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Hummingbirds are birds in the family Trochilidae, and are native to the Americas. They can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 12–90 times per second (depending on the species). They can fly backwards, and are the only group of birds able to do so. Their English name derives from the characteristic hum made by their rapid wing beats. They can fly at speeds exceeding 34 mph.
Hummingbirds feed on the nectar of plants and are important pollinators, especially of deep-throated, tubular flowers. Like bees, they are able to assess the amount of sugar in the nectar they eat; they reject flower types that produce nectar which is less than 10% sugar and prefer those whose sugar content is stronger. Nectar is a poor source of nutrients, so hummingbirds meet their needs for protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. by preying on insects and spiders, especially when feeding young.
Wouldn’t you like to start feeding hummingbirds and draw them to your backyard, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hummingbird
With thoughtful planning you can encourage specific birds to your backyard. Do you have favorite types of birds? You can hang any birdfeeder in your backyard. Perhaps you like it because it is whimsical. Maybe the design follows a particular theme, be it color, shape or size.
But did you know that certain foods and seeds will attract specific birds? Be creative and see what you can attract with a variety of foods. Try popped popcorn (without salt or butter), hulled sunflower seeds, peanuts, soaked raisins, pieces of fruit (orioles like oranges), fruit seeds (melons, apples), grapes, or mealworms.
Happy Birding
Bats are in need of protection if they are to survive. They have proven themselves as valuable members of our ecosystem, and we must increase the awareness of people who have the ability to protect or to destroy these little creatures.
Bats are declining, world-wide, at an alarming rate, due to human misunderstanding. They have typically only one offspring per year, making their comeback slow and in need of our help.
Bats eat an amazing amount of mosquitos. Some experts estimated that one bat can eat between 600 to 1000 insects, mosquitoes included, within a period of one hour. And the guano is a great fertilizer for your garden. Check out the bat houses that are available online.
Almost everyone that has had a tree taken down wants to remove the stump. They claim it to be unsightly. But what if you only had the tree top portion removed leaving several feet of the trunk standing? It could become quite a focal place in your backyard. Did you know that this would be one of the greatest attractants you could have in your garden? Not only will it attract birds for nesting holes, it will provide a great banquet table for the birds. I will also be a great birdwatching spot.
Weeds, an interesting thought, to say the least. Did you know that the number one attractor for birds is the number bane of gardeners? Yes it is the weed! The Bur Marigold, Dandelion, Ragweed, Pigweed, Lamb’s quarters, Mulletin, Goldenrod, Dock, and Jewelweed are great for attracting birds. Hummingbirds love the blossom of the Jewelweed and Rose Breasted Grosbeaks feast on the seeds. With a little expert help you can pick and choose which Weeds will be best for your garden.
The Plain Titmouse is the western cousin and lives in the southwestern states. It is a small, gray bird with a crest, but it is all gray, without the rust or white accents.
Both birds hunt for insects by clinging to branches of trees and shrubs and peering into the crevices of the bark. They sometimes forage on the ground as well.
Their calls are similar, a whistled “peter, peter, peter.”
Why not add some pretty decorative birdhouses to your garden decor. They will make great additions to your backyard as well as help to birds to find a resting spot or a place to call home?
This lovely little luxury villa for feathered flyers overflows with Victorian charm! Wouldn’t you like to see this in your backyard?
It’s spring and time to start preparing your front and backyards for this season. You can begin by cleaning the dead foliage from your garden plants if you didn’t do this last fall (maybe the weather turned too cold too soon or that first snowfall came to soon). Anyway once this is done you can bring the small statues and yard furniture out that you took in to protect them from the harsh weather.
You can also clean any debris from your pond and fountain features. Turn your pumps and filters on. So lets get going and you’ll have this done so you can start putting in your garden when all chance of frost is gone.
I love surprises don’t you? How much fun it is to be walking around someone elses garden a spot a statue or object half hidden among the flowers, plants or bushes? It’s not for the formal garden, but just fine for your backyard pleasures. It’s a little bit of whimsy, and a great way for your children or grandchildren to help decorate your backyard.
Do you like sitting on the patio? When you are decorating your backyard and patio area you might want to consider adding a firepit. It is a greatway to get that woodsy feeling and smell of camping and the great outdoors. It also adds a little fun to roast hot dogs and marshmallows for the kids. You might even be tempted to make a s’more or two.