Early October is the normal arrival date of the Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows from the north. These two birds announce the onset of the fall migration of northern bird species. Other early birds from the north to watch for include Pine Siskins, Purple Finch, Harris’ Sparrow, and the Red-breasted nuthatch. This little nuthatch, often…
Bird Migration – Driven by Food Resources One of the most amazing phenomena, if not the most amazing of all in the wildlife kingdom, is the migration of birds. Bird migration has fascinated humans since the beginning of history. It is not only mentioned in the bible, but was studied by ancient philosophers. While many…
It seems as if we were just celebrating the arrival of our summer Neo-Tropical migratory birds, and already we’re telling them good-bye till next spring. The avian calendar is swift. We began receiving reports of hummingbirds at feeders in early August. The number of reports of folks having hummingbirds should increase through most all of…
I have various styles of bird feeders in my yard,. After all, to attract the largest variety of birds you must consider the different feeding characteristics of backyard birds. From woodpeckers to finches and Cardinals, they each prefer somewhat specific styles of feeders. But of all the different feeders I have, my favorite and most…
Birders everywhere know about the spring spectacle of hundreds of thousands of Sandhill Cranes on Nebraska’s Platte River, but do you know about the Cornhusker State’s other spectacle of migratory birds? Tens of thousands of Purple Martins gather every evening from mid to late August as they begin their fall migration toward Brazil. Unlike the…
Birds and Wild Bird Feeds I cannot stress enough about the value of providing quality wild bird feeds to your customer. Look around you at the bird feeding products available. People spend $40, $50, up to $100 for bird feeders and they want results. Consumers are willing to buy a quality wild bird feed that…
For which ever purpose you use the home made nectar, remember to change it approximately every other day to prevent fermentation and mold. A bacterial growth could prove to be fatal. Commercial nectars are available and need only be change every 4 to 6 days.. Remember in Nebraska be ready for hummingbirds migrating through by…
After the cool spring weather relented and it finally warmed up our migrating birds finally made it to their nesting grounds. Wrens seem to be successfully nesting. Purple Martins are fledging their young, and Bluebirds appear to be having a good season with many folks enjoying them for the first time after installing nest boxes….
This common, large songbird is familiar to many people, with its familiar crest; blue, white, and black plumage; and loud noisy calls. Blue Jays are members of the Corvids, known for their intelligence and complex social systems. They maintain tight family bonds. Their fondness for acorns has given them the nickname of the “harvester bird”….
Watching the birds at our bird feeders is certainly a source of relaxation and enjoyment since warmer weather allows us to sit on our decks and patios. The cool breezes through open windows at night also ushers in the sounds of birds singing at the crack of dawn replacing the alarm that reminds us it…