FEEDING BIRDS IN WINTER 49 



or becomes smaller, but previous to a storm and in 

 stress of weather the birds are about continually. I 

 began this work from love of the companionship of 

 these feathered friends, but the opportunities for study 

 are more than one would think at first. All the per- 

 sonality and individuality of the birds are marked, 

 and through having them at this short range, their man- 

 ner of handling food, changes of plumage, the bearing 

 of one species to other species, and of individuals of 

 the same species to each other, open up many lines of 

 inquiry. After once learning to take food provided 

 for them, the birds will come anywhere for it, to win- 

 dows on upper stories, to windows under deep piazzas, 

 or into the house, if offered near the windows. They 

 sit by the half hour, if their kind permit, on the bas- 

 kets or boxes, and never with an expectant eye indoors 

 from fear. They literally take possession of the places 

 provided, and make you feel an intruder if you inter- 

 fere with their wishes. 



" Of the experiences with individual birds which grew 

 to be on really companionable terms with us I cannot 

 write, but there are memories among them not to be 

 forgotten. That the same individuals among the mi- 

 grants often return, I could demonstrate if space per- 

 mitted. 



" Should one care to get on specially familiar terms 

 with the birds fed, I would suggest feeding at regular 

 intervals of time, which they would soon recognize. 

 It has always been my custom to have food in abun- 

 dance out at night for the early comers ; but when a 



