Tag: birdseeds
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Spring is Here!
While we can expect setbacks in the time ahead, spring continues to roll along. You have probably noticed blackbirds which are now easy to find. Male Red-winged Blackbirds have set up territory in rural and some urban areas – they aren’t just marsh birds. The sparrow-like females will be along a little later. Grackles, those…
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LET’S DO A LITTLE EXTRA FOR OUR BIRDS
The weather this winter has certainly been anything but normal. You may have noticed that some of our early migrators were even earlier than usual. I had my first red-winged blackbird on February 19th! Last year I didn’t see, or hear them until March 6th. The grackles and cowbirds arrived shortly after. Some Robins will…
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The Safflower Solution: How To Outwit Those Pesky Blackbirds
Feeding birds year-round can be incredibly rewarding. Observing a male cardinal pass a seed to a female during courtship demonstrates the lengths some birds go to obtain a mate. Similar behaviour can be observed later in the season as many birds will bring their offspring to feeders once fledged and place food in their open…
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Protect Migrating Birds from Window Collisions
As you may be aware, we will soon be entering the spring migration season. White-throated sparrows, Kinglets, Orioles, Hummingbirds, Warblers and Ovenbirds are among some of the species that will be heading North to their breeding grounds. However, during this migration period, birds face a significant threat—window collisions. Nearly 5 billion birds will migrate this spring in…
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Attract Northern Cardinals to Your Yard in Three Easy Steps
Northern Cardinals are one of the most recognized birds throughout their range and a favourite backyard visitor of many. Cardinals are often the bird homeowners most wish to attract when placing a feeder in their yard. This winter I regularly have a dozen cardinals visiting my feeders at the same time providing an incredible sight.…
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Almost There
Winter has been easy for most of the south in this El Nino weather year, enabling lingering songbirds to hang on until we are fully committed to spring. There have been a few migrants, notably Song Sparrows and Red-winged Blackbirds, that have already moved into prospective breeding territory, greeting us with chipper song. Surprisingly, one…
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Don’t Forget the Ground Feeders
Not all backyard birds like to go to feeders. Some species prefer feeding on the ground or on elevated feeding trays where several birds can feed at once. You can even sprinkle seed on an outdoor table with success. This is a good way to use mixed seed which is of limited interest to squirrels…
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Bird Feeders
Depending on where you live, the landscape may be suggesting a white Christmas or perhaps you have been spared shoveling for now. Sooner or later, however, we will be fully into the grip of winter and your backyard birds will be looking for a helping hand. The important thing to remember is that it is…
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Keeping Squirrels at Bay: Tips for Protecting Your Suet Feeders
Suet feeders are a fantastic way to attract a variety of birds to your backyard, providing them with essential nutrients during the winter months. However, the persistent presence of squirrels can quickly turn your bird-feeding haven into a chaotic squirrel feast. Fear not! Here are some effective strategies to keep those furry acrobats away from…
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Foil Those Squirrels Once and For All Regardless of What Feeder and Seed You Use
Ask anyone who feeds the birds in their yard and most agree squirrels are their nemesis. For me, I realize everything must eat but I like the hard-earned money I spend on bird seed going to the birds, not the squirrels. I have several different styles of feeders up in my yard as I like…