10 
OHIO EXPERIMENT STATION: BULLETIN 250 
During- mild periods, the free lunch counter may not be visited 
with the same regularity as during- inclement weather. At these 
times, the birds are busy cleaning- up the dormant insect life which 
lies hidden away in crevices between or under the bark, among- the 
fallen leaves, and in various other places. Should these insects escape 
the birds, insect control would be much more difficult. This winter 
“cleanup” of insect life is a “stitch in time” and the encourag-ement 
and protection given these feathered friends is well paid back in 
beneficial service. 
PLANTING OF TREES, SHRUBS, ETC., WHICH WILL AFFORD BERRIES, 
NUTS, ETC., AS FOOD FOR THE SUCCESSIVE SEASONS 
The planting of berry-or of nut-producing shrubs or trees is 
one of the ways of providing a food supply for the birds. By choos¬ 
ing varieties that fruit at different periods, a succession may be had 
lasting the greater part of the year. There are many native varie¬ 
ties of plants, the fruit of which is eaten by birds, but the follow¬ 
ing are a few of the best: red cedar, any of the sumacs, wild cher¬ 
ries, service berries, bush honeysuckle, high bush cranberries and 
other Viburnums, elderberries, the various dogwoods, blueberries, 
huckleberries, winter berry, barberry, wild grapes, Virginia creeper, 
mulberry and pokeweed. Some of these plants, when found grow¬ 
ing, should be allowed to stand; many of them are among the best of 
ornamental plants for the home grounds. Moreover, when used in 
this capacity, they add greatly to the beauty of the landscape aside 
from the protection and food they furnish to the birds. 
i 
PLANTING OF SHELTER BELTS FOR WINTER 
The value of groups of trees, especially evergreens, in break¬ 
ing the force of the wind can scarcely be overestimated. Within 
recent years, such plantings have become fairly common, particu¬ 
larly with fruit growers. Wherever shelter belts or wind-breaks 
occur, birds are quick to take advantage of the protection thus 
afforded them from the elements. An evergreen screen furnishes 
greater protection in winter than one of deciduous trees, and many 
birds find snug roosting places among their amply clothed branches. 
Such a planting should be made on the west and northwest sides of 
the grounds, the direction from which come the prevailing winter 
winds. These trees should be allowed to retain their lower branches 
as well as be encouraged to make a dense growth. 
NESTING BOXES AND DEVICES 
To balance the conditions resulting from cleaning up of 
fence rows, underbrush and orchards, which deprive the birds of 
suitable nesting sites, everything that is possible should be done in 
