Today begins National Homes for Birds Day. It gives us time to make birdhouses for our feathered friends before nesting season. I have several books for the occasion. First is A Golden Book “Bird Nests” by Nina Shackelford and Gordon E. Burks, 1962. This is a ‘read-it yourself’ book for young kids. Large print, and wonderful colored illustrations of different birds, and the nests they make.
The next book is the same kind of book, showing birds, and the nests they build, “Bird Homes: The Nests. Eggs, and Breeding Habits of the Land Birds Breeding in the Eastern United States; With hints on the Rearing and Photographing of Young Birds” by A.R. Dugmore, 1900. The difference of this book is that it was made for nature-studying adults. It has many photographs of nests, along with specifics of when different species of birds begin to nest. It is very detailed in how to identify birds and nests, and how to photograph young birds. Bird watchers would find this an immense help.
Also have “Birdhouses” by Paul V. Champion, 1961. This is a very interesting book that can be put to use. It is all about building birdhouses, what to use, measurements, and plans for 26 birdhouses. Some designs are for specific birds, and others can be suitable for various species, just enlarging the entrance holes. All is easily explained.
We are ready to put a final finish on our gourd birdhouses that Grandma and the grandgirls painted. They will be going up pretty soon in the back yard. Spring is almost here
Then I have the book “Salt, The Fifth Element” by Garnett Laidlaw Eskew, 1948. This book gives us the history of salt throughout time. It then goes into the details of processing and selling salt in the United States. Why this book? First it is National Salt Day today, and everyone needs to know a little more about salt.
To find the real reason, we have to go to “The Real Mother Goose” 1958. When we look for Simple Simon, we find:
“He went to catch a dicky bird,
And thought he could not fail,
Because he had a little salt,
To put upon his tail.”
Keep reading. We have one goard left to finish painting. I think I will draw bars on it…for the jail-birds.
Librarytomes 