Evening star., 1949-05-16
This and That
, Bu Charles Z. Trdce,rell

At this writing, the catbirds had not
returned to our yard. We sincerely hope
they haven't forgotten the route.
Out Chevy Chase way, and in Kensington,
Md, they seemed TO be running little late.
But G. c. S. OF the latter community wrote:
"A pair Of catbirds appeared in the
usual pussy willow. and one came at once
to take raisins from my hand. What is the
usual life of a catbird? Don't you think this
spring is more beautiful than usual?"
Well, as to this spring being more beauti-
full than usual. we can't say We think it Is,
because we think all springs are beautiful.
There is something about spring that
leads to expressions of pleasure. One OF the
sad features of the modern world is that
the old time spring poem" seems on the
wane.
Surely, every spring is worth at least one
poem, and we mean one poem by each
person no matter how poor it is.
poor poem about spring is better than
a good poem about some of the odd subjects
often chosen.
We would feel happier, though. If the
catbrdS had shown up in our own yard on
schedule.
After all, what difference does it make
if other people have catbirds, If you have
none?
The catbird is a real feathered prince.
He is q true American, a character on
two legs.
He is not just accepted by every one, as
the robin is.
Some people. and honest bird friends, too.
have to make UP their minds about this one.
The catbird always wins out in the end.
though. He is so good bird, such a fine
friend to have around. He is a great singer,
but not every one realizes 1t. Some think
him as good as the mockingbird
His unusual look, the way he turns his
head, causes some observers to shy away
from him. for a time, but before long they
always come around. There is no escaping
his charm.
He is so trusting that he comes to almost
any one for raisins. his favorite food.
He seems to have little regard for the
harsh facts of life when he builds his nest
in a low shrub.
We have wondered if Blossom the possum.
as we now call her. frightened our own cat
birds away.
Blossom still comes to the top Of the porch
every night. to perch there for q while.
Catbirds might not like her, even II their
paths seldom crossed. Catbirds might smell
her You see they build their nests in the
shrubs along the porch.
CatDlfOS i've ABOUT years, II tney arc
fortunate.
Catbirds are dark gray. with the dark
cap Some people confuse them, at nrst.
with Knockers. but the latter have no caps
and show white In their wings when they ny
"wooDLEY PLACE.
Dear sir:
"As an old Washingtonian and old Bur
leith neishbor, may ask you why q robin
pecks at q window pane for hours daily?
This sometimes makes me nervous after
the novelty has worn off-what can be done?
Sincerely. c. B. r."
Robins and others-notably cardinals end
jays-peck ut windows because they think
they see a rival there.
Just why some specimens fight their re-
Elections in this way and why all OF them
don't do 1t. has never been explained.
Our correspondent is fortunate. for the
woodley Place robin does not begin until
8 an, whereas some of these fellows start
at 4:3o am, or $3.50 o'clock. as you try to
fool yourself or not.
The remedy? Soap the pane. or hang strips
Of paper or cloth outside. Either way breaks
up the reflection. One may have TO follow
the bird from window 10 window. II nothing
is done. the feathered one finally quits. after
few days. He has too much to do. ale. too.
thinks spring iasbeautiful.