Attention Bird Gardening Enthusiasts

self | February 12, 2005 | sweetliberty

[sweetliberty]

With Spring just around the corner, at least here in the southeast, it's time to think about spending more time outdoors and making our yards and porches more pleasant places to be. FReepers have such a wide variety of interests and talents, I thought it might be fun and educational to do a thread for bird and garden enthusiasts. I see a fair amount of discussion on some of the threads about gardening and landscaping, but not too much that is specific to gardening for the birds.

I've pretty much always had a bird feeder or two around, and that number has grown since I moved into a place last summer that has a big yard. I have a fair variety of birds and I have begun to think about developing it specifically to attract more species, not only for the enjoyment of watching the birds, but also to control natural pests that are prevalent in this part of the country, without resorting to pesticides. I know that the right combination of flora can discourage certain pests and also attract birds that will help keep the pest population down. I would love to hear from FReepers who are experienced at creating such a balance. I think it would also be fun to have a place to share our experiences as we develop them. I know there's lots of links out there with useful information and I make use of them from time to time, but it's just not the same as having discussions on a forum where we have experts on everything. And I don't know of any place else on the web so animated by wit, along with wisdom, on just about any topic.

[GodBlessUSA]

LOL!

[GodBlessUSA]

That's so brave of those birds! When I was young, we had a cat and the Catbirds would do that. I was always so nervous that she would get one. I don't know if she ever did but I'm glad I never saw it.

[Mrs.Nooseman]

My cat has brought us one of their young once or twice,still alive and we tried to nurse it but it died after a few days.

The Jays seem to be very protective of their young especially when they first come out of the nest and can't fly so well.

We had Black birds at our old house that would dive bomb every living thing in site,I tell you that was annoying and it hurt,because they would actually make contact with your head.LOL

[GodBlessUSA]

Your right. They are so protective. Last year a Robin made a nest in an Arbor I have with roses. One of the little ones fell out. I read to try to put the little guy back into the nest. So I gave it a try. Returning parents started dive bombing me. I put the bird down, backed up and crouched down. I tried to tell them I was only trying to help but they still continued the attack. I could imagine how funny I looked. I was a little scared of them. LOL.

I could see them from my bedroom window. Here's a picture of Mama Robin in her nest from last year.

[sweetliberty]

My feeders are overrun with those! They lose their bright yellow coloring in the winter, but they are starting to get it back.

[sweetliberty]

The Goldfinches love the thistle/nyger seeds. Once I put those out, I had more than I knew what to do with.

[MamaTexan]

The Goldfinches love the thistle/nyger seeds.

LOL! Guess we'll find out. Just got back from some errands and just HAD to get some Finch food.

Y'all are such a bad influence! (snicker)

[MamaTexan]

I tell you that was annoying and it hurt,because they would actually make contact with your head.LOL

ROFL! Make the horrible mistake of actually GRABBING one.

I always loved nature, and thinking myself a clever child at the advanced age of 8, decided I was going to catch a BlueJay for a pet.

One day, I managed to do just that...and soon wished I hadn't!

It was just like wrapping your hands around a berserk nail-gun. :)

[GodBlessUSA]

How wonderful! You will really enjoy having them around. They are just so beautiful. I love the sounds they make too!

[Mrs.Nooseman]

LOL,I know they can be quite intimidating when they dive bomb.

You are so lucky to have had a nest that close to your window.

We have a Chickadee nest in out Cherry tree,it has a hollow tree trunk.We can see them when we are sitting on our front porch,but it would be much nicer to observe them from behind the living room window,since they can't see you and you don't have to be very still. :0)

[Mrs.Nooseman]

That is to funny,I wouldn't even dream about trying to grab one.

Was it a grown bird or a little one?

The young ones my cat brought to us alive didn't hurt us with their beaks but with there little claws,hanging on for dear live on our fingers.

It sure was hard to make them let go.LOL

[GodBlessUSA]

Oh, you are so lucky! What fun to observe them. I'd love to have Chickadees nesting! They are pretty friendly little birds and may get use to you being around. Enjoy them!

[Mrs.Nooseman]

I do enjoy them and look forward to seeing them every year.

I have seen them nest there ever since we moved here,to the mobile park, about 9 years ago.

OMG,it's been that long.LOL.

I just realized how long we have lived in the Mobile home,my kids were only 8 and 3y/o when we moved here.

Doesn't seem that long but it must be true.LOL

[MamaTexan]

Was it a grown bird or a little one?

Grown. He was to busy trying to get a bug to realize I'd snuck up on him.

It is always sad about the little critters, isn't it. We've tried saving baby birds, rabbits, etc., without any luck.

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Yes it is sad,but yet I keep on trying, after all they are Gods creatures.

[Mrs.Nooseman]

I did type a reply but it disappeared.LOL
Well,let me try again.

I remarked that it is sad and that I still keep trying ,even after many setbacks,since they are Gods creatures and I don't like to see them suffer.

[Mrs.Nooseman]

What do you know it came back,silly me must have been a glitch or something.LOL

[mickie]

This is a neat thread!

I haven't read the whole thread yet, but wanted to mention a magazine I enjoy so much. It is BIRDS and BLOOMS.

My grandson asked me to buy some magazines for his School, so I ordered this for my sister and a friend.

Anyone want to order to help the school, just freepmail me, as you can order on line and its cheap for the best issues around.

[GodBlessUSA]

It seems like you just moved in and your kids are not this old yet! I know how you feel!

A yearly Chickadee nest, I'm jealous! Have you ever seen their babies? They must be adorable. I put up houses for the Chickadees but I haven't been lucky yet.

[sweetliberty]

"It was just like wrapping your hands around a berserk nail-gun"

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