Photograph by George R. King 
A SCREECH-OWL’S FAVORITE NEST-BOX 
“Of bird-houses, to be supplied for those birds that nest about buildings or in holes of 
trees, there seems to be an almost infinite variety; tree stumps, real or artificial. boxes, cot- 
tages, houses, large and elaborate mansions, barrel-houses, gourds, flower-pots, tin cans, 
shelves, and all kinds of contraptions” (see page 176). 
The nest-boxes “on my place have 
been occupied by screech-owls, bluebirds, chickadees, tree-swallows, flickers, white-breasted 
nuthatches, and great-crested flycatchers” (see page 177). 
On suburban places and in the country 
the use of evergreens, large plantations 
when possible, is of prime importance as 
a protection from the elements, as a 
source of natural food supply, and on 
account also of the nesting sites they in- 
variably offer. Nothing is finer than a 
plantation of white pine or hemlock. 
Spruce and balsam are beautiful and 
offer tempting nesting sites, while the 
native red cedar seems a favorite tree 
for the nest-builders and also contributes 
161 
