Creating A Bird Sanctuary In Your Yard

March 5, 2005 | sweetliberty

[sweetliberty]

I was out on the road yesterday and it is really looking like spring. Everything is getting so green and flowers are blooming everywhere.

[GodBlessUSA]

The Grackles have thinned out here too. Thank goodness! One or two ok but the group is not invited. LOL!

I just planted my Morning Glories a couple of days ago. :) What is the name of the plant, that you posted a picture of, that you planted down your pathway? I can't remember and I want to look for them this year too.

I hope you can find a place to fix your camera. I look forward to seeing your pictures! I can't find the charger of my batteries and I keep forgetting to get batteries. We went down to the beach the other day and there were dozens of Piper Plovers on the beach. They would run up as the water came in. I got such a kick out of them! If I only had my camera! If I get a picture, I will post it. :)

[GodBlessUSA]

It bothers me to see a bird feeding a brown-headed cowbird juvenile. Last year, there was a Mama Cardinal here doing that.

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi SweetLiberty
I wanted to thank you too for the April list!

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

The shrub down my sidewalk is nandina. I have put white periwinkles between them now.

Becky

[GodBlessUSA]

Thanks for your quick response! I'm going out today and will keep an eye out for them. Sounds so pretty with the White periwinkles!

[Zacs Mom]

If you can find it, "Fuschia magellanica" (Hardy Fuschia) is a great variety!!



It is a sweet, danity fuschia that blooms throught the summer & fall right up until the first frost and will return the following spring! It is hardy Zones 6 to 9. The hummers love it!

If you can't find it locally the pic above links to a nursary where you can order it.

Weigela is another beautiful plant that the hummers love. I had them in Oregon and Washington, and am planting my first Weigela shrub in my Texas yard this year.

[HairOfTheDog]

Thank you! Washington State, on Puget Sound :~D

[Zacs Mom]

I thought I recognized that setting!! (and that misty weather) I lived in the Seattle area for seven years!

[HairOfTheDog]

We are further south, south of Tacoma :~D

[Dysart]

Hi I'd like to see your shot of the Grackle!

Actually, I don't have a pic of a Grackle--was just joking. I do have lots of nice photos of other birds though, including a baby Mocker from last year that had flown the coop a bit early. I don't know how to post pictures. I realize it's not that hard but I've not taken the time to learn. It's on my short list of things to do when I find time. When I do figure it out, ppl will be pleading with me to stop posting so many photos!

[Dysart]

Thanks to GodBlessUSA for the tutoring.

[Dysart]

Here is the mother bird gathering pieces of apple to feed the baby.

[GodBlessUSA]

Mockingbirds are among my favorite! Oh how sweet that little guy is! That's great! :)

[GodBlessUSA]

I had Mockingbirds last spring and nest nearby. It was great watching Mom feed the young ones. What was really funny is watching her try to send them away from her territory at the end. LOL! They would fight for the free fruit territory. It was hysterical! I hope they come back this year.

[Dysart]

Yeah, the pair I've had for several yrs chases their offspring away ruthlessly too. I've had the same pair now for four yrs.(the female is pictured above) They know my vehicle and when they see me pull into the driveway, the fly over to the crape myrtle tree and await the peanut butter treat I spread on a branch. This has been going on for 3 yrs now. I know that's all hard to swallow but it's true.

[GodBlessUSA]

How wonderful to have the same pair back! Oh good! That means maybe they will be back here too, Fingers crossed. They are characters aren't they. Isn't it amazing how some birds get so use to you. I find it incredible you got that shot of the Juvenile. Where was he?

I have Catbirds and Robins who come for Jelly, fruit and Raisins too. I believe the same pair of Robins are here again. They had a nest in my arbor and it looks like they are staking claim to it again.

What fruit do you find Mockers like the most? I put Blue Berries, Cherries, grapes and raisins out. Did I leave any of their favorites out?

I planted Blueberry bushes last year and other berrying plants. I hope they produce some fruit this year. :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Excellent Picture of your Hummingbird, Becky!
I just got my Hummer Feeder up today just in case there are any passing through. I have to check the map to see where they are now.

I didn't see any Nandina today. It's early yet here so not much was out. I'm going to put them in a new garden bed.

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

It bothers me, too. I'm tempted to shoot them.

[Dysart]

The baby Mockingbird was in my backyard and you might add apples and cranberries to their diet. They actually prefer cranberries to raisins.(7 out 10 mockers surveyed)