6 PROPAGATION OF WILD BIRDS 



and well versed in the signs and ways of these destroyers of 

 bird life. 



Food Supply. The maintenance of a supply of food is an 

 important factor in holding birds upon the land. Under 

 diverse conditions there will be a variety of berries and food- 

 plants growing naturally. The ruffed grouse is fond of the 

 fruit of the sumac, partridge-berry, wild grape, hawthorn, 

 and in fact of almost every wild berry that grows in the 

 woods. I have even seen their crops stuffed with whole 

 acorns. The quail likewise feasts upon fruit and berries, 

 and is fond of the huckleberry pasture and the blackberry 

 field during the late summer. 



Planting Grain. Of course winter feeding is most im- 

 portant. The planting of patches of buckwheat, or other 

 grains such as wheat or millet, and letting it stand is an 

 excellent practice. The birds frequent such fields in the 

 fall, and are likely to be held there for the winter. 



Feeding Stations. There should also be shelters under 

 which grain is placed. Whatever form is used, care should 

 be taken not to have them so enclosed that a fox or other 

 animal could surprise and catch the birds when feeding. 

 So there should at least be openings on opposite sides. One 

 good way is to make a frame of saplings upon low posts, 

 quite close to the ground, and cover with a thick thatch or 

 pile of evergreen boughs. Build these in the haunts of the 

 birds, and do it before the severe weather sets in, so they 

 will get accustomed to being fed, and will surely go there 

 when in need. Wheat, corn, buckwheat, barley, or other 

 small grains, preferably in the shock or on the straw, are 

 good. Hang up such grain, heads down, so that birds can 

 reach it, but not the rodents. People often ask whether 

 the ruffed grouse or partridge will eat grain thus placed, and 

 I would say that it certainly does so. 



