Nature Bird Watching Blog! | NatureBirdWatching.com» Nature Bird Watching Blog! | NatureBirdWatching.com http://naturebirdwatching.com A blog site about bird watching and equipment with accessories! Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:31:53 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 http://naturebirdwatching.com http://naturebirdwatching.com/wp-content/plugins/maxblogpress-favicon/icons/favicon-5.ico Nature Bird Watching Blog! | NatureBirdWatching.com Habits of the Chimney Swift http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NatureBirdwatchingBlog/~3/9z92AjzvxuA/ http://naturebirdwatching.com/277/habits-of-the-chimney-swift/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:31:53 +0000 http://naturebirdwatching.com/277/habits-of-the-chimney-swift/ The chimney swift is among the most fun loving and sociable birds that you will find. Whether on the ground or in the air, you will see groups of them spending their time together. These birds are small birds, just short of a half foot long. And they love to spend lots of time in flight.As a matter of fact, they do quite a bit of their eating in mid air as the snatch up insects in mid flight. Their common name, chimney swift, has become came with them because they have adjusted so well to man’s presence and to the structures that they live in. It is not uncommon to see them setting up roosting nests on the inside of chimneys.Chimney swifts tend to be monogamous. For the most part, and barring the death of a partner, they will stay with one partner their entire lives. They are migratory birds who seek the warmth of tropical locations as leave colder areas for the winter. In the spring however, they are like homing pigeons and will usually return to the same areas year after year.When it comes to bringing up the fledglings, chimney swifts subscribe to the theory that it takes a village. It is not unusual for a male and female to be joined by one or more additional chimney swifts in the caring of their children. They give most of their assistance in helping to bring food back to the nest. But they can also share in the incubation activities as the couple and their surrogates take turns sitting on the eggs before they hatch.The main diet of the chimney swift consists of flying insect. The will do the majority of their feeding above lakes and ponds where they usually find an abundance of these insects. They love flies, leafhoppers, mayflies, and the like. Being a communal species, they usually feed in groups.Therefore, as chimney swifts begin their mid morning feeding runs, it is very common to see a flock of them flying in close formation to each other. In addition to structures that are made by man, such as chimneys, these birds also love to seek out and build their nests in hollowed out locations in trees left behind by woodpeckers.But, Although chimney swifts love to make their nests in our home chimneys, the chimney is really one of the most hazardous places where they could live. Many times the heat or deadly gases from an active chimney will kill the birds that live in these enclosures. In fact, unfortunately, homeowners inadvertently kill thousands of these creatures over the course of a year.You might think that because of their small size, chimney swifts are easy prey. But In the wild, even though they are smaller birds, chimney swifts have little to fear from predators, mainly because of the speed at which they can turn on a dime in midair and escape their pursuers.

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]]> http://naturebirdwatching.com/277/habits-of-the-chimney-swift/feed/ 0 http://naturebirdwatching.com/277/habits-of-the-chimney-swift/ Types of Bird Feeders – Hopper, Suet and Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NatureBirdwatchingBlog/~3/qpCT3dxY-gM/ http://naturebirdwatching.com/276/types-of-bird-feeders-a%c2%80%c2%93-hopper-suet-and-squirrel-proof-bird-feeders/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:41:41 +0000 http://naturebirdwatching.com/276/types-of-bird-feeders-a%c2%80%c2%93-hopper-suet-and-squirrel-proof-bird-feeders/ If you are new to the bird feeding community you will benefit from this information.  Feeding wild birds is a growing hobby in the United States and for good reason.  What better way to witness wild life than right in your backyard with the help of bird feeders. There are many different types of bird feeders, however, you will learn about three here: hopper feeders, suet feeders, and cage or squirrel proof bird feeders. Hopper FeedersHopper bird feeders, also called House Feeders, have a platform upon which walls and a roof are built, forming a hopper.  A gazebo feeder is considered a hopper feeder.  Hopper bird feeders are popular because they are practical and functional as well as can be decorative.  These bird feeders are efficient to clean and maintain.  With hopper bird feeders, it is important to do regularly cleaning. The hopper is built to protect seed against the elements, however, few hopper feeders do a good job of protecting seed from rain, and the seed can become moldy. Birds can eat from at least two sides if not all sides of a hopper bird feeder, which is why it is so accessible to a large variety of birds.  These bird feeders are versatile in a way that they can be set up as hanging bird feeders or be pole mounted.  A good choice of bird food for hopper bird feeders is mixed wild bird seed or black oil sunflower seed.  A disadvantage to this bird feeder is that some wild birds will pick through the seed looking for only their favorite and leave the bird feeder a mess and wasted bird seed below.  Wild birds that are mostly attracted to hopper bird feeders are: chickadees, nuthatches, red bellied woodpeckers, mourning doves, cardinals, finches, jays, sparrows and yes the â??most of the time’ unwanted starlings and blackbirds.  Suet FeedersSuet bird feeders are special feeders that hold a nutrient rich bird food called suet.  Suet is packed with energy-rich nutrition because of its high fat content.  Suet can be store bought or homemade.  This special bird food keeps birds warm during cold temperatures which makes it the perfect bird food for winter weather.  If used in the winter, place the bird feeder in the shade.  Most suet bird feeders have a wire or plastic cage surrounding the suet to keep it in place and come in many shapes and sizes.  Suet bird feeders will attract birds that will not come to other types of feeders.  You may start to have problems with starlings or blackbirds at your suet bird feeder eating all the suet in a very short period of time.  If this does happen try using pure suet with nothing mixed into it or use suet only mixed with nyjer and/or safflower seed.  An upside-down suet bird feeder where only clinging birds are able to attach to it may work as well.  As always make sure to keep this type of feeder clean.  Suet bird feeders can attract a variety of woodpeckers, the northern flicker, chickadees, red-breasted and white-breasted nuthatch, purple finch and blue jays, to name a few.Cage/Squirrel Proof FeedersCage and squirrel proof bird feeders may be right up your alley if you have squirrels in your yard.  Believe it or not squirrels can become a problem if you do not have a bird feeder that is designed to keep squirrels out.  Squirrels can pose a couple problems including eating all the bird seed and damaging your bird feeders.  Most squirrel proof bird feeders are heavy duty yet provide little access for squirrels to get to the seed.  Squirrel proof bird feeders keep squirrels out by making any perch area weight sensitive in the effect that when the squirrel attempts to jump on it they will drop to the ground.  Cage feeders allow only birds to have access to the bird food leaving the squirrels at bay.  With all the different types of bird feeders out there to choose from, take this information with you when making a decision.  Hopper feeders, suet feeders and cage/squirrel proof bird feeders provide a great selection to choose from.  Start enjoying the wild life in your backyard using wild bird feeders.

My name is Angie and I love the outdoors.  I sell lawn & garden decor from my online store and strive to provide the best quality and largest variety of lawn ornaments I can.  My store provides a lot of cute ideas for people to decorate their outdoor space.  Personalize your lawn & garden today with adorable garden statues, stepping stones, bird feeders, bird houses, wind chimes, wind spinners and much more.http://www.outdoormama.comhttp://www.outdoormama1.blogspot.com 
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]]> http://naturebirdwatching.com/276/types-of-bird-feeders-a%c2%80%c2%93-hopper-suet-and-squirrel-proof-bird-feeders/feed/ 0 http://naturebirdwatching.com/276/types-of-bird-feeders-a%c2%80%c2%93-hopper-suet-and-squirrel-proof-bird-feeders/ Feeding Wild Birds in the Fall http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NatureBirdwatchingBlog/~3/l2sIlSiIOME/ http://naturebirdwatching.com/275/feeding-wild-birds-in-the-fall/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:18:59 +0000 http://naturebirdwatching.com/275/feeding-wild-birds-in-the-fall/ Bird watching is an ever-growing hobby in the United States; therefore, bird feeders are a popular topic when it comes to bird watching.  Some people question keeping their feeders out through the autumn months due to fear that wild birds will not migrate or just think birds will not use them as much.  However, there are many benefits to leaving your feeders out through the autumn months for both wild birds and you. One common misconception people may think about leaving their bird feeders out through the autumn season is that birds will not migrate.  This is called a ‘misconception’ for good reason.  Birds will eventually migrate when they are ready.  Leaving your feeders out is only helping prepare them for their long migration journey.  Taking your feeders down too early confuses them and may leave them struggling to store up enough body fat for their long journey.  This in turn will make for a hard migration.  Therefore, leave your feeders out at least for two weeks following the last sight of a bird at your bird feeders. Wild birds develop a daily routine of visits to bird feeders and other natural sources of food and nutrition.  Most birds may rely on your feeders for a secondary or even primary source of food and nutrition.  At this time of year their natural sources of food may have somewhat or completely depleted.  To prepare them for migration, wild birds will stock up on body fat; therefore, you will see them more often at your bird feeders this time of year.  With that said alone, it is important to keep your feeders out through the autumn months.Leaving your bird feeders out through the autumn months may attract other migrating birds and potentially invite new birds to your feeding area the following year.  Migration is a long and exhausting trip for wild birds.  For those birds passing through your backyard, they will appreciate the sources of food in your bird feeders through the migration season.  If your feeders are made available they will most likely make them their usual lay-over every migration season.  Not only does this benefit migrating birds but you will get an opportunity to maybe see new wildlife that you may have not seen before.  This is an exciting time for bird watchers.It’s always important to keep your bird feeders clean just as you would during the summer months.  Some people think they will not be used as much so why clean them.  However, the cleaner your feeders are the more wild birds you will most likely attract during the migration season. So think twice about taking down your bird feeders early.  Remember that rather than a disservice, wild bird feeding in the autumn season provides opportunities for bird wildlife during the migration season.  Bird feeders are a vital food source in the autumn months for those birds who have been accustomed to using the bird feeders you provide as well as migrating birds.  If you do decide to take them down during the autumn season try waiting at least two weeks after your last bird visitor.  Leaving your feeders out also extends your bird watching pleasure.
My name is Angie and I love the outdoors.  I sell lawn & garden decor from my online store and strive to provide the best quality and largest variety of lawn ornaments I can.  My store provides a lot of cute ideas for people to decorate their outdoor space.  Personalize your lawn & garden today with adorable garden statues, stepping stones, bird feeders, bird houses, wind chimes, wind spinners and much more.http://www.outdoormama.comhttp://www.outdoormama1.blogspot.com 
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]]> http://naturebirdwatching.com/275/feeding-wild-birds-in-the-fall/feed/ 0 http://naturebirdwatching.com/275/feeding-wild-birds-in-the-fall/ Wild Bird Feeder – 3 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NatureBirdwatchingBlog/~3/mTa28q1YsG4/ http://naturebirdwatching.com/274/wild-bird-feeder-3/#comments Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:11:19 +0000 http://naturebirdwatching.com/274/wild-bird-feeder-3/ In a perfect world, man should not have been feeding birds. But rampant and unplanned development has destroyed many wild bird habitats. Feeding the birds seems to be the right thing to do to atone for the injustice humans have caused to these lovely innocent creatures.Feeding wild birds is a popular hobby which the whole family can enjoy doing. According to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, over 60 million Americans feed birds regularly. Attracting wild birds to your backyard is easier. All you have to do is feed them regularly and secondly used a good quality wild bird feeder which the wild birds can access comfortably.There are many types of wild bird feeds, each designed to serve a specific purpose. The open tray design is the most basic type of bird feeders that attract wild birds as well as critters. Enclosed hoppers are designed like miniature buildings. It takes the wild birds some time to figure out a way to reach the grains but they serve the purpose of keeping other rodents and pests away.Another type of wild bird feeder is the tube feeder. They have large and small feed openings for different bird seeds and also have perches for the birds to sit and eat. The tube feeders have the additional advantage of not allowing any spillage of bird feed and helps keep the environs relatively clean as compared to other types of feeders.A squirrel proof bird feed is essentially a variation of the tube feeder and the intent is to keep the squirrels away from the feed. A squirrel proof feed itself comes with many variations all designed to keep the wily, innovative squirrels away from the wild bird feeders. Then, there are window feeders which as the name suggests is kept close to the windows of the house. It makes filling and cleaning easier for the bird lovers. A totally different type of feeder which is popular in the market as the best squirrel proof feeder is the Flipper bird feeder. It comes with a motor which kicks into action as soon as the squirrel steps on to the perch and starts spinning it. It can hold approximately five pounds of seeds and has a sturdy polycarbonate feeding chamber to prevent damage from persistent squirrel attacks.You can choose the wild bird feeder that is ideal for your home and location and feed away wild birds to your heart’s content.

Welcome to wild birds haven, A blog about bird feeders and houses including which ones are best for different locations and birds.
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]]> http://naturebirdwatching.com/274/wild-bird-feeder-3/feed/ 0 http://naturebirdwatching.com/274/wild-bird-feeder-3/ Hummingbird Houses A Shelter for the Birds and A Delight for You http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NatureBirdwatchingBlog/~3/qX9xw2rdCtI/ http://naturebirdwatching.com/273/hummingbird-houses-a-shelter-for-the-birds-and-a-delight-for-you/#comments Sun, 29 Aug 2010 13:03:01 +0000 http://naturebirdwatching.com/273/hummingbird-houses-a-shelter-for-the-birds-and-a-delight-for-you/ Hummingbird Houses A Shelter for the Birds and A Delight for You

Through the centuries, bird enthusiasts and other people have been putting up bird houses all over the country and all over the world. These bird houses are designed to attract different kinds of birds, and they are very helpful in enhancing your bird-watching experience.

One of the most intriguing and captivating birds to watch is the hummingbird. Hummingbirds are generally found in South America, and they are the smallest birds in the world. They are the only birds in the world that are able to fly backwards. Because of these characteristics, hummingbirds are among the most sought-after creatures of bird watchers everywhere.

In order to spend hours watching this delightful little bird, you would have to be able to make it stay in the same place for a long time. You can do this by creating a hummingbird house in your own backyard. This is a bird house specifically designed for the unusual hummingbird species.

You do not need to spend a lot to put up hummingbird houses. You can even make them yourself. Hummingbird houses are small, so you can use small boxes or even tin cans for this. When building hummingbird houses, just remember that if your open hand can fit in the box, then it is big enough for the hummingbird.

In order to prevent other birds from crashing your hummingbird house, make sure that the opening is only big enough for a hummingbird.

Hummingbird houses are quite tiny, and it is rather hard to see them once they are in position. Typically, hummingbird houses are placed on the trees themselves, very near the tree trunk. However, they can also be put up practically anywhere else in your backyard, such as under the roof of your house, or on other tall plants in the garden. Just make sure that the hummingbird houses are out of reach of cats and other house pets on the ground.

The best way to attract hummingbirds, though, is to place your hummingbird houses near flowering plants. Hummingbirds like hovering near flowers because they feed on the nectar of the flower. These birds are most attracted to colorful flowers like the trumpet vine and honeysuckle.

Your hummingbird house will also be more attractive to the tiny critters if you put hummingbird nectar inside. Make sure you do not offer them sugar water because this might cause fungus on their beaks, and could even be potentially lethal to the little birds.You can also find more info on Bird Houses and Bird House Crafts. Thisbirdhouse.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Bird House Crafts, Kits and Plans.

 

See More At: http://buildingbirdhouse.orghttp://flowerbedsdesign.com
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