Human Parents vs Bird Parents While I have to admit I am not a parent in the conventional sense. We are parents to our 10 year old yorkie/chihuahua mix, Maggie which has been both challenging and rewarding. However, I am over fifty years of age and have been around a ton of parents and have heard about their struggles and triumphs. So, let me give you a light-hearted breakdown … [Read more...] about Human Parents Think They Have It Bad?
Bird Conservation
Nail Biting Bluebird Fledging
Our first family of bluebirds just left the nest the other day. Or should I say the other night! That's right, night. OK, maybe it was evening but it was the first time I've ever had bluebirds fledge at any time other than morning. Let me recount how it happened. What's That Dark Spot In The Lawn? This first family seemed to be taking their time. It seemed to me that they had … [Read more...] about Nail Biting Bluebird Fledging
Just In Time Chickadee Housing
I have a quick story to share with you which further emphasizes the need to pay attention to your backyard I spoke of in my last post. It's a story about seeing a need and filling it and the feeling you can get doing that. This story involves one of my favorite feeder birds, the Carolina chickadee. A few years ago, before I ever had any Eastern Bluebirds in my backyard, I … [Read more...] about Just In Time Chickadee Housing
The First Junco Of The Season
First Junco Arrives Yesterday afternoon, I was looking out my back window when I saw something that brought a smile to my face. That unmistakable grey and white flitting. Alone for now but I know it's just the beginning. That's right...my first junco. I saw it milling about on the ground near my squirrel corn cob feeder and then actually climbing on it. Finally, they settled … [Read more...] about The First Junco Of The Season
Bluebirds Caught Leaving The Nest
Finally Got It! I've been wanting to get one of my broods of bluebird babies as they were leaving the nest but have not been successful-until now! I noticed one evening a few days ago that one of the babies was getting rather impatient and bold around the nest box hole. The parents were bringing him or her food on a regular basis so I didn't see any reason why they would want … [Read more...] about Bluebirds Caught Leaving The Nest
Bluebirds Are Moving In!
Contested Dwelling This year I've had more than a couple species look at one of my two bluebird boxes. I had the bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, starlings and cowbirds. If you've been following this blog for any time at all you'd know I'd never let starlings or sparrows move in so their fate was predetermined. I also realize the cowbirds were just looking for an egg drop … [Read more...] about Bluebirds Are Moving In!
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Big Day 2011
Help Team Sapsucker Set A New Record I received an email today that I need to pass along to you. It was from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and their Big Day 2011 that will happen tomorrow. I'll just let you read the letter from them to begin. … [Read more...] about Cornell Lab of Ornithology Big Day 2011
Losing My Backyard Centerpiece
The Center Of My Birding Activity I recently decided to take down the 40+ foot sassafrass tree that was in the center of my backyard. I held out as long as I could for my birds. With feeders and nesting boxes on both sides of the yard, it quickly became the hub of activity. If a bird came into my backyard, there was a 75% chance it would perch in that tree while deciding … [Read more...] about Losing My Backyard Centerpiece