•wren, nuthatches, etc., by takinj^ in no material to make a 

 nest. The chips and sawdust left after exca\ating act as a 

 bed for their eggs. Therefore houses put up to attract them 

 must contain at least an inch of sawdust. 



All nesting boxes, except those made from logs with the 

 bark on, should be painted. A dark green or brown is pre- 

 ferred. 



Purple Martin Colony Houses. 



The only specie which will live in colonies or use nesting 

 boxes with two or more compartments is the purple martin. 

 This bird, once common throughout the country, is found 

 only in certain localities to-day. Its scarcit)' is attributed to 

 the presence of English sparrows, which occupy martin 



Nest Shelter for Robins, Cat Birds, and Others— to be Placed in shrubbery on Post 



houses long before their rightful owners arrive from the 

 South. The German starling, which is increasing in numbers 

 very rapidly, is pro\'ing detrimental to established martin 

 colonies. The latter intruder can be kept out by making the 

 entrance 1^ inches in diameter, with a half-inch hole directly 

 above to admit light. English sparrows can be kept out by 

 covering the entrance holes from the end of August until the 

 following April. If, notwithstanding this attention, English 

 sparrows succeed in building their nests, a shotgun is the 

 quickest solution. Martin houses should be placed on poles 

 at least fifteen feet high, away from trees and buildings. 



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