BIRDS OF PEASEMARSH 



circle of suckers had grown up from the cut- 

 back ends, and the pruning of them that spring 

 was neglected. When the leaves were off in the 

 autumn we saw that in places where this 

 branch formation occurred Robins had built 

 their nests. We tried this with a chestnut tree 

 beside the window and soon had a happy 

 Robin's family. 



Much can be done to help the birds by tying 

 branches of shrubs and bushes in such a way 

 that they will form foundations for the nests, 

 and if some corner on the farm is left where 

 sprouts of trees and shrubs grow up at their 

 own sweet will, it will be a boon to some rare 

 birds. In a little thicket here left for that pur- 

 pose, we knew the Indigo Finch was nesting, 

 for we had seen his mate carrying in nesting 

 material, but not until the leaves were off did 

 we see the nest on a little cross branch of a 

 locust sprout, not two feet from the ground. 

 Such a branch formation so near the ground, 

 where there is plenty of surrounding cover, is 

 readily accepted by these birds. 



A thicket of shrubs, especially if old stumps 

 and tree trunks are there and the grass left 

 uncut, is a great attraction to all birds. It is a 

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