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Title
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The Omaha Bird Room
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Date
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1903
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Creator
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Frank Shoemaker
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Description
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Frank Shoemaker - Omaha, Lincoln, and Nebraska Narratives
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Identifier
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321301
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Transcription
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[Page 25] The grosbeaks bathe lustily in warm weather, but with scandalous infrequency in winter. The cardinal, chickadee, and catbird keep it up the year round. The orioles are not enthusiastic about winter bathing, but are through when once they start; they and the grosbeaks assume grotesque attitudes in the sunshine to dry their feathers. The sparrows are indifferent about bathing; regular dirty boys. Association or companionship among the birds is confined chiefly to "specific" lines. The two grosbeaks are constantly together. The two sparrows spend most of their time visiting each other, talking at the top of their voices, and occasionally picking up acquaintance with outside sparrows through the screen. The two orioles are good friends when they are not chasing each other and pulling feathers, but seem to care less for each other than either of the other pairs. As to friendships between birds not related by the tie of species, these are varied and fitful. The catbird and the wood thrush have a seeming affection for each other, after a fashion, but it often takes the form of feather-pulling and downright meanness. First one has the leadership and then the other; they spend much time on the floor bowing and ducking to each other at close range, until it is difficult to say whether one is observing a minuet or a sparring match. And this is where the Jap takes the spotlight. She is the most affectionate bird in the room; but very, very fickle. Her first
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Rights
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To inquire about usage, please contact Archives & Special Collections, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries. These images are for educational use only. Not all images are available for publication.
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Is Version Of
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image-309.jpg
The Omaha Bird Room