Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1944-03-27
This and That
BIZ Charles E. Trace1pell.

Snowbirds, or juncos, came in a large
flock to the feeding stations during the
recent snow and sleet visitation.
There were more of these than of the
normal visitors, the English sparrows;
the question was whether the presence
of the juncos drove the sparrows away.
So much enthusiasm is registered by
the average watcher over the snowbirds
that it is not seen just what good little
fighters they are.
Every common sparrow which came to
the feeding places while the ice lay upon
the ground was driven away at once.
No bird makes a better picture in the
snow than the junco. 1t is trim and well
shaped, and somehow seems to go well
with the background, as might be ex-
pected from its name.
The truth is that all the birds look
we'll against white.
This is particularly true of the robins
How their breasts glisten in the snow,
and how large and well formed they
look!
One of the finest bird sights during
the snow and ice was a fine robin which
started to hop through some day lilies
whose stalks were about inches high.
The bright green of these stalks above
the snow made brilliant contrast with
the general scene, and gave the robin
exactly the sort of background which
became him.
His breast literally cleaned among the
green stalks, as he picked his way
through them, coming to a halt as he
emerged, the very picture of a fine
feathered citizen.
1t is good idea, on such days if your
yard is host to number of squirrels, to
scatter the seed and grain for some
distance around the feeding station.
This permits the birds to get their
full share, whereas if it is all put in
the stations the squirrels will get most
of it.
Squirrels do not keep birds away, but
a number of them chasing each other
will do much to make the less agrees
sive birds keep at distance.
If the food is spread out, the timid
ones can come to the edge and gradu-
ally work their way inward.
The squirrels enjoy a cold day with
snow and ice when there is crust
which holds them up.
In the deep SHOWS they are less at
ease, and tend to keep to their trees. In
some OF the thick wet SHOWS not a
squirrel will be seen.
During the recent spell at least eight
and sometimes IL of them were in the
yard all day long. Usually there is one
specimen which seems to specialize in
driving all others away. But the others,
being squirrels, too, keep on trying to
come in. The result is much confusion
in the yard, to the detriment of the
birds.
Some observers believe that at such
times it is best to put out thin slices of
bread with peanut butter on them, at a
distance from the regular feeding places,
In order to lure the squirrels and give
the songsters better chance.
1t will be seen that no experienced
person tries to thwart the squirrels.
: That is really waste of time. SOUR
rels are hungry, too, and have very good
brains. We know one householder who
has been trying for years to fool the
squirrels, but he hasn't succeeded.
1t Is better to accept them, and use a
little brainwork, than to grow red in
the face over them and to spend ones
time trying to plan and construct
squirrel proof" feeding stations
If some of that sand which was Sc
cured to fight fire bombs is put out for
the birds, it will be put to a very good
use. Birds need some grit, ,and they
cannot find it when snow and ice cover
everything.
A pan of fresh water in the afternoon
is very good addition to the yard
where bird feeding is carried on. If the
water Is lukewarm when it is put out, 1t
will remain unfrozen for long time.