Evening star., 1947-07-02
This and That
By Charles E. Trace1DeIl

"kENSINGTON, Nd.
Dear Sir:
when I read Elaine's letter and your reply
In last evenings Star, was reminded of my
intention of telling you of my experience.
1T is worth trying for, this coming to hand
to be fed on the part of the catbird. I feel sure
the same bird has been here for at least three
summers.
Last year in the second half of the summer
she became so tame that she would always eat
from my hand. When she left wondered If
she would return.
This spring your column said the catbirds
arrived about April %. The month passed and
on the night of the 30th we had a heavy pro-
longed rain.
But when I came into the kitchen on the
morning of May l, there she was in the pussy
willow by the window!
Hastily got some raisins q had them soft
ened) and without any hesitation she came
down to eat from my hand!
1T was thrill shall never forget
How did she remember?
Now her mate does the same. Sometimes as
many as three raisins have been eaten while
clinging to my finger.
so tell Elaine to have great patience and to
cultivate calmness which one seems to transmit
to the birds. I feel sure she will have her
reward.
I'm these days of wrangling and turmoil
these so-called simple things of life-really
wonders of the universe-are a solace and
blessing to those who take the time to under
stand.
with thanks to you for the pleasure you
have given many, Sincerely, G. c. S."
GLEN HILL ROAD.
Dear Sir:
First, may thank you for the pleasure and
information your column has given me?
This morning a tragic incident occurred.
When the paper was pulled from the usual
tubular paper box, out fell nest and three
eggs.
"When saw the nest it was just heap of
dried grasses, weeds and twigs with nothing to
indicate its form.
THE three eggs were cream or ivory white
heavily streaked mot dotted or speckleO with
Fed brown These were most numerous at the
large end making the brown almost solid
color.
II measured one egg with calipers and it was
approximately 1916 of an inch by l1/16 OF an
inch
with the eggs were three feathers One was
31s inches, and the golden brown of brown
thrasher in the sun.
THE other two were dark gray brown and
about inches long. All were too broad and
rounded to be tail feathers.
THE incident made me rather sad as I am
curious to know what bird chose home so un-
wisely Gould you tell me? search of my
bird book was no help.
very truly yours, J. B.
Patience is, indeed. necessary to bring most
of our summer birds to hand.
Women, as rule, are more adept at this than
men, although this column several years ago
printed letter from man who had sue
ceeded in getting flock of chickadees to eat
out of his hand.
Food, of course, is rart of the plan. Seed
eating birds want seed, and others may prefer
raisins.
That gray bird" the squirrel, will come to
hand for peanuts, but one should be very care
full with him.
Any sudden move may cause him to sink his
teeth into hand or wrist and those needle-sharp
teeth 60 clear to the bone.
The resulting wound is nasty one to heal,
so the best policy in attracting squirrels, is to
keep the hands absolutely still.
As for the bird in the mail box, 1t probably
was q crested hycatcher.