66 



Bird- Lore 



should be taken in each fall and replaced in March. Cleaning a box is not 

 necessary under ordinary circumstances, as the birds will do their own renova- 

 ting, but it is well to have the top or one side hinged, so that one can get at 

 the inside if necessary, to throw out the nests of Sparrows, or squirrels, or mice, 

 or hornets that sometimes usurp the box before the birds arrive. Aside from 

 this there is little need of care, and at the end of the season the old nests can 

 be thrown out or left in, it making little difference to the birds when they return 

 the following spring. The lice which often infest the nests of Wrens are harm- 

 less and die soon after the young leave. If anything is to be done, the nests 

 should be sprinkled with insect powder while still occupied. 



THEIR FIRST BIRD-HOUSES. WHICH ONES ARE NOT CORRECTLY BUILT? 

 Photographed by Mrs. G. C. Hulvey 



TIME TO PUT UP BOXES 



The boxes should be in place as early in the spring as possible, especially 

 those intended for Nuthatches and Chickadees that are with us throughout 

 the winter. Although they do not begin nesting until April, Chickadees often 

 commence excavating their nesting cavities in February, and it is probable that 

 they have selected their nesting-sites by this time. Boxes put up after March i, 

 and even as late as May i , are often occupied the same year, but the chances 

 are much better if they are put up early. Anyone planning a bird-house competi- 

 tion in the schools should start immediately, so that the boxes will be ready by 



April I. 



QUESTIONS 



1. What birds utilize nest-boxes? 



2. Give three reasons for putting up bird-houses"? 



3. Give three reasons why it is advisable to have school children build them? 



4. What advantages can be derived from coordinating school-work? 



5. What advantages are to be derived from cooperation between the teachers of the 



different grades? 



6. What advantages are to be derived from cooperation between teachers and 



parents? 



