Posted on 03/05/2005 8:07:37 AM PST by sweetliberty
.
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.
.
The bird populations in my yard seem to change almost daily. I have less Cardinals now, with only a couple of pairs around on a regular basis. I still have a couple of mockers, but don't see them too often. I haven't seen the Red-headed woodpecker in several days, but sometimes I don't see him for days at a time. The Bluebird comes a couple of times a day to bath in the birdbath. I don't know what impact the storms had. This wind we've been having the past few days is brutal. I HATE it. The hummers are funny trying to follow the movement of the feeders though, although the one out on the tree take the worst beating from the wind. The finches aren't phased. I think they must be planning an orgy. I've never seen so many Goldfinches in my life!
Here's a new wrinkle for ya. I no longer feed birds here at my ranch. The grain attracted rodents and the rodents brought rattlesnakes. After nearly stepping on a rattler curled up and flattened directly under the bird feeder ... I quit. Don't want to lose my dogs or cats and certainly not me.
So if you live in rattler country ... think twice about creating a situation that brings the snakes right into your yard.
Today I was helping the hubby with the lawn. We have a huge wax myrtle bush in front of the house. I was going to trim it & something made me stop. So, when I looked into the bush , I discovered a nest! There sitting on her nest was a mama Cardinal! I feel so blessed & excited!
My finches have been yellow for a few weeks now.
That is so neat. I have a pretty good idea where a few of my birds are nesting, but I don't want to disturb them or make them nervous, so I don't go looking for the nests.
I know to leave her alone. I shall keep track of her & her babies with binoculars!
Well, that makes it a lot more special not having seen one in so long. I probably had about a dozen pairs around here until recently. They may be all off nesting. I know that one of neighbors has a Cardinal nest by her house. Or maybe it is that they are busy doing things besides eating. LOL! I see a few around in the mornings and evenings amd there are a couple of pairs that are still regulars. I know that one died. That was upsetting.
No problem. Been busy today doing yard work.All the showers have made the plants go crazy!
It's always sad when we see the lives of the creatures we care about end so suddenly. Unfortunately, they ARE at the lower end of the food chain, and one of the reasons almost all birds lay multiple eggs every season.
My cats stay indoors, so I not only is the wildlife safe, I'm safe from having to find homes for LITTLE kitty cats. :)
All the finches have gone. Guess they're all visiting you, huh? LOL!
A Redbreasted Grosbeak is a new one on me. Do please post a pic if you can!
i have a sparrow nest next to my apartment window.
they've nested in an apartment bathroom vent. i don't see how they fit a nest in there. both birds do not fit at one time.
i know, sparrows are not cool.
but they're sure busy guys and gals.
Cardinals are wonderful birds. They're colorful and very vocal. One of the most nurturing parents, too!
(Although they COULD try not being quite so 'vocal' outside my window at 5 am. :)
Thanks. I really enjoy listening to the Morning Doves too! I have quiet a few. I agree they are certainly skittish. LOL! Once one goes they all do. :)
Thanks :) This cat was at my mother's home. My Puppy will be on Cat watch here. Your moving! That's hard after establishing a lot of birds visiting. You can start again at your new home. Best Wishes with your move! :)
I meant to write a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. :) I did not get to good of a shot. I had to take through a window. I took a bunch and was hoping one would be good. :)
I think we told too many about tinypic.com. I can't get it to work. LOL! I'll post one tomorrow. :)
Speaking of colorful birds with a neat song; I woke up to find a Baltimore Oriole at one of the hummer feeders first thing this morning! I couldn't believe what I was seeing! I don't think I've seen one of those since I was a child.
I had a hummer today:)!!!!!
Ruby throated one. He was not bashful at all. My children, husband and I were all out on the patio and he flew up to the feeder, then flew over very close to check out my husband. It was so cool:)
Becky
I really hope the Oriole sticks around. And I'm almost certain I spotted a Grossbeak this afternoon AND a pair of Catbirds.
Thanks! My neighbors take good care of our friends too. SO I'm not worried. We will be very rural so have to put the bird seed far away from the house. I'm looking forward to hearing nothing but birds, wind in the trees and corn growing!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.