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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.”
The spring courtship rites of the bluebird are among the most enjoyable to witness. The male selects a suitable nesting cavity and devotes all his energy to luring a female to it with song. He sings and sings, as the female sits passively by, enjoying his effort. When she inspects the nesting place, he interprets her interest as acceptance and his song becomes even more passionate. But the final selection of the nesting place is hers, and if she finds his choice unacceptable, he must search for something better.
The female builds a nest of dry grass or pine needles and other plant material. The nest is typically about three to four inches deep. Here the Eastern Bluebird lays an average of three to five clear blue eggs though occasionally they may be white, with the western and mountain species adding one or two more. They hatch in two weeks and the baby birds leave the nest in 15 to 20 days, ready to fly and soon able to feed themselves. By fall the pair has raised two or three broods of young and may migrate south if their food supply runs out or it gets too cold.
I’ve been wanting to get some new birdhouses for our property. We live on a farm so some areas are “wild” while other areas are developed. My husband has always liked to feed the birds, while I enjoy watching and listening.
While searching the internet I found some really great birdhouses that fall into both categories: decorative and wild. I really liked this one, and I hope my grandchildren will also. Do you think it will frighten the birds?
Did you know that you can lure specific birds to your backyard. Like Cardinals, Bluebirds, Thrushes, etc. You’ll be the envy of neighbors having a chorus of songs like no other. It all has to do with the habitat, and the food.
For example, Sparrows like a meadow garden, a weedy field or a patch of prairie flowers. They really aren’t into a “woody” area. You will be providing an area to nest as well as food they like.
After checking sources for the types of birds you like you will be better able to provide for them. What are you favorite birds?
What a glorious morning!! It is so nice to wake up with the sun shining, the birds singing and a cool breeze blowing. Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. Everything is greening up, flowers are beginning to bloom, robins and other birds are beginning to show up as they return from their winter retreat. These are sure signs of life being renewed. It won’t be long before we can witness new life as the eggs in the nest hatch. Do you feel as blessed as I?
Good Morning. The sun is shining and a great day is predicted….in the 70’s. Boy have we been waiting for that!! And judging by the birds singing so have they. Do you have your bird houses and bird feeders ready and waiting for them. The birds will be searching for a nice place to nest so they can prepare for their new families.
It is so much fun watching the progress of the birds, building their nests (whether they are in a house, bush or tree) then watching the eggs, waiting in anticipation for them to hatch, then watching the hatchlings to an adult bird. And what an education for your young children or grandchildren.
The Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) lives in all states east of the Rockies and is common in open deciduous forests and orchards. It is a dark olive gray on the back, with a yellow underside and light gray throat. Its distinctive crest gives it its name, and it has a large bill. It is nearly 9″ long and is the only eastern flycatcher to nest in cavities. In fact, it will nest in nearly any kind of cavity. It is a fiercely territorial bird.
In spite of its long bill, the flycatcher does not make its own cavity, depending on rotting trees or posts, or on holes made by woodpeckers or those provided by bird-loving humans. Flycatchers feed in the tops of trees, primarily on insects, and emit a loud “wheeeeep.” They frustrate bird watchers, as they are more often heard than seen.
They are aptly named, as they may sit on a perch watching for insects, and then dart out and catch even a dragonfly in mid-air. They also eat beetles, bees and wasps, but do not eat many mosquitoes or gnats.
Flycatchers are known for using the skins shed by snakes in making their nests.
There are many ways in which to add decor to your backyard. Hanging birdhouses not only help give our feathered friends a place to rest but actually add interest to your backyard. You too will benefit from this. Not only will you begin recongnizing a particular bird, but you will also recognize its call, song and habits. You may even catch a glimpse of its nesting habits…see eggs and be able to watch them hatch.
Did Did you know that Doves are members of the pidgeon family? They also make great pets . Doves are actually very gentle and they tend to adopt to a family. They will set with family membets or a personal object belonging to a family member.
Doves are also very inexpensive. They are quite charming birds and it is fun to watch their little antics and the different “coos” that they have. They actually have rituals that are fun to watch . Doves require very little. Given fresh food and water they will do quite nicely.
Well it is finally Spring, and you will see more and more birds. Wouldn’t it be nice if they were in your backyard? It is possibe. All you need to do is put up a few birdfeeders and birdhouses to attract them. It also helps if your backyard is bird friendly. Trees and bushes will help them to feel safe as they move about. Water features such as ponds, streams and /or birdbaths will also help.