Nature Study has recently been recommended by a well-known Daily
Paper as a means of gradual relaxation from war-worry. Mr. Punch would
therefore like to contribute for so noble an end a few ornithological
notes, having for a long time been addicted to the observation of
bird-life.
CUCKOO.--This bird, which obtained its name on account of the
similarity of its note to that of the Cuckoo-clock, was one of the
earliest sufferers of the housing problem, which it successfully
solved by depositing its eggs in the nests of other birds.
SEAGULL.--When the eggs of this bird are hatched the mother-parent
feeds its young on the glutinous substance that oozes from
sea-weed--hence "Mother Seagull's Syrup."
THROSTLE.--_See_ THRUSH.
PIGEON.--This bird was used as a message-carrier with great success
during the War. An attempt to cross it with the Parrot, to enable it
to deliver verbal messages, was unfortunately a failure.
SPARROW.--Bird-fanciers experience great difficulty with this bird
when kept in captivity, as it frequently develops jaundice, in
which case it can only be sold under the name of "Canary," at a big
difference in price.
GUILLEMOT.--The name "Guillemot" is derived from the French word
"_Guillemot_," which means a Guillemot.
LARK.--The protective instinct in this bird is very marked. Although
nesting on the ground it soars high into the sky for the purpose of
leading aviators and balloonists away from its young.
GOLDFINCH.--A favourite cage-bird. The best method of catching the
goldfinch is to wait until it settles on the lowest branch of a tree,
then approach it from behind and gently tap its right wing with your
right hand. This causes it immediately to turn its head to see who has
touched it; you can then bring up your left hand unnoticed, into which
it falls an easy victim.
BULLFINCH.--Another popular cage-bird. The best method of capturing
it, which differs widely from that in use with the Goldfinch, is as
follows:--Hang head downwards from the fork of an old tree in order to
resemble a dead branch, having previously covered yourself with
some adhesive matter. In this position you should wait until as many
Bullfinches as you want have settled on your clothes and stuck there;
then climb down from the tree and have them scraped off into a large
cage.
BARN OWL.--This bird invariably builds its nest in empty houses. There
will be no nests this year.
STARLING.--Threepence was placed on the head of this destructive bird
last year in many parts of England. The old way was to put salt on its
tail.
BLUE TITMOUSE.--The nest of this active little bird is often situated
in most extraordinary places. It is frequently found inside village
pumps, and in consequence is much persecuted by local milkmen. It is
feared that unless _The Daily Mail_ can be persuaded to take up
the cause of this unfortunate bird it will soon be faced with
extermination.
ROOK.--The chief difference between this bird and the Crow is found in
the way in which its name is spelt.
THRUSH.--_See_ THROSTLE.
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