84 BIRDS OF SWOPE PARK 



the surroundings are in accordance with their instincts. It we 

 want them about our homes we must meet, in a measure at 

 least, their requirements of food and water, nesting sites and 

 protection from enemies. 



We are especially anxious to have the birds with us during 

 the summer as nesting birds for it is then that they are of most 

 economic value and of most aesthetic interest. If we provide 

 suitable environment in the way ^of hiding places, and food 

 and water, we may have a surprisingly great number with us 

 throughout the summer. Hiding places for their nests is of 

 first importance. 



For the Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Chipping Sparrow and 

 Mourning Dove we must have a tangle of low bushy shrubs and 

 trees if we would tempt these most valuable birds to be with 

 us throughout the summer. The Cardinal, the Summer Tana- 

 ger, Bell's Vireo, Mockingbird and Wood Thrush also nest in 

 shrubs and low trees, and occasionally come to our yards to 

 rear their broods. 



Other birds prefer larger trees.' The Robin prefers eithe * 

 the larger forked branches of trees, or else a cornice of the 

 house or any broad surface for a platform upon which to place 

 his mud-lined nest. The Crackle and the Blue Jay sometimes 

 come to our lawns and select the higher branches of tall trees 

 for their nesting places. The Baltimore Oriole suspends its nest 

 far out on the drooping branches. The Orchard Oriole a^ 1 

 the Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Warbling Vireo also prefer 

 trees for their nesting sites. I have had the Robin, Bluebird, 

 Bronze Crackle, Baltimore Oriole all nesting in a single big 

 elm tree in my yard during the same season. 



