The Great Blue Heron Experience

This autumn is one of the prettiest autumns we've had in many years in the Northeast. The trees are spectacular with their brilliant colors. The maples are stunning in their fiery reds while the cherry trees show off their vivid yellows against a backdrop of oaks in their various colors. The deer are contented with all the acorns and hickory nuts that have fallen; while the woodpeckers, titmouse and nuthatches flit in between the branches to complete a picture prefect setting. This time of year I tent my pond with netting to keep the leaves and nuts out so I don't have to do so much cleaning out in the spring. I leave the sides up a bit so birds that fly in can get out. I also leave the front open to allow other animals and the turkeys to drink from the pond. In the past if a raccoon visits, the fish go to the bottom of the pond and hide. I never seemed to have a problem in the past. Well that changed this season. The other day when I let my dogs out they became quite excited about something in the woods; that’s when I noticed movement inside the tent over the pond. Quickly tying up the one dog who doesn't listen to well I went to see what was going on by the pond. To my surprise I had a very unwanted visitor who could or did wreak havoc with my fish. I had a Great Blue Heron now trying to get out of the tent. Hoping the Great Blue Heron wouldn't ensnare itself in the netting, I tried to lift the sides higher so he could walk out but that wasn't working. The Great Blue Heron decided to try to fly and ended up at the back of the enclosure with its wing now caught up in the netting and its bill twisted and through the netting. Working gingerly to free the croaking hissing heron was extremely difficult. He just was not co-operating. I finally released the heron hoping it would fly away but no, he decides to walk peeking the interest of the other dog who now wants to play with this huge bird. To say the least the Great Blue Heron was in no mood to play. That long "S" shaped neck was stabbing and wings were a beating as he and the dog started running through the woods. I finally managed to tie the dog up but not before “Mister” Great Blue Heron tangled himself up into the twisted brush and branches. The heron was lying so still on his back with his long neck between a bunch of twigs and branches I thought he was dead. I wanted to cry. Here I had freed this great blue heron with no injuries or damage only for him to die in the woods. Thinking maybe the blue heron still had some life in him I thought I could get him to the bird rescue place by me and save him. Just as I went to touch the Great Blue Heron he came to life. That long stabbing bill started to click and hiss at me. Those long yellow/green legs and hand size feet started to thrash in the air. How was I going to manage freeing this poor great blue heron without taking a beating myself? I decided to release a few branches from his neck then some from his body, staying away from the feet. I finally took the last branch off his neck and released the last of the twigs holding his body and jumped back anticipating Mister Great Blue Heron to spring up. To my surprise he didn't. It then occurred to me the heron couldn't right himself being he was on his back. I gently held the heron's plump body and rolled the heron over. Once upright the Great Blue stood to his full height which seemed to be about 4 feet and flapped his wings though he didn't move. I tried to shoo him away but to no avail, so I started walking through the woods towards the natural pond behind the house. The Great Blue finally started to follow me and stopped right next to me while I watched him. We continued down to the pond walking side by side as if we were the best of friends. Finally at the pond the Great Blue Heron flew to on old tree branch and I departed back to home. Though I have seen these majestic birds from a distance I never realized how big they are. I now know! The Great Blue Heron stood around 4 feet height and had a wingspan of a least 5 feet. The two tone yellow gray beak had to be 10 inches long if not longer. The heron has a very long neck when extended and large round yellow eyes. He had a very meaty plump belly too. It was a very exciting experience to be that close to such a big wild bird. It is an experience I won't soon forget. I only hope I still have some of my big fish swimming in my pond but that remains to be determined at a later date. Sometimes in trying to attract the pretty songbirds to our yards we indirectly attract other non favorable visitors such as Great Blue Heron, kingfishers and birds of prey. Unfortunately that is part of attracting wild birds to your backyard. Please visit my website at www.WildBirdSeedMart.com for many wild bird products to attract wild birds to your backyard.

A Shot Of Echinacea Is Medicine For The Garden

Echinacea, widely known as coneflower, belongs to the family of Asteraceae. They are daisy like in appearance sporting a large cone seed head which feels spiny. The Native Americans gave the coneflower its name Echinacea because the seed head reminded them of “spines of angry hedgehog”. The Greek word Echinus refers to spiny or prickly also. Echinacea has a long history in the medical arena. The native plant was used by the Native Americans for healing skin infections, sore throats, coughs, snake bites and even used it to heal their horses’ ailments. They would take the root of the Echinacea plant before the plant flowered and dry it. They then would use the powder for tonics, tinctures and poultices. In the late 1800’s a Nebraska salesman by the name of Joseph Meyer made the Echinacea tonics famous through his antics of enticing a rattlesnake to bite him. He would then drink the tonic and not get sick from the snake bite. His potion became known as snake oil. Mr. Meyer did try to determine the actual medicinal property of the Echinacea plant that was responsible for preventing and curing infections. He enlisted the help of a doctor/ professor/ herbalist back East to analyze his tonic. Professor King wanted Mr. Meyer to send him the Echinacea plant which he did. The only problem was the good doctor was trying to cure his wife’s ailment of cancer so he shelved the tonic and plant. After several months of treating his wife with the then best medicines her condition did not improve: however, a couple of months later she had a full recovery. Well the good doctor started patting himself on the back ‘til she explained to him she was taking the snake oil tonic that he had shelved and that’s what helped her. After that he did start investigating the plant and found it shrank tumors. Echinacea was widely used in medicine ‘til the 1930,s when Penicillin was discovered. At that time too the medical profession decided Echinacea had no medical attributes. Not agreeing or bending to the political atmosphere a German doctor named Gerhard Madaus decided to research the plant and came to the States to collect samples of Echinacea Angustifolia. This was the popular plant at that time; however, unbeknownst to him, he had collected Echinacea Purpurea instead. Back in Germany he made a preparation from the plant’s leaves, stalk and flowers which is called Echinanin. This is still the most popular product used today in the herbal markets of Europe and the United States. It is believed Echinacea is an immune enhancing drug that jumps starts the T cells and increases the activity of the immune system. It should only be used for a short period of time (no more than 2 weeks) then give the body a rest for two weeks before starting the cycle again. Echinacea should never be used in combination with goldseal or any product with goldseal in it. It must be noted immune conditions such as Tb, HIV, and Multiple Sclerosis should not use this product either. There are nine native varieties of Echinacea but only three have any medical properties. They are E.Angustifolia, E.Pallida and E.Purpurea. Echinacea or coneflowers are easy to grow. They thrive in zones 3-8 with full sun. They will tolerate some shade and grow in just about any soil as long as their feet aren’t soggy. They are drought tolerant, deer resistant thus making them a great plant for xenoscapes to a more established garden. The market offers many new colors and shades to add excitement to the garden especially at this time of the year when most plants are fading in the summer heat. Echinacea grows into the fall attracting many types of butterflies and wild birds. Add their dried seed to bird seed mixes too. These plants are medicine to the garden as an uplift as well as nutritional food for wild birds and other wildlife. As for their medicinal value to humans please research and ask you doctor about Echinacea before using it. Remember herbal medicines are not regulated as approved medicines are. Please visit my website www.WildBirdSeedMart.com for any wild bird products you may need as well as bird books and birdbaths.

Healthy Sunflower Recipes For Good Eats

Have you ever grown sunflowers? Sunflowers are so easy to grow and carefree. They add bright color to any garden and attract wild birds and wildlife by the dozens.The huge sunflower seed head offers a plentiful amount of seed which are good eating for human and wild birds. Sunflower seeds are high in nutritional value and meet the high energy caloric levels needed for wild birds and wildlife to survive. Besides those facts sunflower seeds are equally nutritious for people are full of vitamin E and selenium. Their Omega-3 fats are polyunsaturated and are known for their anti-inflamatory and blood thinning properties. These antioxidants greatly reduce the risk of cancer,cardiovascular diseases and help in weight reduction. I bet your wondering why are sunflower seed recipes being offered on a wild bird seed product site. My site indeed sells sunflower seeds for wild birds and wildlife but I know people enjoy sunflower seeds too as a snack. If you grow your own sunflowers and are lucky enough to get the seeds, they are easy to roast. It is my experience however, that you need to be vigilant to grab the seed heads before the wild birds get it. Good luck! The are ready when the back of the heads are brown. I cut them when the backs are 3/4s brown and hang them in a cool spot to ripen a bit more. If growing sunflowers is not an option, which it probably isn't for most people buy plain sunflower seeds in the grocery store or health food store. It's definitely easier and you will have enough seeds for eating. Here are two easy recipes I think you will enjoy with sunflower seeds in them. The first one is from the National Sunflower Association. Blend together or process thoroughly -4oz Muenster cheese and 4oz cream cheese. Blend in 1/2tsp. Worcestershire sauce, 1/4tsp.paprika and 1/8tsp. red pepper. Chill for at least 1/2 hour. Make cheese balls and roll them into crushed sunflower kernals. Chill for another 2 hours and serve. I substitute Colby Jack or Asadero cheese for the Muenster and sometimes put in 1 chopped jalapeno pepper instead of the red pepper. Instead of making balls I shape the cheese into logs, chill them and cut them into slices for crackers. I have also mixed ground sunflower seeds into the cheese mixture and spread it onto wraps. I then roll the wraps, making slight cuts into them and chill the wraps in plastic wrap. Just before I serve them I slice them and serve as an appetizer. Sunflower Seed Butter - Remove sunflower meat from the shells. Place the seed meat into a food processor. Run the processor on the high speed for 30-45 secs. until a paste forms. Check the consistency of the paste. If a chunky paste or butter is desired leave some sunflower seed pieces in it, for a smooth butter process it til smooth. If the paste is crumbly or dry add a small amount of vegetable oil to the paste and blend thoroughly for a few seconds. Store in an airtight container. This butter can be use in many recipes for cookies, breads, cakes or as a spread. This recipe is from the Huffington Post and is flourless : Sunflower Seed Cookies - Combine 1cup sunflower seed butter, 1/2cup packed brown sugar and 1/4cup sugar. Add 1 egg. Mix well. Add 3/4tsp. baking soda, 1/2tsp. salt and 1/2tsp. vanilla mixing well. Shape into walnut size balls placing them on a parchment lined cookie sheet 2inches apart. Flatten cookie with a fork. Bake in a preheated 350*F oven til set (10-12 mins) or til edges are lightly brown. Cool for 5mins before transferring to wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for 5 days. I hope you enjoy these recipes and throw out the crumbs to the wild birds. If you wish to attract a wild bird such as goldfinch, cardinal or grosbeak plant a few sunflowers or offer them sunflower seeds. Please visit my site www.WildBirdSeedMart.com to purchase wild bird products such as sunflower seeds, birdbaths and nesting boxes. The site offers many guide books to help you identify the wild birds attracted to the backyard and to the gardens.

The Benefits Of Sunflowers In Today And Future Society

Much to the delight of wild life, wild birds and we human, sunflowers are starting to gleam our backyards and fields. Why such an attraction to these flowers? As an individual flower they are gangly, lanky and not really attractive. Nothing special, that's for sure. A patch or field of sunflowers makes an awesome sight and a brilliant statement. One can't help but smile while gazing over a field of sunflowers with their huge yellow flowers bobbing in the breeze. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are native American annual plants. There is evidence sunflowers were first domesticated in Mexico and brought to Europe by the Spanish. The sunflower's resemblance of the sun prompted the Aztec and Otomi civilizations as well as the Incas of South America, to use the sunflower as a symbol for their solar deity. Medicine men of several cultures chewed the dried or fresh root of the plant before sucking the venom out of a snake bite. They then applied a poultice of sunflower to the bite site. The plant's petals made paint and dyes. Sometime in the 1800's the Russian Orthodox Community made sunflower oil popular because of its acceptable usage during Lent. All parts of the sunflower can be used. To fully appreciate the plant let's dissect its features. The flower head or flower as most people refer to it as,is really made up of many individual flowers which yield an abundant amount of seeds. Due to the flower head resembling the sun the outer petals are called ray florets. These are sterile petals and come in various shades or hues of yellow, orange and red. The individual flowers inside the circle are known as disc florets. It is this part of the sunflower that actually yields the seeds. In 1979 H.Vogel discovered the sunflower petals had a specific number of spirals and pattern. The sunflower's seeds are technically the fruit of the plant but for this article's purposes we will refer to them as seeds. Many products are produced from the seeds. Oil is extracted from them for cooking and bio diesel with the leftover cake going to livestock feed. The seed meats are used in food products for breads, cakes, snacking food and flavoring. The sunflower's heart shape leaves have a coarse saw-toothed edge. They are single band and alternate on the stem. The leaves are used for cattle feed. The stem or stalk has a cortex and pith which contain fiber that's extracted to make paper. The latex in the stalk is now being researched as an alternative crop for non allergenic rubber. The root of the sunflower is considere a dicot. The taproot develops from the seed expanding into primary and secondary tissues. These tissues then develop into roots which specifically determines the plants length (primary) and girth (secondary). These tissues are vital to the plant's growth and strength. The root in past cultures was used for medicinal purposes. Sunflower root is still used in some modern medications. One of the main benefits of the sunflower's root is its ability to neutralize toxins in the ground. It has been known to extract lead, arsenic and uranium from contaminated soils. Both the Russians and Japanese planted sunflowers after their nuclear disasters. It was found through rhizofiltration the sunflower was able to neutralize the radionuclids caesium-137, stronkum-90 and other harmful bacteria from water and soil. Sunflowers not only attract our attention for their beauty and their bounty of seeds but they've contributed to many cultures throughout the centuries. From the seeds yielding oils for cooking, fuel, flour, bird and livestock food to the roots used in toxin removal, the sunflower has proven its worthy of our respect and admiration. As you can see sunflowers are quite beneficial. Plant a few sunflowers to brighten the garden and rid the lawn of fertilizer toxins. The high oil content of the seeds provide a good food source for wild birds and wildlife. Be sure to plant sunflowers away from the house for the fallen seeds may attract some unwanted wild life. Check your local pest or invasive weed list to be sure sunflowers can be planted. If you can plant sunflowers please do, this way, even on a rainy day you'll still see the sun. Please visit my website for many other wild bird products. My website is www.wildbirdseedmart.com.

Attracting Wild Birds- The Kingfisher

Attracting wild birds is a favorite past time for me. My yard is landscaped to attract wild birds of various groups and types as well as wildlife. There are approximately 26 feeders on the property offering seed, suet, nuts, fruit and nectar. I offer all these foods all year long though in smaller amounts. The reason is at this time of year the yard yields so many natural fresh foods that wild birds. Fruit trees and berry bushes abound attracting fruit eating wild birds such as robins. catbirds, cedar waxwings and mockingbirds. Woodpeckers peck at the figs to entice ants to the fruit so they can lap them up while the flickers feast on the insects attracted to the droppd fruit on the ground. At dusk the bats and swallows swoop in to rid the yard of mosquitos and gnats due to the dampness from the woods behind the yard and the wild trek of garden we created and then let nature do its job. During the day the purple martins, tree swallows and warblers flit by, feeding off the insects in the trees, grasses and flower beds. The salvias, honeysuckle and monarda attract butterflies and moths as well as hummingbirds. The nectar from various flower petals and flowers themselves attract the nectar loving birds such as orioles and hummers. The pond and birdbaths are our water features that help attract wild birds offering fresh water for drinking and bathing. Our pond has a large spillway going to a waterfall and a small brook. There is also a shallow bog area for mud baths and frog nappings. The brook and waterfall create trickling sounds which attract wild birds and creates a certain amount of relaxation for us. Waterlilies shade the fish below while irises, catmint and creeping jenny attract butterflies, dragon and damsel flies. The pond has attracted several frogs which cohabitate with the fish as well as some garden snakes and turtles. On occasion the frogs do grab an unsuspecting victim for dinner but for the most part there seems to be a nice balance of natural tranquility. Well that seemed to go to the wayside today. It seems in our quest to attract wild birds (songbirds and perching birds )for the immediate backyard we have attracted other types of wild birds...hunting birds. While grilling dinner we heard a rattling sound in the tree. Both my husband and I searched the trees trying to find what bird was making the noise. Then we spotted it; we had attracted a belted kingfisher. He was perched on a branch over the pond rattling away while we stood with our eyes watching him to see what we thought he may do. He didn"t disappoint us as if on cue,he dove into the pond scaring everything in and around the pond but thankfully exiting without any fish. I never thought a belted kingfisher would be attracted to the pond. We have had blue heron and night heron eye ball the pond from the roof but never going in it because of the way the pond was constructed. I thought I had planted enough vegetation in the pond to cover the fish and dissaude attracting water hunting wild birds. I have since learned that belted kingfishers are attracted to garden ponds which contain fish and have a perching area for them to dive from. I thought kingfishers liked salt or brackish water but it turns out they like any type of water. They prefer shallow waters such as ponds, streams, rivers and coastline areas. Kingfishers also don't dive completely into the water but break the surface head first to get fish or invertabrates. Kingfishers can also hover the water and dive in to get their food. These wild birds have a long thick spearlike bill to grab their prey. They then flip their prey up in the air and swallow it. Belted kingfishers are shy and usually they are heard before they're seen. That being said, I guess we were fortunate to spot the belted kingfisher in our yard. Luckily he didn't make out with any of the fish though maybe that's why some of the baby fish are disappearing. The belted kingfisher is one of three kingfishers in the United States. Two of the three kingfishers are the green kingfisher and the ringed kingfisher both those are found in Texas and Mexico. Belted kingfishers are not rare but are shy and usually found by their woody rattle noises while in flight. They will protect their territory which is about 500 yards in range. Though our intentions were to attract wild birds to the backyard meaning songbirds and perching birds,we have attracted a differnt group of wild birds inadvertently making bird watching a little more exciting. Though "our" belted kingfisher is a welcomed but yet an unwelcomed guest, for the fish, he has provided us with several visits plunging into the pond and coming out emptied billed. I think he just likes to get a little quick refreshing dive. The Wildlife Federation would be proud of us for creating such a garden spot for attracting wild birds. To attract wild birds to your backyard please visit the website www.WildBirdSeedMart.com. The website offers products to help attract wild birds such as seed, birdbaths and nesting boxes for wild birds. By providing food, water and shelter in your yard you will be helping wild birds and make your yard a wild life sanctuary.

Wild Birds' Beaks or Bills

       Wild birds' beaks or bills (used interchangeably) are used for various functions other than eating.  That is the primary purpose of the beak or bill is for eating.  The type of beak or bill a wild bird possesses determines what food its diet primarily consists of. The beak is used as a wild birds tool for prying, drilling and probing.  In the breeding season several wild birds (puffins for example) beaks display brighter or different colors than their norm to attract a mate.  Storks and cranes use their bills in mating rituals by bill clapping or dancing while the bills are touching, while grouse and other wild birds drum with their beaks to attract a partner.  Beaks or bills are important in nest construction whether it be picking up materials for the construction or the actual forming of the nest.  Beaks come in various sizes, shapes, and types.  Sometimes the beaks look quite similar but upon closer inspection there are subtle differences  which is specific for that particular wild bird.  I have tried to simplify the types of birds beaks by placing them in five general categories.  Most wild birds have their niche but several types of wild birds will go between the groups.  The general categories are: seed eaters, insect eaters, fruit and nectar eaters, fish eaters and meat eaters    It is my intent to familiarize you to the world of wild birds beaks and to their function.
       Wild birds beaks or bills consist of two bony structures the upper mandible and the lower mandible.  These structures are covered with a thin layer of keratin.  In the wild birds' world the keratin gets replaced many times due to wear.  Due to the various functions a beak or bill plays in the life of wild birds their bills don't need trimming or cutting as with domestic birds.  Though wild birds beaks or bills look heavy, the structures are hollow and lightweight so the bird can still fly.  Now let's explore the world of wild birds beaks
       Seed eaters fall into two groups.. large seed eaters and small seed eaters.
       Large seed eaters have a large powerful heavy looking conical beak.  This beak or bill has the ability to crush large seeds for maples, pines, spruce and sunflowers.  On the outer ridge of the mandibles (upper and lower bony structures of the beak) there are ridges called Tomia that help slice the shell of the seed so the bird can eat the seed kernels.  Cardinals and grosbeaks are just two wild birds that have this type of beak.
       Small seed eaters have a much smaller heavy beak to crush smaller seeds such as millet, milo,grass seed and thistle.  Sparrows, juncos, buntings and goldfinch are some of the wild birds in this group.
       Nectar eaters have long straw like thin bills used to probe flowers for the nectar.  The bill has a slightly downward curve which allows the bird to get further inside the flower to reach the sugary substance.  Hummingbirds will "sip" nectar from tubular flowers using its long beak and tongue.  The beaks actual purpose is to protect the bird's extremely long tongue which has troughs or grooves along it so nectar gets pulled from the flower through capillary action, feeding the bird and looking as if it is sipping the nectar.  Oriole get their nectar by eating the petals of flowers of fruit trees such as apples and cherries.  They will also visit nectar feeders.
       Nectar and fruit eaters bills tend to be longer and narrower than the seed eating group but not as long as the hummingbirds' beak.  Scarlet tanagers, orioles and vireos all fit into this category using their beaks to pick pieces of fruit for their eating pleasure.  Toucans are fruit eaters possessing a very colorful large bill which has the ability to crush large seeds and pick large fruit such as avocados off of trees.  
       Insect eating birds have very short beaks but can open their mouths very wide enabling these wild birds to catch insects or bugs on the fly.  The beak has bristles around it to aid in catching or netting   any bugs as they fly past the bird or any bug in the birds path.  Inside the mouth of these wild birds are backward bumps which directs the food downwards.  Swallows, swifts and nighthawks belong to this group.  Warblers, vireos, kinglets and gnatcatches have short pointed bills.  The bills are tweezer like and slender allowing the birds to pick or tweeze the bugs off of tree branches and leaves.  This group of wild birds is very beneficial due to the amount of insects they consume. The beaks in the insect eating class are extremely small compared to the bird's head. 
       Probers possess longer and pointed beaks than insect eating birds.  Their bills look slightly heavier and thicker in depth though they are hollow inside making them lightweight.  Robins, grackles and flickers use their bills to probe the ground for grubs, insects and larvae.  Many waterbirds have probing beaks though theirs tend to be even longer and heavier than land bird probers.  Ibis, curlew, wimbels, snipe and godwit possess thick long pointed beaks with a downward curve to probe the mud or shallow waters. for invertebrates and aquatic insects.  Other wild birds stir the water with their beaks to find food particles. They use their beaks in a tweezing motion to put water droplets into their mouths which then releases the water and the bird gets to eat the food particles.  Avocets on the other hand have upward turning bills that they swing from side to side in the water feeling for crustaceans, insects, seeds and other prey.  Dowitchers have a thick long straight beak for probing the water in a sewing machine motion for their dinner. 
       Chiselers have an ever so slightly curved heavy thick pointed bill.  The beaks or bills on these wild birds are used to chisel out holes for nesting sites and raising a family.  The beak hits an object at approximately 6-7 m/sec.  Woodpeckers are probers and chiselers.  They probe trees for bugs while chiseling and hammering the tree trunk for food and dwelling.  Yellow bellied sapsucker drill holes in trees to extract sap from the tree which it will sup upon. The sap will then attract other insect eating wild birds such as flickers.
       Tearing and ripping bills are considered possessions of wild birds that hunt. The bills are thick and heavy looking and hook at the end.  The hook is extremely pointed and sharp.  The hook's job is to pierce and tear.  These wild birds have a little tooth on the upper mandible and a corresponding space on the lower mandible which pierces and severes the spinal cord of the prey.  The tooth aids in securing the prey while the bird is in flight.  The pointed hook then rips or tears the catch into pieces the bird can eat.  Hawks, eagles, osprey and owls are all  hunters and possess this kind of bill.  Vultures though not hunters but opportunists feeding on dead carrion also fall into this category.
       Fish eaters are sub divided into several groups for simplicity sake.  The groups are the stabbers, skimmers and scoopers.    
       Stabbers have very lengthy thick pointy beaks that can gradually taper or just jumps to a point.The beak is used to stab or spear the birds dinner.  In herons and egrets the beak spears their prey and then they flip the bill upwards and the food goes down the gullet whole be it a mouse, snake or crustacean.
        Skimmers have a longer lower mandible than its upper mandible.  This allows the bird to fly over the water while keeping the lower jaw submerged till it feels a fish.  Once a fish is felt the jaw snaps shut with the upper mandible holds the fish in place.  The American or Black Skimmer with its reddish beak is the noted bird for this kind of fishing.
       Scoopers have a very extended beak with extra skin under the lower mandible that forms a net or pouch.  The pouch can hold up to three gallons of water when expanded.  When the bill snaps shut the pouch contracts draining and filtering the water out but leaving whats left for the bird to eat in one swallow.  White pelicans either swim or fly above the water and scoop large amounts of water into their pouch..  Brown pelicans dive for their food but as their exiting the water they scoop up large quantities of water also.
        Strainers or filter beaks are flatter and wider than the beaks previously discussed.  The Roseate Spoonbill has a very long  flat spoon shaped bill.  It leaves the bill partially open while it moves the beak back and forth through the water until it feels a fish. At that point the bill snaps closed capturing dinner.  The bill filters out the water so all that's left is the crustacean, aquatic insects or fish for the spoonbill's dinner.  Ducks and swan have much shorter, flatter and broader bills than most land birds.  Ducks and several other waterfowl have comb like structures on the edge of their beaks called lamella.  This structure allows the bill to seine or filter mud and water out leaving just the grasses, insects and small fish in the duck's bill.  Mergansers have a more sawtooth ridge which assists in catching and securing amphibians and crustaceans.  
        When trying to identify wild birds note the bill type and size.  The shape of the beak can give clues to what the wild birds primary diet is so it may be attracted to the backyard or spotted eating its favorite food.  Wild birds in all areas have the same types of bills as listed above so if abroad the same identification should be used to find what wild birds have been sighted.  In the spring or mating season when the wild birds return, note the bill color or the dance and bill clapping in the rituals for it is truly interesting to watch.  If you are in need of some good wild bird products such as guide books or identification books please visit the website www.WildBirdSeedMart.com.  The website offers wild bird seed and nectar products.  Feeding stations for wild birds and nesting boxes are also available.  Birdbaths which offer fresh water drinking helps to bring wild birds to the yard.  Make the yard a wild bird habitat by providing shelter, food, and water.         

A Contest For Wild Birds

When my husband ( then boyfriend) came to live with me about 17 years ago he knew nothing about wild birds or birding.  His idea of wild birds was seagulls, crows, pigeons and blue jays.  He is right, they are wild birds but there are alot more birds than that I exclaimed.  He lived by the water so I thought he would know some water loving wild birds but I guess the area was too over populated and noisy for the birds that he never saw or noticed them.  My house is by the water but located in what was once considered farm country.  As I was interested in wild birds this was a great place to live.  The farm fields would be exploding in spring with all kinds of songs and birds.  Meadowlarks would be flitting by and singing while bobwhites marched through the grass calling bob bob white.  Plovers and killdeer would be in the freshly plowed fields. It was great!  Progress started to set in and many of the wild birds of yesteryear started to disappear and haven't been seen in several years.  So I decided to attract wild birds to my backyard by planting fruit trees and flowers.  When my boyfriend moved in the poor guy took over the hole digging and grass mowing.  He knew nothing about gardening except he was allergic to grass and some other environmental stuff ( hay fever ).  He learned and he learned alot though there was a great bit of protesting.  To make things a little more fun we decided to have a contest.  First with the flowers and gardening.  A list of plants and their purpose had to be proposed by both of us though separately.  Once done it went to an arbitrator who knew nothing about plants.  You had to argue the points and then she would chose the plants to be planted.  Whoever had the most plants on her list would win and take the other one out to dinner of the winners choice.  That contest worked  so well we decided to do it for wild birds but with a smaller prize.  We still do this contest to this day though the rules have been modified throughout the years.  This years rule is finding 10 new wild birds.  By new it is meant new arrivals to the area for the season or migrating thru.  Eight of these wild birds have to be confirmed the other two can be sightings on the honor system.  Now I have to admit I have had the advantage for many years because I knew my avian friends.  So I thought.  Wild birds such as robins, nuthatches, downy woodpeckers and mourning doves are not counted because they're here all year long.  So we're waiting for the "new arrivals" to come.  The weather must not be just right because our feathered friends seem to be late in arriving.  Wild birds and wildlife have a better understanding about timing than we do but they missed their arrival date.  Usually I start seeing them come May 1st  but that date has come and gone by several days.  Oh wait ... is that a Baltimore Oriole I hear?  Where are you?  Ah Ha!   He's on the nectar feeder so I'm one step closer to winning the contest because at this point my husband and I are tied at six apiece with different birds.   I figured he's fixing the pond so he's not looking for the birds.  Silly me.  He comes rushing in an hour later crowing he won! What?  How?  I thought you were fixing the pond.  He claims he was when a male and female Baltimore Oriole landed in the white oak above him.  I contest , that's my male Baltimore Oriole.  I saw him at the nectar feeder first.  Show me the female.  As if on cue she flies right past us into the cherry tree.  All right you get that round but not the male.  What other ones did you see?  Before he could say anything I spotted a purple finch which is new to our area and had been confirmed by other "birders" they were spotted. There I thought, I showed you.  He just shakes his head, he is so good natured I'm thinking; then he springs on me you still lose.  There are two of your favorite wild birds over on the side feeder that have been visiting all morning.  I look and there he's pointing to a pair of indigo buntings.  Not only that sweetheart you missed your other favorite one, " the dinosaur bird".  He is referring to the rose breasted grosbeak.  How he and my daughter arrived at that name I can not tell you.  It's making a nest in the rhododendron literally right under my nose.  I contest! I contest!  Not fair! I'm such a sore loser sometimes.  I truly don't mind losing to him in a contest of darts or horseshoes but this is my contest. I'm the one who taught you about wild birds and birding I'm thinking.  However, I do gracefully concede, for he won fair and square.  I'll just get him back when we have  our summer contest while barb-a-queuing and looking for the insect eating wild birds.  For tonight I reckon I'll be making butter pecan ice cream for his prize.  For wild bird field guides or for any wild bird products to help attract wild birds to your yard please visit my website www.WildBirdSeedMart.com. 

Creating A Woodland Shade Garden

What is a woodland shade garden?  How is it different from any other shade garden?  There are several different types of shade gardens each one is dictated by the amount of light or sunshine available to the garden.  It is understood in quantifying hours of light that it is calculated from mid-morning (10:00am.) to evening(6:00pm.).  In defining the light shade garden the area would be completely shaded  for only 2-4 hours within the time frame of mid- morning to evening.  For filtered shade gardens the garden would be shaded completely throughout the day with the sun's rays penetrating through the tree canopy.  The more open the tree canopy is the more light filters down to the plants.  For example, a tree canopy created of locust, birch and willow will allow a lot more light or sun rays in than one made up of oak and maple.  Part shade is shade in which structures or a crop of trees planted close together cast their shadows for 4-5 hours over the garden; however;  the sun shines on the area as it moves throughout the day.  Full shade is dark shade prevailing all day long whether it is from a tall structure or out hangings such as a porch roof.  Multi tiered forest canopies create this kind of shade. The light which does get in is from reflection off of the buildings or passive daylight.  Last is dense shade.  This is defined as no light reaching the garden floor.  This is created by thick wood canopies of conifers, maples and heavy low branching trees.
The woodland shade garden encompasses all of the above shade categories at various times of the year and day.  For the purpose of this article the woodland shade garden is going to start at the edge of the woods and incorporate the wooded area.  The shade garden is well drained and has much organic matter in the soil.  The soil is acidic due to the decaying leaf litter which will get amended as I plant the garden.  For spring time flowering bulbs will be planted.  The main flowers will be daffodils, crocus and star of Bethlehem to naturalize the garden. There is no problem with these flowers developing and getting the amount of sunlight to flower because the tree canopy is still dormant.  Next Tiarella (foamflowers) and pulmonaria will be planted for they like moist soil  and partial shade.  Both plants have interesting leaves which are eye catching in a shade garden.  Tiarella have shiny maple shape deep lobed leaves with pink or cream markings on them.  Pulmonaria leaves are speckled with silver.  Both plants mature to no more than 12 inches in height so should be planted in the front of the shade garden.  I try to make the woodland shade garden natural looking.  These plants are planted in different areas of the garden to give the appearance they grew there naturally.  The hardiness zones for these plants are 3-7 and 3-8 respectively.
Naturalize the woodland shade garden with some native plants to help restore and promote their dwindling numbers in the wild.  Remember not to take them out of their elements but to buy these plants and bulbs from reputable nurseries.  In many states it is illegal to pick and take wild flowers.  There are many natives to choose from depending on where your residence is.  Here in the northeast (I live in New York) zone 6b, are some of my choices:  bloodroot, trillium, dog tooth violets, Virginia bluebells, lady slippers and Jack in the Pulpits.   Most of these plants prefer moist soil with organic matter either compost or decaying leaf litter and good drainage.
Trillium is a flowering bulb also known as "Great White Trillium" or  "Wake Robin".  The plant gets a  three white petalled flower with three leaves and three sepals.  The plant emits a smelly odor to attract pollinators such as bees, the pale swallowtail and the Virginia White butterfly.  There is also a red trillium available.
Bloodroot belongs to the poppy family.  In the spring the leaf is curled around the stalk developing into a large deep lobed leaf.  Bloodroot gets a single white 8-10 petal flower.  The plant gets its name from the Native Americans because when the root is cut it oozes a red blood colored juice that they used to make dyes and face paint. 
Goat's beard was given its name from the Latin word aryngos (Aruncus) meaning goat's beard because the plumes or flowers on this plant are white like a goat beard.  This plant grows 4-6 feet in part shade and slightly smaller in full shade.  It is a very showy plant once established.  The leaves are clumped at the base and are fern like in appearance with the plumes rising above the leaves on tall spike branches.  The plant is a dioecious plant meaning it has all male flowers or all female flowers.  The male plant is slightly showier than the female.  Native Americans used this plant for medicinal purposes in curing fevers and blood diseases.  Goat's beard makes a good backdrop for the woodland shade garden with the appearance of flowers in May  to July.
Wild columbine is an early spring native wildflower which tolerates most soils even drier soils.  It performs best in part to filtered shade yielding red and yellow blossoms.  The flowers are nectar rich so it attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds, bumblebees and butterflies.  The plant is the host plant of Duskywing butterflies.  Native Americans made washes with the various parts of the plant including a infusion for poison ivy.  Hopefully their remedy is better than the stuff on the market today.
Bleeding hearts and Dutchman's Breeches are native herbaceous plants that bloom in April to June.  These flowers resemble upside down pantaloons of pink and white or maroon and white on three parted fern like leaves  They prefer moist shady areas (they will melt in the hot sun) growing to about 10 -12 inches high.  They spread via underground roots from a scaly bulb.  They are toxic to many animals if eaten thus given the name stagger plant.  Both these plants add softness and grace to the woodland shade garden. 
The bones of the woodland shade garden are azaleas and rhododendrons which like the acidic moist soil.  The more light they get the more flowers they will produce but they do not like the hot or full sun.  These are good choices if you wish to attract wild birds because they provide shelter and protection with the dense branching habit.  Many a cardinal or robin nest can be found in them. 
Summersweet Clethra or Pepperbush flowers profusely for 4-6 weeks in July to August.  This upright 4-8 feet shrub hails bottle brush spicy scented flowers in the summer when few trees and shrubs flower.   The plant does spread sending underground rhizomes throughout the area so it needs to be kept in check occasionally.  Clethra likes to be near water and likes moist organic soil.  It will tolerate a sunny location.  It develops brown seed pods that persist for 2 years on the bush.  This shrub does make a good hedge row or perimeter border. 
 Ligularia works well in the woodland shade garden.  It can grow 8 feet high with a width of 6 feet if the conditions are what the plant likes.  They like very moist but well drained organic fertile soil.  The leaves are interesting and eye appealing.  Some ligularia have heart shaped rounded coppery leaves while others have deeply toothed bright green leaves.  The flowers range from orange to yellow daisy shaped to high tall spikes of blooms.  They add wonderful bright color to the garden throughout summer to the fall season.  These plants do not tolerate sun and will melt so provide them with water if necessary and they will give you bold bright flowers and satisfaction. 
Adding ferns to the shade garden helps soften the garden and adds texture.  Ferns can be found in many different leaf shapes from delicate looking leaves to big ostrich leaves.  Their colors can go from the two toned painted fern look to the brilliant orange red coloring of the cultivar Autumn fern, Brilliance.  Place ferns such as deer fern or hart's tongue with hosta, tiarella and coral bells which like filtered sun and make the shiny fronds shimmer in the light. Ferns are a good choice for holding ground on a slope because of their spreading or creeping rhizomes which helps in erosion control.
The woodland shade garden does not have to be dull and boring just because of the shade.  Many wild birds will seek the shelter of the tree canopy above the garden to forage for insects or spiders.  Several of the woodland shade plants offer berries and nectar providing food for wild birds and wildlife through the nesting and general season.  The plumes and fern leaves are good nest building material too.  Place bird baths in strategic spots so the wild birds can get fresh water for bathing and drinking.  Add a path with dried leaves, mulch or pine needles that leads to a nice sitting area to watch the birds and wildlife.  Grab a good book and relax or keep handy a wild bird field guide to look up the wild birds that come to visit.  Remember to check the plants that are being planted so no invasives are added to the landscaping and use legal plants to restore them to their natural habitat.  Please go to the website www.WildBirdSeedMart.com for any of your wild birds needs.  We offer many different products including birdbaths and seed from some leading wild bird companies. 

Planting A Sun Garden to Attract Wild Birds

As previously discussed (refer to Planning A Garden Blog ) there are several fundamental issues that need to be addressed before planting a garden.  In quick review they are: the plant hardiness zone temperature, drainage, light exposure soil type and the type of garden you wish to have.  For the sake of this article I am going to plant a full sun garden with average soil and drainage.  It will be an informal garden with various heights,and colors.  The garden bed will be approximately 20 x 20 ft. and exposed on all four sides .  The soil is slightly on the dirt side so will need some remediation with manure, garden soil, peat or topsoil.  The plant hardiness zone is 6b and will be created to attract wild birds and wildlife.  I prepared the dirt with garden soil and manure turning and raking the soil until all the big clumps are out.  I've taken the winter weeds out also.  I am going to plant on one side towards the back a kousa dogwood and opposite that a weeping crabapple off setting the plants  Both trees grow well in full sun  and offer three season appeal.  The weeping crabapple gets profuse amounts of pinkish flowers attracting wild birds, butterflies and bees.  As the seasons change the tree yields small red fruit which provides food for wild birds such as mockingbirds, jays, robins, and cedar waxwings.  The leaves turn brilliant red in the autumn.  The kousa dogwood blossoms are white four petaled flowers with a 'wolf eye' in the center.  Nectar sipping wild birds and butterflies are attracted to the nectar rich flowers .  In the fall the tree bears plump red raspberry like fruit devoured by woodpeckers,thrashes and sparrows.  Before planting the tree make sure you read the nursery tag  for directions.  When planting trees and shrubs make sure the hole that's dug is twice the size of the root ball or container.  This allows the roots to grow without exerting extra energy to set roots.  Once the hole is dug place the tree in it to ensure the size is correct.  Next untie and cut  the burlap and remove it carefully.  Many planters or nursery personnel tell you the burlap can stay on , just untie it and it will disintegrate.   I have never had any success with the burlap disintegrating; thus the roots don't spread, they fail to thrive and tend to rot.  I strongly recommend burlap removal.  Back fill the hole adding whatever corrective soil medium the ground needs with water.  Take time to dislodge any air pockets working the soil to keep the roots and tree in place.  Tamp down the soil around the tree to secure it. Most of the time the tree's crown ( where the trunk meets the roots ) should be exposed.   Next plant the shrubs in the same manner placing them where they will not interfere with the trees.  Both trees grow 15 ft. tall and wide so stagger the bushes accordingly.  Working from the middle of the garden out to the periphery plant shrubs that will stay smaller or lower in height to give depth to the garden's look.  Hollies, dwarf conifers, blueberries or roses are all good choices offering berries, pine seeds or rose hips to attract wild birds.  These plants provide shelter and protection for our feathered friends too.  The next section should be lower in height and flower at a slightly different time so the garden is continually having color and interest.  Maybe some flowering quince that bears quince  which are good for human consumption or for the wildlife would and some nice color and interest due to its leggy habits.  This is a good place to add plants and flowers that thrive in the sun.  Echinacea (coneflowers) come in various colors and yield lots of seeds in the fall for goldfinch, buntings and many other songbirds.  Group plants in a bunch to give the flowers their due justice.  Garden phlox are liked by butterflies especially by swallowtails.  Hummingbirds will frequent phlox too.  Plants need the same attention as trees when planting however you may need to do one other thing before planting them.  Many plants or flowers in containers become root bound so it may be necessary to score or cut the root.  This allows the roots to spread .  Just make one or two cuts and tease the roots before setting the plant in the ground.   Near the perimeter plant low growing plants,Daisies, candy tuff, creeping phlox and lavender work well.  Butterflies and moths are always landing on these plants. Lavender smells so good when you pass by it.  Walk on me plants such as thyme or oregano emit nice scents when they are crushed and stepped on. These plants make great hiding spots for garden toads and ground birds.   Ornamental grasses can be used to give a different look and added texture to the garden.  My concern with many of the grasses is they spread and take over the garden.  To avoid this from happening plant the grasses in the pots containing their roots.  Wild birds (quail, buntings and bluebirds ) eat many of the seeds throughout the season.  The grass seeds will get eaten by other critters well into the winter.  Many insects besides butterflies and moths like these plants and flowers.  They help cross pollinate and pollinate the plants however they well become part of the food chain with swallows or purple martins munching them up,  After all the plants and flowers are in assess the garden.  If there are a few bare spots that need addressing use annual flowers ( cocks comb or salvia ), garden art, bird feeders or bird baths to make the garden more eye appealing.If you wish to keep the weeds at bay, place newspaper down in the unplanted spots and cover with mulch. Cardboard works well too.  Water the garden well  now and then probably 2-3 times a week till the plants start to grow.  For any birdbaths or bird feeders please see the website at www.WildBirdSeedMart.com.      .

Basic Thoughts For Planning A Garden

Springtime is a great time for planting a garden.  Yes the daffodils and hyacinths are up as are other early Spring flowers but the rule of thumb for planting a flower garden is to wait until Mother's Day.  Why?  In most areas the hard frost has past so it won't harm the plants.  If you are trying a flower garden for the first time or have been unsuccessful in the past here are a few tips before getting started which hopefully will save time and money. 
  First look at the area where the flower garden is going to be made.  Decide if this is going to be a garden just for the season or for many seasons or years.  This decision makes a difference in the plants needed for the garden.  If you can't decide do an experimental garden.  For this type of garden choose annual plants to give you an idea of how the flower bed will appear.  Annual plants do not come back year after year; they are a one shot plant but they do tend to re-seed themselves. These flowers tend to be cheaper by buying them in flats giving you many flowers to plant with.  A perennial garden is one where the flowers or plants come back every year.  These plants mature with age and need room for growing and spreading.  When planting a perennial garden most people tend to plant alot of plants in the space because it doesn't "look right" or "full enough".  Don't over plant, it will just lead to a waste of money time and frustration.  If the spaces bother you put a few annual flowers in between the perennial ones to give the garden a fuller look. 
  Secondly for at least a week observe how much light or sun the area gets.  If  the area gets 8 hours or more of sun  it is considered to be a full sun area.  Plants which need full sun tolerate the heat better than a part shade plant.  The full sun flower will not wilt or melt in the heat where as the shade plant will and will probably need more attention,such as watering much more to survive.  Part sun plants usually require 6-8 hours of sun while part shade plants need 4-6hours.  Full shade flowers need very little sun light.  These plants mainly have small or inconspicuous flowers but their leaves usually add texture or color to the garden.
  Thirdly check the zone you live in.  How do you do that?  This can be done by using the computer or looking on the back of a seed packet.  The back of the packet shows a map with colors on it.  Find the color of the area where you reside and look at the number which corresponds to it.  That is the zone number and tells you the average temperatures the plants can tolerate.  Plant flowers for the area's zone.  They will be more successful in growing.  Some plants will grow outside their zones if the zones are close such as zone 7 to zone 6.  These will be successful if there is a micro climate or sheltered ares in the garden.  It is best to stay in the plants hardiness zone. Once you get experience d or daring try these plants. 
  Next check the soil the garden has. Here's where the experts tell you to test the soil for it's pH.  I have never done this and have beautiful gardens.  Maybe I just got lucky.  What I believe is more important is the type of soil the plant is going into.  Does the water drain or does it sit there on top of the soil for a period of time.  Sand drains quickly where clay doesn't drain well at all.  This is how I believe plants get lost because their roots either dry up like a prune or rots because it doesn't like wet feet.  The soil may have to be remedied with additives such as manure, compost, topsoil, peat or mulch. 
  The next decision to be made is what type of garden do you want to achieve.  Do you want a formal looking garden or a wild untamed one, which wild life loves or a focal garden.   The choice of gardens will determine the look you need to achieve which will in turn determine the plants and flowers needed.  It will  dictate the amount of work, time and energy needed to get to that goal. 
  All gardens initially take time and energy.  They all need some attention to get started and mature.  You, the gardener, are the only one who knows how much time and work can be devoted to the project.  Start small.  The garden can evolve and can be added onto if need be.  To me the garden is therapeutic.  After working a stressful job it was nice to spend time in the garden mindlessly pulling weeds.  As seasons pass  the plants mature and there is less work to keep them looking good.  Now I pass that time enjoying the gardens with my friends and wild life.  Remember think big but go small at first.  Be successful in you endeavors and if you need accessories for the garden please visit the website www.WildBirdSeedMart.com

Attraction to Wild Birds-Spring Attention to Attracting a Mate

What is it about Spring that makes us desire it to come?  What's its real attraction?  Is it we're fed up with winter and its weather or are we tired of staying in the house and need a change?  When is Spring Spring?  If we go by the calender Spring arrived March 20-21st but to me Spring starts to arrive when the snowdrops and crocuses start to bloom.  The discovery of the first Spring flowers popping up in the garden attracts our attention and starts us thinking about  Spring.  The awareness of change, but wait,something is missing!  The main attraction hasn't arrived yet, that of the wild birds flying overhead migrating to the new destinations to breed.  Here in my area (Long Island,New York) early Spring starts with the arrival of the red-winged blackbirds coming to the feeders and the males flashing their intensely vibrant red wing patches  The Ides of March has us searching the skies for the familiar wild birds to arrive.  It's now past St.Patty's Day and still no symbols in the sky of Spring.  Where are they?  Then the familiar calls and cries and the attraction we've been waiting for has arrived, The Ospreys! Our eyes are attracted to the sky searching for their whereabouts.  Spring has now officially arrived here   The wild birds grab our attention. The male cardinals wear their vibrant red coats proudly hoping to attract a mate.  Yesterday for the first time I actually experienced seeing a male turkey puff himself up and display his tail feathers to impress the ladies in the flock.  He puffed himself up so much he looked twice his normal size and definitly looking to attract a mate.  It was really quite impressive.
  The attention to wild birds may be in their coloring and songs.  Many of the male wild birds have attractive and brilliant colors to attract a mate. For instance the Baltimore Oriole or scarlet tanagers males have beatiful lively oranges and red respectively to attract a mate. To hear a familiar song draws our attention to the treetops to scan for the wild bird who owns the song. The songs are usually sung by the male to attract a mate or for staking out his territory.  The songs can range from short and simple to complex and lengthy.  The female is searching for a mate who is a better singer. In the wild bird world the more complex the song the better the males chances because it shows maturity and strength to the female.  Thus leading to better brooding success.
  The real attraction to wild birds is observing their courtship rituals. Many wild birds use different behavior to attract a mate.  Sometimes they use a combo of behaviors to achieve this.  Besides color and songs some wild birds perform dance routines, head bobbing, wing flapping or bill  clicking to get the girls.  Many hawks and birds of prey sky dance.  Hawks put on a fabulous sky show to attract a mate.  They fly high in the sky and then dive to earth as if they were free falling.  Once attracting a female they mate in the air also while performing these maneuvers.  Western grebes neck bob and then simultaneously  dance and skip across the water.  Cranes and birds of paradise wing flap and dance on the ground to attract a mate.  The albatross bill clicks with its mate to asure pairing.  All of these routines  displayed by wild birds are fascinating to watch if you ever get to experience them.
  Wild birds will also display their colors and feathers to attract a mate in different ways .  For instance the peacock will spread his tail feathers displaying the circles of colors on the tail( the "eyes" so to speak). Who would not be attracted. The woodcock will strut his stuff and fan his tail shaking it and doing a little dance.  Frigate birds puff out their air sac so a potential mate can see his red sac displayed
and choose him.
  Other birds use preening as their ritual.  They preen each others feathers and lean into their mate to show there is no aggression towards them and to bond.  Sounds familiar .  Humans do the same thing .  Birds such as cardinals will feed their mates seed by placing it in her beak or mouth to show he is a good provider and would make a good "husbird" in rearing a brood.
  Nest building and nest selection can be viewed as a courtship behavior.  The male arrives in Spring earlier than the female and starts his architectural  expertise in nest building and placement.  When the females arrive they check out the nests and its placement. If they like the nest, the male has attracted his mate.  Many times the female will add to the nest or select to build a new nest with the Male's help.  This can be seen with ospreys and wrens.
  Now we can say Spring has arrived and renewal of life has begun again.  Some wild birds mate for life while others need to attract a mate. No matter what, all of them partake in their courtship rituals and setting up house   Maybe we humans should follow suit though many of us do Spring clean and get our homes in order.  Now is the time to attract wild birds to the yard and gardens by turning our attention to what these wild birds need.  Set out a bird bath with fresh water. Clean, repair or replace feeders and fill them with the food for the wild birds you wish to attract.  Provide nesting boxes or houses for the birds to start their housekeeping  and give them shelter and protection.   By providing these basic necessities attracting wild birds to the backyard will increase your odds. If you need any of these products please visit my website  www.WildBirdSeedMart.com.

The Ability To Attract Wild Birds

    The ability to attract wild birds has for a long time been a fascination, passion and business.  Wild birds have been symbols or gods in many  cultures.  They have represented love, strength, evil, good and prosperity.  The Indians respected wild birds such as the eagle and the crow while other cultures recognized the dove as a symbol of peace and friendship.  Even in our own culture before the eagle was chosen as the nation's symbol Ben Franklin proposed the wild turkey should have that honor.  Depending on the culture's belief to have a symbolic wild bird in your area or yard was often used as a prophecy,omen or future telling.  For example in North American Indian culture  the turkey is an earth diver.  This is a bird that dives from the earth's upper levels into the bowels of the earth and retrieves something to save the people.  In this case the turkey saved seeds when the big floods came, there by giving the people a chance to grow their crops again.  So if you saw a turkey in the area you would have good fortune.  Many an emperor was placed on the throne by the prediction of a golden eagle or a raven.  Though depicted as evil doers the raven in many cultures presents gifts to humans such as light  and names of plants.  The raven  was both a trickster and a hero in legends.  The Celtics and Irish believed  crows, ravens and vultures were symbols of death and destruction.  If a Celtic war goddess appeared before a battle as a crow or raven  the army she appeared to would be defeated.  Knowing this information many armies tried to attract wild birds in the crow family to do their trickery.
     The ability to attract wild birds to cage them goes back many centuries.  The Chinese captured nightingales to bring harmony and peacefulness into their homes and palaces.  These birds were captured for their beautiful songs.  Attracting wild birds for companionship was also desired.  We all have seen the pirates of yesteryear with a parrot on his shoulder or a macaw on his arm.  Teaching parrots and macaws to talk was a way of passing the time.  The ole Polly wants a cracker  has been used to depict parrots as pets for many years.
     The fascination of birds being portrayed as tricksters or evil doers has made its way into many a story.  Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven" draws chills down one's spine when reading it on a dark dank night. The horror movie by Alfred Hitchcock "The Birds" with millions of birds flying at you  made you want to scream in the theater.  In childrens'stories the other extreme is portrayed.  In Hans Christian Andersen story of the "Ugly Duckling"the ugly duck turns into a beautiful swan.   Storks delivered babies in many fairy tales and in modern tales too.  In Milne's story of "Winnie the Pooh" Pooh and friends seek out the Wise owl for his knowledge and wisdom.  These wild birds have attracted alot of attention though the years.
      In Mid Evil times knights and noblemen attracted wild birds for hunting companions.  They used and taught hawks and falcons to hunt for rabbit and other food.  They followed wild birds for food gathering such as berries and nuts.  Homing pigeons and doves were taught to deliver messages to people in other areas.   Attracting  wild birds was not always good for our avian friends. Attracting wild birds for food in the past as in today still exists.  Wild duck, grouse, turkey and pheasant hunting are passions for some and necessity for others.
     Attracting wild birds for plumes and feathers to decorate dresses and hats was quite fashionable at one time.  A feather in your cap meant you did something good.  Ostrich were hunted for their huge feathers while peacocks and birds of paradise were attracted and killed for their colorful feathers.  The practise of decorating clothing put a terrible strain on these wild birds causing some to go into extinction and others to near extinction.
      People still have a passion for attracting wild birds and owning them.  The market for wild birds such as macaws, myna birds, parrots and cockatoos for pets is still strong.  Many countries have banned the practise of attracting birds into these huge nets and selling them.  For the most part  these birds are now raised in captivity for the pet market.  This has stabilized the population of some of these birds in the wild.        
      Bird watching tours are becoming a  big industry.  The tour guide is well trained to attract wild birds to increase the chances of you seeing the birds of that area.  Sometimes it's just a matter of knowing what time the birds eat or the availability of their food supply.  Sometimes when you go on these tours the places you stay at have set up a few feeders or have landscaping to attract wild birds to make your experience more enjoyable.  The natural landscape of the area attracts many birds making it easier for you to view our feathered friends.  Photographing wild birds is a big industry also.  Sometimes to get the picture you want props are needed to attract the desired bird or birds.  Wild birds will be attracted to water features and feeders so these maybe used to help get the perfect picture. Please visit my website  www.WildBirdSeedMart.com to view some birdbaths and feeders that could help you attract wild birds.

Weeds-Seeds-Grasses and Wild Birds

Gardening is one of my hobbies.  For years after I built my house I'd spend hours outside digging,planting and mulching my gardens.  I planted for my pleasure and for attracting wild life. My philosophy was they were here before me so we'd compromise on the plants they could have and I could keep.  Too bad deer and other wild life don't read the books.  Stuff they weren't suppose to eat became dinner that evening so I learned to plant 3 plants,2 for them ,one for me.  Even the grass seed I planted for the lawn was gobbled up by the sparrows,chipmunks and turkeys.  What part of the lawn they did leave for me the snapping turtles and painted turtles dug up for the nests and egg laying.  After several frustrating attempts I came to the conclusion I really didn't need a "nice" lawn,just something green.  The lawn was very nice on the shady side of the yard but the front lawn turned into a crabgrass and whatever other weeds took over lawn.  It is always green in the summer and all that is done to it is mowing.  The lawn is actually very healthy and no one actually sees it because the flower beds surround the yard.  Because nothing is used on the lawn wild birds love it.  The robins and starlings are always poking and probing it for the worms and the grubs.  The flicker has a field day with the ants, the native sparrows eat the grass and weed seed and the swallows fly in at dusk for the gnats and mosquitoes.  As night approaches the night hawks and bats start flying in.  Several of the gardens have acquired a more natural look with many weeds and wildflowers filling in between the plants.  So I ask you what is a weed?  That was a question posed to me by my new neighbor who I don't think ever left her city apartment to enjoy the outdoors.  My definition of a weed is any plant growing in a spot I don't want it to be and is a pest.  Dandelions are considered by most people a weed.  I like their bright yellow heads and they actually look nice in some spots but I prefer them to be in my natural garden and not in my lawn or formal gardens.  Dandelion leaves when young and tender make good salad and my friends like dandelion wine maybe that's why the wild birds like dandelions too.  Buntings,finch and sparrows love this weed when it goes to seed.  The dandelion's flower turns into a soft cottony ball of seeds which as kids we'd love to blow and make a wish.  For wild birds they provide nutritional food.  If you want to rid these weeds from the lawn take a sharp forked tool or trowel and dig deep,they have a long taproot.  My lawn stays fairly green all summer long because it has a lot of crabgrass growing in it.  Crabgrass likes well watered mowed low grass.  Though I don't water the grass the summer dew is so heavy it gives this weed plenty of water.  This weed gets its name from how it grows-spidery or crablike.  It has a dense center with tendrils that spreads.  When it seeds the sparrows  have a field day.  Goldenrod is one of those weeds that looks great mixed in with purple coneflowers or Queen Ann's lace.  It's 3-4 feet  tall with yellow flowers. It likes to grow in mulched gardens and has  a good root system that's hard to pull out.  If  it's growing  in a spot where you don't wish it to be pull it out right away.  A word of caution though, if you are allergic to latex goldenrod contains latex in it's greenery and will give you a rash so wear gloves.  Many insects are attracted to this weed so look for butterflies and moths to visit the garden and help pollinate along with the sparrows and finches.  Mullein grows in dry hot areas of the yard. When I first saw this huge plant growing I thought it was a verbascum plant so I let it grow.  Was I surprised!  This weed got large and actually covered my small rhododendron bush with its furry leaves and big yellow flower. By the time I tried to pull it out the plant was propagating and had a stem that was very hard and thick.  I needed a spade to pry and dig it up.  I allowed one plant to grow by the roadside amongst some of the wildflowers, ox -eyed daisy plants and weeds.  You should have seen the show of wild birds when the seeds had ripened.  The chickadees  and downy woodpeckers were all over the plant.  Another plant I always consider a weed is poison ivy.  This weed grows as a vine with three shiny leaves and gets red fruit on it in the fall.  Birds and turtles devour the seeds and help spread this weed.  For some of us this plant is highly toxic if it touches the skin.  The oil from every part of the plant is an irritant even when it looks like it's dead.  The plant puts on a beautiful display of color in the autumn but it's too toxic for me.  According to Indian lore the counter plant for poison ivy is jewelweed.   Supposedly if poison ivy touches the skin you rub the leaves from jewelweed on the exposed area and it counters the ivy oil.  This weed spreads quickly likes moist soil and partial shade.  It gets berries on it which get munched on by the wildlife and birds. The blooms of the plant attract hummingbirds while the seeds attract rose breasted grosbeaks.  Grasses play a role in garden design and landscaping and in attracting wild birds.  Ornamental grasses planted in the right place can dress up a dull area ,cover up an unsightly spot or be a focal point in a garden bed.   Ornamental grasses and grass range in height and color.  The pampas grass are tall grasses with a plume on the top. The plumes ripen into dozens of seeds spilling onto the ground attracting doves, juncos and white throat sparrows.  Maiden grass is another tall grass which can be used as a backdrop for smaller plants ans shrubs.. Ribbon  or zebra grass is more compact  grass and forms a dense clump which allows wild life and birds to hide within the blades of grass. Many of the grasses attract insects and butterflies thus attracting insect eating birds. Swallows and bats come in at dusk eating tons of these insects and controlling the insect population. The problem with many of the ornamental grasses is they are vigorous growers and spread into the lawn.  To solve this problem pot the grasses in a container and sink it into the ground preventing the roots from spreading.  Many weeds and grasses are beneficial to wild life and birds.  The seeds the weeds and grass provide will help sustain the birds,mice and chipmunks though the winter with food.  Some of the weeds and grasses offer interesting texture to the landscaping and gardens.  Add a birdbath in the middle of an area of grass or weeds and enjoy the show.  Please visit my website www,WildBirdSeedMart.com to see birdbaths and feeders  which may help you attract even more wild birds.

Attract Wild Birds-Landscaping-Seeds-Plants-Flowers

Landscaping helps attract wild birds. The colors and odors plants and flowers give off draws them in as well as other wild life.  Every yard has the ability to bring in wild birds be it cardinals,song sparrows,finch or blackbirds.  Of course the wild birds being attracted depends on your location and the landscaping conditions available to you.  All areas of the country are able to landscape with potted plants.  Potted pots allows you to be creative in the pots design and the flowers planted in them.   The pots can spruce up any area be it a doorway,path or just an area which is considered a wasted space.  The landscape you wish to achieve can be done by adding flowers that contribute to your goals.  Planting annuals such as saliva,impatience,fuchsias and greenery will attract wild birds such as hummingbirds and wrens.  Wrens love to nest in flower pots so be careful when you go to water the flowers and of course, the hummers love the sweet treat of nectar.  Annuals planted in the yard make beautiful beds which will attract the wild birds and wild life.  Butterflies abound when certain annuals are planted.  There are many seeds available for planting annuals if you have a green thumb and patience.  I ,however, don't have the green thumb for seeds so I purchase my annuals in flats where they are already growing showing me their colors and shapes.  This saves me time and I can plan my landscaping accordingly.  Cosmo plants are a good starter plant.. They grow 3-4 feet in height with fern like foliage.  They are quite wispy looking but have pretty white,hot pink,red or mauve flowers with a yellow center.  When mature the center yields many thin seeds that attract wild birds such as goldfinch and sparrows.  The flower itself  fades quickly but they keep blooming for a long period of time so as the seed heads are being eaten by the birds more are still growing.  Many of the seeds will fall to the ground thus allowing ground feeding birds(song sparrows and towhees)to feast.  The ground feeders will forage for these seeds into the winter months.  Cosmo are self seeding so don't be surprised to to see them appear the following year in the garden.  Another good plant to landscape with are zinnias.  Their bold bright array of colors livens up even the most drab areas in a yard.  They are also easy to grow from seed if you wish.  Zinnias have a long growing season and offer wild birds tasty seeds too.  They also make a great cut flower bouquet for the house. They come in various heights so landscaping with them gives you lots of options.  Their flowers can be daisy like or more pom pom like  with  double petals.  Sunflowers with their bright big yellow heads are a magnet for attracting wild birds.  Their oil rich seeds give birds the nutrients they need for their diets. Sunflower plants come in various heights and some varieties have a branching habitat that offers multiple flowers.  Mexican sunflowers offer red as their coloring so that can add a different look to the landscaping area.  Wild birds such as goldfinch will perch on the seed head to feast and extract the delicious seeds.  Seeds falling to the ground are gobbled up by cardinals,song sparrows and juncos.  Sunflowers make good windbreakers if planted in rows of varying height. Sunflowers can be annual plants or perennial plants so be aware of the type you are purchasing if it makes a difference in your landscaping plans.  Perennials are the backbone or spine of the garden.  They should be included in landscaping plans for attracting wild birds and wild life.  They can act as accent or focal points of the garden beds. Landscaping with perennials is a little more trying in the beginning but as the plants mature you'll appreciate them more.  Once matured their dense leaf and stem structure will keep out weeds giving you more time to spend watching the birds.  We've already discussed the sunflower family of plants so what other flowers are good starting perennials that will attract wild birds.  Keep in mind perennials also offer birds more than just seeds,they offer protection for ground birds to nest and to hide.  They allow ground birds to eat fallen seeds that have been captured in their leaves also.  Black eye Susan,rubeckias and daises are good plants to start a garden bed.  These flowers offer seeds well into the fall months and come up year after year yielding formidable dense clumps for birds and wildlife to hide in.  They  attract many butterflies and other insects thus attracting wild birds that are insect eating such as flycatchers and warblers.  Coneflowers grow about 24 inches and have bee hive like seed centers which mature into thistle like seeds enjoyed by goldfinch and house finch. They come mostly in pink or white but you can find the newer varieties in oranges and yellows.   Be aware that other wild life (deer.chipmunks and rabbits) find these flowers appealing  and quite appetizing.  You may need a deterrent if you wish to keep these plants or just plant alot of them. They all are very attractive in beds.Butterflies flock to these flowers and to phlox flowers too.  Phlox flowers come in pink.orange red,purple and white.  The tubular  flowers are clustered together drawing nectar feeding wild birds to them.  Mix annuals and perennials together to get a diversified look and attract lots of wild birds to your gardens.  Landscape a few areas where you can let the plants go a little wild for birds and wild life don't care if the gardens are neat and formal they kike a more natural look.  It better suits their needs.  Add some water features(birdbaths) and some well placed bird feeders to the landscaping to get full enjoyment from the wild birds you are attracting.  Visit my website www.WildBirdSeedMart.com to find some feeders and birdbaths that may enhance your landscaping schemes.

Attracting Wild Birds -Landscaping

Attracting wild birds though landscaping can be fun,exciting and relaxing. Figuring out what shrubs or trees will best suit the yard or the area is sometimes a little challenging and over whelming.  To attract wild birds keep in mind what is needed to draw them into the yard.  What's a necessity for the birds?  As with people,birdseed food,water and shelter.  What trees or shrubs are best  or more reliable to attract wild birds?  There are many choices but limit the choices by considering the amount of area available to plant.  Shrubs and bushes are good starter plants for attracting wild birds.  Many offer dense branching for nesting and protection.  They offer fruit or berries for food and draw insects to them via the flowers and leaves thus becoming part of the food chain.  Viburnums,bayberry and wax myrtles are nice choices.  All of these shrubs get small white or pink flower clusters in the springtime that give off a slight aroma.  The flowers produce berries in the autumn attracting wild birds such as mockingbirds,catbirds,cedar waxwings and robins.  The bushes range from small (3 ft.) to tall (25 ft.) in height with no real shape.  They can be pruned easy enough but select one that is right for the area.  Landscaping with ground cover is important in attracting wild birds.  Sparrows and juncos nest on the ground so ground covers provide a place for them to hide their nests.  Ground covers provide food as in berries and insects too.  Here are some evergreen ground covers  suggestions: creeping junipers,lingonberries and cotoneasters provide thick matting of branches for protection and hiding  The berries they produce are snatched up by thrashes,titmice,jays and catbirds  Deciduous ground covers also attract wild birds.  Strawberry plants,Virginia creeper,grapes and bittersweet all offer food and protection.  Quail,grosbeaks,robins and thrushes devour the berries and forage for insects hiding in the leaves.  Landscaping wouldn't be complete without a few trees.  Big trees such as oaks,elms,and hickories are beautiful but need space.  Oak trees offer acorns which are loved by wild life and wild birds.  It's a good winter source food provider.  Oaks have small flowers in the spring attracting  wild birds to them for the insects and caterpillars.  The tall tree canopy is attractive to orioles and tanagers which like the mature trees.  Woodpeckers search the bark for an insect dinner.  Smaller trees like dogwoods and mountain ash are good choices for the small areas.  These trees have pretty flowers which yield red to orange berries in the fall.   Fruit trees come in dwarf or standard sizes to fit into most landscaping scenery.  They are a magnet for attracting wild birds.  The problem is you may never enjoy the fruit unless the trees get covered because the wild life and birds have 24/7 to watch the fruit develop and mature where you  only have a few hours to watch for ripening.  Cherry trees are irresistible to wild birds.  Catbirds.bluebirds,mockingbirds and blackbirds all will have their eyes on the soft fleshy fruit.  Apricots,plums and apples appeal to wild birds such as bushits,thrashers,grosbeaks and cedar waxwings.  A whole fruit tree can be stripped of its produce in a day.  I have seen this happen in my own yard.  Another choice for attracting wild birds is the evergreen trees. Spruce trees,firs, hemlocks and rhododendrums aid in  quality shelter  and protection for the birds while adding interesting texture and beauty to the landscaping.  The pine cones are good eating for pine siskins,crossbills and titmice.  Hemlocks attract chickadees,juncos andgoldfinch with its smaller pine seeds.  Rhododendrum flowers attract hummingbirds and offer nesting and roosting.  Holly bushes and trees give wildbirdsprotection all year round and well as food supplies for the winter season.  The diversity in holly sizes makes landscaping with them easy.  Many hollies can be used as foundation plants making it easy to attract the ground wild birds for close up viewing.  Suppliment the landscaping with birdbaths and feeders filled with wild bird seed mixes. My website www.WildBirdSeedMart.com offers wild bird seed mixes,feeders and birdbaths to enhance the landscaping and beautify the yard while hepling toattract wild birds.

Birdbaths

Most of us have used the phase "I'm going to take a quick bird bath and freshen up"meaning we're just going to splash some water on our face and get going.  In reality wild birds take baths seriously.  Just watch.  Wild birds splash water all over themselves making sure they got all their feathers wet.  If wild birds feel safe and "comfortable" they'll enter the water several times.  So what makes wild birds comfortable to use the birdbath?  What or how do we attract wild birds to water features such as the birdbaths?  Why do wild birds  need  birdbaths?  Many of us have seen sparrows or robins splashing in the puddles along the roadside.  The birdbath doesn't need to be fancy.  Wild birds don't care if the birdbath is fancy,colorful,glass,cement or plastic.  It does matter to you and the landscaping that is in place.  We all want our yards to look attractive or appealling.  Placing  birdbaths in a boring area of the yard or on a cesspool cover with a few flowers can help make those areas attractive.  Wild birds are attracted to the birdbath for a couple of reasons.  First and most obvious is it holds water an essential need for  life.  Other reasons  wild birds are attracted to birdbaths are for cooling down,cleaning and a little fun .."swimming".  Birdbaths can be used all year long but their function changes form season to season.  Birdbaths are considered water features along with ponds, streams and fountains.  The focus of this blog will be on birdbaths  because every yard can't have a stream or pond but every yard can accommodate  birdbaths of some style and size.  Birdbaths come in many styles ranging from shallow dish types to elaborate birdbaths with fountains or wigglers.  To attract a wild bird's attention or curiosity more quickly add a drip water system or a circulating water pump to the birdbath  A small solar fountain will also add a nice touch and will create noise which will attract wild birds and make them want to explore where the noise is coming from. The dish or the basin of the birdbaths should be no more than 2 inches in depth, anything more wild birds will not use it.  If the depth is more than the 2 inches a rock or dish placed in the basin will make the birdbaths more appealing.  Birds like sure footing so make sure the floor of the birdbaths are rough.  For the pretty glass dish birdbaths put gravel on the bottom.  As with  feeders, initially place the birdbath in an open space about 4-6 feet away from shrubs or trees.This allows  the birds to see a predator approaching and allows it time to fly.  A wet bird is heavy so the short distance to fly to safety is crucial.  In choosing a spot for the birdbath keep in mind you want to see the birds being attracted.  Placing the birdbaths at various heights will draw different birds.  Songbirds tend to prefer birdbaths and feeders at the height of a shrub or small tree.  A pedestal birdbath or a  dish mounted on a stake works well to acheive the "shrub" height  This group includes cardinals, jays, bluebirds and vireos.  Ground birds such as towhees, doves, robins and quail prefer their birdbath(shallow dish  type) on the ground  or about 1-2 inches off the ground so it resembles a puddle  Hummingbirds and goldfinch like to fly through fountains, sprinklers and misters to get their bath.  Some wildbirds like dust or dirt baths. So for these birds offer a birdbath with dirt or sand or mud in a shallow dish.  With the exception of drinking water a dirt bath offers the same functions as a water bath.   Wild birds throw dust or silt over their feathers to rid themselves of parasites, lice, mites and excessive oils.  While doing this the bird preens itself aligning their feathers into the right places.  Change of seasons changes the main usage of the birdbaths.  In the cold winter months when fresh water is hard to find the birdbaths  become a drinking station. To keep water from freezing  a de-icer or heating element can be added to the birdbath.  The bath water does not need to be hot,just tepid will do.  If it's hot the chances of cracking the birdbaths are increased as well as harming the little guys.  In the springtime the birdbaths will attract wild birds that are migrating, offering them a stop to drink and refresh themselves.  This is a good time to make sure the seed feeders are filled too.  The heat of the summer will have birds looking for a place to drink and cool off.  The birdbaths will aid them in this situation.  There is a good chance of seeing grosbeaks and warblers taking advantage of the birdbaths.  The insect eating avians which normally do not come to bird feeders may visit the birdbaths for a cool  drink.  Due to the summer heat the bath water will grow algae and fungus so make sure the birdbaths are emptied and cleaned frequently.  A water to bleach solution of 10:1 parts is good to use. A bottle brush or a toilet brush will help get into the nooks and crannies.  A little trick to help slow the growth of algae is to take sprigs of lavender wrap 2 day lily leaves around them and place the bundle into the water. The birdbath should be rinsed well before returning it to duty.  Fall sees less of our feathered friends at the birdbaths.  Migration once again takes place and the birdbaths become once more  a drinking station.  Wild birds tend not to use the bath  to bathe due to all the rainfall and the natural puddles created. This is a good time to do maintenance on the birdbaths and ready them for the next influx of wild birds.  Please visit my site www.WildBirdSeedMart.com to see some very nice birdbaths and feeders. I also offer wild bird seed mixes and identification books.  Hope the blog's information on birdbaths could be of some service.