Bird lore - Project Puffin

A Successful Bird Exhibit
By FREDERICK GREEN^VOOD, Spokane, Wash.
BIRD-LORE for September-October, 19 15, contained a number of interesting
articles on the work of some of our eastern bird-clubs, and the
holding of educational bird exhibits was mentioned as one of the most
useful activities of these societies. This method of enlisting public interest in
the cause of bird protection is, indeed, an effective one, and one which should
be more generally adopted by our bird-clubs. There are good reasons why
undertakings of this sort are not more frequently attempted. In many com-
munities, of course, interest in bird matters is not coordinated, and no definite
organization exists. But even where bird-clubs are doing active work, serious
obstacles often discourage any attempt at holding an exhibit of any scope.
The matter of finances must be considered, suitable quarters are difficult to
secure, and frequently sufficient material seems to be lacking.
Some facts relating to an exhibit held in September at Spokane, Wash-
ington, in connection with the Spokane Interstate Fair may suggest a field of
work for bird-lovers in other cities. The exhibit was inspired by the success
of a similar undertaking at the Washington State Fair at North Yakima, a
year ago, and was such an unqualified success in itself that it promises to be a
permanent feature in future fair programs. The fair management eagerly
seized on the idea of an exhibit of native wild-bird life as a new attraction, and
one possessing educational value along the line of the conservation of natural
resources. They agreed to finance the undertaking and provided the necessary
space for the exhibit itself.
The announcement that a bird exhibit was contemplated which had no
connection with the poultry department of the fair excited general interest,
and the problem of sufficient material for the show was soon solved. An
extensive collection of mounted birds in the museum of a local university was
offered for use, and some fifty specimens were actually loaned. Local taxi-
dermists furnished other specimens, and one of these gentlemen, hearing that
there was to be a corner devoted to "bird enemies," secured and mounted a
splendid specimen of the genus "alley cat" with a dead bird in its mouth, which
proved to be the real attraction in this department. Among the bird enemies
were also shown mounted specimens of the most destructive Hawks and Owls,
a weasel, a snake, a pair of House Sparrows (with a Sparrow trap displayed
as a means of combating these pests), an air gun, a 22-caliber rifle, and a small
boy's "beany."
An extensive line of bird-houses was shown, some secured from dealers in
bird supplies and a large number contributed by local people. All sorts of
feeding devices were shown in one department, together with practical sug-
gestions for methods of winter feeding, such as suet tied to tree branches, suet
baskets, dried sunflowers, etc., while a display card with the legend "Did You
(23s)