_ opportunity to study his moods and desires and find out 
how much they are like your own. If you put seeds, cooked — 
cracked wheat, or other food scraps on his table, where 
you can conveniently observe him, while, at the same time | 
there is enough privacy for the peace of a self-respecting 3 
towhee, you will see that he has problems similar to yours. 
_ Nature has satisfied one primeval need in providing his 
clothes for him, he is satisfied with simpler food and shelter, __ 
he has instincts, which you have forgotten, to help him; but — 
even a bird has to adapt himself to his surroundings as 
much as you. In doing this any creature develops particular 
individual ways to assist him in its life struggle. If you help 
_ birds to satisfy their appetite they will show you that they 
also do not live to eat alone. | 
| In the beginning of your acquaintance ae your new 
tenant you may not see much more than the flirt of the 
_ white, “banner marks” on his tail, as he vanishes among > 
friendly leaves, but as time goes on he may place such con- 
fidence in you that he will come when he hears your call. 
A lover of these birds has so accustomed them and their © 
young to her that when she calls, “Come, birdies, come! 
Come, get your dinner!” the thicket of brakes, spirea and | 
syringa near her side door on Puget Sound will suddenly 
seem alive with moving wings and shadowy forms. On 
every side the invisible bird paths and winding lanes have 
a occupants which approach too softly for an untrained ear 
to hear. 
While watchin once at her oe the table ephend with © 
bird delicacies it was first occupied by a brave masculine 
soul who stood belligerently watching his approaching mate > 
until she stood still, before he gobbled the dainties which 
pleased his cultivated taste. She seemed as well trained as 
any member of an Oriental family, for she waited patiently 
while her lordly consort satisfied his appetite. As she 
waited, an Oregon Junco approached and on him she vented 
her displeasure, for she drove him from the neighborhood. 
143 
