Let’s Explore Birds.  

Birds are amazing creatures, let’s help and explore them together. 

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April: Aves and Awes.

April is a magical month.  Winter begins to release it’s frosty grip.  New growth and blossoms are all around us.  The temperatures begin to rise as the days become lomger.  Forest, fields, and streams are busy with active creatures everywhere.

The songs of birds fill the air.  Fish fill the rivers.  Animals scurry here and there.  It is a great time to take in the beauty and wonders nature has to offer.

Wheather it is a simple walk through a park.  Watching from your porch or deck. Maybe, you are hiking, backpackong, or floating along on a canoe. What ever your adventure, April is a great month to enjoy. 

Spring migration is in progress and April 5th through 9th is National Wildlife Week.  Time to thaw out, get out, and take in the freshness of Spring.

Have a great outing

National Weed Appreciation Day

Any plant that grows in an area where it is not desired can be considered a weed.  That then means even flowering, produce bearing, herb, or other beneficial plants can become a weed.

Thinking of weeds as being beneficial may seem odd, however is a key in conservation.  The presence of weeds can help with soil retention and erosion control.  Weeds can provide critical  habitat and food source for many species of wildlife. 

Seed and flowering weeds can supply food to birds and insects.  The leaves and stalks of weeds may be devoured by deer, rabbits, woodchucks and other mammals.  Nesting sites and materials, dens and shelter, are other reasons weeds are important.

It’s not just wildlife that can benefit from various weed types.  Many weeds offer benefits to humans as well.  Some plamts are edible, some can be used as medicine, and are often used in craft projects.

National Weed Appreciation Day is here.  Why not go out today and see what weeds are growing around your area, and take a moment to think or study what those weeds are supporting.

World Planting Day

Now that Spring has arrived many of us have turned our attention to outdoors projects. Though, depending on your region, it may or maynot feel like Spring, warmer days are just ahead.  

If you enjoy a garden then chances are you’ve already began preparing for the upcoming growing season.  Visions of tomatoes, peppers, green beans and more have weaved their way into your thoughts.

Who doesn’t enjoy fresh home grown produce?  But, we are not alone in our enjoyment of a garden.  This year as we celebrate World Planting Day, let’s consider our avian friends as well.

Birds benefit greatly from a well kept garden.   Bugs, worms, bees, moths, and butterflies all help to feed adults and chicks alike.  Then in the fall as the harvest approaches, various seeds and berries continue to supply much needed nurishment.

Additionally, you’ll be rewarded with many species of birds attracted to your backyard.  Increasing your chances of spotting uncommon or even rare birds. 

Yes, World Planting Day is here. 

Happy Gardening

World Sparrow Day

One of the most widely known and common species of birds are the Sparrows.  From city parks to remote meadows the Sparrows are often found.

March 20th is World Sparrow day, a day designated for recognition of not only this species, but all birds.  There are many kinds of Sparrows the House Sparrow being the most common, with many like the White Throated and Fox Sparrows being less common but entertaining to observe.

Let’s take World Sparrow Day to appreciate the natural world around us, as well as, learning more about how we can support the Sparrows and all of our bird friends.

Turkey Vultures Return Week

March weather can be quite a roller coaster ride.  Temperatures can rise up to give us that first feeling of Spring. The next day bottom drops out and it goes back down to freezing reminding us that Winter is not yet ready to release its grip.

Daffodils bloom, trees grow buds, and slowly we begin to notice that nature is beginning to change all around us.  It’s assured that we are not the only ones experiencing the transition.  Hibernating species suddenly emerge, many land mammals move to new territories, and migration begins.

You may have already heard an increase in familiar voices, the songs of Northern Cardinals belting out its shrill call.  Or maybe you’ve listened to the long multi-faceted tunes of a Mocking bird.  Each on a search for a mate.

Perhaps you even noticed a pair of Bluebirds as they seek out the place they will raise a new family.  How about that Wren carrying materials to build a nest?  Two American Robins square off on the ground as they break into a grappling match.  

All these things are part of a March and it’s a wonderful show for anyone who takes a  little time to observe and enjoy it.  Spring is just around the corner, but so is nature. Breeding season, migration, and nestboxes fills our world with joyful opportunities.

March 11 thru 17 is Turkey Vulture Week.  We’ve touched briefly on the weather earlier in this blog.  Those ups and downs also means cold and warm air mixtures.  Often stormy and windy days frequent this month.  We also talked about animals moving about.  Some of those wilderness wanders have become old or weaken from the harshness of Winter and will expire.  Others may find their fate on a roadway.  It is a peek season for carrion to become scattered about.

It is also a perfect time to be a Turkey Vulture.  You can spot them soaring overhead searching about for the meal that will end their Winter hunger, feed their young, and privide a free clean ip service for our environment.

March Maddness or March Melodies?  Either one could be true.  It’s all out there and waiting for you.

See you on the trail.

March Melodies

We welcome in the month of March after a wonderful February which was filled with lots of birding events.

March 3rd marks National Wilfdlife Day.  If your passionate about birds then chances are you enjoy nature and the outdoors.

Today is a chance to go out and enjoy all the wonders that surrounds us.  There is so much to do and such amazing things to experience.

Walking on greenway, sitting in a park, hiking along a trail, exploring the banks of a stream, or simply taking in the colors of our skies.   Whereever and whatever it is you love to do outside.  We can be thankful for the natural world around us.

Let’s celebrate National Wildlife Day by nor forgetting each one of us plays a role in supporting and keeping our environments natural and preserved for the future of all.

More coming soon.  

Feathers of February

Hello, and let’s welcome in February 2025 by including some fantastic birding events.  

The Dinner Bell

February kicks off National Bird Feeding Month, with February 3rd being Feed the Birds Day in the United States.

Winter months deplete the natural food sources for many species of birds. It may reach critical when extreme conditions occur. Ground-covering snowfalls, flooding, Ice storms, and freezing temperatures heavily affect birds and other wildlife. February is often the most challenging month for their survival.  

Getting involved is simple and effective in helping our feathered friends thrive through this harsh period. 

The first step is awareness, learning about local species, and telling others about what every bird enthusiast can do, which is an integral part of helping birds.  

By learning about the various species of birds in your area, you’ll also be able to determine what type of diet they prefer. Providing much-needed nutrition, which in turn provides the energy these high-metabolism creatures need for warmth.

Bird feeders are the most common way to distribute food to birds. However, clearing a small patch of ground and spreading outfeed will also greatly help, as many species prefer feeding on the ground instead of a feeder. Keeping feeders maintained and cleared is also key to assuring access and health to wild birds.

The placement of feeders and areas selected to feed are equally as important. When possible, hanging feeders in a place that blocks wind, keeps the feed dry, and protects the birds will also aid their survival.

Since you will already be helping birds you can further enjoy and learn, while adding additional help, by merely observing birds and logging your findings into projects like eBird and Feeder Watch. This helps scientists know and understand much-needed information about birds and bird health in your area.

That’s it for today. This should inspire and help you discover the joy of helping and feeding birds.

Birthplace of …

February 10th through 17th is National Bird House Week.  For DIYers this is the opportunity to do a little wood working, create a bird hous. You’ll be doing   something extremely helpful for birds and rewarding to you as well.

Not a Do It Yourselfer?  No problem.  You can find a bird house at lots of retail stores, co-ops, and simetimes even thrift stores.  There are many sold on-line.  Prices vary but you should be able to find a bird house to fit almost any budget.

Consider the placement and mounting prior to making or purchasing the bird house.  Unlike feeders which can be place by mounting or hung up by rope or chain.  Birds prefer their homes to be attached firmly and not swaying around. Therefore having a locstion to solidly mount your bird house is important.

Also note when mounting your birdhouse consuder the direction of the opening.  To some species direction doesn’t matter. However, many bird prefer a house to face a specific direction and some even desire a specific view.

If in doubt on mounting direction it’s the best option to face the opening away from the most prevailing winds, and with a clear line-of-sight with no obstructions.

One last note on your bird house placement.  It is very important to mount the house where predators will not be able to reach it.  Dogs, cats, and snakes are the main culprits here.  Finding a location that is at least 6 feet in height should work.  Mounting on a flat wall or round pole will discourage and usually prevent the climbers. 

Once a mating pair moves into the tiny appartment you’ve provided.  They will soon start their offspring.  It will be tempting to peek inside, but this is not a good practice. If you frighten the parents, they may abandon the nest.  Even if they return, they may not select the house again for additional breeding.

Observe the birds activity from a distance and you’ll be offered some fascinating views.  Especially when the fledglings appear and eventually take flight.

That’s a wrap for today.  Until next time happy home shopping.

Your Place or Mine?

February 14 thru 21  marks National Nestbox Week.  What makes thisnl event important is the impact and results that have been achieved in our recent past.

Lots of species have been lost forever.  Far to many are threatened and on the brink being extinct.  Sadly the majority of our avian friends are rapidly declining in numbers.

Much of the dilema has been cause by human encroachment and our mismangement of our worlds resources.  While this is all grim and perhaps not surprising news.  We do owe it to ourselves, our future generations, to our feathered friends, and to our planet, to so better.

Since 1970 the studies and tracking of birds have shown that almost 3 Billion birds have been lost.  However, taking a look at conservation efforts and a human shift in mentality when it comes to Waterfoul managment we can see a more positive cae study.  One where over 15 Million Waterfoul have been regained.

Programs such as The Nature Conservency and Ducks Unlimited have played a huge role in helping to preserve areas of habitat, and to make much needed Wildlife managment changes.  Changes such as sitting specific seasons on harvesting ducks and geese.  Reducing and preventing the use of lead shot in ammunition, which creates a toxicity danger to most species including humans. Thus the ban on lead based products like paint.

The list and effort it has taken to overcome what was once taking Waterfoul to extinction.  Have now halted and began to turn the effects around.  But it doesn’t stop with just Waterfoul.  As mentioned before, the majority of birds need our help and similar efforts from us to give them this same positive outlook.

That brings us to todays topic.  National Nestbox Week exists for our awareness, educatuon and to take action on helpong bird populations.  If each household would put up one nestbox and if each of those experienced one successful nesting attempt by birds this year.  We could halt the decline in many species and reverse the damaged populations greatly in just a few short years.  Instead of decades or maybe even never.

If you are a DIYer then building a nestbox is a worthwhile project.  Plans and videos are plentiful on the Internet, books and publications are another resource.  Mobile apps also include lots of ways to select, build, place and manage a nestbox.

Purchasing is another option and usually is easy and fast way to get a nestbox placed for use. Visit any number of retail stores and you’ll likely find a suitable nestbox.

Placement of a nestbox at this time of year is excellent. Timing is another reason for National Nestbox Week.  Birds select their nests carefully and well ahead of the  day they will lay their eggs.  By placing nestboxs out now.  It will give mating pairs time to discover, select, and prepare the nestbox for use.  

Nextboxes not only provide a place for birds to create offspring, but also, many birds will continue to use the nestbox as protection from elements like, weather, winds, predators.  The nestbox essentially becomes a bird house, therefore once itnis placed, it should be keptt available for use.

A nestbox maybe used repeatedly over the course of a single year to raise offspring or for a single nest attempt.  Many times the nestbox is selected again year after year.

The pleasure of watching birds and seeing new birdlife begin is just around the corner if you will put out a nestbox this week.

Another topic coming soon. 

Happy birding.

Seeing Is Believing.

The Great Backyard Bird Count 

February 14 thru 17 are the dsas to Participate in a Global event known as The Great Backyad Bird Count.

Each year Bird enthusiasts from all over the World take part in a Citizen Science endeavor to Identify, count and submit sightings of as many of as avian friends that can be found.

The event lasts just four days but helps Ornithologists and Scientist to gather much needed data on birds.  Range distribution, migration patterns, new species, increase/decrease in population and more are all derived from information gathered from information gathered during The Great Bird Count.

It’s free and also a great excuse to get outdoors to do some serious birding.  Cornell apps such as Merlin and e-Bird or going on-line to submit your findings are the only requirements for successful participation. 

There is a real sense of worth in participation in The Great Backyard Bird Count.  That sense of worth is for a good reason.  You’ll get the pleasure of doing a favorite activity, birding.  You’ll be helping birds and science.  You may even meet and make new friends who also enjoy/participate in birding. Plus you get to hone your bird ID skills while enjoying the sight of various species.

Grab the binoculars, open the app, then start finding and logging birds.  See you in the field.

How Are You Today?

National Bird Health Awareness Week

February 16 thru 22 is National Bird Health Awareness Week.

The theme here is to bring understanding and ways to take action in favor of keeping and maintaining a healthty avian populations, in both wild and domestic species.

Tasks such as regular inspection and cleaning of bird feeders, nestboxes, water systems, and bird baths.  Are all neccesary in reducing the risk and spread of disease throughout the flocks.

Using tools like e-Bird and Merlin to report findings of sick birds.  Also contacting wildlife rescue missions if an injured or sick bird is found.  These can alert proper channels and help prevent further trouble.

Many times folks who keep birds as pets.  Do not realize or understand the signs of illness  in their birds.  Birds have high metabolisms and are basically very active indivuduals.

It doesn’t take long for a healthy bird to turn into a critically ill bird.  Sometimes a matter of only hours.  So seeing changes in the birds behavor, appitite, or condition is a signal that something maybe awry.

Both wild and domestic birds tend to hide being ill.  It is a built in protection mechanism to keep birds from being singled out by predators and other birds.  So you maynot be able to see the signs until the condition have become severe.

This is why in domestic birds at least an annual wellness visit and daily health/weight checks are extremely important.  A sudden reduction in weight is a good indicator that an action needs to be taken.  This could be a simple change in diet or environment.  It could also however could require medical attention or treatments. 

Numerous websites and additional information can easily be found that will enlighten any bird enthusiasts on how they can help increase a healthy bird population.

Until next time, keep chirping.