Evening star., 1950-01-07

Cardinal birds as shy bathers was demon
strated the other day In a nearby suburban
Maryland bird bath
Many observers believe that redbirds do
aet batlae ct aI.
They say this because they have not seen
them do 1t.
II they watched more patiently, and for
longer period. they would learn the truth,
thst cardinals are shy bathers. but that they
|a~> : tis ~ ~ = GO o''''A '''e''e''
pair Of the redbirds new down into the
corner Of the yard where q pedestal bath
YVES the chief ornament.
This was q case where an ornament was
also functional.
Modern homes and home decorations have
gone overheard" on the question Of func-
ton.
One might think nothing any good unless
it functions"
The birds know little OF the artistic quail
To them, it is pure utility.
Well, this pair of redbirds flew down.
The male lit on the brim Of the bath, but
his mate perched in nearby shrubbery, few
feet away.
The male, a splendid specimen, unusually
rel, dipped his beak in, and seemed about
to fiutter into the water bodily.
Just at this moment, a white -throated
sparrow new onto the rim Of the bath.
They were cousins, OF course. but the very
presence Of any other bird caused the male
cardinal to fy to the bushes.
No sooner had the sparrow flown away.
than the cardinal came back again, dipped
his bill in, and again looked as II he might
take dip.
Again he was thwarted.
This time q bevy OF common sparrows
came into the bath with splash.
1t was too much for the male cardinal,
which Immediately Joined his wife in the
shrubbery.
When the sparrows departed, the male
redbird tried it again.
He few over, and actually dipped into the
bath, but again was frightened out.
It was 4 single English sparrow this
time
The only thing one could make Of the
performance was that this particular speci-
melt, and he was typical Of them all, sim
ply would not bathe with other birds around.
He few away q few feet perched on the
fente, and began to shake himself vigor-
ouslT.
It was by this shaking, rather than actual
seeing, that observers realized the bird had
TAXI n bath, or at least part of bath.
II is mate never once deigned to step into
the water.
s such sights should not make any one be-
lie, e that this bird never bathes.
The cardinal refuses to be promiscuous
bal her.
Tor him, rather, quiet spot with no
ont around.
.'hen he bathes freely.
THAT is one good reason for trying to keep
tn. garden bird bath filled during the win
ter. It is fact that cold winds and lack Of
rainfall make 1t dificult for wintering birds
to find water either to drink or bathe in.
Most species that stay here seem to like to
bathe as much In winter as in summer. It is
with them q question Of getting rid Of old
stale oil on their feathers, and permitting
fresh oil to come out on them. Feathers are
fragile, but when properly oiled, as nature
intends. they do a magnificent job in flying
and protecting.
In an open winter, baths will seldom
freee up. but when the weather is colder,
squb rels ana the larger birds together man
age to break hole in the ice Large fish
| pool, offer little chance for bathing since
| they are too deep for most birds. The best
wav to provide for bird friends Is to have
| at le sst two baths not more than two inches
deep One Of these may be elevated and
| the other on the ground, or even sunk in
1t. 1sirds like both types and freely patron
izs them In winter as well as In summer.
Batt ug - IN au-the-year- around sport with
| them % with ~.