Posted on 03/05/2005 8:07:37 AM PST by sweetliberty
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As it turned out, the previous thread on this topic generated a lot of interest and several people recommended doing it as a regular thread, so here is the second installment.
How you go about creating a bird sanctuary in your yard, or outdoor space, will depend on a number of givens, some which can modified, and others over which you have no control. One of these is geographical location or climate zone. If you live in the Colorado Rockies, you are not going to attract Cardinals, no matter how many black oil sunflower seeds you put out, and if you're on a beach in Florida, it's a pretty safe bet that there will be no snow buntings visiting your yard, the cornucopia of insects notwithstanding. Of course, if global warming keeps encroaching on us, we may soon find Alaska overrun with Parrots and Flamingos, but, I digress.
Within any given area, there are a variety of habitats, so no matter what your specific location, it is possible to vastly increase the types and numbers of birds in your immediate environment by modifying your habitat to make it more bird friendly to a wider array of birds native to your region.
Another "given" is your available space. If you live in a cottage in the woods by a stream, you will obviously have a lot more options available to you than if you live in an urban apartment with nothing more than a small porch or balcony. Of course, I think the majority of us live somewhere between those extremes. The point is, even if you have nothing more than a porch, you can still make it bird friendly, thereby increasing your enjoyment of these highly entertaining creatures. If you don't even have so much as a porch, I would suggest moving!
The purpose of this thread is to share ideas for maximizing our outdoor spaces to make them appealing to birds and butterflies, to share our experiences and knowledge or expertise, photos and resources. The discussion is pretty free-flowing and may expand to include gardening, landscaping and related topics. The direction the thread takes will really be up to the FReepers who post on it. We can focus on a different topic every week or two, or just keep it open and casual, updating the thread periodically. The main thing is that we learn and have fun.
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That's pretty. Where is it from?
How neat. That must give a whole new meaning to watching the birds in your yard. Do you do things to attract some of these birds?
I hope that the rain will stop, so you can have a great time
bird watching!
I have just been looking at a Rose Breasted Grosbeak in my backyard in Houston. Beautiful bird!
Here is an anhinga that caught a brim. From a local swamp park:
Beautiful bird! I never even knew there was such a thing as a Green Jay! :)
Hopefully, the weather will get a bit more cooperative for you!
These birds are getting expensive!
Sweetliberty wonders if her paltry equipment is adequate for her birdwatching hobby
ROFL!
Oh my! I guess not everything that crosses the southern border is bad.
I grew up around Houston, but being an ignorant kid at the time, I only paid attention to the more 'obvious' birds.
Now I wonder how much I missed!
LOL!
There must be baby Cardinals somewhere. The girls are testier than the boys these days. There is one that is really scrappy. I wasn't too happy with her chasing off my Indigo Bunting. He has become a regulare. I want so much to get a picture of him. He is so pretty. So far, this is the best I can do. (The testy girl Cardinal is in the picture too). By the way, this was taken through the window. I think the key to avoiding getting the screen is standing a little ways away from the window.
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I've actually tried taking pics through the window, but the feeders are too far away from the house to even see the birds in any pictures that I take.
Well, I'm off to the store. If the the girls ask me one more time: "Mom! You know we're out of milk, right?", I'm gonna scream! (jk...LOL!)
Going to get some film for the 35mm too. MAYBE I can get some good, close-up pics to post. :)
I'll check in later!
Happy Birding!
Have a great day!
Does anyone know the nesting habits of barn swallows? I have had them nest here before, remember I posted a picture of a nest they have under the eaves of my porch. Anyway, This week I have a pair doing some remodling on it, and flying around. I would have thought this was too late for them to be laying eggs??? Anyone know? I sure hope they are here to stay, the few times I've had them raise babies it has been lots of fun to watch.
My daughter in law has a pair nesting under her porch. I was there yesterday visiting and it was so funny. The cat was walking across the yard and the swallows were diving bombing her and the cat would somersault everytime they flew down at her, then leap up and slap at them. They were too quick for her tho (hope it stays that way). But it was hilairous to watch.
Becky
Oh, and notice the lovely droppings of the White Windged Doves on the hopper feeder next to the sock! I can't keep up with the cleaning on that one.
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