Posts Tagged ‘feeders’
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.
Going bird watching is a great and rewarding hobby. It can lead to hours of fun for you and the whole family. Even when it is winter, you can still watch and help the birds out at the same time. Try providing them with bird feeders and houses so that they will want to return to your yard over and over again. Come spring you may just get the chance to see their little ones being raised.
Attracting Birds As A Relaxing Hobby
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.
There are many times that you can easily identify birds based on their size. The ostrich is very easy to spot. You may not find them outside of a zoo or a ranch unless you live in Africa but at least you do not need a pair of binoculars to see them. Hummingbirds, on the other hand, are incredibly difficult to spot. That is why most people utilize hummingbird feeders in order to see these super fast, and super small creatures.
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.
What You Should Know About The Bird Flu
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.
Here is how the bird flu works. It is naturally found in the intestines of wild birds where it does no harm to the bird. But sometimes when wild birds leave behind stool, urine, saliva or other fluids in the proximity of domesticated birds, the disease can become activated. With the low pathogenic strain of avian influenza the domesticated bird may suffer from decreased egg production or ruffled feathers. But with the high pathogenic version the bird is almost guaranteed to die.
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.