Wintertime can be the toughest months for many local birds. The normal sources of food for birds are tough to come by. Many bushed have dropped their berry or fruit production long ago, the insects that are a staple of the bird diet are in hiding, and the snow and ice serve to cover what little food is left. To help our birds through the winter months, we look for those types of food that will benefit them the most, and a common selection is suet.

Bird suet is a high energy food that is naturally suited for use in the winter time. Suet is a simple rendering of the fat some some cuts of sheep and cattle, and to attract a variety of birds often it will include other high energy foods like peanuts, which results in a bird food high in energy and easy to eat in winter. The rendered form of natural suet can go bad at warmer temperatures so many people use it only as a food in the winter. These days you can find find artificially rendered suet products that will tolerate the summer heat in many areas, so you can hang a suet feeder almost all year if you like.  You simply put it in a suet bird feeder and the birds love it.

The problem with suet is that many pests like squirrels find it just as attractive as the birds to, and the challenge is keeping them out of the feeder.  There are many types of squirrel proof feeders that are are on the market today, with spinning parts or moving doors that work to keep the squirrel out.

Nature has provided its own ingenious solution. It turns out that over the years, peppers have developed their heat by creating capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the “hotness” of peppers and other capsicums. But it has almost no impact on birds, so they eat it at will. But like most mammals squirrels are really put off by the heat of peppers.

This leads us to a simple solution for keeping the squirrels and other rodents out of our suet feeders, and that is to simply add pepper to the suet mix. With hot pepper suet the birds are unaffected, but the feeder pests can’t tolerate it. No need for swinging feeders, spinning feeders or big ugly baffles to ward off the squirrels.

Most backyard birders immediately think of nectar feeders when it comes to attracting hummers, and for good reason.  If hummingbirds are reasonably common in your area and you maintain your feeder on a regular basis, you’ll soon have several birds competing for a drink.  The primary advantage of a feeder is that, unlike a flowering bush, you can place it wherever you like for optimum viewing.  Be careful, though, not to hang a bird feeder too close to a window; birds could accidentally strike the glass and become injured. 

It’s not necessary to purchase a premixed hummingbird nectar solution.  In fact, the dyes and other ingredients sometimes found in these products could be harmful for the birds.  A simple mixture of four parts water and one part white sugar will serve your backyard hummers quite well.It is important to make sure your solution is changed every two to three days.  Solution that’s left too long in the sun will begin to ferment, sickening the birds.  In hot weather, even more frequent changes may be necessary.

While a nectar feeder can be a hummingbird magnet, hummingbird-friendly landscaping will also attract them.  Red, tubular flowers, such as flame acanthus, cross vine, Otay Monkey flower, and trumpet creeper are especially attractive.  Do a little investigating and find out which blooms are native to your area.  In addition to flowering plants, hummingbirds look for stands of dense vegetation in which to safely nest.  By maintaining thickets of trees and shrubs such as oaks, sumacs, and junipers, you may be able to convince a female hummingbird to lay her tiny, pea-sized eggs and raise her brood in your backyard.  If you do find a nest, you can be sure it belongs to a Ruby-throated Hummingbird; it’s the only hummingbird species which breeds in North America.

In addition to nectar, hummingbirds need clean water, both for drinking and for bathing.  Hummingbirds must clean their feathers regularly to maintain their aerodynamic shape and insulating properties.  A bird bath that’s intended for these diminutive birds should be kept shallow, no more than two inches deep.  Hummers are most likely to be attracted to moving water; this can be as simple as a dripping bucket, or as ornate as the most complicated bird bath fountains. 

If it’s taking a while for the hummingbirds in your neighborhood to find a newly hung feeder, a splash of color might do the trick.With their incredible color vision, you will find hummingbirds are attracted to bright red feeders and other colorful items in your yard.  Red pinwheels or ribbons near the new feeder may help them zero in on their new resource.

You can set up feeding stations with food for different species. For example finches feed on small thistle seeds and specially designed bird feeders that allow the finches to feed easily can be purchased. Tube feeders are very good to keep seeds dry and prevent it spilling out. You could also use a window bird feeder so that you can watch the birds from inside your home.

You can purchase bird feeders specially designed for woodpeckers,goldfinches and hummingbirds. Place them somewhere safe and close to your birdhouse. Mold can grow on damp food so check daily that the food is dry. Clean up any spilled food around the feeder regularly to deter ants and wasps and other predators.

Feeding during the winter is most beneficial for wild birds but shortages occur during other seasons as well. Food shortages can happen at any time of year so provide food to help them all year round. Make sure you put out food suitable for fledglings in the breeding season.

Water in the form of pans or garden bird baths provides drinking water and the facility to bathe and clean their feathers. You should provide water in containers at different levels for different species. Only fill containers to a few inches and place containers away from bird feeders as birds like quiet places to bathe and preen. The sounds of running water will attract wild birds. Attract the birds with a water dripper attached to your bird bath. It will also stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.

Wild birds will feel much more secure in a natural environment which you can easily provide. Leaving an area to grow naturally with wild flowers and trees will provide an attractive place for them.

wild animals

It is pretty easy to take birds for granted. Sure, you put out bird feeders to attract some swallows or other local birds but have you ever taken into consideration how much of a role these wild animals have had in culture? They have been a constant in a changing world. Images of birds can be found in every major religion. They have held symbolic meanings in literature, movies and music. If you actually think about it, birds surround you every day. In the past they were highly regarded and even today modern man has a healthy respect for the role that the bird plays.

The bird image played a huge role in the Egyptian pantheon of gods and goddesses. Horus, the son of Isis and Osiris, is featured as a man with a falcon head. His image and presence was worshiped throughout ancient Egypt. In Southern Egypt he was worshipped more than towards the Northern provinces. His responsibility was to the sky and to protect people from Set, who was the god of storms, chaos and the desert. Horus has a pretty important role in Egyptian mythology. He was said to have dominion over the sun and the moon. By worshipping him, people could gain his protection. It also did not hurt that Horus became known as the god over war.

Exotic birds such as the falcon have always claimed humanity’s attention. Wild birds are the epitome of freedom. They sail through the skies without masters and do as they wish. They cannot be truly tamed. Even those that use falcons and hawks as gaming birds know that these species of birds can turn vicious and unpredictable if they are not treated properly and trained well. It can take years for a falcon or a hawk to be gentled. Perhaps that is why you do not see many people trying to own these birds. In medieval times it was common for lords to become falconers.

A bird icon or symbol will forever be part of society. There was even a song written about this graceful animal. Granted it is a rather humorous song that tends to get stuck in your head but it is still a party favorite and children love it. “The Birds the Word” recently has been seen on “The Family Guy.” And who can forget that “the bird” is a gesture of obscenity in most of the world. It may not be one that wild birds or domesticated birds want associated with their species, but it is here to stay. Our fascination with birds will continue and flourish as more people become interested in birding tours or even the history of birds.

species of birds

If you were to walk outside and see a flock of song birds, then you probably would be in admiration and awe of their beauty. But walk outside and see a murder of crows or a flock of seagulls and instantly the movie “The Birds” comes to mind. Some species have gotten the short end of the stick. Perhaps a lot has to do with how these species have been portrayed in moves and in literature. It has tainted the mind with dark images of death and portents of doom.

Light tales of love from Disney or twisted tales of doom by poets such as Edgar Allen Poe have kept the crow/raven in its sinister spot. In “Sleeping Beauty” by Disney, the villainess has a pet crow/raven that is used as her evil spy. Poe had his raven that kept crying “nevermore” in his piece titled quite apropos “The Raven.” Maybe it is the fact that crows travel in packs called murders. The birds portrayed in these classic works of fiction have certainly made their mark in our minds.

The wild bird definitely deserves some respect. It is just like other wild animal. You have to keep in mind that it is territorial, will defend itself and has to find a food source. And while crows/ravens have received some bad press thanks to authors and filmmakers, vultures and other carrion eating birds have repulsed mankind for eons. This bird species is a scavenger. Anytime you see vultures or buzzards circling in the air, you know that there is either something dying or something that has already died. Most people do not set up bird feeders to attract these types of birds. They want colorful birds, songbirds and delicate hummingbirds to grace their gardens and yards.

Perhaps it is time that people got over their fear of the birds that have gotten such a tough break in literature and movies. You do not have to worry about going outside and a murder of crows attacking you for no reason. The raven is not a symbol of death or a portent of bad things ahead. They are just two legged, winged wild animals that serve a specific function in the animal kingdom.

for the birds

Have you ever heard the phrase that something was “for the birds?” It usually implies that something is crazy. Isn’t it funny how bird related things make their way into normal conversation? If you have a bird watching friend, then you undoubtedly have heard that person talk quite animatedly about the world of two legged, winged wild animals. Watching birds is a rewarding hobby for those who enjoy being outdoors and want to see what Mother Nature has to offer. In today’s economy it is a hobby that does not require a lot of money and is something that the whole family can enjoy.

If you are new to the whole bird watching lifestyle, then you are going to need some guidance and help. One of the best websites to visit is www.birdwatching.com. This website has everything that a newbie might need. It offers tips on how to bird watch, how to set up bird feeders to attract birds to your yard and even has a store where you can purchase the right equipment you might need.

A great way to get into watching birds is to go on birding tours. These tours can be local or they can be to some tropical destination where you will observe exotic birds, such as Toucans or Flamingos. Just the thrill of seeing wild birds in their own natural habitat can be a treat for anyone. It not only gets you outside in the sun but it also can serve as an excellent form of exercise. You can easily cover miles when you are absorbed in watching the skies or trees for the birds that you are seeking out. If you are not quite ready to spend a lot of money on a birding tour, then you can always borrow a book from your local library and discover the birds that live in your area. There are many books that can offer you tips and tricks to seeking out local birds.

As mentioned above, if you do not really care for bird watching out in the forest or on birding tours, you can always set up bird feeders in your own yard. The birds will come in to eat and if you have provided special housing for them, they may even nest. This gives you a chance to observe how the birds parent their young. Just remember that different birds require different types of enticement.

wild bird

Having a hobby is not hard to do. It is hard, however, to find a hobby that fits in with your busy lifestyle and desires. If you like the outdoors and enjoy interacting with nature, then you may want to consider bird watching. After all, there are over 10,000 species of birds in the world. Even if you live in the middle of a metropolitan area, you can still find different bird species. It is a hobby that can be a real passion.

Birds range in size. Sometimes a bird is easy to spot based solely on the size. Take for example the ostrich. The ostrich is the largest bird in the species. You will not even need a set of birding binoculars to see this huge example. But on the opposite end of the spectrum are the hummingbirds, which range in size from a few inches in diameter to the size of a bumble bee. Even if the bird is sitting still, you would have trouble spotting it. When it is in flight and zipping around you only get a brief glimpse unless you have special hummingbird feeders set up in your yard to attract them.

If you are a real fan of birds, then you will undoubtedly take steps to attract them to your garden or yard. Even if you live in an apartment with a small patio or balcony you can still find bird feeders to lure certain species in. But you need to take into consideration the type of bird you want to attract. If you are hoping to attract a blue bird then you do not need a feeder that caters to swallows. The more that you put into researching the type of bird you want around your home, the more you will know about their particular eating habits. One further note: make sure that you buy bird feeders that squirrels cannot get into.

Birds are not for everyone. Some people just do not like the species. However, if you do love watching these wild animals in their own habitats, then you will definitely enjoy being a bird watcher. Do not worry about how many there are to see. Just concentrate on having a good time and enjoying yourself. It gets you out of the house and it will do your body and mind good to get outside and get some exercise.

species of birds

Most people do not have a lot of time to devote to a hobby. Even if they do, with these uncertain economic times, they may not have the money in their budget to spend on a pastime, yet there has to be one that is relaxing and does not require a lot of money. Actually, there is a hobby that fits this description. Birding is a great way for people to get an upfront view of what nature has to offer.

Birding may seem boring at first to those that have no interest in wild animals. But once you take into account how many wild birds are around you each day, it becomes a challenge to see how many you can spot. From there you begin walking through forests and fields trying to check more birds off of your list. This is a hobby that can include the entire family. Kids will be glad to help you point out a species of bird when they see it. They may not be quiet about it but you will definitely enjoy just being outside together.

If you have never been bird watching before, then there are a few things you need to know. You first need to know about the birds in your area. More than likely there will be several birds that are native to your part of the world. A great way to start seeing these birds is to put up some bird feeders. The bird feeders will draw in the native birds and provide them with sustenance. You can create your own bird sanctuary right in your backyard. Before you place a lot of feeders around your yard and garden, you need to consult your local gardening center about what type of feeder is best for a certain type of bird. You will also need some advice on how to keep pesky squirrels from robbing the feeder. Another great way to lure birds to your home is by putting up bird houses. These houses are built specifically for each type of bird.

Birding is a wonderful hobby. You do not have to go all out and join a bird watching group. You can enjoy many bird species from your own back yard. If you do decide that you need more information on spotting birds, then you can always turn to the National Audubon Society. Your local bookstore or library will have many books that can teach you everything that you need to know about any type of bird. The books can also help you find the right equipment if you decide to go out in the field.