Evening star., 1936-11-19
THIS AND THAT
BY CHARLES &. TRACEWELL.

at feeding stations maintained by bird
lovers.
These birds are always present, not
only because there are more of them, but
because they are smart enough to know
where food Is, wherever 1t Is put out.
From watching Old Whitley and his
pals we believe we have discovered that
these birds stick together in small bands,
probably two dozen to about so birds,
and that they come and go together.
We have stated that this particular
band spent the month away in Rock
Creek Park, but that was just based on
the fact that most birds go to forests to
moult.
1t may be that Whitley and his gang
were visiting feeder in some other
location.
From watching the band since its re-
turn, we believe 1t safe to state that such
bird groups find out where the feeders
are, and spend few hours first at one
and then few hours at another.
With Old Whitley and his unusual tail
and wing feathers to act as guide, it
is easy to keep in touch with the same
group. Without some such marker, or
indicative individual, there would be no
checking on group.
Last Sunday these birds appeared
early, with Whitley among them. He is
not a belligerent sparrow, but contents
himself with pecking in the direction of
another when he happens to get on the
feeder shelf first.
Some Of the other birds not only peck,
but flap their wings and in other ways
make 1t quite evident to their mates
that they want no companionShip dur
ing feasting time.
1t happens, though, that other birds
feel the same way, so that the fiuttering
and Tapping OF wings is tremendous.
Thus, though the original bird is not
driven away, often he gives up his place
through an attempt to keep others out;
while trying to peck them away he flaps
his wings so vigorously that he loses his
grip on the perch and must DO a little
flying of his own. While SO engaged
another bird slips into his place and in
turn tries to keep all others out.
This Is the perpetual comedy of Eng
lish sparrows at the feeding place, and
it is quite as good fun as some of the
more desirable birds furnish.
At any rate, whether one likes them
or not. they will furnish the background
to all the other birds, so it is just as well
for the person who establishes a bird
FEEDING station to make up his mind
to them and accept them graciously.
For the spirit of bird feeding is gra-
cious, If it is anything. One does not
have to do it. but does it out OF liking
for the wild creatures of feathered beauty
and grace.
1t is a good act In a naughty world;
the fortunate thing is that the birds
seem to appreciate it and come every
day for their dinner. One may feel, after
having fed them for several years, that
the very same ones return each Fall,
that they are on the lookout for the
same feeders. in the very same places,
and even for the very same sorts OF
food
Just as it is a happy thing to greet the
same pair of house wrens every Spring.
so it is equally so to prepare table OF
food for the same birds.
Far over the trees sounds the quer-
rulous Ma MAJ" of the nuthatches.
They follow right after the sparrows.
Now that Old Whitley and his cohorts
have found the feeders the two pairs
of nuthatches which were here last year
will show up on the same tree, walking
head down in their curious way.