scene.
If he were to be chosen as State /
bird he would have the love and CO.
operation of every lover of birds in
The entire. State, and at present the:
number. of people who are trying to
help improve his breed are too few.
Almost everyone knows his beauty,
but there is as yet no concentrated
action on the part of any group of
people to help him along. i
It might be argued that the factl
that he is not seen often enough
would prevent his being chosen, but
/ good healthy effort to place him
II Office would show surprising re-
suits in about three years. AS he is
} member of the finch family, both
lie and his lady sing melodiously
With brief intermission, from May
o September. Once he is installed
le will not as a general rule mi
rate to warmer climate, and this
S an excellent feature about him
llso.
The Baltimore OriOle cannot be
accepted ON account of his name. It
would seem too much like robbing
he neighbOr's roOst. The Blue Jay
S a very striking and gallant fell
ow, but he has a bad reputation.
he lovely bobolink loses his beau
Y in the fall and then, it does seem
hat after considering our aristo-
ratio friend that consort of crows :
hould not be thought of. The Scar :
1t Tanager only stays from May to !
october, and prefers groves of oaks
} all else. The Yellow and Black s
iilled Cuckoo are too delicate and
re too easy prey for cats. The Vel: I
,w Breasted Woodpecker is most I
ljurious to trees, so his first cousin {
ne Red-Headed WoOdpecker must /
e ruled out of the lists. 1t would be I
DO easy to mistake the two. The
Ticker is too large and is too much t
f game bird to be selected. It /