Backyard Bird Baths

Here in North America we see squirrels all the time; from the black squirrels in British Columbia, to the red squirrels of the Southeastern United States. If we don’t see them in our backyards, then we come across them in parks, or see running across the road on our commutes to work. Generally, squirrels live in trees and make nests. But what happens to them during the winter?

Squirrels don’t hibernate during the winter, but they do spend much of their time in their nests trying to stay warm. Staying in their nests allows them to conserve energy and body heat. But more and more these days it’s becoming harder for squirrels to find good locations to make their nests. Many trees have been cut down and squirrels’ habitats are compromised. Putting a squirrel house in your back yard is one way to help out the furry creatures. A squirrel house allows the creatures the safety of a warm shelter all winter long.

Feeding wild birds is a great past time for folks of all ages. But many people don’t realize is that a wild bird’s favorite food is insects. Birds will always choose protein-rich insects, their eggs or larvae over seeds. If you regularly feed birds at your home or if you’re thinking about starting, make sure your commercial bird feed includes; seeds, peanuts, calcium, grit, added vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. Some of the wild bird supplies you need you may in your home refrigerator; melon, squash, corn on the cob, and coconut are enjoyed by some types of birds.

 Wild birds, like squirrels, are fond of nuts like acorns and pecans. But make sure to break the nut’s shells with a hammer before you put them in the feeder or else the birds won’t be able to eat them. In the winter birds must use most of their energy to keep warm and they need higher-calories nutrition such as suet cake. Suet cakes are high in fat and protein, and will attract many species of wild birds.

It’s damp and chilly out, but there are goodies to be had. My hanging brass bird feeder benefits both me and the wildlife birds. It looks good, is easy to clean and to refill. It also does a pretty good job of keeping the seeds and birds dry on rainy days (unless its raining really hard and the wind is blowing enough to cause the feeder to sway, allowing water to get in). The Blue Jays perch on the sides to eat, and the smaller birds sometimes just get right in and eat. They are kept dry or shaded while they eat, and cats can’t get at them either. Overall, I’m so pleased with the two I currently have, I may just buy a couple more. It’s been a real pleasure watching the birds this summer. Helps me slow down and enjoy the moment.

Sunflower seeds are the first item to be eaten whenever I refill my hanging brass bird feeders. Stellar Blue Jays and chickadees in particular seem to find them irresistible. So I went out and bought a bag of just sunflower seeds to mix in with the bird seed mixture. Keep the birds coming back, and now that the weather is getting cooler, I want them to have a reliable food source.

Well, my son moved the birdbath to a new location beside an evergreen tree. It was a good place for it. While the chickadees were flying back and forth from the bird feeder on our kitchen porch, I noticed one of them fly onto the side of our brass birdbath and take a few sips. Didn’t bathe (it’s been pretty cool outside), but I’m looking forward to more of them checking it out. It creates such a pleasant, restful diversion in an otherwise busy day.

The puffin, also known as the sea parrot, is a popular and easily recognized sea bird. This species makes its home in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. It rarely comes to shore except when it is time to lay its eggs.

The puffin has a very colorful large beak during the breeding season. The bill has red, yellow, and blue stripes with yellow skin in the corner of the mouth. After the breeding season, the colors are shed leaving the bill smaller and gray in color. The feathers of the puffin are black on the upper part of the body and white underneath with the black continuing under the neck like a collar. The puffin has a small colored patch above and below its eyes as well. The puffin has an oil gland located near its tail. It applies this oil to its feathers to keep them waterproof.

Its wings enable the puffin to swim at great depths hunting for food. The inside of the beak has backward-pointing spikes to help hold its food. The favorite food of the puffin is the sand eel, but it also catches small fish, mollusks, and other plankton animals.

Puffins usually pair for life although they don’t stay together all of the time.

Some information reprinted from Special Wonders of our Feathered Friends by Buddy Davis. Copyright © 2001 by Buddy Davis. For Information write: New Leaf Publishing Group, P.O. Box 726, Green Forest, AR 72638 or visit our website, www.nlpg.com

The weather has been decidedly cooler. However, the sky was clear and sunny yesterday. Preparing lunch for my children, I noticed one of the “regulars” (at least, I think it was) sitting happily in the dish of my hanging brass bird feeder. Cute or what? Too small to cling to the sides like the Blue Jays do, without falling in headfirst in taking a nibble, this little bird just hops right in. At first he/she looks around constantly, spraying birdseed around. Nervous. But after a few minutes of munching, growing content, the quick head movements slow. And this little birdie starts looking around with more confidence as it surveys the surroundings. Safe and content for the time being.