384 USEFUL BIRDS. 



calities the swarming House Sparrows will come to the feast 

 and drive the native birds away. A hinged shelf (Fig. 162) 

 supported by a light spring, which has been designed by a 

 contributor to Bird-Lore, is believed to be Sparrow-proof. 



This method of feeding gives an opportunity to see what 

 foods are selected by wild birds when given their choice. 

 It is interesting to note that the birds at our windows have 

 not learned to eat bread except in the shape of fine crumbs. 

 When birds learn that bread is good, they will eat it from 

 the loaf. Many kinds of food may be utilized ; doughnuts, 

 frozen milk, pork rind, nuts, and seeds all find favor with 

 the birds. Jays prefer chestnuts and corn. Sand and coal 

 cinders give birds the wherewithal to grind their food when 

 snow covers the usual supply of material on the ground. 



Every family living in the country in winter needs the 

 pleasure and community of interest to be had in thus cater- 

 ing to the wants of the birds. Each farmhouse should have 

 at least one window shelf for them. We should teach the 

 children to feed them and watch for them. Thus we may 

 benefit both child and bird, and gain pleasure and profit for 

 ourselves. 



Attracting the Summer Birds. 



The term " summer birds " may be defined as including 

 all summer residents, or those birds which remain through 

 the summer to breed. In winter we have only to offer food 

 to the birds to attract them ; shelter and protection will 

 retain them ; but in summer birds must have food, water, 

 protection, and a home. Food in quantities they always 

 need, especially when engaged in rearing their young. 

 Nature provides this in summer, but we may help them 

 even then by putting out favorite foods. The supply of 

 suet should be kept up until hot weather, and it is better 

 to continue it all summer, for its presence may decide some 

 of the resident birds to remain and nest near the house or 

 in the orchard. The male Chickadee will take suet to feed 

 to his sitting mate, and the parent birds will take it for a 

 part of their own food while feeding their young mainly on 

 insects. 



If we wish to attract useful birds to the garden, it is well 



