Evening star., 1947-09-17
This and That
BIZ Charles E. Tracepell


BETHESDA, Md.
Dear Sir:
please let me know if fall is good time to
start feeding the birds.
Il have been told that spring is the best
time, but have become interested and would
like to begin now. if it is all right.
There are many birds here I have never
seen in my native State. I think it would be
very interesting to find out about them this
winter, so that when spring comes down this
way I would know something about them.
VERY truly, M. l.. M"
Autumn is very good time to begin bird
feeding.
It gets both the birds that remain here and
those in migration.
One lures the others, as they see some at a
feeding station.
Then by the time winter really begins, those
which remain here have found refuge from
the cold.
Then, too, by spring, it is an old story
both birds and the "god behind the window"
are all ready for good season.
BY all means, begin feeding now.
Put out some seed and grain on a certain spot
every day.
Fix up small, shallow pan of water and
place it about 10 feet from the feeding place.
Do not pay too much attention to the birds
at first. Take things easy. If they do not
come, at first by being somewhat luke warm
in attitude, the watcher should not worry.
Worry is one of the great joy chasers, here
as elsewhere. That Is why we advise beginners
not to pay too much attention, at first.
After awhile, a better perspective will come,
but in the first days; if one concentrates too
much everything will seem to call for drastic
action.
Every squirrel that comes will seem to be
driving the birds away. Some species of birds,
such as the jays, will seem at first to be doing
the same thing
The result too often is that the beginner
grows red in tho face.
He spends all of his watching time trying
to drive some hungry creature away from the
food which he has just put out.
He forgets that when he establishes a free
lunch, he cannot rightfully quarrel with the
hungry ones that come to eat 1t.
BY taking it easy at first he finally gets a
better attitude of tolerance.
One can learn a great deal, at this innocent
sport of bird feeding, if he will let the
creatures teach him just little.
They have lived long time, and have
worked up a pretty good idea of tolerance of
their own behind those feathers and that fur.
Man is wise, at least in his own eyes, but he
1t not wise enough to dispense with the simple
wisdom of the wild creatures.
Therefore, he is willing, ne Will md that
the birds and the few small animals that come
to his seed and grain are able to set him
firmly on the path Of liberation, so much
needed today the world around.
Everywhere, we read men are killing each
other, because they have failed to watch the
small creatures, and to see how it is that they,
although without formal learning are yet
able to get along in the woods and fields, at
least without too much killing, one for another;
they slay each other, but at least they are not
organized in their killing; they find 1t ex-
pedient, for their own sake, to kill as little as
possible.
If the dumb animals can achieve this wisdom
of the everyday, why cannot man, with all his
position "a little lower than the angels" do
likewise?
It is high time: and II he gives over the
longing and the search, he will end UP less
than the animals he has scorned SO long.