154 Wild Bird Guests 



tree at least it is in such a place that it will 

 be most quickly discovered by the birds. Until 

 the latter become acquainted with it, food should 

 be put in both trays. The lower and unprotected 

 tray is the more conspicuous and will, of course, 

 be seen first. When the food has gone from that, 

 or sometimes before it has gone, some of the 

 birds will find their way to the upper tray and the 

 rest will soon follow. After that no more food 

 need be put in the lower tray. In case the birds 

 are a little slow in finding their way about, one 

 or two crooked twigs arranged so that they 

 connect the two trays, will usually show the little 

 guests their way "upstairs." These twigs may 

 be removed a few days later. The glass apron, 

 in addition to serving as a protection from the 

 wind, admits light to enable the birds to see what 

 they are doing, and also permits the host to see 

 his guests at dinner. For several years now 

 we have had an "Audubon" food house in our 

 garden, and during the winter there is a continual 

 stream of birds going to and from that house. 

 Our neighbors report similar experiences. Birds 

 feeding in either this house or the "Weathercock" 

 would be in little danger from a cat even though 

 the latter should climb the pole. The cat would 

 have to climb around over the under side of the 

 food tray and while the birds would of course 



