The Wanganui Chronicle TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1932. AUGUST IS BIRD MONTH.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 180, 2 August 1932, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1932. AUGUST IS BIRD MONTH.

is the first month of Spring; but it is also a month of dearth for the birds of New Zealand. The natural store of foods is at a low ebb, and in consequence of lack of nourishment many birds perish during the cold nights. The lack of warmth in their little bodies, occasioned by the absence of food, enfeebles them, and makes them less able either to elude their natural enemies or to exert themselves to the extent necessary to forage successfully for themselves. The month of August, therefore, is the month when the hand of man can be a beneficent one. If the birds are thought of when there is a residue of porridge over from a meal, or cooked potatoes, marrow’, beef suet, or damaged fruit are available, then the birds will find these a good addition to their larder and help them during the time of their distress. It is not compassion only which should move us to think of our feathered friends; self interest also should prompt our concern for them. With an absence of birds the tremendous growth of grubs and slugs would soon be a menace to man, robbing him of the fruits of his harvest. Birds may ravage Ihe crops, but what they take must be regarded as wages for the work they do for man in keeping down the pests. The loss of food supply from insect pests is tremendous even in New Zealand. It is estimated that under present conditions insect pests account for the destruction of over £1,000,000 of foodstuffs in each and every year. It is as well, therefore, to guard against further losses by keeping the guardians of the harvests in good condition during the month which now is with us.