31 JANUARY 1947, Page 17

Thirsty Birds In the first of the hard frosts that

succeeded some days of delightful warmth a blackbird in my garden was watched seeking water in a little concrete pond, and his disappointment was obvious. So during the warm spell the bees rushed out eagerly to suck up drops of water on blade and leaf. Water seems to be as necessary almost as food in frosty weather, and the fact should be remembered by fond gardeners and householders. Perhaps thirst induces the tits to wait for the milk and set to work in pulling off the cardboard covers of the bottles at once. If they are left outside for as little as half an hour the contents are rifled. Who denies the intelligence of birds?