Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 February 1916 — BIRDS IN CEMETERIES [ARTICLE]

BIRDS IN CEMETERIES

AUDUBON SOCIETIES INTERESTED IN BIG PROJECT. Idea la to Have Burial Grounds Converted Into Sanctuaries Where Feathered Friends of Humanity Ma)r Find Refuge. More than a million acres of land will be added to the bird reservations in the TJnited States if the National Association of Audubon societies, with headquarters in New York, succeeds in its campaign to have all- the cemeteries of the country converted into bird sanctuaries. The plan includes not only the forty-eight burial grounds of New York city, but all cemeteries down to the lonely graveyard of the smallest hamlet. “While the average visitor to cemeteries is frequently impressed with the song of birds,” said T. Gilbert Pearson, secretary of the association, who has brought forward this plan, "this is due rather to the usual quiet and perhaps to the receptive mood of the person. The number of birds is really small compared to what it would be were but a little effort made. Much has been done to drive birds away from cemeteries. Frequently, there is not a yard of underbrush where a thrasher or vireo can build its nest. There are no pools or other means for the birds to slake their thirst. Tree surgery has closed the cavities whence titmouse, wren or bluebird formerly issued to console the lonely visitor. Fruit-bearing trees have been removed and there is an absence of berry-bearing shrubs, such as birds enjoy.” - The association, in addition to the above needs, is urging the exclusion of gunners and cats from the cemeteries, the latter through the use of catproof fences. The placing of bird boxes in trees is recommended, as well as the construction of fountains or other drinking places for the birds. Ebod in the way of growing blackberries, strawberries or mulberries is suggested, while many cemeteries are said to have ample waste space where buckwheat and other small grain could be planted without detracting from the beauty of the landscape. The supplying of food in other ways as well as the provisions for nest-build-ing are among other suggestions contained in a circular just issued by the association which, Mr. Pearson says, he will mail to all persons interested in having their city cemetery converted into a bird sanctuary. In Indianapolis thousands of birds find refuge in Crown Hill cemetery and birds of some varieties which generally go South in the fall spend the winter there.