Posts Tagged ‘wild birds’
Attracting Wild Birds to Your Garden
You can make your garden attractive to wild birds in many different ways. The easiest way is to give them the food they love and a place away from any predators for them to eat. Bird feeders are ideal for providing food for them. They are really helpful to the birds during the winter when food is hard to find.
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.
Are The Birds A Scary Species?
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.
Taking A Look At The Birds Of Prey Power
If you were in a group of people and asked each person what animal they would most like to be, then you could likely bank on the fact that few, if any, would want to be a bird. Most people associate birds with either domesticated fowl that is eaten or the small songbirds that flit around the yard. Yet if you really give it some thought, birds of prey are incredibly impressive. These birds are smart, fast and strong, and have keen senses. Let someone else choose to be a lion; if you go with a bird of prey you will definitely have the upper hand.
The birds of prey group is a large and diverse family. There are many variations found within this group. It is easy to realize that a big bird, such as the Eagle, is a bird of prey. But even small hunters such as falcons and hawks are members of this family. They are relatively small but they are just as dangerous. The Eagle itself is a enormous bird with a wingspan that ranges from 72-96 inches and it can weigh up to 15 pounds. With their sharp beaks and talons there is not much prey that escapes them.
While the Eagle family has some of the largest birds, there are other groups that are predators as well. You have undoubtedly heard of people using falcons and hawks as game birds. This is not a reference to someone eating the birds but instead it is the birds that are used as hunting weapons. It is not easy to gentle a falcon or a hawk. These are wild birds that come equipped with razor sharp talons and beaks that can easily tear flesh. Gentling a hunting bird requires time and a lot of patience. They have to be trained to return to their coop or the hunter’s gloved arm.
Birds of prey fascinate most people once they become aware of the bird’s incredible abilities. They have keen eyesight, a sharp sense of hearing and can quickly target their intended prey. The power of these birds is hard to measure as each family of birds differs in some way. So the next time someone wants to know what kind of animal you would like to be, definitely go with a bird of prey as your choice. You will far outclass any other animal someone lists.
Have You Ever Thought Of Wild Birds As Pets?
It seems as if birds of the wild have always intrigued mankind. For thousands of years humans have looked to the skies for inspiration. Where would we be without the bird to show us how to fly and provide inspiration that we could fly ourselves? Many people see exotic birds or wild birds and want to domesticate them so that they can be enjoyed all of the time. Certain species are easily domesticated and have been made into pets. But not every bird is destined for a cage, as some are just not meant to be caged.
Wild birds include a wide variety of species. In fact, there are 10,000 different species of birds living on the planet right now. Some you can find at zoos that have a special bird house or exhibit. But in case you missed the lectures given by wildlife professionals, here is a bit of information that you might want to consider. For many years it was considered trendy and alternative to own a crow or a raven. This species of bird is completely black and has been written about many times. Many owners of this species of bird would slit the birds tongue because they thought it would make them speak in the same manner as a parrot. Unfortunately, movies often portrayed the raven or crow as a speaking bird. This damages the bird and can cause it great pain. It can also interfere with the bird’s eating habits. Take a pass on this bird if you are lonely and just want to talk; buy a Ham radio and try communicating with other humans.
Some birds of the wild have been successfully domesticated. The parrot is a great example of a wild bird that has found its way into many homes. Unfortunately, not all parrot owners are aware of the great responsibility it takes to train this bird. You have to know how to care for it appropriately and you have to know the correct way to train the parrot if you want it to talk. Far too many parrots wind up in rescue groups because their owners did not know what they were getting into.
Birds of certain species do make great pets. It is because they have been heavily domesticated. No, you do not have to own a chicken. You can own birds such as canaries or parakeets and have a great pet. But even with these domesticated species, you still have to know how to take care of them. It can and probably will bite and scratch until you have it trained. Many owners become frustrated because they cannot get their bird trained properly. The key is to gain as much knowledge as possible before you make that purchase.
Bird Watching Is For Everyone
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.
The Bird Flu – Facts About It
If you have paid attention to the news and health alerts since 1997, then you have undoubtedly heard about the bird flu. Avian influenza is a devastating disease for domesticated fowl. One of its variations can have a mortality rate of 90-100% in 48 hours. Yes, this is devastating for farmers but it has become a world wide concern because avian influenza has begun to infect humans, for some unknown reason. It typically should not but there have been many cases when it has. This has the world wide medical community worried.
Wild birds typically carry the bird flu in their intestines. It never manifests itself; it is just present. It is when these wild birds come into contact with domesticated birds that the infection becomes rampant. The virus is passed through saliva, feces or other secretions. Wild birds use the feeders and then domesticated birds become infected. Researchers and scientists place avian influenza into two categories: low pathogenic and high pathogenic. Low pathogenic cases usually produce no symptoms and if it does it may be just ruffled feathers or a decrease in egg production. In a high pathogenic case, the bird becomes sick quite fast and the virus is fatal.
The problem with containing and eradicating the virus is that a wild bird comes into contact with a wide expanse of area. It increases the range in which researchers have to work to clear the virus. The Center for Disease Control’s website has a very detailed section regarding this growing problem. With more humans coming down with avian influenza, it worries the rest of the world. The virus spreads very quickly and if it should become a common human contagion, the world could be looking at serious repercussions. Luckily, most cases of avian influenza in humans has resulted from coming into direct contact with a contaminated bird. And even then the odds are quite low of becoming infected. As of yet there have not been any confirmed cases of the virus being passed from one human to the next.
The best tool you can have to combat this disease in both yourself and your birds is information. You can find tons of misinformation about the bird flu from unreliable sources but if you want the straight facts about avian influenza, then you need to go to the Center for Disease Control’s website at www.cdc.gov. The website has all the information that you need to be informed.
Birding Is A Great Relaxing Pastime
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.
The Bird Eye – An Organ Wild Animals Cannot Survive Without
The bird has definitely influenced culture and how things are represented. Take for example the phrase that “this is for the birds.” It refers to a plan, idea or action that is crazy. Companies that offer satellite viewing of different areas often advertise using the term “bird’s eye view.” But how much do people actually know about a bird eye? Fortunately, science has identified what makes the bird’s eyes so special. After all, it is a vital part of the bird’s anatomy that can mean the difference between life and death.
The bird eye and the human eye share many of the same structures. Both eyes have many of the same functions as well. A few of the basic structures of a bird’s eye, no matter the species of birds, are cornea, retina, anterior chamber, iris, lens, and eyelids. Humans have these same structures but the difference is how the structures work. Take for example the size of the eye. A human eye is only 1% of their body. A starling’s eye is 15% of its body. Birds can see a great deal better than humans but we do have the advantage of being able to move our eyes.
The size of the eye depends on the bird species. Owls, for example, have huge eyes that allow them to take in more at once. For a wild bird that is important because it means that they can spot enemies and their prey much easier. Owls cannot move their eyes so they rotate their heads. How far do they rotate their heads? They rotate a whopping 200 degrees. Another difference to be found is the number of eyelids a bird has over humans. The human eye only has an upper and lower eyelid.
All species of birds have three eyelids. They have an upper, lower and a nictitating membrane that cleans and protects the eye. Another difference is in the positioning of the eyes. Humans and most wild animals, especially predators, have eyes that are not as centralized as a bird’s eye. A bird’s eye is on the front of the skull and they lack the ability to see very far to the sides. This is why birds turn their heads often.
Human’s can get by without their eyesight. There are many devices and advancements in medical science that allow for humans to compensate for vision loss. Wild birds do not have this luxury. If their eyesight is damaged, then they will undoubtedly starve or die without outside help from a conservation or rescue group. The bird eye may just be an organ but it is one that these two legged, winged wild animals cannot live without.
Can Wild Bird Feeders Ensure Bird’s Safety?
One can define the term wild bird feeders in a variety of ways. One is a container from which the wild, migratory birds feed. The people feeding the bird are also called the same thing by the methodology involved. Constant threats to the security of the food have led to the addition of security features by the manufacturers.
To begin with, bird feeders are organized into different categories, depending on important factors; one being the protection of the food from squirrels. The frequency at which squirrels gain access to the wild bird seed has resulted in many squirrel proof feeders being manufactured that have rendered their interference obsolete. To solve this problem, some bird lovers have simply opted to get separate squirrel feeders. Apart from the threat posed by squirrels, another element that is important is the positioning. It is with such a concern in mind that the wild bird feeder designs and styles are all geared towards giving the bird an easy time while feeding. In any case, it is only when it is properly positioned that the bird can get the best out of it.
There are several advantages to feeding birds using wild bird feeders. One of them is making sure to catch a glimpse of some wild birds devouring the food. However, making feeders is not cheap, especially if one buys decorative bird feeders. Making feeders is exciting, as it also involves organizing the feeding environment. This encourages many species of birds to come and eat, thereby creating a delightful scenario.
Wild bird feeders may be accompanied by several other feeder accessories that make the feeding exercise complete. They will also be structured in such a manner that they remain relevant and useful to the birds regardless of the weather. In the case of rain, many feeders will ensure that the food is generally kept dry. The same will also happen if the weather is extremely cold. Other feeders are built in a circular fashion, thus affording all the birds around it equal access. The key to maintaining the bird population at the feeder is to have it full of plenty of wild bird food.
How A Bird Feeder Can Enjoy Bird Feeding
Bird feeding evokes a lot of interest for genuine bird lovers. A bird feeder is a place where wild bird seed is placed. Mostly bird feeders are found outside of the house in a garden or the back yard. The bird feeder is a chirpy place that is full of noise and activity. It may sound silly to be talking about bird feeders. Wouldn’t any bowl filled with bird food serve the purpose of a bird feeder? No! It is not as simple as that. Bird feeders should be designed well and placed where they will protect the bird food from rain, from other animals that might eat the food, and will also keep the wild, migratory birds safe from natural predators.
A bird feeder should be designed to accommodate the wild birds that frequent your yard. Hopper feeders, platform feeders, tube feeders, thistle sock feeders, suet bird feeders, nut feeders and honey feeders; these are some of the widely used varieties. Hummingbirds feed from honey feeders and it is common to add red color to attract these jewels of the bird world. Also, feeders should protect the birds from sudden attacks from birds of prey or cats. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the perching of many birds, as squabbling among your avian visitors may go on all at a time.
The bird feeder should be so placed that it is safe for the birds and yet presents you with a pleasant view of your flighty friends enjoying their meals. The feeder should be neither too far nor too near to big trees and bushes. Big trees and bushes can provide shelter to the birds when there is an attack from a bird of prey or neighboring cats. But if your bird feeder is too close to a tree, then it may be ravaged by squirrels living nearby and cats may attempt attacking the birds from behind the trees. Squirrel proof bird feeders are best when a bird feeder is placed near big trees.
Feeding the birds can be continued throughout the year, yet winter is the time when there will be the maximum gathering of many species of birds. The start of the spring season also is a time when birds will be thronging to the bird feeder, as the fruits and nuts have not yet grown. A bird feeder should contain sufficient wild bird food and proper hygiene should be maintained in and around the area.