Birds of Allegany Park 247 



ter feeding, except perhaps with game birds, species that are given 

 special consideration on pages 249-253 of this report. 



The fourth method of attracting birds, by the planting of trees, 

 shrubs or vines, is not particularly necessary in the Park, except 

 in special places, because it is already well supplied with native 

 species that are attractive. There are a few favorite kinds with 

 particularly attractive fruits that are native but not abundant in 

 the region, and these could probably be planted successfully. They 

 include the red mulberry (Morus rubra), a great attraction to sum- 

 mer birds; the high-bush cranberry (Viburnum Opuhis) ; the 

 mountain ash (Sorb us americana) ; and others. These are exam- 

 ples of trees and shrubs that would undoubtedly be a lure to many 

 birds, inducing some to linger in certain localities and perhaps 

 remain over winter ; but they would probably not noticeably increase 

 bird life in the Park. 



Preservation of Natural Conditions in Parks. While the 

 various methods of attracting birds may be practiced with benefit, 

 it is of greater importance that the present conditions, which already 

 make the Park very alluring to birds, should not be greatly changed 

 (cf. Adams, '21). Often in city parks, authorities interested in 

 attracting birds set up bird boxes and drinking fountains, feed the 

 birds in winter, and plant favorite food plants ; but all of these 

 efforts are offset by the fact that in making roads, drives, paths, 

 picnic grounds, etc., natural conditions are destroyed, and bird life 

 is less abundant than when the region was wild. In the develop- 

 ment of the Allegany Park this can be avoided. The various 

 uses to which the Park is to be put must all be kept in mind and 

 coordinated, so that activities to create one result will not seriously 

 interfere with those that have other objects in view. The area of 

 the Park is ample for the construction of roads and trails, picnic 

 and camping grounds, and for providing leased summer home sites 

 without interfering with bird life. 



While there are nine species of birds in the Park that will occupy 

 bird boxes if erected, there are at least eighteen species that depend 

 upon low, thick bushes for nesting sites, and many more that often 

 use such places as a protection from natural enemies. The pres- 

 ervation of shrubbery, particularly thick, thorny bushes or tangles 

 of vines, is of great importance. 



It is noticeable that most birds prefer open areas, edges of woods, 

 or thick bushes that grow in good-sized clumps with open spaces 

 between, rather than dense growths of large area. The creation 

 of roads, trails and camp sites will in this respect make condi- 

 tions more favorable to bird life, so long as the intervening shrub- 

 bery is not removed. These principles should be kept in mind 

 in developing the Park, and making all parts of it more acces- 

 sible to visitors. No unnecessary removal of undergrowth and 

 thickets with the idea of making things " ship-shape " and park- 

 like should be allowed. To most people the natural growth is really 

 more beautiful than open, formal groves of trees, or roadsides bare 

 of bushes and vines. 



