They
build the most wonderful homes and take the best of care of their young.
If we would have these beautiful and interesting creatures live near us
we must show them that we mean them no harm. Then they will come about
our homes, cheering us with their glad songs, and amusing us with their
intelligence.
It is sad to think that birds have learned to fear man because he has
killed and trapped them, or robbed their nests of eggs or young. This is
not a very good way to treat a friend, is it?
Travelers tell us that when they have visited islands where men did not
live, the birds were so tame that they perched upon their shoulders and
could be easily caught.
Birds soon find out when man is their enemy, and then become wild and
shy; but they are always willing to become our friends again. If we can
make them understand that when near us they are safe, they will show
their faith in our good-will.
The wild eider-duck makes her nest and lays her eggs in the huts of the
Icelanders because she knows that she will not be harmed. In nesting
time the birds may be seen in the village streets. They are so tame that
one might think they were domestic ducks.
In Europe the storks build upon the house-tops. The peasant welcomes
them as friends when each spring they return to their home.
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