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Those who love the bluebird have begun a massive effort to save it through the erection of thousands of nesting boxes appropriate for this species and predator- and competitor-proof. And the bluebird is beginning to reappear in areas where these bluebird houses are established.
Providing bluebird houses has long been a favorite pastime in North America. Bluebirds are loved for their beautiful blue coloring, as well as, their gentle disposition and pleasing voice. The bluebird is the symbol of love and happiness in many of our songs.
Once a common bird, the bluebird was numerous even in urban residential areas, but it has seen a decline in numbers, with the Eastern Bluebird losing up to 90 percent of its population. A number of factors, such as insecticides, the destruction of their habitats, predators, and competition from other birds have contributed to this decline. The destruction of some of their food supply, such as the wild holly berries used in Christmas decorations, has also been a factor.
We can assist in the return of this lovely bird by providing suitable habitats, winter shelter, and food supplies. Plants that bear berries throughout the winter (bittersweet, hackberry, dogwood, American holly, privet, bayberry, sumac, and others) will provide food for not only bluebirds but many other species. Winter roost boxes provide shelter in the coldest season for many birds. In areas where bluebirds find sufficient food, they may stay all year, but a roost box will allow them warmth on cold nights. And specially designed bluebird houses, with predator guards on the entrance to keep out squirrels, raccoons, and competing birds, will give the bluebird a safe place to live and rear its young. Nests of sparrows and other competitors must be cleaned out of the bluebird house on a regular basis.
One of the favorite birds of people who are not necessarily serious students of other types of bird is the Purple Martin. This friendly fellow returns the affection by preferring to live around humans.The Purple Martin or Progne subis has been lovingly housed by many for nostalgic reasons — their grandparents and parents had martin houses. And this bird, for whom everyone watches eagerly in the spring, comes back to his established home year after year.
Whether you hang birdhouses or birdfeeders or both really is just your preferences. Birdhouses will offer shelter from the heat, cold, wind and rain, while the birdfeeders will feed them. If your goal is to learn more about the birds that frequent your premises I would advise that you hang both. You also might consider planting trees, bushes and a variety of plants that will specifically lure the birds in.
Swallows are really very pretty. In fact, most birds are.
Swallows are excellent fliers, and use these skills to attract a mate and to feed. Some species, like the mangrove swallow, are territorial, whereas others are not and simply defend their nesting site. In general, the males select a nest site, and then attract a female using song and flight, and (dependent on the species) guard their territory. The size of the territory varies depending on the species of swallow; in colonial-nesting species it tends to be small, but it may be much larger for solitary nesters. Outside of the breeding season some species may form large flocks, and species may also roost communally. This is thought to provide protection from predators. For the most part swallows are insectivorous, but some will feed on fruits and other plants. Doyou have swallow bird houses?
As a young child, I was fascinated with birds. They were small, many were really pretty, they sang beautifully, but most of all they could fly!! How? I couldn’t understand how they were able to stay up in the air. (I guess for that matter, it will always be a mystery to me).
I was given a gift of an Audobon membership. Each month I received a book relating to birds and a workbook that I could paste stamps that came with the book in the appropriate place. I learned so much. Another way to learn is to add a blue bird house or a birdfeeder to your garden decor. Your children and grandchilden will absolutely love it!
I love the look and feel of the rustic birdhouses that are available on the market today. They just blend into the natural setting of any woodland backyard. It offers plenty of room for it’s occupants. What bird family wouldn’t want to move right in?
With the warmer weather, I’m in seventh heaven. I love having all the song birds in the backyard, and I love hearing them sing! You too can hear this symphony by encourageing these songbirds to visit, nest and feed in your backyard. It is so easy to encourage most birds. You probably already have trees, shrubs and flowers, now put up a birdhouse/birdfeeder and some food, and you’ll be listening to a beautiful song or two also. Photo compliments of John and Carol Hollinsworth/USFWS
I’m starting to get excited! When the weather turns colder we lose alot of our featured friends, so now that it is getting warmer and things are growing again we’ll start seeing our feathered friends again. Namely the Hummingbirds.
Did you know that you can attract hummingbirds to your backyard? Plant brightly colored flowers and blooming bushes, and be sure to put your hummingbird feeders out. Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors.
This adorable decorative birdhouse is the perfect addition to your decor. It is a replica of a little cottage that you might find in a wooded area or at the lake. Complete with a screened porch to keep the bugs at bay.
There are so many decorative birdhouses on the market. It is so easy to complete a theme at a reasonable price.