Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 71, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 April 1917 — SPARROWS ARE BIRD PIRATES [ARTICLE]

SPARROWS ARE BIRD PIRATES

Troublesome Pests Are Accused of Appropriating Nests of Songsters for Their Own Use. Sparrows build their nests In the eave troughs, causing the gutters to overflow, the water gouging out valleys in the lawn. They also build their nests behind window blinds and generally muss up the house and grounds. These troublesome pests can’ be somewhat ‘Subdued with sparrow traps. While man’s complaint is severe against the sparrow, song birds are said to have a more serious one to. make. The sparrows are accused of throwing the eggs of other birds out of the nests, also the young, and preempting the nests of other birds for themselves. Sparrows make good potpies. This may not sound good, but a party with appetites that result from a day’s tramping through woodland streams for trout sat down to a bird pie for dinner. No one knew the kind of birds the pie contained and various game birds * were suggested. Some“old sports” were positive they could not be deceived. The landlord was noncommittal. Many weeks afterward another party of guests learned the truth. It was sparrow pie that the first party had so greatly liked and they enjoyed the joke at their friends’ expense, but were careful to make no comment and to ask no questions regarding the meals they enjoyed.