CHAPTER II. Around the House 



ONE does not instinctively, perhaps, turn 

 to the immediate neighbourhood of man 

 to find a special haunt of birds, yet for 

 all that bird-life is there to be found 

 in profusion although it may not be of a very rare 

 kind. The feathered population is well aware of 

 the fact that where man is, food can be found in 

 plenty, and they are quick to recognise and take 

 advantage of any encouragement that may be 

 given them. A little food thrown out of the 

 window during the hard days of winter will not 

 be without its effect on the chorus of song in 

 the spring, besides the opportunity it affords of 

 watching at close quarters those that partake of 

 the meal. Before me, as I write, is a cocoanut 

 shell containing meat fat, suspended from a branch, 

 and on it a Blue Tit is performing some of the 

 prettiest of acrobatic feats. All members of the 

 Tit family are fond of fat or suet, and the simple 

 expedient of hanging it up at once prevents it 

 being speedily devoured by birds for whom it is 

 not intended, and forces the Tits to show off their 

 agility and grace. 



A special interest attaches to all birds that can be 



persuaded to nest in the garden, for it is then easier 



to watch the progress made. The eaves of the 



house itself are favourite nesting-places of several 



12 



