Thursday, April 30, 2009

You Can Lure Specific Birds


Did you know that you can lure specific birds to your backyard, like Cardinals, Bluebirds, Thrushes, Sparrows 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 don't care for 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?

Sunday, April 26, 2009

New Life Begins


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?

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Its a Great Day


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.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Great Crested Flycatcher

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.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

White Doves


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.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Finally It's Spring!!


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.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Have a Happy Easter


It's Easter and it is soooo tempting to purchase live chicks and bunnies for your children and grandchildren. But, please reconsider. They really are not good pets for young children! Children want to play and handling these young animals so much is not good. In fact too much handling can cause stress for them and they could die, and this in turn causes stress for the child and you. It's a vicious circle.