254 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



) By Berton Mercer. ) 



ReFRESHMENT FOR THE BiRDS. 



There are many ways in which we can be of Service to the birds in 

 promoting their comfort, and many simple methods by which we can 

 »encourage them to locate near our dwellings. 



Some years ago we placed a small log, about two feet long, on the 

 ground in the yard under a maple tree. One side of the log was cut 

 out in such a manner as to form a little trough about three inches deep 

 by four or five inches wide. This we fiUed with fresh water every two 

 days and always kept it nicely cleaned. 



The trough was originally placed in the yard as a drinking place for 

 the birds during the summer, and we were more than repaid for our 

 trouble by the pleasure derived from watching them. First afew birds 

 came and inspected it, drank from it, and took an initial bath, and these 

 evidently appreciated the Situation and confided the good news to 

 others, and the number of visitors to the trough increased until finally 

 it became apopular "summer resort" with the birds intheneighborhood. 

 The different birds using the trough were Robins, Cat Birds, Song 

 Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows and Wrens, all of which took baths with 

 the exception of the last named; I never observed them do more than 

 drink. However the Wrens made a daily examination of the under 

 side of the trouge in search of any spiders, worms or bugs that might 

 be luring there. 



On many a sultry day in summer I have seen the little Song Sparrows 

 come up to the trough all dusty and panting with thirst. After taking 

 a long drink of the cool water, and indulging in a good bath, they were 

 completely refreshed and would frequently repay us with a sweet song 

 of thanks for the benefit received. Some times two birds would take a 

 bath at once, and it was truly amusing to watch them splashing and 

 hopping in the water, making it fly in all directions. and afterwards re- 

 turning to some shady nook to dress their feathers. 



Maryland Yellow.throat Nest. 

 During the past summer while Walking through a section of low land 

 where there was much coarse grass and low growth, I noticed a Mary- 

 land Yellow-throat sitting on a scrub bush with a mouth-full of sedge 

 grass, roots, etc. I stood perfectly still and watched him to see what 

 he would do. Presently, as if divining my attention, he seemed to say 

 "ril just show you where it is," and fiew directly to a bunch of tall 

 grass and disappeared. After a few minutes he came out again, looked 

 at me saucily and sang out, "Glad to meet you," "Glad to meet you," 



