2 THEA UW DUB ON BU Diy rane 
but the first named are their favorite food. I may also mention Siberian 
Crabs and apples when frozen on the trees which are very much relished 
in late winter by Bohemian Waxwings and Cherry Birds. 
Very respectfully yours, 
Cuas. W. Douc tas, Sr., 
Waukegan, IIl. 
Referring to the question of plants, shrubbery, etc., in attracting bird 
life: 
We have found that the following list includes most of those of special 
value in our locality: 
Native Elder Sunflower 
Mountain Ash Wild (Fox) Grape 
Buckthorn Beta Grape 
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Mulberry Blackberries 
Cedar Raspberries 
Hawthorn Currants 
Black Haw Strawberries 
The native Elder attracts more birds than any other shrub, especially 
the robins, grosbeaks, orioles, etc. The Mountain Ash is also specially 
attractive to the birds, and the others are very good. The Hawthorn is a 
favorite haunt of the warblers, kinglets and similar birds attracted by 
countless aphis frequently found in the foliage. 
The two grapes are particularly good, as are also the berries, although 
the latter is often at the expense of the family table. 
We have also a number of apple, plum and other fruit trees which are 
of course very attractive to the birds everywhere. 
We have found that box trees in tubs around the house always draw 
the chipping sparrows for nesting, and the wild currants are favorite 
nesting places for the yellow warblers and the red-eyed vireos. 
We have on our property an alfalfa field which the killdeer plovers 
seem to find very attractive for their nests. An undrained meadow in 
which are many native willows, cattails and marsh grasses attract in 
large numbers red-winged blackbirds, Maryland yellow-throats, green 
herons, bitterns and rails. 
In addition to all the food, cover, etc., we have found that several 
bird fountains in the gardens with plenty of fresh water is more of a 
drawing card than anything else. 
Very truly yours, 
Frank W. Commons, 
Minneapolis, Minn. 
