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Posts Tagged ‘wild birds’

There are lots of different ways to attract birds to your garden. An easy way is to give them a safe place to eat and the food they enjoy. Garden bird feeders are perfect for providing food for them. When natural foods are scarce during the winter bird feeders can save their lives.

Many different species can be attracted by providing their favorite foods. Finches are attracted to thistle bird feeders that hold the tiny seeds they love. Prevent the seeds from getting moldy by keeping them dry in a tube feeder. Enjoy the sight of the birds feeding from your home by using a window feeder.

You can purchase bird feeders specially designed for woodpeckers,goldfinches and hummingbirds. Put them close to your bird house in a safe place. Damp encourages mold so check daily that the food is dry. Pests such as ants and wasps will be attracted to spilled food so clean it up every day.

Birds benefit most from feeding during the winter but food can be scarce in other seasons too. Help the wild birds by providing food for them all through the year. Fledglings can be affected by shortages of food during the breeding season so put out suitable food for them at this time.

Pans of water or garden bird baths should be provided to give them a safe place to drink, bathe and preen their feathers. Set out water containers at different levels as some species prefer to drink and bathe at ground level, others prefer above ground containers. Containers should only be filled to a few inches and should be placed some way away from the noise around bird feeders. The sounds of running water will attract wild birds. Water drippers are great for attracting birds and they also deter mosquitoes from breeding in the water.

A natual looking area of the garden with wild plants and trees will enhance the sense of security of the birds. An area of the garden can be allowed to grow wild to make them an attractive place.

the Birds

Some birds have a way of bringing out the worst in humanity. Perhaps it is an unconscious fear implanted by movies and literature. Take for example the Alfred Hitchcock movie “The Birds” and you get a sense of how ominous and even perhaps deadly some wild birds are to mankind. Look at what a flock of crows is called. It is called a murder. Certain birds have been associated with death and even as messengers of death. Perhaps it is just a bum rap but regardless, mankind has this fascination with anything avian.

The raven and the crow have definitely been portrayed in a bad light as the birds that you do not want to have around. Edgar Allen Poe turned the raven into a sinister messenger of doom with its cries of “nevermore.” Readers have been fascinated with his portrayal of the raven. Even fairytales have plugged away at the image of the crow/raven. Take for example Disney’s classic tale of “Sleeping Beauty.” The villainess has a crow/raven that is used as her evil spy.

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.

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.

bird species

It is always interesting when you ask children or even adults what animal would best fit them if they could choose to be one. Most people would choose something big and strong, such as a lion or an elephant. Some would choose to be fast like a cheetah. You would not hear many say that they would like to be a bird. People hear the word “bird” and either domesticated fowl or songbirds come to mind. But birds of prey are a different story. If people really knew how powerful these species of birds are, then they would have quite a different answer.

Birds of prey are a large group in the bird classification. You have the smaller falcons and hawks but you also have the “jumbo jets” of the family. The Eagle is an American icon. It is a huge bird that can have a wingspan of up to 96 inches and can weigh as much as 15 pounds. They are excellent hunters and can eat anything from fish to small mammals.

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.

wild animals

The birds of this world are fascinating creatures to watch. Many exotic birds are beautifully colored and you cannot forget about songbirds that fill the air with their sweet melodies and calls. But not all birds make good pets. These are two legged, winged wild animals that deserve a certain amount of respect and some are just not meant to be caged. The act of trying to domesticate the bird takes something away from it that should not be taken. There are certain birds that have been successfully domesticated so you should check out those first before making any decision.

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.

Yes, there are birds of the wild that do make good pets provided that the bird owner knows how to train the bird and provide the special needs that the bird may have. Take for example the parrot mentioned above. Many people own parrots and treat them well. Unfortunately, there are also many owners who have no idea what they are getting into. Some people assume their parrot will automatically talk, yet training a parrot to do so will require a lot of knowledge and care.

Birds of certain species do make great pets. Canaries are great birds to own. Not only do they fall into the songbirds species but they also are small and relatively easy to care for. One thing to definitely keep in mind is that all birds are wild animals. Many birds will bite and claw at their owners. The owner gets frustrated and leaves the bird confined in the cage without proper handling. Before you make that next pet purchase, seriously consider the effect it will have on your life and household.

wild animals

Life can be very stressful. If you have a family and you work full time, it can seem as if there is no time for yourself. You give and give but there are still things that you would like to have for yourself. Many people have given up on having a hobby because they convince themselves that they do not have the time. Well, there is one hobby that can work with your schedule and it is a great activity to get you out of the house. What is this hobby? It is birding.

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.

If you are interested in learning about birding, then there are resources available to give you all the help you need. The National Audubon Society is a treasure trove of information and you can even get help on picking out the right equipment to fit your needs. You can also hit your local library for books on bird watching and species of birds that are in your area.

wild birds

There are several terms that people associate with birds. One is “this is for the birds.” Or someone may refer to something fast as “swift as a bird.” People even refer to having a bird’s eye view of something. This means that something is being observed from a high vantage point. But how much does the bird eye actually see, when compared to the human eye or the eye of another animal?

Did you know that your eye and the bird’s eye have many of the same structural features? Both the human eye and the bird eye have a cornea, retina, iris, lens, anterior chamber and eyelids. Some of these structures function in the same way for both humans and wild birds/domesticated birds. The obvious difference is the size of the eye in comparison to the rest of the body. A starling’s eye is 15% of their body mass, whereas a human’s eye is only 1%.

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.

The bird eye is fascinating. Though it is very similar to a human’s eye, it has enough differences as to allow the bird to flourish and survive out in the wild. A wild bird that does not have the correct vision or positioning would face a very dire situation when protecting itself or finding food for survival. If you want to know more about the avian eye, then go to your local library and check out a book about birds.

wild bird

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.

wild bird feeders

Wild bird feeders are containers used to feed wild, migratory birds. The same may be said of individuals who feed such birds. Those settings in which the birds are fed could also be referred to by the same term. Manufacturers use caution while making bird feeders, as they are also meant to guarantee the safety of avian visitors and to protect the food as well.

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.

Many species of wild birds are lucky enough to be fed for various reasons. The feeders are well made and once the birds start eating they are sight to behold. A bird’s total response while eating is a source of interest that is guaranteed day in day out if one has put up wild bird feeders. Feeders are bound to be expensive because making them is a tedious process. However, when one is hung and full of food any number of species of birds will be attracted to the site.

Several measures need to be employed to ensure that the birds feed successfully. For one, the wild bird feeders must be made in such a manner that they defy any kind of weather. Anyone wishing to see all the birds feeding at the same time is encouraged to make use of a circular bird feeder. To further enhance their survival, cleanliness must not only be observed but also assured, as well as making sure that an abundant supply of wild bird food is available.

squirrel proof feeders

Birds are very relaxing to look at and listen to. Hearing them chirping away right in your very own backyard somehow gives you a sense of satisfaction and serenity. While a lot of homeowners do not really think it is practical, providing birds with the proper bird houses and bird feeders is very important, yet there are different types of bird feeders for different types of birds. One of the most popular is suet feeders.

A suet feeder can attract more wild birds to your backyard, especially when they are strategically placed. Woodpeckers, Tit Mice, Nuthatches, Chickadees and almost all types of birds love suet, yet there are different types of suet bird feeders. You can have something as simple as a wire cage or an old onion sack. Or better yet, try looking for simple logs and then drill holes into them.

If you love to attract different species of birds to your very own backyard, then try the log suet feeders. These are basically very simply logs with holes drilled into them. Although anybody can make log feeders, you can buy them ready made too. Just fill them with suet pieces or even your own recipes. If you are worried about squirrels, the use the squirrel proof bird feeders, like the sandwich feeders. These types of feeders use two pieces of wood, secured and bolted together with screws on both ends. Simply place your suet cake in between the wood for a worry-free and squirrel-free bird feeder. Since woodpeckers have quite long tongues, they can easily reach the treat. Chickadees and Nuthatches can also cling to the wood and feed easily.

Suet feeders can be cleaned using oxygen bleach. It is safe and it will effectively clean and sanitize the gunk off of the feeder. If you want to be able to watch the activities of birds right in your backyard, then provide them with the necessary feeders and lots of wild bird seed, in suet or not.