GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES 



quently found to contain wasp-nests, spider-webs, or debris placed there by 

 squirrels. The houses should be placed in position before the time the birds 

 begin to arrive in the spring. 



Except for Martins, boxes should be made with a single compartment as 

 none of the other hole-nesting species is socially inclined. The second compart- 

 ment is more than likely to cause nothing but friction between two prospective 

 tenants. Boxes should not be placed closer than a hundred feet apart unless the 

 Club-house or some natural obstruction intervenes, as each pair of birds will 

 defend a considerable territory about their nest from aggression by other birds, 

 especially of their own kind. 



On the other hand, ^Martins will not ordinarily use a bird-house unless 

 there are many compartments where they can nest side by side and enjoy each 

 others company. 



The birds that will utilize nesting-boxes on a Golf Course are chiefly the fol- 

 lowing: Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Bluebird, House Wren, Flicker, Crested 

 Flycatcher, Chickadee, Nuthatch (occasionally). Sparrow Hawk, Screech Owl, 

 and of course the House Sparrow and Starling. On Southern Courses, Tufted 

 Titmice, Bewick's and Carolina Wrens may replace the Chickadee and House 

 \\'ren. 



Bird-boxes may be purchased from any of a number of manufacturers, 

 whose advertisements are frequently seen. The Golf Club Bird Sanctuary Com- 

 mittee of the National Association of Audubon Societies will furnish, upon 

 request, names and addresses of the nearest places where such articles mav be 

 procured. Any intelligent carpenter can make the simple forms of nesting- 

 boxes. Hundreds are made by students in manual training departments of man\- 

 schools. Boy Scout troops, when properly encouraged, often make them, and 

 the children are glad to find a local market. Specific directions and working 

 plans for building bird-boxes or Martin houses and holding local bird-house 

 competitions among the schools or Boy Scout troops will be found at the end of 

 this pamphlet and additional information will be mailed upon request. 



In building bird-houses one of the most important points is the position of 

 the opening. The sociable ^Martins like to sit on their nests and view the land- 

 scape but all other birds like to be out of sight while incubating or brooding 

 their young. The opening should, therefore, be above the middle on the front 

 or one side. 



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