SOME OHIO BIRDS 
11 
the way of encouraging- the birds to nest. Such species as the 
Woodpeckers, Chickadees and Bluebirds, that have been deprived of 
their natural nesting sites by the pruning away of dead branches and 
tilling of cavities, can be induced to build in boxes constructed and 
erected for that purpose. If properly placed out of reach of cats, 
artificial nesting boxes are usually inhabited. For birds not nesting 
in colonies, boxes of one compartment should be made. Boxes of 
this type should be built for Bluebirds, Chickadees and Wrens. 
Weathered boards and rustic or bark-covered houses, are better 
liked than new or painted surfaces. Chickadees prefer a box with¬ 
out a perch. Bluebirds like a perch upon which to alight before 
entering and Wrens are not particular, but will nest in anything 
from an old tomato can to the most carefully constructed wren-box. 
If metal is used, it should be placed in the shade and bright surfaces 
should be avoided. Purple Martins nest in colonies, but little or no 
preference is shown as to the choice of the structure chosen. It may 
be of the plainest type or an elaborate structure, in imitation of a 
cathedral or castle. 
MAKING BIRD HOMES 
Fig. 1. Manual Training Department of a public school, Portland, Oregon. 
Photo by H. T. Bohlman and used in Bird Lore Vol. 10, No. 3, p. 135. 
Houses of several compartments, erected upon poles firmly 
planted in the ground and from fifteen to twenty feet high, are best 
for this species. Martins are better able to protect themselves 
against Sparrows if a strong colony is established, as the Sparrows 
