Two Studies in Blue 167 



many are killed by birds of prey and animals that hunt 

 small birds. 



It would be interesting to know whether the same pair 

 returns each year to the box in the tree, or how many 

 different pairs have lived there. Sometimes the same pair 

 has returned, but it is improbable that they have lived 

 longer than three or four years. If one of the birds died, 

 the other may have taken another mate and returned to 

 the same home. 



I find it an easy matter to make friends with the birds. 

 If one has a yard with some trees and bushes, he may 

 have a real bird retreat. Fortunate is the boy or girl 

 who has a big yard with a tangle of bushes or an old 

 fence — some thick trees and a wild corner where the weeds 

 run riot. Under such conditions he ought to go right 

 into the bird business. Arrange a shallow dish or basin, 

 where fresh water may be kept every day for the birds 

 to bathe and drink. This makes a most attractive bird 

 resort for the summer. Then build some bird-houses, and 

 put them about in the trees or on some posts, and you 

 are sure to have tenants all summer. For the fall and 

 winter start a bird lunch-counter by all means. Nail up 

 a box or board just outside your window where you can 

 watch it and where you can set the table without the least 

 trouble. Then keep it supplied with a few cracked nuts, 

 seeds, and crumbs. Suet chopped in fine bits may be put 

 out, or a large piece may be nailed down, so it can be 

 pecked, but not dislodged. The news will spread, and 

 you will have boarders every day. If you are regular, 

 your boarders will be regular. The guests will assemble 

 even before the meals are served. In this way one may 



