BIRDS OF PEASEMARSH 



storm, and a nest built there is exposed to the 

 view of the bird enemies. The winds and the 

 prying eyes of bird nesters are the very things 

 from which the birds require protection. 



The extensive cultivation of the country has 

 interfered much with the birds that nest on the 

 ground. In many places it is difficult for them 

 to find the tall rank grass that shelters them, 

 or the stumps and stones beside which they like 

 to make their homes. Those that nest in the 

 meadows are in constant danger from agricul- 

 tural implements, or from the trampling of the 

 stock. Many accidents to the nestlings are un- 

 avoidable. But much might be done for their 

 preservation if some spot not necessary for 

 cultivation were left for them and the grass 

 allowed to grow tall and rank. In a surpris- 

 ingly short time the birds would learn that 

 this spot was safe and many would make their 

 homes there. Tall, rank grass or brush heaps, 

 are a great attraction to the Song Sparrow. 

 Here in the orchard when the brush, after 

 pruning, is piled in little heaps, it sometimes 

 happens that before they can be burned some 

 member of the Sparrow family is making a 

 home in one of them, and so that particular 

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