This is a quick note to let you know that my computer has crashed. I am hoping all will be resolved this weekend and normal posting shall resume on Monday. If you have emailed me or left a comment, I will answer you this weekend from my parents’ computer.
Thank you and I hope to be back very soon!
For the past week, I have had the pleasure of exploring the heart of the Great Rocky Mountain Flyway. On Lookout Mountain, I saw my first scrub jay as it darted into a shrub. Later on the hike, I came across a small group of pygmy nuthatches scouring a pine tree looking for food. I was surprised at how bold they were, allowing me to come within several feet of them. The still mountain air was alive with the call of birds I have never heard, and still have never seen.
The most impressive, however, were the ravens soaring over Pike’s Peak. Looking down from the summit, we watched the birds circle, thousands of feet above the earth. Rising on currents of air, they hovered and glided through the air.
It is interesting being in a different region. I have lived my entire life in the Eastern Region and while I may not be able to identify great numbers of birds even near my home, they are familiar to me. Here, everything is new. The calls from the tops of trees are different, and the glimpses I catch of the birds as they dart for cover are of birds I have never seen.
It will be interesting to get to know them a little better if I do indeed spend more time up in these beautiful mountains. Next time, I am going to bring a field guide.
Hunters and fishermen played a vital role in preserving our natural wildlife over 100 years ago.
Led by fellow sportsman President Theodore Roosevelt, these early conservationists called for the first laws restricting the commercial slaughter of wildlife. They urged sustainable use of fish and game, created hunting and fishing licenses, and lobbied for taxes on sporting equipment to provide funds for state conservation agencies. These actions were the foundation of the North American wildlife conservation model, a science-based, user-pay system that would foster the most dramatic conservation successes of all time. National Hunting and Fishing Day
Today, however, there are not nearly so many hunters and fishermen. Americans have turned to wildlife viewing, rather than wildlife hunting. These “non-consumptive” visitors come to public lands in increasing numbers to view the diverse wildlife, but often do not pay for the upkeep of these lands. Hunters and fishermen pay not only the park fees, but must also purchase a hunting or fishing license and pay an extra tax on hunting and fishing equipment.
U.S. hunters paid $152, on average, in fees for licenses and using public land in 2001. Anglers averaged $66, while nature watchers averaged $30, primarily as admission to public land. Placerville.info
This is important because this revenue is the primary source of monies to support our nation’s wildlife preservation efforts. Should there be a tax placed on items such as birdseed and bird feeders to help make up the difference as “consumptive” park visitors steadily decrease? It has been tried in the past, with considerable protest, but perhaps there is also a greater awareness of the need to preserve our nation’s wetlands and other habitats important to the wildlife we love?
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The BirdWatcher’s Digest has an interesting article on how backyard birding has changed in the last twenty years. I set up my first feeder fifteen years ago, a standard hopper feeder with cheap, mixed seed. I attracted a ton of sparrows, some blue jays and an occasional cardinal. I remember how excited I was when I finally was able to tell the difference between a male and a female house sparrow. And how the trees filled with birds when I got home from school because that is when I filled the feeder. I think we were the only people in the neighborhood feeding birds. I read in a book about how suet could attract titmice and chickadees, but I did not know where to get suet.
Now I am presented with a wide array of feeders and feed selections at WalMart. We even have two specialty shops devoted to the hobby. Suet is readily available in cakes or logs to be dispensed in feeders designed just for suet. I even have a recipe for an imitation suet to offer in the winter. Several people in our small community offer seed, especially in the winter. It took a long time to attract our first birds because they all seemed to prefer our neighbor’s feeder to ours. As the hobby increases in popularity (it is second only to gardening), the selection and quality improve tremendously.
What changes have you noticed since you began this hobby?
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Since we were leaving for Denver, we decided to let the feeders go slowly go empty. Every time I go out into my daughter’s room or walk by my bedroom window, I peak outside out of habit. But there is nothing there. The sparrows lingered the longest, checking each feeder for left over seed. They even hopped up to the back porch to see if any was spilled near the door. They investigated, chirped in dismay and left. Our neighbor’s feeder seems a little busier recently, so our house finches and goldfinches are well-cared for at least.
The yard seems so quiet now when I step outside. I am used to being greeted by the incessant chatter of birds squabbling in the treetops. I am learning to identify them by their calls, so I know who is talking even as they remain invisible to me. It is a cheerful sound, and has always added quite a bit to the enjoyment of our backyard.
I cannot wait until we get back, set up our feeders again, and can listen to our birds. I miss their music.
Don’t forget the comment contest going on for the month of August here at 451 Press. Every comment counts!
Backyard birding is an exciting hobby for a variety of reasons. The color, the sounds, the pleasure of new friends and old acquaintances and the bit of wildlife in your own backyard are all important factors. But the dream of every birder, whether they travel the world or merely watch from their patio window, is to discover the unusual. When rare birds appear in an area, whether endangered or just out of range, the backyard birder rejoices. It is shared in forums. If you look, you will probably even find a rare bird alert that will notify you of these events in your area. And birders from around the state will travel to see the rare or unusual bird.
Wanda and John Darby have had just this kind of experience in their own backyard in Boone County Missouri. Their backyard feeding hobby sounds similar to mine: an average pair of binoculars, a digital camera and several feeders, although nothing too elaborate.
The Darbys have a pair of bluebird houses at the rear of the yard, three bird baths, a single finch feeder, two hummingbird feeders, a suet feeder in the winter time, both hinging [sic] and platform feeders filled with ordinary black oil sunflower seeds and grain scattered on the ground. Many Columbians can paint the same picture. Columbia Tribune
Their backyard, however, is also home to four Eurasian collared doves and the nesting site for a family of Eurasian tree sparrows, the only Eurasian tree sparrow nest documented west of St. Charles County.
The Tree Sparrow was introduced to the United States in 1870 by a St. Louis bird dealer named Kleinschmidt along with four other varieties of European finches. Only the Tree Sparrow - which is a finch, not a sparrow - survived.
For 100 years, the sparrows prospered, but only in a very limited range ringing St. Louis. In the past decade, reports of the species’ expansion preceded the Darby nesting. An earlier spring report placed another population near Tri-Cities Lake between Centralia and Sturgeon, but nesting was not observed. Ibid.
The most interesting bird I have seen so far has been a bald cowbird. Otherwise, our birds have been the ones common in the area. Providing a suitable habitat with food, water, shelter and nesting sites virtually guarantees that some birds will frequent your yard. But it might also draw in the unexpected.
Don’t forget the comment contest going on for the month of August here at 451 Press. Every comment counts!
birding, backyard birding, birdwatching, Eurasian tree sparrow, Eurasian collared dove
Hummingbirds are a favorite of many backyard birders. They are fascinating to watch as they flit about, searching for nectar and insects, and as they hover over a flower or feeder. Surprisingly tame, they will often approach you if you are wearing brightly colored clothing and seem unconcerned about your Hummingbirds are a favorite of many backyard birders. They are fascinating to watch as they flit about, searching for nectar and insects, and as they hover over a flower or feeder. Surprisingly tame, they will often approach you if you are wearing brightly colored clothing and seem unconcerned about your presence as they expend their energy trying to keep the competition out of their territory. If you are quiet, you may even hear their quick, aggravated chirp as they aggressively pursue each other.
Here in Eastern Nebraska, the ruby-throated hummingbird is the only hummer we see and then typically only during migration. But it is worth planting some nectar producing flowers and putting out the feeder twice a year to enjoy their antics. Here are some tips for attracting hummingbirds to your yard:
1. Plant native, nectar producing flowers. Many of the same flowers which attract butterflies will attract hummingbirds.
2. Put a mister over your birdbath or somewhere in your yard. Hummingbirds love to play in the gentle spray.
3. Set out a hummingbird feeder. Or two.
4. If you are within their breeding range, do not sweep away all the spider webs around the outside of your house. Hummingbirds use webs to line their nests.
5. When you first begin feeding, try placing brightly colored objects around your yard. The birds will be attracted to the colors as they fly by and will hopefully locate your feeder more quickly this way.
If you choose to set up a feeder, there are a variety of styles to suit your preferences. Make sure it seals securely. The biggest problem we have had with these feeders is that they often do not seal and the nectar leaks out. You can fill them with commercially prepared nectar, but making your own sugar solution is easy and much cheaper.
1. Ensure the feeder is clean.
2. Boil some water to make sure it is sterile.
3. Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 cup of the boiled water.
4. Stir until all the sugar is dissolved. Do not add any coloring to the water. It is not necessary and may actually harm the birds.
5. Fill the feeder and set outside where you can enjoy it.
6. Clean the feeders daily. The sugar water is the perfect place to grow mold on a warm day and could make your hummingbirds very sick.
If you feed regularly and are patient, you might get some close up looks at these amazing birds, just like George here.
Don’t forget the comment contest going on for the month of August here at 451 Press. Every comment counts!
hummingbird, hummingbirds, backyard birding, birding, birdwatching
As I have noted before, I occasionally submit posts to a variety of carnivals. A carnival is a sort of blog magazine, with links to entries from several authors on a common theme. I submitted my post on getting your yard NWF certified to this week’s Carnival of Homeschooling, because I thought some families might be interested in pursuing this as an educational opportunity for their children. If you have children (or are just curious about homeschooling), the Carnival of Homeschooling is an interesting carnival to browse.
Deb from Let a Woman Learn sent me this photograph of a bird her family found on their porch, wondering what it was:
She mentioned that she thought it was a robin at first, but the markings led her to believe it was maybe a thrush or a thrasher.
When you have a dead bird, the general rule to take notes before reaching for the bird guide is not relevant. You have plenty of time to refer to multiple entries and even search online for the bird that best matches the one you have found. Remember that there can be quite a bit of variation between individuals within a species and when you throw seasonal plumage and differing life stages, even the best bird guides may leave you without a certain identification. For the practice, here is the process I go through when identifying a bird: (more…)
Backyard birding math, from Journey North:
Last time you read Be Mine! Robins and Their Mates. We said that one scientific study showed that about 75% of all fledgling robins die before November their first year. Of those that survive that long, about half die before the next November. About half of all 2-year-old robins die each year, and about half of all robins of every other age die each year, too. If this is true, what’s the answer to…
Challenge Question #9:
“If 200 robins were fledged in a town one year, how many of the fledglings would be alive in November? How many would be alive the following November? How many would be alive the November after that? How many years would it be before all these fledglings had probably died?”
The numbers in the study surprised me. No wonder robins generally raise two broods every year. Then one bird might survive the winter!
Don’t forget the comment contest going on for the month of August here at 451 Press. Every comment counts!
We have a Heath Multi-Purpose Platform Feeder, made of redwood which has been one of my favorite feeders. That may not be a very meaningful statement coming from me, however. I love all my feeders. Let’s say it was a surprise to me just how much I would like it. It got added to my wish list after reading several books on bird feeding, although I had never previously seen much use for one. What does it offer that is not offered by the hopper feeder and the ground feeder?
I may not see much of a difference, but the birds certainly do! Ours has a large screw in the middle of the feeder to hold a corn cob. The squirrels do not pay very much attention to this obvious ploy to fill their tummies with something besides sunflower seeds. Blue jays and red-bellied woodpeckers, however, seem to love it. When the orioles first arrived, I tried placing orange slices on the screw, but this did not appear to be successful. The male oriole seemed to prefer to eat sunflower seeds off the ground and the female preferred a suet feeder that was hung in the pine tree. Birds which favor this feeder (from our experience):
goldfinches
house finches
blue jays
cardinals
purple finches
red-bellied woodpeckers
Our sparrows, cowbirds and grackles will eat from it when the ground feeder is empty, but they generally leave it alone.
We have tried safflower seed in the platform feeder, but without success. Since birds can be leery of new foods, I am not sure if we lacked the patience, or if safflower truly is a second-rate seed in the eyes of our birds. We fill it predominantly with black oil sunflower seed, and occasionally add some dried fruit or other tidbit we think the birds might like.
Don’t forget the comment contest going on for the month of August here at 451 Press. Every comment counts!
platform feeder, feeder, bird feeding, birdwatching, birding, backyard birding
There are a wide range of suet feeders on the market, some merely functional, others decorative as well. The one pictured here is our favorite for the obvious reason that it is home made. My husband and the children spent some time going through our woodpile looking for promising branches large enough to drill a large hole through. The hole is one inch in diameter in order to accommodate commercially prepared suet plugs.
Our homemade suet feeder has attracted a variety of birds, including:
1. nuthatches
2. downy woodpeckers
3. hairy woodpeckers
4. red-headed woodpeckers
5. red-bellied woodpeckers
6. orioles
7. northern flickers
8. one hummingbird
I think the hummingbird was inspecting the suet feeder for insects, or perhaps it was just curious. It actually chased off a downy woodpecker in order to investigate further.
We have tried a variety of types of suet in the feeder, including my homemade imitation suet, commercial suet plugs and even suet cakes. We just cut the cakes into bars and push them into the holes. Any of these are messy, but I think it is probably good hand lotion!
We also have a basket suet feeder, but it gets emptied quickly when we fill it because of the sparrows and grackles. Although the sparrows can still eat from our wooden one, they prefer not to and will only feed from it when all the other feeders are empty. Since that is a rare occasion, they leave it alone for the most part. I have only seen the grackles eat from it when they stood on a nearby branch and stretch for it. A little repositioning has prevented that from reoccurring.
If you have not tried offering suet before, it is a wonderful way to attract a number of birds which normally feed on insects. Even bluebirds can be trained to eat from it if you are patient.
I thought I’d take a moment to share our feeding station. You can see I am not much of a gardener! This area is now full of sunflowers, but it has been too dark and rainy recently to get another good picture.
We have two more suet feeders and a squirrel feeder in other areas of the yard, but this is where most of the birds come. The various feeders are not real clear in the picture, but over the next week, I’ll share some close ups of each feeder and talk about the birds they attract, and the advantages and disadvantages of each feeder.
Just off to the left is a large bush where the birds dart for cover or wait for their turn at the feeders. In the winter, we hang extra suet in it and the nuthatches love it. There is also a large pine tree that fills with goldfinches just before they descend, squabbling to the feeders. The backyard can get pretty loud when a flock arrives! After coming in only very small groups all summer, we are now getting larger groups, again. We have had up to fifteen at once. Are they forming their flocks again so early? Or is it just because they have recently nested? It is predominantly males that we are seeing.
I will share more about each of our feeders over the next several days.
Perhaps even more important than cleaning your feeders to your birds health is regularly cleaning the birdbath. As I was preparing to write this, I was surprised at how much conflicting advice is out there for maintaining a clean and healthy birdbath, so I will stick to the advice given us by the kind people down at our wildlife habitat store.
It is important to note why birdbaths get so disgusting so quickly. The water is warm, shallow, still and deprived of oxygen. These conditions are perfect for the growth of algae and bacteria which are naturally floating in the air all the time. They can also be introduced by the bird droppings. Once they take home, the water in your bath turns stagnant quickly, becoming a health hazard for your birds.
Changing these conditions can slow the growth and keep it more manageable. As tempting as it may be, however, never add detergents, bleach or other additives to the water. Even chemicals safe for an aquarium may not be safe for birds.
The safest way to clean the bird bath is to empty it, rinse it and allow it to dry completely. Scrub it with a hand brush, rinse it and refill it. If you empty your bath and rinse it daily, this will not be necessary as often.
One way to slow the process is to keep the water moving. This allows the water to remain oxygenated. A Water Wiggler, or fountain added to your bath will accomplish this.
If you have ever thought of adding a pond to your yard, these can also be adapted to suit your birds, as well. The depth of the pond and its filtration system help to keep the water from stagnating. The plants in it also assist in maintaining a healthy, natural balance. I have often read that people can be very successful attracting birds to their yard just with a well-designed pond and no feeders at all.
To sanitize your birdbath, bleach is probably the safest. Use nine parts water to one part bleach and clean the bath thoroughly. Rinse it well then refill. If the bath needs soaking, cover it with something to keep birds out until you are finished. The chlorine in the bleach dissipates quickly, so there is little chance of much being left by the time you refill your bath.
bird feeding, birdbath, bird bath, backyard birding, birding, birdwatching
“Mom! Mom! There’s a bird stuck under the fence!”
The children burst into the house to solicit my help in an avian rescue. Trying to figure out how a bird could possibly be stuck under a fence, I followed them out.
Sure enough, there were little brown tail feathers poking out from under the privacy fence.
“Are you sure it is alive?” I asked.
“Yes!” my daughter said. “It was moving.”
Doubtful, I walked around to the other side of the fence. His body was pressed against the ground with wings spread slightly. He was completely motionless but clearly alive. I reached slowly toward it and it darted out from the small depression it was nestled in and under another board.
I smiled and brought the children inside to give it some peace. It was a fledgling house finch. Although it hadn’t yet learned to fly, it had obviously learned to take cover and our fence was providing some much needed cover from boisterous children.
backyard birding, birding, birdwatching, house finch, fledgling
The great outdoors is sometimes a little far and a little difficult to navigate, especially with young children. Here, we bring a little of the great outdoors to you, in your own backyard. Just turn off the tv, look out the window, and enjoy the great backyard with backyard birding.
Backyard Birding Author(s)
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All Sport Report
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