THE THREE GREAT PROBLEMS OF BIRD LIFE. 



I WOULD like to have you think of a bird that is not some par- 

 ticular kind of a bird, not a sparrow, nor a dove, nor a robin, 

 but just a bird. Do not imagine it as either large or small, 

 as having any peculiar shape, or any particular color, as a bird 

 that lives in some special place or feeds upon a certain kind 

 of food ; but such a bird as you might hear calling in the dark 

 and know it was a bird, yet know nothing more. I want you 

 to think just plain bird. 



This is easiest done by imagining that you are a bird your- 

 self. 



What is the first thing you would really long for ? What 

 is your greatest need ? 



If you were a boy you would say, "Something to eat." 

 Because you are a bird would your wants be so very differ- 

 ent? Men and birds are alike in that both have to spend 

 most of their lives hunting for something to satisfy their 

 appetites. Food is the first problem. 



What will be your next want ? Warmth, do you say ? It 

 is very necessary to keep warm, but with a good coat of 

 feathers and two wings, you would fly to a warmer region 

 just as naturally as a boy goes into the house when the air 

 nips too keenly. You will not be anxious on that score, 

 unless some accident befalls you. , 



A more important question with the bird is how to keep 

 away from his enemies. These hunt him constantly while 

 he is seeking his necessary food. To get his food without 



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