HOW TO ATTRACT THE BIRDS 



By 

 FRANK F. PAYNE 



Secretary of the Dominion Meteorological Service 



After much discussion, careful observation, and tabulation in which the 

 number of noxious insects destroyed each day by birds, and found in their crops 

 and stomachs has actually been counted, the public has come to the realization of 

 the fact that not only do the birds add enormously to the wealth of a nation, but 

 that man could not live upon this earth without them. In the more enlightened 

 countries laws have been passed for their protection, and it is the duty of the public 

 not only to do what they can to further this object, but to endeavour to attract the 

 birds. In Canada, owing to the clearing of the forests over large areas, the birds 

 are left without nesting holes, always found in decayed trees, consequently the most 

 useful insectivorous birds are now found chiefly in or near such forests as remain. 

 In order to induce them to return to the open country, it is absolutely necessary 

 to provide artificial nesting holes or boxes, and it has been found that many of 

 these birds will readily take to nesting boxes. It is of course, the duty of the state 

 to provide boxes, and doubtless before long it will be considered as much a part of 

 the work of agricultural departments, as instructing the farmer regarding the value 

 of draining or the best grain to grow. In the vicinity of our cities and towns where 

 quantities of fruit and vegetables are grown, and insectivorous birds are so much 

 needed, the conditions for nesting holes are even worse, as all dead trees are cut 

 down. 



In addition to the economic value of birds is the great pleasure they add to 

 the life of mankind, and if we would keep them about us this can be done by a 

 small expenditure in nesting boxes, for it has been found over and over again that 

 the birds do not despise even the humblest cottage in the centre of a large city if so 

 provided. 



In order to further attract the birds to our parks and gardens, clean water for 

 bathing and drinking should be provided, and this may be done with shallow trays 

 sunk in the ground and sloping so that the water is quite shallow at the upper end. 

 Seed trays will help enormously, and quite open hanging baskets fitted with bath, 

 drinking and seed trays are sometimes provided. Suet, meat, fat and sunflower 

 seeds will attract many birds and induce them to stay. As the destruction by cats 

 is very great, lovers of birds should discourage the keeping of cats as pets, and all 

 stray cats should be destroyed. Material for nests such as wool and soft clay 

 scattered about will also help to attract the birds. 



There are so called bird houses of many shapes and sizes, but perhaps the most 

 common and least fitting to its surroundings is that fashioned like a human dwell- 

 ing on the top of a pole. These, of course, will attract the birds if nothing better 

 is provided, but they are expensive, and it is our object to suggest, if possible, the 

 most natural and least expensive boxes which also may be made by an amateur 

 carpenter. 



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