National Bird-Feeding Society

04/26/2021

Nest Time -
The first nest failure this spring with a hatchling nearby. Finding one makes us sad, but also provides an opportunity to learn. Nests fail for many reasons including weather, predation and human activity. Because it was found before song bird migration, this most likely was a house finch nest. A little research shows they can produce around 5 broods, so they mostly likely will try again. Some birds won't or can't. It is exciting to watch the process but when we find nesting birds, the first thing we should do is watch them as far away as possible with binoculars to determine what they are, their conservation status, their habits and tolerances.

03/30/2021

Do you have animals visit your feeders that seem to perform for you or the camera?

03/16/2021

According to Monarch Joint Venture offering twig piles, mud and leaf litter also helps butterflies and other pollinators.

Spring is here, and birds around the world—and in your backyard—are turning into construction crews. It’s nesting time! Many songbirds are master builders, putting together intricately made weavings of twig …

03/11/2021

Someone recently asked how to attract birds to a new home in a newly built neighborhood that didn't have trees or mature landscaping.

Here are some ideas: Goldfinches aren't as bothered by open area. Hang a yellow niger feeder. Plant sunflowers. Then keep a feeder filled with sunflower year round where you planted the sunflowers. Hang hummingbird friendly potted plants from eaves or on shepherd hooks. Choose hummingbird feeders that have large red decorations on them. Plant a vine and install a trellis. Vines can grow up to 30 feet in one growing season. Plant zinnias, butterflies and bees love them. Leave until the next spring. Birds will eat the seeds and use the plants for cover. Plant a blooming tree, start with a crabapple. Plant a shade tree; either potted and fast growing, or splurge on a ball and burlap, pro planted specimen. Plant a conifer, start with an upright juniper tree. Provide water. The easiest/least expensive is a fill a 12 inch clay saucer with 1-2 inches of water and put a brick in the center so small birds can see the depth and don't drown.

I found this to be a good starting point. What has worked for you?

02/11/2021

This is why it is a good idea to place feeders where you can see them from your house...about 7 degrees yesterday. This Eastern Screech Owl stayed in our yard most of the day and some of the night. It just wanted to sleep, but the squirrels and songbirds had other ideas.

01/28/2021

According to a local conversation, cemeteries often have trees planted at the time they were created, that can attract uncommon migrants that might not visit our feeders. In addition to tips presented in the article, We would also suggest researching local norms and asking for permission prior to a visit.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/birding-in-cemeteries?fbclid=IwAR3m02OsNhTu1e1dimHQ9WCfufZSrtFJexoAC9gcGXsImfu90OFOyyQmLB0

Avian enthusiasts in Ontario and elsewhere tread carefully to respect somber spaces and the wildlife that thrives there.

01/23/2021

Exciting! Tired of winter? This might help...

A true year of firsts for our Eagle pair! Both Eggs 1 & 2 have started hatching, showing just how in tune the adults are with delayed incubation and keeping the eaglets close in age to minimize sibling rivalry. How amazing is mother nature?!

Watch this extraordinary hatching process LIVE here: www.SWFLEagleCam.com