Evening star., 1947-12-27
This and That
Bu Charles E. Trdce1Dell

Cigar boxes still exert a fascination.
Here is man who makes bird feeding sta
tions out Of them and has had terrific re-
sponse, he says.
r. H. D. of Mohawk lane-we like that
Bethesda, Md, writes:
For several years we have had a feeding
station on the window ledge, second floor. con-
ssting of two or three cigar boxes nailed TO
the casing, with small can of water between
the boxes.
I'm these boxes we keep almost continually
large sunfiower seeds. peanuts and small grain.
1--WE have had with us the usual birds that
remain throughout the winter, in addition we
have had several, apparently migratory, that
we have not been able to identify.
For example, what is this red bird that is
smaller than the cardinal and you might say
solid red, with no black markings; he is
crested, and he remained only for two or three
days?
Another bird that we know is a member
of the grosbeak family, but which we are not
able to identify is crested his back and wings
are a bronze gray, and his breast is rose
colored. Is this the rose breasted grosbeak?
I'VE noticed yesterday, while the cardinal
was feeding, a brownish speckled, almost polka
dot bird; they were two. they did not feed, and
left soon. What kind was this?
"It is interesting to watch the various birds
and the manner in which they feed. For IN
stance, the chickadee will prefer large pea
NUT almost as big as he, to small grain, while
others will select sunflower seed.
I'VE are constant readers of your column
and needless to say we thoroughly enjoy it,
and it has given us added interest in our
feeding station and the wild life"
The small "red bird" probably is a purple
finch. This species has no real crest, but at
times the feathers on the head become very
much rumpled, giving the impression OF one.
The breasted grosbeak is seen here only
in migration 1t is gone by October. 1t also
has no real crest, but only feather formation
that at times may be called crestlike.
The polka-dot birds are young starlings.
These usually are very greedy, but prefer to be
fed by their elders, and even by mother spar
rows.
The use of an old cigar box as feeding
station is just another in the long line of uses
Of these remarkable productions.
In the old days the cigar box was made OF
the best woods, and put together with the best
craftsmanship.
The gaudy Autographs pasted inside always
fascinated children, especially; but their elders
treasured them, too
Then came the day of imitation cigar boxes,
made Of cardboard and so artfully colored that
they initiated the best cedar. They would not
do, however in the weather
The genuine cigar box would make good
feeding station It would need no painting,
and is Just about the right depth to keep the
seed from rolling of too much.
There will always be some seeds and grain
cast to the ground. This is as it should be- SO
that the more timid creatures may not be
subjected to the jostling and pushing that
takes place on the rim.
This jostling is not fighting, in any sense,
although it often is called that by observers
who do not watch closely. Mostly this pushing
is lust pushing. Get out of my way one
bird says to another 1t is all very human,
but seldom results in any real fight.
1t is nice to have fancy, customrouiit iced
ing station. but we believe the birds like one
made out of cigar boxes just as we'll What
counts with them in the cold is something
to eat. Put out the food, even on the ground,
and watch the fun. For eating Is fun, you
know.