222 



JUNCO 



of ragweed (Fig. 139) which, while nuts to them, 

 is a brow-knitting pest to the farmer. Mr. Nehr- 



ling after running 

 over the Junco's 

 catalogue, says that 

 he is "like all our 

 native Sparrows . . . 

 a very useful bird 

 to the farmer and 

 horticulturist;" and 

 the ornithologist 

 adds, " I cannot 

 refrain from repeat- 

 ing that in treating 

 the birds with kind- 

 ness we exhibit the 

 greatest kindness 

 to ourselves. 



We can appreci- 

 ate all Mr. Nehrling 

 says of the Junco, 

 for the little Snowbird is among our most cheery 

 winter friends, responding to all our advances 

 and coming to our very doorsteps for proffered 

 food. Even their tsip is pleasant, and as they sit 

 pluming themselves in the trees in the warm sun- 

 shine they often express their content in a gently 

 warbled chorus that is most grateful to the ear. 



FIG. 139. 

 Ragweed, eaten by Junco. 



