70 BIRDS OF SWOPE PARK 



at knot holes and deserted woodpecker's burrows for nesting 

 sites. Scarcity of food during times of ice and snow in winter 

 might be another check. 



The number and distribution of birds with reference to 

 man is an interesting problem. Certain species, for reasons 

 unknown, shun the presence of man and seem to be unwilling 

 to modify their nesting habits. With the encroachments of 

 civilization these species are driven to more and more restrict- 

 ed areas, and are threatened with extinction. With others it 

 is the reverse, and they are rarely found far from human hab- 

 itation. This is indicated repeatedly in the report of the cen- 

 sus of the several sections in the Park. 



On the whole, partial proximity to man seems to be 

 favorable. The bird population is denser in a residence com- 

 munity supplied with many trees and shrubs than it is in the 

 deep forests. More birds will be found along traveled coun- 

 try roads lined with trees and hedgerows than will be found 

 along the same length of forest path. 



The ideal conditions that determine the numbers and dis- 

 tribution of the greater number of species of land birds seems 

 to be : First, presence of hiding places in the form of trees, 

 shrubs and other vegetation; second, proximity to man with 

 the protection afforded by his presence; third, provision for 

 nesting sites for those that nest only in cavities; such as the 

 Bluebird, Chickadee, Martin and Tufted Titmouse. A fourth 

 is the presence of food and water, which are usually sufficient- 

 ly available. 



To increase our bird population, therefore, we should 

 plant trees, shrubs and vines about our homes; we should have 



