NESTING BOXES 
119 
Sunflower seeds will attract chickadees, house-sparrows, 
crossbills, goldfinches, and evening grosbeaks. 
96. Nesting Boxes. — The putting up of nesting boxes 
in the yards is another way of attracting birds. In locating 
these nesting boxes it is essential to success that the place 
selected should be safe from cats. Cats will climb to the 
boxes if they can and strike the birds as they leave the nest. 
When birds are given a 
choice between several 
boxes put up in a small 
area, they seem to select 
those that afford them 
the best protection from 
their enemies. Boxe s put 
up on the ends of posts 
and away from trees seem 
to be preferred to those 
put up in the trees. Poles 
and posts may be covered 
with tin or sheet iron to 
keep the cat from climb¬ 
ing them. The size of 
the opening and the in¬ 
side space determine what 
birds will be likely to use 
the boxes. The table at 
the end of this chapter (see page 124) will give an idea of 
the size of the opening and the cavity and locations that 
are considered proper for some of our town birds. 
97. Bird Baths. — During the dry weather of July and 
August, the supply of water is greatly reduced. Sometimes 
the water that is available is in a place where the birds have 
no chance of escaping a cat that is lying in wait for them. A 
shallow plate of water placed on a stump or post in the shade 
is frequently used by the birds. Sometimes a dozen or more 
Figure 109 . — Hairy Woodpecker 
Eating Suet. 
Note the long, stout beak, the toe nails, 
and the tail used as a prop. How are each 
of these useful to the woodpecker ? 
