54 Bird - Lore 



Next to the passing fire-department, nothing occasions quite the stir that 

 the shrill cries and wheeling about of several Martins hunting for an abode do. 

 The whole family rush for the windows, and send up all kinds of silent petitions 

 to the flying birds to 'remain and try us.' 



In the fall and winter, I have made some bird-feeders and shelters. Juncos 

 and Chickadees have come and certainly brought their friends. An automatic 

 feeder is kept extremely active in the front parkway of my home. From the 

 way people handle and study it, kind hospitality is on the way for other birds. 

 Now I have a formula of various seeds suitable for all winter birds, and these 

 efficient garden friends are being properly attracted. 



I have tried both cypress and white pine for making bird-houses, and find 

 the latter the most practical and easy to work with. All my houses are built in 

 such a way that they can be readily cleaned. Either the bottom, side or front 

 is removable. Any boy who is looking for the most interesting pastime and 

 study had better 'follow the leader' Bird-Lore. Nothing can touch it for 

 wide-awake surprises and benefit. — Conroy Evans, Evanston, III. 



[The accompanying illustration is the best commentary on this article. Dog and 

 boy are equally alert, and the Martin-house pictured shows the thought and careful 

 workmanship bestowed upon it. — A.H.W.] 



WHAT I AM DOING FOR BIRDS 



This winter when the birds could not get much to eat, I put some suet on the 

 tree near our house, and I had fun watching the birds eating it. 



When it got warmer, I made a bird-house for the Wrens and put it out. I 

 am hoping they will like it. 



And I have noticed that the birds have come to our apple trees, and at first 

 we thought they were eating the frozen apples that are on the trees; but I 

 found out that they just wanted the seeds to eat. — Allen Duke (age ii), 

 Mt. Vernon, Iowa. 



WINTER PENSIONERS 



Every winter during November I put out feeding-stations. Heretofore the 

 Slate-colored Juncos have never stayed at my feeding-stations after the latter 

 part of December, but this winter they are still here in January, there being 

 at least three of them. 



As far as I can ascertain no one else in Ithaca has any Slate-colored Juncos 

 coming to their feeding-stations. Thinking this may interest the readers of 

 Bird-Lore, I am sending it in. — Donald T. Ries, Ithaca, N. Y., Jan. 6, 1916. 



[Who will keep a record this season of feeding-stations and their visitors? — A. H. W.] 



