30 



THE BIRDS 



In view of their economic value we should endeavor in 

 every possible way to protect the birds (Fig. 26) . Two ways 

 of doing this are easy. First, we can provide about our 

 homes bird houses (Fig. 27), either homemade or purchased, 

 of such a type that certain kinds of birds can build in 

 them, and be safe from all their enemies (Figs. 28 and 

 29) . By feeding the birds and providing nesting places, boys 

 and girls have a fine opportunity to study their little feath- 



FiG. 28. 



Fig. 29. 



I i yip 



2^ ^. IJMi 



Fig. 2S. — A Bluebird at nesting box. Bluebirds, too, are not over particular 

 as to their nesting sites and will often occupy such boxes as are acceptable to wrens. 

 They are attractive and desirable bird neighbors. 



Fig. 29. — House Wren at nest box. Though tiny, the wrens are atoms of 

 concentrated energy, both as to incessant, bubbling song, and the catching and 

 eating of myriads of insects of many kinds. (Photos by B. S. Bowdish, Secretary, 

 New Jersey Audubon Society.) 



ered friends. Another admirable way in which to protect 

 our birds is to feed them during the cold, snowj- weather 

 in the winter, when their natural feed is buried or covered 

 with 'ice, and without the help of man many are sure to 

 starve. Suet, meat, fine grain, and bread crumbs are easily 

 given and will be relished. By having a board outside of 

 the window to which the birds may conio to eat, they can 

 be studied and made friends with while pecking at the food 

 (Fig. 30). 



