Evening star., 1947-05-19
This and That
By Charles E. TraceUeU.

CHEVY CHASE, Md.
Dear Sir:
know that Baltimore oriole has just taken
bath in our bird bath and has been in and
out Of the yard all afternoon
This is the first one we have ever seen
in the vicinity and his visit makes a great
day to remember.
Very truly yours K. S. S."
CATHEDRAL AVENUE,
Dear Sir:
II am one of those who are fond of bird life
especially, and nature in general therefore reaG
your column with particular interest-not omit
ting your friend, Templeton Jones!
Several days ago, you spoke of the Baltimore
orioles and the interest of certain doctor;
also mentioned date of arrival here.
"Well, my pair of orioles which return an
nually, were heard in the sycamore high above
the house April 80, and seen May l.
"They enjoy almost sole possession, and
promptly chased mocker away who dared
perch on high branch. One season the nest
was hung on the tip (almost) of limb just
few feet higher than the second story windows
above the porch.
II later saw the young in the security of
hedge. The nest-especially the cords from an
old mop-remained two or three years dangling
in the air, until the branch end was carried
away in a storm.
Their bright musical notes are listened for
morning and evening" and although these birds
usually prefer the tree tops, I have at times
glimpsed their orange feathers as they investi
gated the various bushes near the house, or took
excursions to the woods nearby.
Sincerely, w. A. S."
EVANSVILLE, MD.
Dear Sir:
Yesterday at about II o'clock, and while I
was looking over my lawn, heard familiar
chirp-one which had not heard before as long
as have been in Washington and now three
years in Maryland-all told about 30 years
"It was an oriole.
'I originally came from Minnesota. There,
in the summer, the oriole hung his nest to the
branches of the elm, and as a boy used to take
great delight in watching the construction OF
that marvellous hanging basket.
mo scientist, or dozen of them, could ac-
complish this extraordinary feat
Carefully scrutinizng the gum tree I wit
messed the flash of gold way out on the end OF
branch. Immediately I recognized my old friend,
There he was, as sure as the sun shines.
You spoke one time about what the wild
canary eats. Out in Minnesota we watched
them eat wild hemp, especially in the fall of the
year.
"The wrens are here and the starlings are
suffering; three blue eggs mashed and empty on
the ground under the starlings' nest.
Yours truly, A. D."
ARLINGTON, Va.
Dear Sir
81 believe a Washington doctor wrote you
about wanting to see Baltimore orioles.
"A female oriole began building her nest in
clear view on lot across the street from me-
I'VE have put out four inch pieces of wool
for her, but as yet she is apparently not in
terested in man-made materials.
"The male comes around occasionally to
observe, but has taken no active part In the
building.
Tell my colleague he is welcome to come
over and observe fascinating process.
I'VE have enjoyed your column for years
Sincerely, K. C. L., NJ D."
These names and addresses with others have
been conveyed to determined Dr. A, who has
been trying to see q Baltimore oriole for the
past five years
The mother oriole is the genius of her
family. She alone constructs the nest and is
responsible for the marvellous weaving which
usually holds the nest safely in any storm.