The Intelligence At Work Sometimes, we birders have to witness things that break our hearts. Nestlings getting killed by birds competing for the space. Seeing the odd bird dead on the side of the road while walking our dogs. Seeing squirrels who've been hit in the road. The list goes on. What keeps us going is we know that these things are all part of the beauty we see and … [Read more...] about When Survival Seems Unfair
Start With A Bird Bath
Water Is An Easy Start To Feeding If you're like me, you want to get the most enjoyment out of your back yard with the minimal amount of fuss. After all, when you're not spending time in your back yard, you don't want to be worrying about how you're going to keep up with it all. That's one of the reasons I like more permanent fixtures over portable ones. For instance, I love … [Read more...] about Start With A Bird Bath
Spring Nesting Tips For Back Yard Birders
In most parts of the US, old man winter is starting to give way to at least small peeks of Spring. That means your back yard visitors are looking (or will soon be looking) for places to nest and raise their young. You can help them in ways you've maybe not thought of. Here are my spring nesting tips to help make your back yard a preferred spot for nesting birds. In no … [Read more...] about Spring Nesting Tips For Back Yard Birders
Have Some Fun With Your Birds Now
This is going to be a very short post to give you a quick way to change your mood and liven up your life that costs very little and can reward you instantly. Have Your Birds Over For Dinner While this may work best if you have a patio or deck, you can pull this off with a feeder you can set up right outside your window. Platform feeders would be best but not … [Read more...] about Have Some Fun With Your Birds Now
5 Birding Gifts Every Birder Would Love To Get
Your Friends Need Help! I know what your non-birding friends are going through. They know you love to feed, watch and learn about birds. But, that's about as far as their knowledge of birding goes. End result? They end up throwing up their hands and getting you a gift certificate. That's fine and it beats the heck out of taking a stab at something you already have or something … [Read more...] about 5 Birding Gifts Every Birder Would Love To Get
3 Ways To Attract More Goldfinches
Attract More Goldfinches Let's face it...who doesn't love to attract more goldfinches into their back yards! Their sweet vocalizations and little fights with each other are reason enough to love them. When you throw in the male's summer plumage, it's impossible not to want to see more of them. Over the years, I've tried different things to attract them. Some have worked and … [Read more...] about 3 Ways To Attract More Goldfinches
Human Parents Think They Have It Bad?
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?
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