s the
robin and bluebird rear more than one brood each season and so a house
set up in May or June may have a tenant. Figs. 40 to 44 show boys of
the University of Wisconsin High School placing some of the houses
they had made.

[Illustration: FIG. 41. (PLACING HOUSES)]

[Illustration: FIG. 42. (PLACING HOUSES)]

[Illustration: FIG. 43. (PLACING HOUSES)]

[Illustration: FIG. 44. (PLACING HOUSES)]

FEEDING SHELVES AND SHELTERS.

Nesting boxes make their appeal to but a part of the birds of any
community. These attract during the early spring and summer months.
Many other species are worth having in our orchards and gardens for
their songs and their activity in destroying insects and weed seeds.
To these some other attraction than nesting boxes must be offered.
Then again, many birds would spend a longer time with us if a certain
food supply were assured them. A simple suet feeder is shown in Fig.
45. The birds cling to the chicken wire while eating. A feeding box
for seed-eating birds is given in Fig. 46. Fig. 47 gives a shelf to be
nailed to the sunny side of a building, while Fig. 48 shows a somewhat
similar type to be fastened to a window sill, making it possible to
observe the birds that come to dine. Birds that hesitate to come close
to buildings may be attracted by the feeders set out in the open. Fig.
50 shows a feeder mounted on an iron pipe so it can be turned in any
direction. This feeder has one end closed by a pane of glass, and is
to be turned so that prevailing winds do not enter. Fig. 49 shows a
feeding shelf for winter use which makes an acceptable robin nesting
shelf in spring. In Fig. 53 is given a feeder mounted on a base with a
vane so the adjustment takes place automatically. Figs. 51 and 52 show
two food shelters considerably more difficult to construct. They have
glass on all sides, and are open at the bottom so that birds can enter
or leave at will. Fig. 30 shows a simple food shelter offering some
protection against rain and snow, while a very attractive group of
shelters are given in Figs. 54, 55, 56 and 57. If you look closely you
may see "Mabel" in the right hand feeder in Fig. 54. The builder of
these shelters found her so positive about her rights--since she
discovered the food supply--that he has been obliged to put up the
others to keep peace.

[Illustration: FIG. 45. (MARTIN HOUSE), (SUET FEEDER)]

[Illustration: FIG. 46. (NESTING BOX FOR BLUEBIRDS), (FEEDING BOX)]

[I