BIRDS OF PEASEMARSH 



and the fact that they nest several times a 

 season is the only thing that saves them'. 



Even though they have so wide a choice in 

 nesting sites it is often impossible to find a safe 

 location. For several years they had nested 

 here about an old, overgrown, moss-covered 

 shed. One spring a very tidy member of the 

 family declared that the overgrown rubbish of 

 locust sprouts, wild plums, honeysuckle and 

 sumacs should be cleared away, the shed re- 

 paired and Norway spruce planted where the 

 sprouts had grown. So this was done, but alas, 

 for our Mourning Doves ! When they return- 

 ed, the over-grown shed was no more and we 

 have never since been able to find their nest. 



The Mourning Dove is interesting here be- 

 cause it is now the only Wild Pigeon. It is use- 

 ful because of its economic value, living as it 

 does exclusively on seeds, and a large propor- 

 tion of its food being the seeds of our most in- 

 jurious weeds. It is a beautiful bird and one 

 which every sanctuary should attract and pro- 

 tect. 



106] 



