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We’ve had an unusally warm spring. Beautiful as a matter of fact! That being said the last few days have been cooler and rainy. We need the rain so I’m not complaining. This morning while I was sitting on the porch looking out over the farm and watching the birds. I was surprised by a tiny little visitor. We have our first hummingbird of the year. This was one of the ruby throated. I can’t say that we’ve ever seen a ruby here until now. They are absolutely exquiste.
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!
Did you know that all birds do not hibernate? So what do they do? They still need food and shelter. And for the most part they do it on their own, and they don’t need our help. But what if we have an unusual winter? The snow is deep and the ground is covered. I’m sure the birds will be grateful for a full birdfeeder, and it won’t matter whether it is a decorative feeder or a unique feeder.
Birds are hungry. We all know by now that birds can survive without our help, but feeding them does help us both. Some ornithologists have even suggested that bird feeding is more beneficial to humans than it is to the birds. Studies have shown that birds with access to bird feeders in winter survive at a higher rate than birds without access to feeders. Feeding birds in winter is a good thing for the birds. If you live where there is winter weather , a blast of wind and snowy weather will mean making an extra effort to keep the feeders going for the birds.
Here are some ideas to help you prepare your feeding station for the worst of weather. Be prepared to have plenty of seed, suet and peanut butter on hand. You might place some dried grass or wood shavings in the bottom of your wood birdhouses. You could even cover the vent holes with some weather stripping (the birds won’t need this source of air in the winter). Some birds are ground feeders, so you’ll want to be sure there is an area that is clear of snow so you can sprinkle seeds on the ground.
WOW!! I’ve seen so many flocks of birds lately. It is a sure sign that the weather is beginning to cool down and winter is around the corner. The birds are heading south.
I’ve placed some wooden birdhouses and feeders around, so that when they need to stop to eat or rest there’ll be plenty for them. Are you prepared?
With the onset of the cooler temperatures, we have been “cleaning up” our yard and flower beds. One of the things we do when pulling our sunflowers is to cut the dried head and place them in hanging bird feeders. When we have the giant sunflowers we often will leave the head on something high….perhaps the swing or picnic table. The birds will have fun cleaning out the seeds.
The birds are beginning to plan for winter. Are you? Birds have already begun to scout for food sources for the winter. As they flit about, they’re watching for food, watch and shelter. When the cold weather begins, they will know exactly where to go, so now is the time to make sure that you have bird feeders are ful. And be sure to keep them filled, as they will come to depend on this source once they have begun to use it.
This is also a good time for you to prepare lodging (if you haven’t already done so) for them.
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
Tropical birds, which live on fruit all winter, are attracted to oranges and fruit jelly when they venture north. Place a bit of jelly, cut up fruit or even sugar water recessed cup, of this functional bird feeder and watch the fruit loving birds flock to it. Also, add a half an apple or orange to the skewer to attract orioles. Cup can also serve as a meal worm feeder to attract bluebirds.
It isn’t too late to add birdfeeders or birdhouses to your garden decor.
Your garden visitors will like the royal treatment with this luxurious feeder! Burnished gold finish lends luster to a sculpted dish trimmed with doves and lilies; The deep bowl holds a generous amount of seed fit for any feathered king. This birdfeeder will add a bit of sophistication to yourbackyard scenery!