5 Na) University Library olf clubs as bird sanctuaries. © OO 8 © ©0880 080 080800088 GOLF GLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES asieli 0 AUDUBON BIRD SANCTUARY; LAKEVIEW GOLF CLuB —— a 1974 BRoADWAY Published by NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AUDUBON SOCIETIES FOR THE PROTECTION OF WILD BIRDS AND ANIMALS 56 OO 0600000080 800008 na Gi New York, N. Y. © O00 60) Ee Ss) i) @® © ED OO @@ © €) ee S © © ©0000 00800000000 600 Cornell University The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924000163117 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES Published by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AUDUBON SOCIETIES T. GILBERT PEARSON, President 1974 Broadway, New York Golf Club Bird Sanctuary Committee T. GILBERT PEARSON, Chairman BRUCE BARTON EUGENE S. WILSON, Secretary FRANK M. CHAPMAN ARTHUR A. ALLEN ROBERT T. JONES, JR. . GRANTLAND RICE Ww, By Breton Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago THE SONG OF THE LARK American golf courses may never resound to the song of the Euro- pean Skylark, but they should reverberate to the morning carols of Robins and Bluebirds and Meadowlarks, and go to rest with the plaintive evening song of the Vesper Sparrow. PAGE 2 FOREWORD Golf is more than a game, it is a mode of living. It is an attitude of mind. Golf is more than a physical contest. It is a mental examination and a revelation of character. Golf is the game of intelligent men, who are accustomed to getting results from energy expended; men who waste little effort on non-essentials, but who have an appreciation for what is worth while in life and who attain their objectives. It is, therefore, with some confidence that we here place before the Golf Players of America a proposition which we believe deserves their earnest consideration. The practical Golfer should see in birds an economical and efiicient aid to the Greens Committee in maintaining a good turf free from distressing ant-mounds, worm castings, or bare ground. He should realize that the amount spent by Clubs for reseeding may be greatly decreased by a small investment in sanctuary signs and bird-attracting devices. Ants and earth- worms, white grubs and Japanese beetles, cutworms and grass- hoppers, crabgrass, chickweed and pennywort are not so much to be feared where birds are abundant. The man who already has an interest in the out-of-doors will see immediately the virtue of making a bird-sanctuary of the Golf Club property for he realizes what a resource the bird-life of the Club is to those who are not playing. The cheerful songs, the bright bits of color and the amusing antics of the birds are a decided asset to any Club wherever located. The majority of Golf Clubs in this country are ideally situ- ated for giving sanctuary to birds without the slightest incon- venience to the game. Often they are lacking in only one or two details that keep them from being the most attractive areas in the vicinity for bird-life, and these wants are easily supplied. PAGE 3 (ML CP i ip ; f Photos by Dr. T. S. Roberts and A. A, Allen GOLF COURSES BENEFIT DIRECTLY FROM THE PRESENCE OF BIRDS A lawn destroyed by white grubs and a Meadowlark (inset) carrying white grubs to its young. Sometimes there is no water, sometimes it is a lack of safe nesting places, again it is a lack of food-bearing shrubs or trees, or an over-abundance of cats and other enemies of birds. Always there is the sunshine beloved by most birds, the varied topography, and a certain amount of seclusion, especially early in the morning. It is a mistaken idea that a bird-sanctuary must be a large area covered with a tangle of bushes and vines—a veritable jungle. The places in this country which are richest in bird-life are those that combine open areas with clumps of shrubbery or single bushes. The edges of woodlands shelter far more birds than the center of the woods, and pasture-lots, dotted with thorn-apples and dogwoods and mulberries, support. still greater numbers. PAGE 4 Piste ee E. Heim EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD-SANCTUARY The majority of Golf Courses in this country are ideally situated for giving sanctuary to birds at but little expense to the Club and with no inconvenience to the game. A Golf Course that includes a small woodlot or group of trees where elderberries or dogwoods are encouraged to grow; that permits a few thorn-apples or flowering crabs to remain in the rough, with a mulberry tree or hackberry here and there; that has a dead tree or two or some dead branches or fence-posts for the Woodpeckers and other hole-nesting species, and that has a spring or a water-hazard somewhere within flying dis- tance, is an ideal bird-sanctuary. Those that are lacking in any of these features can provide, with comparatively little expense, substitutes that will be equally attractive and, in a compar- atively short time, build up a bird-population that will rival that of any bird-sanctuary in the country. Realizing the natural adaptability of the Golf Course to the requirements of a bird-sanctuary, and largely in response to requests for further information and assistance from the officers of over one hundred Golf Clubs, the following pam- phlet has been prepared. It is intended to show in as graphic a manner as possible the desirability of encouraging birds about Golf Courses and the simple way by which the happy results may be attained. PAGE 5 Our thanks are extended to the U. S. Bureau of Biological Survey and W. L. McAtee of that Bureau, in particular, for permission to quote freely from their publications, and to the many Golf Clubs and bird-lovers the country over who have of- fered valuable suggestions. ON THE ROAD TO BECOMING A The creation of a bird-sanc- eer een reeon tuary by those who are the lead- ers in thought and enterprise is bound to have a most beneficial influence upon the local community. The child follows the customs of his elders, and the teacher looks to the foremost citizens for guidance. ‘The youngster who grows up with a love of birds in his heart has an untold resource to draw upon as he matures. If in his manual training at school he learns to build bird-houses and do his bit toward the conservation of wild life, he is on the road to becoming a useful citizen. His attitude toward such enterprises will be largely influenced by those whom the community considers its leaders—and most of them play Golf. Arthur A. Allen, Robert T. jones, |7;, Bruce Barton, Grantland Rice, Frank M. Chapman, Eugene S. Wilson, T. Gilbert Pearson. PAGE 6 INTRODUCTION There are many kinds of birds that frequent golf courses. Some are essen- tially the same from coast to coast and from Maine to Florida. Others are restricted to the East or to the West or to the North or to the South. One will not see Ground Doves and Mockingbirds on our northern courses, nor Bobo- links and Cardinals in California, nor Lark Sparrows and Dickcissels in New England; but everywhere there are Robins and Bluebirds, Meadowlarks and Horned Larks, Vesper and Savanna Sparrows, Mourning Doves and Killdeers. They are not always identically the same varieties, but to all intents and pur- poses they are the same blithe songsters, pleasing our eyes with their grace and beauty and cheering our souls with their melodies. The methods which one would use in New York or New England to increase their numbers are the same as he would use in Florida or in California, depending on local conditions of food, water and shelter. Some species find food on the green and nesting places in the rough—open country birds like the Killdeer, the Larks or the Vesper Sparrows. To them the abundant insect-life or the seeds of the weeds provide sufficient food and the tangled grass of the rough safe nesting places, if enemies are not too numerous. Little has to be done to increase their numbers except to give them protection from careless caddies and use care in cutting around the nests. The addition of drinking and bathing places to those links which have no water hazards will serve to increase their numbers. Another group of birds find much of their food on or over the green, but depend for nesting sites upon trees or bushes or bird-houses. This group in- cludes such familiar birds as the Robin, the Bluebird, the Grackle, the Flicker, the Purple Martin, the Tree Swallow, and the Kingbird which are so often seen about the tees. It should also include the Cardinals and Mockingbirds in the South, the Catbirds and Thrashers in the North, the Blue Jays, the Thrushes, the Orioles, the Wrens, the Chickadees, the Woodpeckers and many others if shrubbery is provided about the Club-house or the outer borders of the rough. These birds, numbering among them some of our most attractive songbirds, can be very materially increased by a well-defined feeding and planting plan which will provide them with food and nesting places. The erect- ing of nesting boxes for the hole-nesting species; and the addition of bathing and drinking places is necessary on many golf courses. The creation of a feel- ing of security over all the course by decreasing the natural enemies of birds, and forbidding all guns and slingshots is highly desirable. It is remarkable what PAGE 7 a few Audubon Bird Sanctuary signs will do toward creating this very desirable atmosphere. In the following pages we will find discussed some of the more interesting birds of the fairways and the rough and then some methods of feeding and planting that will attract other species about the Club-house or the shelters where they can be observed at leisure and at close range. During the winter, when other life is dormant, feeding shelves maintained at the Club-house window or at favored spots about the course, will not only provide interest to the guests but will help save the lives of some of our most valuable birds such as the Chickadees, Nuthatches and Woodpeckers and will doubtless encourage them to remain for the summer and raise their families nearby. At the end of this pamphlet will be found certain definite suggestions as to procedure in making a bird-sanctuary of a golf course. There is no great effort entailed and if members of the Greens Committee are at all familiar with birds and their requirements, this Committee may well serve as a Sanctuary Commit- tee. With many clubs, however, it has proven more satisfactory for the Presi- dent to appoint a Bird Sanctuary Committee of persons already having some knowledge of birds. They work in conjunction with the Greens Committee and formulate plans best suited to local conditions. If the Chairman of the Commit- tee will immediately get in touch with the Golf Club Bird Sanctuary Commit- tee of the National Association of Audubon Societies we will be glad to give further information and assistance. Cs é pe EVERY GOLF COURSE a BIRD SANCTUARY ] "J Gy. °o °o AUDUBON BIRD SANCTUARY NO HUNTING LAKESIDE GOLF CLUB A FLEDGLING ROBIN EATS 14 FEET OF EARTHWORM EVERY DAY PAGE 8 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS Photo by A. A. Allen HURRY BACK TO NUMBER 6 GREEN, MOTHER, WE ARE STILL HUNGRY There is no more friendly and familiar bird about the Club-house or the green than the Robin. His cherry-eating proclivities may make him unpopular with fruit-growers, but his capacity for earth-worms, white grubs, cutworms and other enemies of the turf commend him to all golf players. In the evening after the turf has been sprinkled and in the morning while the dew is still on the grass and the “night crawlers” are at work making the ‘‘castings” that are the bane of accurate putting, the Robins flock to the green. The capacity of a young Robin at the time of leaving the nest is remarkable. One bird, fed all that it would eat, consumed 14 feet of earth-worms in a single day. Robins nest indiscriminately in trees, shrubbery, or on shelves about the Club-house or other buildings. The planting of fruit-bearing trees will greatly augment their numbers and incidentally will confer a blessing on neighboring fruit-growers. Robins are expert plasterers and require soft mud in building their nests. If there is no water hazard or other source of mud-supply on the Golf Course, a bucket of water spilled on bare ground in a shady place will provide the necessary building material. PAGE 9 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS Photo by A. A. Allen A KING ROW FOR THE GREENS COMMITTEE One of the most desirable birds on a Golf Course is the Kingbird. Nine- tenths of his food consists of such destructive insects as June beetles, Japanese beetles, wire-worms, cutworms, grasshoppers and flying ants. “Bom ome Photo by A. A. Allen A BIT OF COLOR FOR THE CLUB-HOUSE The Cardinal is a great favorite, but never ventures far from the shelter of shrubbery. Thorn apples, dogwoods and barberries about the Club-house or in appropriate places in the rough will lure them to any Golf Course south of New York City. They come readily to feeding stations preferring sunflower seed. PAGE 10 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS Photos by A. A. Allen COLD STORAGE EGGS IN THE ROUGH The Horned Lark is one of the first birds to nest in spring, the incubat- ing bird often being covered by the late snows. Like the European Skylark it performs a thrilling plunge from high in the air as part of its courtship. It is a valuable aid to the Greens Committee, because of its fondness for the seeds of such turf pests as crab-grass, chickweed, and dandelion. It likewise eats white grubs, wire-worms, dung-beetles, clover-leaf and clover-root weevils, grasshop- pers, leaf-hoppers, chinchbugs, ants, and earth-worms. Photos by A. A. Allen SHE KEEPS HER EGGS IN AN OVEN The Meadowlark is a larger and more familiar bird than the Horned Lark. The black crescent on a yellow breast and conspicuous white outer tail- feathers make its identification easy. It has a pleasing song and builds a domed nest in the rough, shaped like an old-fashioned Dutch oven. Its food is similar to that of the Horned Lark but with a larger percentage of insect-pests. It is, therefore, very desirable on a Golf Course. PAGE 11 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS Photos by A. A. Allen BRINGING HOME THE BACON The Vesper Sparrow is a familiar bird on Golf Courses, nesting in the more open spots of the rough from Virginia northward and wintering to the Gulf. It can be distinguished from other species by its streaked breast and white outer tail-feathers. As indicated in the photograph it feeds itself and its young largely on the insects destructive to good turf. Its sweet chant, often given in the evening after other birds have become quiet, suggests the origin of its name. : Photo by A.A: Allen DINNER IS NOW BEING SERVED RUDY Bos aN ate The Song Sparrow is an abundant bird wherever there is any shrub- bery but it does not venture far from shelter. It resembles the Vesper Sparrow but is browner and does not have white outer tail-feathers. PAGE 12 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS Photo by E. G. Allen ACT I. THE COURTSHIP: “YOUR PROPOSITION SOUNDS GOOD!” Grackles are familiar sights on all Golf Courses, walking about in their search for grasshoppers and other insects, but not disdaining a crust of bread. They are sometimes a nuisance to farmers, and their roosts in city shade-trees are sometimes objectionable, but on the Golf Courses they do much good and little harm. Photo by A. A. Allen ACT II. HOME LIFE: “THIS SURE HAS BEEN A LESSON TO ME!” Here the Grackle is feeding its young. The amount of food required by young birds is astonishing. They ordinarily require the equivalent of their own weight in food each day merely to exist. Since they sometimes consume twice their own weight of food, it is no wonder the mother Grackle looks worried. Pace 13 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS Photos by A. A. Allen A DECEIVER ON THE GREEN The Killdeer is a striking bird either when trotting around on the green or speeding past on erratic wings calling Kill-dee at the top of its voice. It often nests on the bunkers or in the rough where there is little vegetation and when one approaches too closely, trails along on the ground as though hope- lessly crippled (see inset). It is a very useful bird, feeding altogether on insects. Photos by A. A. Allen A BIRD WITH A PAST The Cowbird is a “social parasite” and, like the European Cuckoo, lays its eggs in other birds’ nests and lets the foster parent raise its young. This young one is being raised by a Chipping Sparrow, another familiar bird on Golf Courses. The male Cowbird is black with a brown head,—the female dark gray. Pace 14 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS Photos by A. A. Allen A WEED ERADICATOR The Mourning Dove is one of the few birds that lives practically en- tirely upon seeds. One examined by the U.S. Biological Survey contained 6,400 seeds of foxtail grass, another 9,200 bind-weed seeds. It has no bad habits about a Golf Course and should be encouraged. Photos by A. A. Allen “HANDSOME IS AS HANDSOME DOES” The Grasshopper Sparrow is not particularly handsome and his song sounds like that of an insect, but all day long he stays in the rough collecting insects for his mate and hungry youngsters. Here the camera has caught him resting for a moment between trips. Pace 15 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS Photo by D. Beyea ALMOST MADE AN EAGLE The little Sparrow Hawk is a picturesque bird and adds greatly to the landscape when on quivering wings he hovers for moments at a time over one spot on the green waiting for a grasshopper to move, or a mouse to run before he pounces upon it. The Sparrow Hawk is the smallest of the North American Falcons and first cousin to the Eagle. Photos by A, A. Allen A DIFFICULT HOLE This shows a Sparrow Hawk at its nesting site and one of its young. Occasionally the Sparrow Hawk takes small birds, but its main food is insects and small mammals. Of 410 stomachs examined by the U. S. Biological Survey 314 contained insects, 129 small mammals and 70 small birds. They nest in holes in trees and have been known to use bird-boxes placed high in dead trees. PaGE 16 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS Photos by A. A. Allen THE NORTHERN MOCKER The Catbird takes the place of the Mockingbird in the North. It is never found far from shrubbery, and a golf course without thorn apples, wild grapes, dogwoods, or other dense growth will have none. The planting of fruit- bearing shrubbery is sure to increase the Catbirds. Photos by A. A. Allen THE REAL MOCKINGBIRD The Mockingbird is the favorite bird of all southern Golf Courses, but like the Catbird is dependent on thickets for nesting. Every Club-house south of Pennsylvania should have its Mockingbird, and where food and shrubbery is available at strategic places, they should be numerous all over the Course. PAGE 17 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS ‘asinoo Aue 0} ajeldoidde Ajosuea oie Suueveq poysmsuy “SIP SIY puv ayvul ay} Jo asvumy|d juerypig ayy ‘siauuns Surssed jo woroed)sip 9} 0} SILILNJOULS ISINO-) J[OF) UO UdaI9 ay} UMOP pur dn aprvied uayjo Aay) skep SUIJOOYS UC “UOT}90}0I1d Jo saAfastuay} [reAv 0} yoInb aie syuvsvayg NOLLONILSIG 4O YAANYW ANTO V WP “FF &q ony Pace 18 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS “AIVAOISIP WOL] 9FVS Aq [[[M S]SAU IY} PLY] OS SBdo SoU JOY S|[LC ISO] ot} 9SN OF poures) oq sjULSvaYy,T yey paysossns used sey yt ‘paspuy “[[eq ysop ev uLYy? puUy o7 BNOYFIP a10U alv Ad] dOYM SSPAB YSIY} oY} Ul S89 JOY Saply JULSvIYT I[LUWI] oT, HONOW AHL NI GavaAOOSIa wah “WY 'P &q ofoyg ob ; # = ss te = 3 a is PAGE 19 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS DAD SPENDS THE DAY AT HOME Golf Courses on Long Island and farther south delight in the presence of Bob-white with his cheery whistle. If you do not hear him calling, he may be spending the afternoon at home as you see him here. During the summer he is a great destroyer of insects. Photo by M. D. Pirnie “WHEN A FELLER NEEDS A FRIEND” Bob-white is a ground feeder and when the deep snow comes, he hud- dles together with his friends and waits for it to melt, often starving to death. Winter feeding is sometimes absolutely necessary to preserve them on Golf Courses. PAGE 20 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS Photo by W. L. Finley WILD DUCKS GROWN TAME Golf Clubs that are provided with water hazards can make their Courses much more attractive by calling in the wild waterfowl. If the hazard is large, natural foods can be planted; if small, cracked corn and wheat will be a great attraction. To induce Ducks to come to a small pond it is usually neces- sary at first to keep a few decoy Mallards with wings clipped to act as “barkers.” Photo by A. A. Allen GOLF BALL RETRIEVERS ON THE WATER-HAZARD The decoy Ducks, and the wild Ones too, become very tame where pro- tected and are always entertaining. When “Every Golf Course is a Bird Sanc- tuary” it may be worth while to develop a strain of Canvasbacks to serve as retrievers for the lost golf balls. PAGE 21 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES SOME GOLF COURSE BIRDS Photos by A. A. Alien HOME WITH A STRING ATTACHED Orioles like the drooping branches of elms for nesting and they are very fond of all small fruits. They are quick to avail themselves of short pieces of yarn and string, when put out during May, for weaving their pendant nests. Their clear ringing whistles are a delight and an inspiration. WOOL GATHERING WITH A PURPOSE Cotton and short pieces of string tied to a conspicuous branch or placed in an open mesh bag during May and June will often induce Yellow Warblers and other small birds to nest in the vicinity of the Club-house. PAGE 22 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY WINTER FEEDING There are few efforts that can be made to insure the presence of birds which will yield larger dividends of pleasure both to the giver and the recipient, than the maintaining of feeding stations, especially during the winter months. A food shelf at a window of the Club-house, where the birds can be watched by every- one, kindles a spark in the eye of the observer as well as in that of the bird. Other feeding stations, such as those illustrated in the next few pages, scattered in suitable places, will do much to make the Golf Course a real sanctuary teem- ing with bird-life. From the standpoint of food there are three groups of winter birds,—those like the Woodpeckers that normally feed upon insects,—those like the Bob- whites that feed upon weed-seeds; and those like the Waxwings that feed upon fruits. The best substitute for insects is beef suet and the simplest substitute for weed-seed is ordinary chick-feed or bread crumbs. Birds like the Chickadees and Nuthatches, that are partially insectivorous, enjoy suet and such fatty seeds as those of sunflowers, also raw peanuts and other nuts. There is no very good substitute for wild fruits and the best way to provide for the fruit-eaters is to plant berry-bearing trees, shrubs and vines that hold their fruit over winter. Some of the winter Chickadees will get tame enough to eat from one’s hand and occasionally other species will do the same. A few seed-eating birds like Horned Larks and Snow Buntings that regu- larly frequent Golf Courses hesitate to come to any of the covered feeding sta- tions illustrated in the following pages and always live on the wind-swept spaces. For such birds it is better to tramp down the snow or shovel it away from a few square yards amongst the weeds before scattering chick-grain. Food scattered on the soft snow is never found when needed. Bob-whites and Pheasants will find the covered shelters but will seldom feed above the ground so that some kind of shelter of brush, corn-stalks or sheaves of wheat on the ground should be provided for them as shown on pages 25 and 26. Pheasants will eat whole corn but smaller grain should be provided for the Bob-whites. Suet-holders and various types of food-shelves are now carried by a num- ber of dealers, a list of whom will be sent upon request. A convenient method of supplying whole corn to the Pheasants so that squirrels cannot carry it away and hide it is to drive spikes through a board and force the cobs down onto the spikes as shown in the photograph on page 20. PAGE 23 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES WINTER FEEDING Photos by H. P. Chase THE “INS” AND “OUTS” OF A SUCCESSFUL WINDOW FEEDING STATION This is at the home of Dr. Alfred E. Stearns, Headmaster of Phillips Academy where a successful bird-sanctuary is operating and adding greatly to the educational advantages of this renowned institution. Photos by A. A. Allen A PERMANENT ATTRACTION Feed the little Chickadee in winter—he will inspect your nesting boxes in the spring and raise his family on vour insects the next summer. PAGE 24 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY WINTER FEEDING Photos by Tracy Dows CONTINUOUS SERVICE A successful type of feeding station where food is always available when most needed. The sheaves of wheat at the base provide food and shelter for Quail, Pheasants and other ground-feeding birds, while the tray above con- tains seeds and suet for all the others. The inverted pans on top of the posts will keep rodents from the food designed for the small birds. Photo by E. Swope ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL FEEDER One of the types of rodent-proof bird feeders in use on the Roosevelt Bird Sanctuary at Oyster Bay; also a bird-box in a very desirable location. The number of kinds of nesting birds has been increased 100% on this area dedi- cated to our beloved former President. PAGE 25 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES WINTER FEEDING Photos by Tracy Dows ONE CORNER OF A REAL BIRD SANCTUARY This is on the estate of Tracy Dows, Rhinebeck, New York. Two types of suet-holders are shown at the left. A food-shelf, a bird-box and a weather-vane feeder are shown at the right. Quite naturally birds are numerous on this estate. Photo by S. P. Baldwin A SUCCESSFUL HOME-MADE FOOD-SHELTER This is in the edge of the woods on the estate of S. Prentiss Baldwin. Bob-whites, Cardinals and other birds find here a bountiful feeding place with means of escape from cats and other enemies. PAGE 26 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY WINTER FEEDING Photos by A. A. Allen A BLUE JAY LUNCH COUNTER AND A TABLE FOR TWO Sammy Jay comes for his share and he is likely to carry somebody else’s share away with him. At the right a Downy Woodpecker and a White- breasted Nuthatch have lunch together at a bird sanctuary cafeteria. Photos by A. A. Allen WELL PROTECTED A Brown Creeper visits the suet and a Downy Woodpecker introduces his youngster to the cafeteria. The male Downy, while he is a dutiful father, is always looking for ways to lighten his burden of child-raising. Crows and squirrels are prevented by the wire screening from carrying away the food in one piece. PAGE 27 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES WINTER FEEDING Photo by Tracy Dows AUTOMATIC FEEDERS ARE SOMETIMES DESIRABLE These must be water-tight and rodent-proof to be successful like the one here illustrated. If the grain becomes wet, it sours and if mice have access to the feed, they are a nuisance. Photo by A. A. Alle A HOME-MADE FEEDING SHELF lc The top of a barrel, a few hoops and a piece of canvas compose this feeding station, protecting the food from the snow and ice. Here a polite Chick- adee awaits his turn while the Junco eats. PAGE 28 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY WINTER FEEDING Photo from H. W. Hicks A WOODLAND FEEDING STATION AT THE LAKE PLACID CLUB (N. Y.) The Lake Placid Club is a well-established Bird-Sanctuary and some of its most delighted guests are the birds that find food and shelter under its protection. PaGE 29 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES SPRING FEEDING Photo by F. C. Evans FOR BIRDS AND FRIENDS OF THE BIRDS A delightful corner on the Frank C. Evans estate at Crawfordsville, Indiana. Note the bird-bath, the feeder and the bird-houses. The tea-house itself becomes a feeding station for birds during the winter months. Photo by A. A. Allen TWO LITTLE SPARROWS DROP IN FOR TEA A Song Sparrow and a White-throated Sparrow have found the food offered them at the edge of the woods. PAGE 30 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY PLANTING TO ATTRACT BIRDS In the rough and in the woods along the fairways there is ample space for shrubbery and trees which will not only shelter birds, but provide food and be no inconvenience to the game. Many of our favorite birds get a large part of their food during the sum- mer, fall and winter from the berries and small fruits of our native trees, shrubs and vines. If cultivated varieties are more plentiful or more easily secured they ordinarily do not discriminate, so that the fondness of the Robin for cherries is well-known and the Cedar Waxwing travels by the common name of Cherry- bird. Unquestionably, if there were enough wild fruits, the birds would not annoy the cultivated berries and cherries, so that a Golf Club, by planting wild fruits, will not only make the grounds much more attractive to birds, but will also convey a blessing upon the growers of strawberries and cherries in the vicinity. In deciding upon a planting program it is necessary to bear in mind the fruiting season of each type and make such a selection for planting that there will be fruit of some kind available to the birds throughout the year. Many of the trees are highly ornamental as well as supplying food and certain of them form very desirable nesting sites. Of course it is not to be ex- pected that many dense shrubs will be planted where there is any chance of los- ing balls, but on every Golf Course a practical scheme of planting can be devised to produce a great crop of bird-food with little trouble and with no inconvenience to the game. Especially should such trees as the Mulberry and Mountain Ash and Rochester Thorn be planted near the Club-house or other buildings, with a massing of such shrubs as Cornels and Viburnums that pro- vide safe nesting places and abundant fcod from August to November. If no member of the Club is conversant with the growth requirements of the different trees and shrubs it may be well to consult a local nurseryman or landscape gardener as to the varieties that will do best on the soil available for planting, but most of those recommended are hardy and require no special treatment. Always bear in mind that the number of birds will increase with the circum- ference of the clumps of bushes rather than with the diameter—that a number of small groups of bushes will produce more birds than the same number of bushes planted in solid mass. Addresses of nurserymen and price lists of their stock will be sent upon request. PAGE 31 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES PLANTING TO ATTRACT BIRDS ‘SJULSPIY_ SNOIGIOS 1O SHUIMXE AA JULZI[a JO YOO] V plnoa yey) aAa 9y} 9} JYSIpap puv Aof ay} sutzq 0} paydedxa aq youurd sasodind s19y}0 ure}1a0 Joy Way} Suryord yey] pajsasons Usaq sey I] ‘Spl AULT 1OJ POOF 9}IIOALJ ay} SAvMIe aIV sadeIy PIAA LHONOHL YO GOO AGNV SduId# YOH GOO UOJAOTY IUsAI «q OJOUd PAGE 32 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY PLANTING TO ATTRACT BIRDS iN a V SUIMXE MB ST SIT, “ATIUIEY YINow jsapta IY} puv YIU JSasUOT ay} SLY Vy asnvIeq SMOUY J9YOUI pue—}I sja3 auo jsorsuny ey, “suin} Aq BuNoA I1ay} paay you op spirq ing &q oj04g éNunLl FSOHM PAGE 33 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES PLANTING TO ATTRACT BIRDS Photo by A. A. Allen A NATURAL CAFETERIA Of all fruit-bearing trees that will attract birds, the Mulberry (Morus rubra) is the most satisfactory for the summer months. Bearing heavily from June to September it is patronized by all birds from Hummingbirds to Crows. Photos by A. A. Allen and J. H. McFarland Co. AN ELDER SISTER The Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) ripens during August and the berries hang on through the winter if the birds let them. They are usually all consumed by October. The favorite nesting place of the Rose- breasted Grosbeaks in the Louis Agassiz Fuertes Bird Sanctuary is in th Elders. This is the female on her nest. PAGE 34 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY PLANTING TO ATTRACT BIRDS Photos a R.W. Curtis and is H. McFarland Co. NOTHING THE MATTER WITH THIS CRAB (Malus floribunda) The Flowering Crab is beautiful in the spring and the small fruits hang on the branches to furnish food for wintering Robins and Waxwings. Double- flowering varieties that do not furnish fruit should, of course, be avoided. Photos by A. A. Allen and J. H. McFarland Co. SHEEPBERRY—HAVE ONE? The Sheepberry (Viburnum lentago) ripens in July and the berries hang on until the following May if they are not eaten by birds in the meantime. Seldom do they last over winter. (Insert of a Waxwing and young.) PAGE 35 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES PLANTING TO ATTRACT BIRDS Photos by A. A. Allen ATTRACTIVE TO MAN AND TO BIRD The Mountain Ash (Sorbus Americana) usually bears heavily with large clusters of bright orange-red berries. The berries are particularly attrac- tive to Cedar Waxwings (here shown) and to Robins in late winter or early spring. Photos by Verne Morton and A, A. Allen REGAL FOOD AND A REGAL BIRD The Northern Holly or Winter Berry (Jlex verticellata) is a very attractive shrub, growing from three to eight feet in height, and usually bears heavily with bright red berries. The berries are very attractive, especially to the Ruffed Grouse. PAGE 36 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY PLANTING TO ATTRACT BIRDS Photos by A. A. Allen AN EVENING GROSBEAK CAFETERIA The Box Elder (Acer negundo) is particularly attractive to Evening Grosbeaks and the fruit hangs on the tree over winter. Photos by A. A. Alien A WINTER RESORT Sumac “bobs” are relished by the Robins (inset), and Bluebirds, and Flickers in the spring and during the winter by the Grouse, Pheasants, Crows, and the Evening Grosbeaks here shown. PAGE 37 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES PLANTING TO ATTRACT BIRDS a ap -aee Le MME Photos by J. H, McFarland Co. and A. A. Allen FOOD AND SHELTER Raspberries have been recorded by the U. S. Biological Survey in the food of 114 species of birds. The bushes make ideal nesting sites for Indigo Buntings (insert), Catbirds, Cardinals, and Mockingbirds. ° ay Photos by R. Horsey and A. A. Allen FOOD FOR WINTER BIRDS AND SHELTER FOR SUMMER NESTS The Thorn Trees make ideal nesting places for many birds. Those like this Rochester thorn, that hold their fruit, are most valuable. PAGE 38 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY PLANTING TO ATTRACT BIRDS ‘dind ay} yo suryoed s1ay}0 pue aus Way} SUIMOT[eMS aWOS ‘spiIq AUvUT Aq PaAcTaq ae sainjzeur ‘sutids Ajive ay} Ul [NJYNeaq ‘(Dpi04f snusoD) POOMBOG SulsaMopy ay, AOIAUHS UALNIM GNV ALNVdd ANILONINdS yey} Satt1eq pat iysAq PAGE 39 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES PLANTING TO ATTRACT BIRDS PANICLED DOGWOOD VIRGINIA CREEPER JAPANESE BARBERRY o.2 CHOKE CHERRY BUCKTHORN HACKBERRY ret Rr oor a oe ‘ey . = os » S ON Yt ARROWWOODS RIEGEL’S PRIVET Photos by G. Bump and P. Kellogg SOME OTHER FRUITS EATEN BY BIRDS PAGE 40 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY FRUITS ATTRACTIVE TO BIRDS AND SUITABLE FOR GOLF CLUB SANCTUARIES* Number of species of Birds known to eat the fruit Common Name Scientific Name Fruiting Season Hackberry Celtis occidentalis 40 Throughout the year Red Mulberry Morus rubra 52 June to Sept. Japanese Barberry Berberis thunbergi Throughout the year Flowering Crab Apple Malus floribunda 38 Sept. to May June Berry Amelanchier canadensis 40 June to Oct. Mountain Ash Sorbus americana 14. July to April Rochester Thorn Crataegus durobrivensis 33 Aug. to April Wild Blackberry and Raspberry Rubus (several species) 118 July to Oct. Wild Black Cherry Prunus serotina July to Nov. Wild Red Cherry Prunus pennsylvanica 74 June to Nov. Choke Cherry Prunus virginiana July to Nov. s {Rhus hirta 93 Throughout the ae ) Rhus glabra year ~ J Black Alder Ilex verticillata 45 July to June Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica 16 Aug. to April Virginia Creeper Psedera quinquefolia 39 Sept. to March Wild Grape Vitis (all species) 77 Aug. to April Eee sic alle Cornus florida June to April Red Osier oe x Alternate-Leaved Dog- iba See is 86 yuly to rie one = Cornus alternifolia Aug. to Nov. Panic Honwdod Cornus paniculata July to Nov. Arrowwood Viburnum acerifolium Throughout the oe dentatum + 28 year Sheepberry Viburnum lentago Oct. to July Common Elder Sambucus canadensis Oct. to Dec. Privet Ligustrum (several species) *Modified from U. S. D. A. Bulletin No. 621. Aug. to April PAGE 41 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES PLANTING TO ATTRACT BIRDS Photos by A. A. Allen A GOLF COURSE IS A GOOD SETTING Hummingbirds are always attracted by Trumpet Creepers. If there is a garden about the Club-house a selection of annuals or perennials can be made such that there will always be some bloom attractive to Hummingbirds from June to September. Such flowers as the Larkspur, Fox glove, Tritoma, Gladi- olas, etc., are favorites. Photos by A. A. Ailen LET THE PASSING OF THE FLOWERS ANNOUNCE THE COMING OF THE BIRDS Some gardens produce much bird-food. Most varieties of Sunflowers, Coreopsis, Batchelor Buttons, Cosmos, and other Composites are attractive to Goldfinches, Chickadees, Nuthatches, and other seed-eating birds. PAGE 42 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY NESTING BOXES One of the most widely employed methods for attracting birds is the erect- ing of boxes in which they may build their nests. Bluebirds, Wrens, Tree Swal- lows, Chickadees and many others will flock about the Club-house, the caddie- house, the barn, the tool houses and the shelters when nest-boxes are provided, though the majority of the birds, perhaps, will nest in the rough along the fairways. Most North American birds build open nests in trees, in bushes, or on the ground in the fields. A certain number, however, in every community resort to holes in trees for the purpose of nest-building. Woodpeckers, as a rule, dig their nests in dead trees or posts and Nuthatches and Chickadees resort to knot- holes or decaying stumps for the same purpose. Others, like Wrens and Blue- birds, must find some abandoned Woodpecker’s hole or the hollow in a tree, as their bills are not constructed for chipping away the wood. Nesting boxes, therefore, are useful to hole-nesting species that cannot construct their own habitations. On many estates and Golf-properties it is customary to cut away dead limbs and fill holes in trees with cement. Many birds thus driven away will quickly return if suitable nesting-boxes are supplied. A box on a tree or post or one of the buildings, providing the typical Wood- pecker’s cavity, is an ideal nesting place. The entrance should always be well above the bottom. Except for the purpose of preservation against the weather, or for the sake of appearance, there is little need for external decoration. Birds in the wilderness are not accustomed to finding holes in receptacles with a piano polish and decorated with bright colors. As arule there is no need of putting any nesting material in a bird-box. The birds will attend to that. The only exception is in the case of boxes intended for Flickers, Sparrow Hawks or Screech Owls. These species never build nests and, to keep the eggs from rolling hopelessly about in the bottom, an inch of sawdust adds to the value and usefulness of the box. Certain simple rules are to be observed in the erection of bird-boxes. Do not nail one to a tree up among the limbs. Fasten it to the trunk well down where it may readily be seen. Boxes may be either fastened to a tree, suspended from a lower limb, placed on the post of shelters, or put on a metal post in the open, five to twelve feet from the ground. It is well to have bird-boxes constructed in such a manner that they may be removed for the purpose of house cleaning. Those not used by birds are fre- PAGE 43 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES quently found to contain wasp-nests, spider-webs, or debris placed there by squirrels. The houses should be placed in position before the time the birds begin to arrive in the spring. Except for Martins, boxes should be made with a single compartment as none of the other hole-nesting species is socially inclined. The second compart- ment is more than likely to cause nothing but friction between two prospective tenants. Boxes should not be placed closer than a hundred feet apart unless the Club-house or some natural obstruction intervenes, as each pair of birds will defend a considerable territory about their nest from aggression by other birds, especially of their own kind. On the other hand, Martins will not ordinarily use a bird-house unless there are many compartments where they can nest side by side and enjoy each others company. The birds that will utilize nesting-boxes on a Golf Course are chiefly the fol- lowing: Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Bluebird, House Wren, Flicker, Crested Flycatcher, Chickadee, Nuthatch (occasionally), Sparrow Hawk, Screech Owl, and of course the House Sparrow and Starling. On Southern Courses, Tufted Titmice, Bewick’s and Carolina Wrens may replace the Chickadee and House Wren. Bird-boxes may be purchased from any of a number of manufacturers, whose advertisements are frequently seen. The Golf Club Bird Sanctuary Com- mittee of the National Association of Audubon Societies will furnish, upon request, names and addresses of the nearest places where such articles may be procured. Any intelligent carpenter can make the simple forms of nesting- boxes. Hundreds are made by students in manual training departments of many schools. Boy Scout troops, when properly encouraged, often make them, and the children are glad to find a local market. Specific directions and working plans for building bird-boxes or Martin houses and holding local bird-house competitions among the schools or Boy Scout troops will be found at the end of this pamphlet and additional information will be mailed upon request. In building bird-houses one of the most important points is the position of the opening. The sociable Martins like to sit on their nests and view the land- scape but all other birds like to be out of sight while incubating or brooding their young. The opening should, therefore, be above the middle on the front or one side. PAGE 44 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY NESTING BOXES Photo from J. W. Jacobs AN ATTRACTIVE 94-ROOM APARTMENT IN INDIANAPOLIS It is sometimes difficult to get Martins established where they have never been before, but once they accept a new home they never desert it and the colony gradually builds up until all the rooms are occupied. Pace 45 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES NESTING BOXES 2asunup0 At ‘GM pun 492007 "Gd “At XQ Sojoud 3 “JI}UULUOD) SUITN BY} OF JOSSE [RLA}LUL VB IIB PUL JOY pasvd [[aM aIe spaiq araym ‘purpsaepy ‘qn[D aseyD AdayD aarqov1}4v ay} UO MATA & SI SIT, “aSIMOD J[OD e UO ULY} PUNO; aq UL aWIOY J9}}0q OU pUe ‘UAaIP[IYD Jo s}oy, pue sUIOY poos Vy *LNOdV SINVENd ASNOH-NILUVWN V LVHM PAGE 46 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY NESTING BOXES P Jrayy Jo asnesaq uIP OP OR &q sojoyd [hoys sasnoy ‘parddns aq A\ ‘S}Ue OJ ssoupuoy 9SINOD J[OF) B UO SPIIG a[qQeIIsap AIBA 91B SJIYI[ -piIq paaotiad Useq AALT[ S9dJ1} PLap [[B aay] ¢ AIOH LSA AHL LV LNANNOUV NV YOd AONVHO V PAGE 47 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES NESTING BOXES Photo by F. Harper FILL YOUR GOURDS WITH MARTINS A primitive Martin-house such as used by the Indians. Single gourds make good homes for Wrens and Bluebirds and when arranged like this are attractive to Martins in the South. Photos by A. A. Allen WORTH INVESTIGATING The Bluebird at the left and the Crested Flycatcher at the right will not come to a golf course unless provision is made for their nesting. These asphaltum roofing paper boxes are simple but effective. The opening is 15% inches in diameter and the box measures four by nine inches or larger. PAGE 48 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY NESTING BOXES Photos by A. A. Allen A GOOD INVESTMENT It cost Mr. Wren but a song and is apparently yielding a full return. One of the youngsters seems less responsive to dad’s voice than the other. The opening in a Wren house can be as small as one inch in diameter and if House Sparrows are troublesome this may be desirable. Otherwise, it is better to make the opening 1% inches and large enough for Bluebirds as well. 4 Photos by E, Swope TWO BUNGALOWS FOR RENT The one at the left is admirably located for any hole-nesting bird on a post in the open but near shelter. The one on the right is in too shady a place for anything but Wrens. Hole-nesting birds ordinarily use dead trees that do not throw much shade. PAGE 49 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES NESTING BOXES Photos by A. A. Allen TWO MORE GOOD LOCATIONS And Jenny Wren is taking advantage of them. One is on a porch post, the other on a metal post in the open, secure against cats and squirrels. Photos. by ie AN INSIDE STORY MOS ID Ashe BER There is no accounting for tastes in interior decorating. Jenny Wren prefers sticks and feathers, Chickadee likes moss and wool. PAGE 50 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY NESTING BOXES Photos by A. A. Allen HIS HOME WILL BE ON THE ROCKS Unless you permit him to build over your door, or, better still, on a special shelf under the porch or beneath the eaves where his nest of mud and moss will not dissolve. The Phoebe is an adaptable bird and all he requires is a shelf to hold his nest and something above to protect it from the weather. Photos by A, A. Allen GOOD MATHEMATICIANS They multiply much more rapidly than most birds. In some places they have become objectionable. The House (English) Sparrow on the left and the Starling on the right may attempt to usurp all of your nesting-boxes, but they can be discouraged if necessary. Pace 51 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES BIRD BATHS About many Golf Clubs there are few if any available places where small birds may drink or bathe. All birds like water and many of them very greatly enjoy the pleasure of the bath. Much can be done, therefore, to bring small birds about the Club-house by providing water that will be easily accessi- ble. They much prefer to bathe in the open where they can at all times be on the lookout for the approach of possible danger. The cost of constructing or purchasing bird-baths is very small compared to the pleasure the Club mem- bers may receive in watching these small creatures bathing near at hand. One essential in constructing an artificial bird-bath is that it must be shal- low, so shallow, in fact, that birds can stand on the bottom without their bodies being submerged. They will do all the submerging necessary by crouching and fluttering their wings. If the receptable for water designed for the use of birds contains water of more than one inch in depth, a little gravel or a few rocks will improve the situation. The principle of the ideal bird-bath is a shallow cement pool from one to three feet wide. It may be elevated on a stand three or four feet from the ground, or built on the earth itself. When placed on the ground it should not be near any shrubbery in which a cat could lie concealed. Water for the bath may be carried by hand or piped, and the flow regulated to a mere drip. Bird-baths may be purchased at the larger department stores, or directly from the manu- facturers whose advertisements are seen frequently. A clever workman can readily construct a bath on the ground near the sand box or beneath some water tap where it will catch the drip. On some estates and Golf Courses, where running water is available, the fountain is one of the most attractive features of the landscaping plan. If the pool is deep and the sides very abrupt it gives the birds very little chance to bathe or even to drink. A little forethought, however, in planning the design will provide for the birds and certainly make the fountain no less attractive. Such a one is illustrated on page 59. The addresses of bird-bath manufacturers will be sent upon request. PAGE 52 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY BIRD BATHS Photo by 1. G. Pearson IN MEMORY OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT The bird-bath may become one of the most attractive features of a Bird Sanctuary. This is the fountain at the Roosevelt Bird Sanctuary at Oyster Bay, Long Island, designed by Mrs. Bessie Potter Vonnoh. PAGE 53 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES BIRD BATHS Photo by Craig Thoms I LIKE YOUR NERVE A Rose-breasted Grosbeak objects to a Thrasher intruding at his bath. Many birds think bathing should be a private diversion, others are not so par- ticular. Photo by Craig Thoms A BATHING BEAUTY WELCOME ON ANY GOLF COURSE Robins certainly enjoy soaking their plumage. The vigorous way they show their appreciation of a little water on a hot summer day would do justice to any boy in a swimming hole. PAGE 54 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY BIRD BATHS ay hed Photo from Mrs. W. A. Cracker DOING HER BIT Filling the bird-bath starts the children on the true course of wild life conservation. Where water has to be carried, bird-baths can be conveniently located near the Club-house, shelters, or sand-boxes. DEDICATED TO BIRDS This attractive bird-bath in the garden of Professor and Mrs. Com- stock at Ithaca, New York, provides entertainment for guests as well as salva- tion for the birds during the hot days of summer. Pace 55 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES BIRD BATHS Photo from R. B. Thompson A NATURAL BIRD-BATH This hollow in the rocks fills with rain water and provides a natural bathing pool for woodland nymphs safe from prying eyes. INCOMPLETE WITHOUT BIRDS Rock gardens are most attractive but they are incomplete without a pool for the birds. Many Golf Courses have spots which are especially adapted to the development of such rock garden bird-baths. PAGE 56 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY BIRD BATHS Photo from Mrs. W. A. Cracker AFTER YOU MY DEAR Bird-baths should be shallow or should be partially filled with gravel or flat stones until the water is not much over an inch in depth. These are Robins about to bathe. Photo from Mrs. W. A. Cracker “OH—THIS IS THE CATS!” And here is a very appreciative Catbird enjoying a drink on a warm summer day. Such bird-baths as these and many other designs can be pur- chased from manufacturers, a list of whom will be sent upon request. PAGE 57 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES BIRD BATHS One of the bird-bath designs manufactured by E. E. Soderholtz of West Gouldsboro, Maine. Two designs by Rockwood Pottery Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. PAGE 58 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY BIRD BATHS Play, ABMOTTRD) BY} Aq UTe}UNOJ pue Y}eq ‘erydjepeiyg jo Auedtuoy v}09 paiq [eWAo} aAT{ORINVe UY Pace 59 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES SQUIRREL NOmeanon en mrem ee 5 A SOMEBODY’S PUSSY CAUGHT IN THE ACT GUN SKUNK A few of the many enemies with which birds have to contend. PAGE 60 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY BIRD-ENEMIES Bird-enemies are legion—bird-enemies are everywhere. One wonders how the little birds can have the grit to throw back their heads and sing when death continuously hovers over them. Birds respond more quickly to protection from enemies than to any other factor. Where enemies are few, birds abound. The converse of this is true also, however: where birds abound, enemies will assemble. A Bird Sanctuary that does nothing towards lessening bird-enemies cannot expect to have very many more birds than the surrounding country because, as soon as the bird-life increases, a ‘feeding station” for cats, rats, weasels, opossums, foxes, etc., has been automatically set up and they are just as sure to move in as were the birds when their food was increased. Especially is this true of stray cats which will come from miles around in the hope of catching some of the birds. It is very often necessary to reduce their numbers and suitable box-traps for capturing them are now on the market and at least one should be in the equipment of every bird-sanctuary. The same may be said for the powerful and ever present Norway rat—it often becomes a fierce bird-killer and destroys every nest it can reach. The cot- ton rat in the Southern States is very destructive to eggs of Quail and even the cute little deer mouse may usurp the nests of small birds. Red Squirrels are perky little rascals and ordinarily do little harm, but once in a while some individual gets the taste for blood and makes a business of destroying young Robins and other birds. Such individuals should be destroyed but it is scarcely necessary to carry on any wholesale killing of squirrels on a Golf Course because of the misdeeds of one. The same is true of Hawks and Owls. It is often necessary to do away with some individual that develops a bird-eating complex, especially members of the Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawk clan, but indiscriminate shooting of sup- posed bird-enemies is entirely undesirable. Foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and weasels all catch their share of birds or eat their quota of eggs, but the damage they do to the birds on a golf course is usually negligible and they occasionally do some good by destroying mice, grubs, bettles, and the like. One does need to be alert, however, for the occa- sional criminal. The slingshot and the air-gun do not kill many birds, but they certainly can disturb the peace of mind of birds and keep them ever timid. They should nat- urally be discouraged everywhere and especially near a Bird Sanctuary. The posting of Audubon Bird Sanctuary signs is usually sufficient to keep out the airguns and the larger guns, too. The U. S. Biological Survey has published a circular on “How to Build a Cat Trap,” and this Committee will be glad to send one to any Golf Club Sanctuary Committee as long as the supply lasts. These traps can, likewise, be purchased and dealers names will be supplied upon request. PAGE 61 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES SUGGESTIONS I. A Birp SANCTUARY COMMITTEE. In practically every Golf Club there are a few members who are deeply interested in birds. The President of the Club can feel assured they will be glad to serve on a Bird Sanctuary Committee with whom the Committee of the National Association of Audubon Societies will be very glad to cooperate in every way in organizing a plan of action appropriate to the location and per- sonnel of the Club. The first step in creating a bird sanctuary on a Golf Course is the appointing of such a committee that will correspond with the Sanctuary Committee of the National Association of Audubon Societies and proceed with such phases of the bird-attracting program as are best suited to local needs. Il. Postinc PRopPEertyY. The psychological effect of Audu- AUDUBON bon Bird Sanctuary signs about a Golf BIRD SANCTUARY Club has a very salutary effect upon LAKESIDE GOLF CLUB the general public and the caddies in particular. The signs not only inspire greater care for the birds but also greater respect for the Golf Club property. The signs can be attractive, durable and certainly inoffensive. The names of manufacturers who are prepared to make sanctuary signs and the prices they have filed with this Association will be mailed on request. III. BuLietin Boarps. Some Golf Clubs maintain bulletin boards whereon are recorded the names of the birds as they first appear from the south each spring, together with the names of the members making the identifications. Competition to see the first Bluebird or the first Lark on the Course is sometimes entertainingly keen. The National Association of Audubon Societies has three sets, of fifty each, of beautifully colored cards of native birds which will assist in identifying birds seen on the Course. Sometimes these cards are posted on the bulletin board when the bird has been seen. IV. Brirp LEcTuREs. Many Golf Clubs provide Saturday evening entertainments for members at which talks on outdoor subjects are always favored. The bird-life of the Golf Course is naturally an entertaining subject. If you have enjoyed the illustra- tions in this booklet, how much more will your members enjoy a talk with lantern slides in color or with motion pictures. Any Club interested in making a bird sanctuary of its property can call upon the National Association of Audubon Societies for assistance in arranging for a bird lecture. PAGE 62 EVERY GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY V. Brrp Watks. In every Golf Club there are some members who do not know one bird from another and others who know all the birds at sight or even by their calls. It has become the custom at some Country Clubs to hold bird-walks before breakfast with some one as leader who knows the birds. If a bird lecture is arranged during the spring or summer months, the lecturer is usually glad to take interested members on a bird-walk the following morning. VI. Brrp Books anp PUBLICATIONS. Some Golf Clubs may wish to include in their libraries and in the caddie house a few books giving more information about birds, and how they may be attracted than is given in this booklet. Or they may wish colored plates or cards giving pictures of the birds true to life. For the convenience of such Clubs, the National Association of Audubon Societies has arranged to carry books, peri- odicals, and accessories indicated on the enclosed folder. VII. Brrp Housr CoMPETITIONS. One of the most useful activities that a Bird Sanctuary Committee of a Golf Club can do is to foster a bird-house building competition among the local schools or Scout troops. Through such a competition the Golf Club will assume leadership in a worthwhile civic enterprise, bird-houses will become available for the Golf Course, and greater respect for Golf Club property will result. Prizes of tools and bird-books can usually be secured from local merchants and so far as possible, the Committee of the National Association of Audubon Socie- ties will be glad to cooperate in judging competitions. It is a good plan to arrange for a bird-lecture at the close of the competition so that the lecturer can assist in judging the boxes. Some of the rules that are often followed in arranging a bird-house com- petition follow: Entrants —The competition is open to any boy or girl between the ages of ten and sixteen. (Boxes made by younger children are not usually satisfactory for placing on Golf Club property. ) Classes of Exhibits —Competitors may enter one or more boxes in each of the following classes: 1. Wren box (for Wrens only); single compartment approximately 4 x 4x 8 inches, inside diameter, with entrance 11% inches in diameter on the front above the middle. 2. Bluebird box—for Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Chickadees, etc. Single compartment, approximately 5 x 5 x 9 inches; opening 11-15% inches on the front above the middle. PAGE 63 GOLF CLUBS AS BIRD SANCTUARIES 3. Flicker box—single compartment, size approximately 7 x 7 x 14 inches inside diameter; opening 21% inches in diameter on the front, three inches from the top. 4. Martin house—at least eight compartments 6 inches square with open- ings 21% inches in diameter near the bottom of each compartment. Each bird-house should have some convenient method of fastening it to tree or post and should have some method of opening it so as to clean it when necessary. Judging should be on the basis: first, correctness of design; second, durability; third, workmanship; and fourth originality of design. At the conclusion of the competition there should be a public exhibition of the bird-houses in some store window and finally the judging and award of prizes. The Golf Club should either furnish the materials for the bird-houses to the competitors or should purchase all satisfactory houses, at the conclusion of the competition, for placing about the Club property. ed 7 eH gy Photo by A. A. Allen A JUNIOR FOURSOME IN THE ROUGH (YOUNG HORNED LARKS) Let us all join in the chorus: “Every Golf Course a Bird Sanctuary.” PAGE 64 [ QQ a [ eveay GOLF COURSE A BIRD SANCTUARY Ti 1 o 2 AUDUBON BIRD PEEP- PEEP i. oy SANCTUARY 6 HEY ! THAT WAS MY EGG !x?Pl!