Evening star., 1947-06-20
This and That
BIZ Charles Z. TrdceDeU
RE-ruESDA A

Dear Sir.
MY husband and have enjoyed your column
in The Star for several years-in fact, ever since
we joined the vast army of bird enthusiasts. It
is about the first thing we turn to when our
evening paper arrives.
Last winter my husband made bird feeding
station which we located in the yard not far
from window 1t has roof and two sides of
screen glass which admits light but protects the
birds against the possibilities of injuring them
selves. They might fly against transparent
glass.
1T also excludes wind, rain and snow. On
one side there Is hopper large enough to hold
weeks supply of Seed There are also holders
for suet and peanut butter. 1t is always busy
spot and we have counted % varieties of birds
at or near the feeding station.
"We are learning to distinguish between the
many bird songs and to know the various song
sters by sight. To assist in the latter, we have
recently purchased pair of binoculars. !
"An amusing incident occurred this morning.
For some time we watched little song sparrow
feeding rather large gray baby bird about
twice his size. The song sparrow was hopping
around on the lawn near the feeding station,
and at every step Cor hop the young bird was
at his heels f1uttering his wings and demand
ing to be fed At intervals the sparrow would
turn around and feed him. We think 1t was g.
baby cardinal, as he looked like the same fellow
We have seen the cardinals feed. According to
our bird books, the cardinal is member of the
sparrow family but isn't 1t rather unusual for a
member of one household to feed member of
another?
1.-The English sparrows have built several
nests in the wistaria on the porch and the other
morning we were attracted by beautiful bird
song accompanied by loud cries of distress from
the sparroWs. We caught sight of large bird
flying away. 1t appeared to be one of the many
catbirds in our yard. Upon investigation we
found the sparrows' nests utterly destroyed. Al
though we don't especially admire the English
sparioWs we felt very sorry for them
I'VE don't know how many birds have nests in
our yard, but there is at least one family of
cardinals, catbirds and song sparrows My hus-
band made a lovely bluebird house and hung
1t in an apple tree, hoping that pair of blue
birds would make their home there, but so far
We have not seen bluebird. Can you tell us a
sure-fire way to attract them?
With many thanks for your interesting
column. Sincerely yours, E. w. B."
The hungry baby bird may have been a
cowbird
Young cowbirds are forever following SPAR
rows around to be fed. Perhaps they know that
the elder sparrows have kind hearts
English sparrows also are responsible for
many good deeds.
IldG Is not 10 De wondered at, OF course, since
they belong to one of the great bird families
1t will be noticed at any feeding station that
the common sparrows are accepted by all the
other species.
This should cause all humans who dislike
them to think twice before repelling what a
cardinal or junco accepts on equal terms
If the common sparrows are good enough for
these beauties, they ought to be good enough for
most Of us.
That small prince, the song sparrow, pals
around on equal terms with the English
sparrow.
OF the 10 different sparrows found in this
region, some half dozen come to the average
yard. Careful watching will prove to almost
any one, We believe that there Is not much diff
ference, after all, between them, at least in
terms of conduct
Catbirds often destroy nests of other species.
1t is common bird action. House wrens often
peck the eggs of other wrens.
Most suburban yards will have at least three
nestings at time. In our own yard this sum-
mer we have had blue jays, catbirds and cardi-
mails Matching out.
As for attracting bluebirds, there is no sure
way; the best one can do is to put up good
house, put out raisins. and hope for the best.
Houses should be put up by March / at the
latest, and are best placed on post with the
house not more than feet from the ground.
The house should be faced south.