Evening star., 1949-12-24
This and That
Bv Charles E. TraceweU


my camera during the dire cold mornings,
took q chance at my pet feeders-jays, q
family that expect me on the spot on the
dot with peanuts-but where to bury them
they wonder quander and describe this
dilemma most vividly by trying the hard
ground but persisting for more and more
nuts to capture while leaves seem the only
cover up temporarily.
when we fans write you we usually have
desire to credit you with most of our in
terest awakened for the wild birds we hope
will remain through the cold with us to
cheer.
my shed roof is wonderful escape feed
ing spot from the other such desirous ones
who get after what falls to the ground-of
course, the squirrels love the fun, too. and
I do enjoy what the early dawn stirs up in
showing out Observation-Disclosures I've
written you for the chickadee information
and love the pair-and when titmice also
arrive-scarcely lately
~
'The enclosed two snapshots I'd like you
to gaze on were indoor takes-the window
closed and through glass panes-a side lamp
was the only light the recent gloomy morn
ings, though this color film would have done
wonders. I want my artist daughter to tint
set for me from the next negatives
developed. Our first oldest d. belonged to
Audubon Society when not through George
Washington and married-so with us the
family gtrls-now married-all have loved
nature and even our boss, Adm. c., who
was reared in Ohio on . farm has made
much Of his mockingbird, and squirrel chat
ter add up to enjoyment Is retired-perma-
nently now.
"Will enclose my return addressed
envelope. II you will please let me have back,
please.
Respectfully, most sincerely. E. M. c."
Here's wishing everybody bluejay In the
yard during the holidays.
If any bird may be said to exemplify
cheer. it is this rascal. .-+...
One calls him rascal in the same way one
speaks of child or pet animal OF whom
one is very fond.
The rascal" part Of 1t is just praise. not
dispraise.
This is because the jay has certain quail
ties one must question. 1T times. yet his
overall qualities set him high in ones
regard.
He is bright, intelligent. persevering. bold,
loud-mouthed, humorous
He Is friend Of man, and does much
service to birds. The latter is sometimes
overlooked, but what Is the Jay really doing
when he seizes q peanut and flies away
with 1t?
He is going to bury it, no doubt to return
to It, but so exciting Is his life that the
chances are he will never find it.
That is where some other hungry creature
comes in. The smaller bird, or squirrel, finds
the nut the jay has hidden, and enjoys 1t
Just as much as the jay might have done.
Another service bluejays do to other birds
IL well known. It is to warn them Of ap-
uroaching enemies. Not only does this big
blue fellow see the hawk before any other
species. but he Immediately sets up clamor
heard far and wide.
Even the hawk, floating on lazy wings.
hears him. and may shy away, knowing that
the prey already has taken to fight.
Fortunately for other birds, our hawks
take but one bird at time.
The pathetic little pile Of feathers that
bespeaks a Life snuffed out is not seen too
often This Is good especially at Christmas
tide, when we need every bird.
Do not forget the songsters at this season.
put out bread for them, If nothing else. and
raisins for the Knockers and others. Between
these two foods, all of our wintering birds
will get some help.
Another food easily secured is beef suet,
and this is preferred by woodpeckers and
Others Put the suet on nail high on q
tree trunk, to get 1t out Of the way OF
leaping dogs. which are very fond OF 1t.
Il you have mockingbird, tempt him
with raisins. doughnuts and an apple cut In
half. For the seed eaters, sunflower seed are
the universal favorites
! DO not forget shallow pan Of water.
for many birds like their holiday bath. -
Well o. drink.