Evening star., 1949-01-29
This and That
Bu Charles E. Tracewell

Robins are on their way
We heard one-but did not see ton Jariu-
ary l6
That was in Chevy Chase, Nd
Try as we would. We could not locate the
singer out there was no question it was from
q robin throat.
Then on January 18, We received the follow
ing from M. j. L. Of Gambrlls, Nd The writer
said:
When I saw what appeared to be eight
robins high on the bare branches of a poplar
tree, couldn't believe my eyes.
I did wonder what large bird had a red
or rather orange breast so similar to robins.
That date was January 15
This morning I took walk in a rather
wild stretch of woodland and to my amaze
ment discovered large flock of robins feeding
on the ground
There must have been at least 100 of them.
This particular section is swampy and has
numoer OF plants still standing with their
seeds intact.
1T is place where jack the pulpit, holly,
dogwood and numerous ground -hugging plants
thrive
There was no doubt they were robins. I
even heard the characteristic robin warble a
couple OF times. I saw and watched them for
close to an hour
"A man near Odenton also reported that he
saw robin. He could hardly believe it, either"
This location about % miles from Washing
ton, Is Just an easy hyaway for birds
So all bird lovers must be on the watchout
now they have been warned.
Unusual weather-not hereabout but in the
South-may lead the bulk of the robins to fly
North far earlier than usual
In the past, these magnificent birds have
come to Washington sometimes in February
or March.
Usually they meet inclement weather, but
manage to stick 1t out.
People can help the early robins by putting
out raisins, suet and bread moistened with
water or milk
Doughnuts might be eaten.
Apples cut in half may or may not have robin
takers. We have seen them try apples, while
others say their" robins refused them
The main food for them is the raisin
1t is popular, Of course, with mockingbirds
and many others
People are always looking out for birds
A prominent dentist walked into the office
the other day, held out his hand dramatically
and said:
This is my contribution to the birds!"
His contribution was an idea.
And it was good idea.
1t is simple, too as many good ideas are
1t is to use the wrap-around protective caps
that come on milk bottles as water containers
for the birds.
These f1uted caps, easily removed without
harming them, hold water nicely and seem
to be attractive to many songsters.
The main point is that here is a simple way
for any one to help the birds.
1t probably would be done frequently by
persons who might not think to put out food
Once started, such persons might go on to
help the songsters daily.
sharp knife also might slice off an inch
or two of the bottom of a paper milk con-
tainer.
This would make an even larger water re-
ceptacle.
Let us hope that no one throws away the
milk bottle caps without filling them first with
a little water and placing them in the yard.
They can be put on porches even on rails
If tipped over or brushed from the rail, there
would not be enough water in them to do any
harm
The futed protective caps also can be used
to contain ground-up suet, bread crumbs or
seeds.
Birds like to find such small offerings in
odd places. Coming upon them suddenly, they
get . real kick" out Of eating In this way.