Innumerable quantities of seeds of plants and weeds which would otherwise overun our gardens are eaten by the birds. This, together with the fact that these same birds with their brilliant plumage and beautiful songs, are a valuable asset to our neighborhood, ought certainly to impress us that they are deserving of our assistance and protection. Assistance is best afforded by preparing suitable houses and feeding shelves for them, and also by placing bits of string, horsehair, and other nesting material convenient for them. Protection is simple and may be limited to laws safeguarding birds from harm, to killing off as many as possible of the English sparrows, and to seeing that cats are not allowed any undue opportunity for harming them.
Fig. 1. Blue Bird Feeding Young.
The boy or girl who puts up boxes for the birds to nest in, supplies them with drinking and bathing places, and provides food for those species which remain in winter, is certain of an unfailing source of pleasure, which can never be known to any one who pursues them with airgun and stones, or simply ignores their presence. The chances are that the bird-loving boy or girl will make the better citizen.
Birds That Adapt Themselves to Nesting Boxes.
There is quite a large number of birds that easily adapt themselves to the artificially made house. The main thing is to consider the type of house that will appeal to the intended tenants, one that approaches nearest to their natural desires and nesting sites.
Bluebirds and house wrens are the easiest to entice to the nesting box. Plain weather stained boxes or those covered with bark have proven to be the best type.
Purple martins nest in colonies but are scarce now in contrast to their former numbers. Tree swallows take to the boxes, but if an occasion arises where they have a choice between the box and a natural cavity, generally the latter will be selected.
Fig. 2. Blue Bird Entering Box.