BIRD PROTECTION 313 



of Hawks, Owls, Jays, Shrikes and Crows are 

 recognized destroyers of eggs and nestlings. 

 Just what the extent of this destruction is has 

 not been ascertained, but enough is known to 

 justify the belief that the aggregate constitutes 

 a considerable factor in lessening bird life. 

 Snakes, foxes, skunks, mink, numerous rodents 

 and the noisy red squirrel are among the enemies 

 that prey upon both eggs and young, as well as 

 adult birds. So that the perils are many. A 

 season's daily inspection of the nests in one's 

 neighborhood will reveal so many tragedies that 

 the wonder is that any young survive. Add to 

 these natural marauders the depredations of the 

 house cat, the dangers of migration from ex- 

 posure, from losing their way in the fog, from 

 striking lighthouses and suspended wires of 

 various sorts, and the wonder grows. The dem- 

 onstrated ability to face so many vicissitudes 

 and survive in increasing numbers is excellent 

 proof of the hardihood and sturdiness of these 

 feathered friends of man. 



Every loyal citizen wherever and when- 

 ever opportunity offers should become a self- 

 appointed warden to guard and protect the birds 

 — the natural food conservators of the nation. 

 Is it too much to ask of all thoughtful people, 

 men and women, boys and girls, that they enlist 

 in the ever-increasing army of bird-protectors, 

 ready and anxious to do all in their power to 

 lessen their constant perils.^ An excellent test of 

 citizenship is one's attitude toward and interest 

 in the conservation of such useful and altogether 

 attractive creatures. 



