Evening star., 1937-07-27

Yet OF all the fascinating birds which
come to the small garden, this is easily
first, in the opinion Of many watchers.
1t is at once beautiful and interesting
AS far IS our observations go, it remains
in one garden only a few minutes each
day. Last Winter we had four visit the
yard every morning-except Friday-and
while these patronized the feeding sta
tions, they ate very little, and never
remained in the garden more than Is
or 20 minutes, after which they disap-
peared until next day.
We have yet to see any particular
harm these fellows did to other birds,
but that. no doubt. was due to the fact
that the other Wintering specimens
were adults.
The beautiful wings and tail of this
bird are beyond compare. Few other
species can equal it. Even the splendor
OF the cardinal scarce is as lovely to
the eye.
AS for pep" verve, whatever one
wants TO call it, the jay is in class by
himself. His cries are loud but not
unmusical. even the most strident Of
them, while at times he can make as
soft note as any bird, seeming to say,
Pussy pussy. pussy or the like.
The startling is a most interesting
garden bird, provided it does not come
in too great numbers.
Its economic consequences are another
matter but the gardener who feeds the
birds may feel that he is not concerned
with these, that they will be taken care
of by others, and will work themselves
out over the years, just as the crow prob
lem was settled.
We doubt whether starlings eat the
eggs of other birds. or injure their young,
but no doubt some measure of all this
may be laid at the doors of most birds
Even Jenny Wren, tiny creature, is
said to deliberately toss eggs out of nests
every chance she gets.
We feel that what has leSsened bird
life in the suburbs everywhere is the
increase in human population
While there are many wild birds faith
ful to man, seeming to love his homes,
his hedges and his very presence, there
are many of the shyer sorts. rare crea-
lures, indeed, which will not keep to the
built-up localities.
AS long as suburban section presents
a truly rural appearance, the birds come
in great numbers, but as soon as all the
possible lots in block have been built
on, the number of motor cars increased,
and people are more in evidence, their
numbers begin to decline. This may not
be noticeable at first, and of course, is
influenced by such things as the thick
ness Of shrubs and the amount of berries
they present, the number of feeding sta
tions kept running and well filled, the
comparative QuletneSs, and so on.
Nevertheless, the birds Will decrease in
number, not SO much the standard
species, as cardinals, robins thrushes
and the like, but in such things as
chckadees. titmice, nuthatches and the
rarer types of woodpeckers.
There are always at any feeding sta
ton, and no matter where located GER
tain guests which the bird observer
might wish had remained away. Pigeons
and squirrels are certainly among these
English sparroWs. some say. Bluejays
and starllngs, others. Yet a few of all
these are not harmful in amateur bird
feeding, it is only when they increase
to great numbers that they become a
nuisance.
AT least let us have few jays please
This is brave, handsome, intelligent
bird, and, like most brave, handsome, in
teIllgent creatures, at times is cruel