Christmas Birdhouse

When it's time for the little birdies to come home for the holidays, what better destination than this snow-capped refuge-where Santa awaits them!

A Busy Time of Year

This is a very busy time of year. The holidays are right around the corner and we are making our plans. As we are out and about doing our shopping don't forget to purchase suet cakes and bird food for your decorative bird feeders. If you have been feeding the birds through the summer you must continue during the cold weather. These little guys have been counting on you to continue providing for their next meal.

Wren Bird Houses

Whether or not you choose a decorate birdhouse or a hanging wren bird house really doesn't matter. I don't think the birds really care. They're more concerned about getting in out of the weather. The bird houses offer them a place to rest, build a nest, or shelter them from the wind, rain, heat or cold.
Having bird houses also offer you the opportunity to learn more about the bird. Their habits, nesting routines and rituals, mating practices, their singing etc. This is a good pastime/hobby for you, your children and/or grandchildren.

Birdhouses and Birdfeeders

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

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. Do you have swallow bird houses?