Birdies!

[NeonLightChild]

Here in Ohio, we have a lot of birds frequenting our feeders. We have a normal birdfeeder with a sunflower/safflower mix in it, two suet feeders, an upside-down nyger-seed feeder, and a hummingbird feeder.

Surprisingly, the birds haven't been at the normal feeder quite so much, which I'm actually happy about because that means they're off looking for berries and insects this time of year. A few summers back, we did have a rose-breasted grosbeak (http://www.birding.com/topbirds/9519rbg.asp) pass through...it was quite fun to look out and see something different from the cardinals (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_cardinal/id), sparrows, finches and titmice.

The upside-down feeder is specifically for the goldfinch and the chickadees...the goldfinch (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Goldfinch/id) actually can eat in that position, and the chickadees do a grab-and-go.

The suet feeder is a favorite of the woodpeckers (we have a pair of red-bellied (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-Bellied_Woodpecker/id) and downies (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Downy_Woodpecker/id) who eat at leisure) and also the nuthatches (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-breasted_Nuthatch/id). This year, the nuthatch pair brought its fledged youngsters over to the feeder...quite interesting to see the whole family (there were 4-5 birds around, Mom and Dad feeding the little ones). They're creepers, and they'll crawl all over the feeder, up down all around...the woodpeckers will just sit in one place and eat. For some reason they seem to prefer the hot pepper suet and not the other kind we have out. It gets visitors but not often.

The hummingbird feeder is boring this year...all we have is one male ruby-throat (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruby-throated_Hummingbird/id) who comes and feeds. The big female who used to come around for the past few summers doesn't now, so we're guessing she died. So either he's just very territorial or no one else has found his nectar stash. I'm guessing the former since I can hear their little chirps all over the place, so I know they're out there. (Anyone ever fed hummers from their hand? Apparently that's supposed to be easy and fun, but none of ours seem to appreciate anything but flowers and feeders.)

And of course, while not required in a garden but highly recommended is a birdbath. It's fun to watch them flutter in the water and splash it everywhere...if only bathing could be that fast/easy for all of us.

My favorite birds that come around? It has to be the nuthatchs and the chickadees (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-capped_Chickadee/id). I love them all, but they're just...cute in the way they move and their calls. I'd take pictures, but my birds seem to be somewhat camera-shy, and when I'm out without a camera, they're in my face. A nuthatch even thought I was a tree once, and tried to land on me.

Any other bird-brains out there? What feeders do you have? I'm sure with everyone in different parts of the world, there are birds that some of us don't get to see that others probably find quite boring because they see them so often!

[MorganaFang]

My family tried to do bird feeders but we have such an unfortunate problem squirrels around here. The squirrels are not only bold but one would swear they're engineers. I've had one pull open my screen window while I was cleaning so that tells you something.

We still get a lot of birds anyway despite not being able to feed them. There are a lot of hummingbirds that will show up around July to drink some of the flowers. The Robins and other smaller finches like to nest in our trees around the house.

We also live fairly close to a nature preserve/ park so every now and then we'll get a Bald Eagle or large hawk flying over head.

In winter, there will always be Great Horned owls everywhere in our neighborhood. They're loud and big on terrorizing pets if you leave them out at night. About two cats are suspected of being taken away by the owls.

Ok thinking about it I'm pretty bird brain for noticing all this going on. Also one of my vices is to go feed the ducks and ducklings whenever I can. When I worked downtown there was a little park by the Panera that I would stop for lunch. I'd always buy an extra bagel for the ducks. I know it's bad in a city area but these ducks were pretty domesticated anyway.

My favorite birds are sparrows, cardinals, and robins.

[UNODRAGONE]

I have four of these (http://www.michaels.com/art/online/projectsheet?pid=e03752) bird feeders place strategically around my house by the windows for easy viewing. I also have a squirrel feeder placed further away from the bird feeders and it has been keeping them from eating the bird seed. I also have a hummingbird feeder and four bird houses I got from Michaels that I painted and have out by the feeders. I have one bird that has made a nest by my door on her own :) I get a lot of cardinals and blue jays and these little birds I have no idea the names of. If I post a picture of them, could you guys help me figure them out?

[Tempest]

My family tried to do bird feeders but we have such an unfortunate problem squirrels around here.

If you have the kind of bird feeder that hangs down from a tree, try buying a metal trash can lid and drilling a hole in the middle. You can thread the lid through the rod the bird feeder hangs from. This was the only thing that worked for my family. When the squirrel tries to get to the bird feeder by hanging off the side of the trash can lid, it will usually fall because the lid will tilt and the metal won't allow the squirrel anywhere to hang on. I think one or two squirrels might have figured out how to get to the seed, but it wasn't as bad as it was before. Squirrels are so damn smart. There are also squirrel-proof bird feeders, but I don't know how well they work.

Right now I just have a regular bird feeder, which usually only gets goldfinches, sparrows, mourning doves, cardinals, and titmice. We also get some chickadees, and the other day I saw what I believe was a baby starling. I haven't seen any hummingbirds yet, but I usually see a few and my mom just bought some new hanging flowers in attempt to attract more. About 5 years ago, I was sitting outside when a red-tailed hawk swooped down maybe 10 feet in front of my face. Of course it wasn't there for the bird feeder, but I still felt lucky to have seen one so close.

(http://www.allaboutbirds.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1189)This (http://www.allaboutbirds.org) is a neat site, with a lot of information on different birds and how to identify them.

[NeonLightChild]

Pictures away, Uno! I'm sure there's enough of us here who know birds, so we'll help you :)

This (http://www.consumersearch.com/bird-feeders/arundale-sky-caf%C3%A9) is the kind of regular birdfeeder we have, except it has 4 feeding stations instead of the tray. We've had the same one since I was a little girl, and over the years the squirrels chewed through the top, so we put a metal funnel over it. It now looks like a plastic witch hat that's wearing a funnel. That should so be a fashion thing right now.

No one nested in any of our birdhouses or huts this year :( Last year we had a chickadee in the window birdbox; it has a clear back to it so that we could watch them grow. They were cute little buggers, even right after they hatched and were all nekkid.

Here's a tip during nesting season: if you have a spare suet feeder or even some kind of sturdy nylon bad with large holes in it, put pet hair in it and hang it outside. The birds can use it, and it's fun to watch them pick it out and fly away. We found some of Zeke's fur in the chickadee's nest in the box.

[Chiron Jackal]

I envy you guys. There's been a huge increase in the amount of bird poop on the car, but not one visible source of this increase. :(

[Golden Howl]

I have been curious on the method to lure hummingbirds, because I am aware of their presence in my yard, but I only catch faint glimpses of them. Someone informed me that you fill a special bird feeder with sugar water and that should do the trick. Is it really that simple?

I do not get to experience quite the variety as you do, NeonLightChild, but I am sure those birds are out there in my place. I just have to keep my eyes peeled. They leave traces of themselves scattered around the yard. I discover blue egg shells randomly on the ground, these gray yet beautiful feathers ranging from 5 inches to a foot long.

Once, not too long ago I spotted an owl resting on a branch, and I got an excellent view of him before he swooped over my head and flew away. I hear this crooning dove, but I have never seen it, so I don't know the type. Cardinals are quite common around here, I see one everyday. My favorite birds, although I cannot specify them, are the ones which fly up high. They are large birds, probably vultures or hawks. Yesterday I was watching the sunset with my Golden Retriever, Ellie Mae, and one of those birds was flying toward the scene. Quite breath-taking.
I may be pushing it, but I desire to mention another flying creature which fascinates me. I adore the bats which flitter about in the darkness. :love: Occasionally they dive down, barely missing your head, scaring the crap outta of you.

[Tempest]

I have been curious on the method to lure hummingbirds, because I am aware of their presence in my yard, but I only catch faint glimpses of them. Someone informed me that you fill a special bird feeder with sugar water and that should do the trick. Is it really that simple?

Hummingbird feeders are designed specifically for hummingbirds, and they attract the birds very well. They need to be cleaned frequently, so if you're going to get one, make sure it's easy to maintain. There are a lot of different styles, but this is the one I have:

http://abirdsfeather.com/library/2DrollYankeesHappy8LargeHummingbirdFeeder.jpg

Although it never looks like that when I have it out. :( You need to have the right location for your feeder, too (just like any other feeder).

You can also attract hummingbirds by planting certain flowers. This (http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/Attracting_Hummingbirds.html) is a good guide on plants that hummingbirds like, and it also tells you all you need to know about having a hummingbird feeder.

[NeonLightChild]

Another hummer tip: hang some kind of ant guard (http://www.bird-house-bath.com/d/Ant-Baffle-Red.html) above it so you don't have ants getting into the feeding stations. Before we got ours, they'd be up and down the pole and even somehow getting into the nectar, so there'd be ant bodies floating everywhere junking up the stations and making the water mold. The guard is basically a small water dish the ants can't get past, and we haven't had a problem since we put it up.

Also, it's not necessary to use red dye in nectar if you have a good feeder...apparently there's something about red dye (http://www.trochilids.com/dye.html) that can cause long-term health problems for hummers. Most feeders include instructions on how to make the nectar anyway, so there shouldn't be any need to buy a commercial nectar with the dye included. If your feeder is a red color anyway, they'll find it. When we put out our feeder for the very first time, they took weeks to come to it, so don't be disappointed if you don't have any the first day. (And wow, I wish we had that many hummers too...I know someone who does though, and it's amazing to watch!)

[Golden Howl]

Another hummer tip: hang some kind of ant guard (http://www.bird-house-bath.com/d/Ant-Baffle-Red.html) above it so you don't have ants getting into the feeding stations. Before we got ours, they'd be up and down the pole and even somehow getting into the nectar, so there'd be ant bodies floating everywhere junking up the stations and making the water mold. The guard is basically a small water dish the ants can't get past, and we haven't had a problem since we put it up.

Also, it's not necessary to use red dye in nectar if you have a good feeder...apparently there's something about red dye (http://www.trochilids.com/dye.html) that can cause long-term health problems for hummers. Most feeders include instructions on how to make the nectar anyway, so there shouldn't be any need to buy a commercial nectar with the dye included. If your feeder is a red color anyway, they'll find it. When we put out our feeder for the very first time, they took weeks to come to it, so don't be disappointed if you don't have any the first day. (And wow, I wish we had that many hummers too...I know someone who does though, and it's amazing to watch!)

Thank-you for the tips, I will keep this in mind. I thought I'd add a little more about the birds I observe around here. Anyone have Geese? They're okay, they don't exactly stimulate much interest for me. I must admit, their call is slightly irritating. Honk, honk but I don't complain too much, because I've read somewhere they use it to encourage the leader (the one on the tip of the flying triangle). Also when they fly like that, doesn't it help create wind currents for the one behind to fly on? Correct me if I'm mistaken.

Also, during the winter time, there is this incredible flock of birds (Don't know the specific type, I need to get a guide) which remind me of Pigeons or dark Robins, and their numbers are so large, it leaves you in awe. They gather in the trees around my yard, and they do this special flying dance before they swoop down to settle into the White Pine forest adjacent to my house. There's so many of them, when they fly over you, the sky is barely visible. Anyone experience this?

[NeonLightChild]

That's kind of cool. I've not had any activity like that, and I'm trying to think of what you might be describing...it's hard though. We had a group of Cedar Waxwings (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cedar_Waxwing/id) one year strip the berry tree almost bare of fruit, and that was quite a swarm, but nothing like you mentioned...and it wasn't winter either!

Canada geese apparently do honk to encourage the leader, you're right. And that's why thy fly in that V shape is to generate lift, so only one bird has to work the hardest and the rest just kinda follow along, and they'll just rotate the leader. They have a nice color pattern on their face (and their goslings are kind of cute) but other than that I have no love for them...around here, they're just glorified shit machines. They're like pigeons in Venice, they just come and do nothing but eat and shit, and they're aggressive as hell too. Goose "birth control" be damned, I'm all for this (http://www.jesseshunting.com/data/articleimages/000384.jpg).

[UNODRAGONE]

I am apologizing ahead of time for the shitty pictures but:
a) she won't let me any closer
b) the times she has left the nest have been no where around my ability to grasp a picture of her
c) she is really protective of that nest and doesn't budge except to fly away when I get too close and I rather not stress her. So unfortunately this is the best I can do for now :( I have checked my field and stream guide for my area and haven't found anything that looked like her. She is completely white on the bottom and dark brown/black on top and the state she is pictured in is Connecticut if that helps.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc310/tafasul/birdy2-1.jpg

[Golden Howl]

I am apologizing ahead of time for the shitty pictures but:
a) she won't let me any closer
b) the times she has left the nest have been no where around my ability to grasp a picture of her
c) she is really protective of that nest and doesn't budge except to fly away when I get too close and I rather not stress her. So unfortunately this is the best I can do for now :( I have checked my field and stream guide for my area and haven't found anything that looked like her. She is completely white on the bottom and dark brown/black on top and the state she is pictured in is Connecticut if that helps.


Well, in order to avoid shitty pictures, purchase a camera like the one I described for you earlier. Remember? It has a zoom lens, therefore you can respect her space, & still get an excellent view of her.

[UNODRAGONE]

Well, in order to avoid shitty pictures, purchase a camera like the one I described for you earlier. Remember? It has a zoom lens, therefore you can respect her space, & still get an excellent view of her.

Yeah I seriously must save up for that one, I have a friend of mine that has an awesome digital camera with zoom, I will try and see if I can get him over to catch a better shot of her.

[NeonLightChild]

Some ideas from Ohio, UNO...

Tree Swallow (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tree_Swallow/id) - from your basic description of looks, this is a possibility, but probably unlikely if you're not in a marshy open area

House wren (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/house_wren/id) - we had one of these nest in an old-fashioned phone box...kind of fits the description, but has some patterning on her back and her belly isn't pure white

Dark-eyed Junco (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dark-eyed_Junco/id) - I see these more in the winter, but they fit your description and the sexes look the same.

On top of our pillars, we've had sparrows and finches (and even a robin one year)...it's a possibility it could be one of those, except there are so many types of them...sparrows usually have the smoother-looking light brown bellies and finches have barring/stripes on their bellies, and neither to my knowledge has a topside that is almost black.

[UNODRAGONE]

Some ideas from Ohio, UNO...

Tree Swallow (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tree_Swallow/id) - from your basic description of looks, this is a possibility, but probably unlikely if you're not in a marshy open area

House wren (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/house_wren/id) - we had one of these nest in an old-fashioned phone box...kind of fits the description, but has some patterning on her back and her belly isn't pure white

Dark-eyed Junco (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dark-eyed_Junco/id) - I see these more in the winter, but they fit your description and the sexes look the same.

On top of our pillars, we've had sparrows and finches (and even a robin one year)...it's a possibility it could be one of those, except there are so many types of them...sparrows usually have the smoother-looking light brown bellies and finches have barring/stripes on their bellies, and neither to my knowledge has a topside that is almost black.

it kind of looks like the last one but I am thinking it is more sparrow like now that you mention it. The beak is long and black, and she is very stream like.

[BlasphemousHeart]

My neighborhood is plagued by some pretty mean birds in the later part of winter and spring. Mocking-birds are a constant threat to my dogs in the yard, and the Cardinals are on the rampage around April and May. Our oak trees also fill with random hordes of birds during migrations... I hate them...

[UNODRAGONE]

not that this will help but with luck I got pictures of the baby birds

[Ghost Wolf]

One of our customers called us the other day and told us (between bouts of laughter) that her close friends had called her completely freaking out saying this: "Debbie! Oh my god, Debbie! There's a bird on our bird feeder!" First response is, well DUH! Debbie paused for a sec and said "Well yes, that's what the bird feeders are supposed to be for." the people continued to freak out and then elaborated what KIND of bird. A parrot. A senegal parrot was at their bird feeder. Debbie told them to go out and see if the bird would go to them, people freaked out again with: "No! No! He'll bite us! We've seen the movies!" So debbie had to get them to throw a sheet over the bird and get it in a dog carrier.

A parrot...on a bird feeder...now we're probably getting the bird.

[MetaKittie]

I thought about birdfeeders and houses, because I really enjoy watching them. And I'd love to paint a house or two. My parents don't want birds around, they say. :/
But I think a house hanging off the tree in the front yard won't make any difference. I also wanted to get feeders out. I'm not sure if there are any hummingbirds in CO, but I hope so.
I remember when I was little there used to be bluejays every winter. :)
I've got it planned when I have my own house to have a birdfeeder and birdbath. And one day, slightly off topic but- a little chicken coop. Because a bird that makes you breakfast is great. And their droppings makes the best fertilizer I hear.

[GhostBat]

My parents don't want birds around, they say. :/

Why not? They're pleasing to the eye and they eat bugs. When I finally get a house I want to install bird houses and feeders to keep the insect population down during the day, and bat houses to keep the insect population down at night.

[MetaKittie]

Why not? They're pleasing to the eye and they eat bugs. When I finally get a house I want to install bird houses and feeders to keep the insect population down during the day, and bat houses to keep the insect population down at night.

Yeah. They think it'll ruin their cars. Pff.
And I HATE BUGS, so I'm begging.

[Wolfie]

Home is always surrounded by several birds. Mainly just hummingbirds and blue jays and such. We put out hummingbird feed and that attracts several birds. It's really quite lovely to sit and watch them.