. Useful birds and their protection. Containing brief descriptions of the more common and useful species of Massachusetts, with accounts of their food habits, and a chapter on the means of attracting and protecting birds. Birds; Birds. THE PROTEVriON OF BIRDS. 389 native birds is found in all cities and most villages of the State. The introduced House or " English " Sparrow comes first, and occupies the boxes. The Sparrow will nest in all boxes except those that are suspended by a wire or rope. Bluebirds and Tree Swallows will sometimes occupy such Sparrow-proof boxes; but the farmer
. Useful birds and their protection. Containing brief descriptions of the more common and useful species of Massachusetts, with accounts of their food habits, and a chapter on the means of attracting and protecting birds. Birds; Birds. THE PROTEVriON OF BIRDS. 389 native birds is found in all cities and most villages of the State. The introduced House or " English " Sparrow comes first, and occupies the boxes. The Sparrow will nest in all boxes except those that are suspended by a wire or rope. Bluebirds and Tree Swallows will sometimes occupy such Sparrow-proof boxes; but the farmer need not use them, for he can keep his place clear of Sparrows by a vigorous use of the shotgun, and by putting up nesting boxes he may bring back the native ^irds. There are many localities where the Spar- row has never been very troublesome, and where native birds have contin- ued to breed practically unmolested. In such places we may put up fixed bird houses, with the confident ex- pectation that Tree Swallows or Bluebirds will nest in them, which is more than can be said of the swinging boxes. Nevertheless, where Spar- rows are very troublesome, the only Fig. i65.—sparrow-prooftox, bird box that is practical is one tha"t ^™^ ^^ ™^- is hung by wire. Sparrows seem to be afraid of any box or perch that is not firmly fastened. Wrens are not generally common, and the Purple Martins were so decimated by the storms of June, 1903, that people who can establish Martin colonies will be fortunate indeed ; but the Flicker, the Chickadee, and the Screech Owl are among the possibilities, while we may by chance attract the White-breasted Nuthatch, Crested Flycatcher, or little Saw- whet Owl. Let no one neglect to put up bird houses because of the expense. No money need be expended. Birds are not very fastidious about their quarters. Old, weather-beaten lumber seems to be more attractive to them than that which is newly planed or painted, probably because it resembles in appear
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