Man Versus Beast (typically bold and gray)

When backyard birders flock together, conversation evolves from a brief self aggrandizement and one-upmanship over amazing sightings, to a furtive sharing of previously held confidential feed mixes, and then to the inevitable topic that elevates blood pressure and excites the most hardened set square wielding engineers, that of the “squirrel problem.” 

Who hasn’t entertained a crowd with humbling stories of ingenious warfare tactics, feverish determination and extraordinary antics?  And then, vanquished, admitted “Well, you know, nature abhors a vacuum so I just put out extra feed to distract them.  And heck, they are kinda cute.”

Like dogs, urban squirrels have readily adapted to an abundance of manmade sources of food.  Pointing out the oaks and acorns to a discerning squirrel earns the kind backyard birder nothing more than a buck toothed nod and the flick of a white flecked tail originally designed for shelter and steering.

What’s to be done?  Enjoy the debates, follow bizarre BBC documentaries about backyard birders in the UK who have built squirrel assault courses comprising Royal Marine Corps certified obstacles such as tubes, lines, drops, and darkness, and finally, accept the inevitable:    Backyard nature is broad. 

However, you can enhance your hobby with some light entertainment that does indeed allow you to restore the bird feed budget.  Take a look at the Yankee Flipper.  The entertainment alone is worth the price of admission.

January 2010, Bird of the Month – Purple Martin, Again

It’s a Happy New Year for birders in Texas and Florida and purple martin enthusiasts throughout North America.  As of January 6, there have already been 13 reports of Purple Martin scouts leading the 2010 East coast migration. Over the next few weeks, these early scouts will be followed by many more martins returning to their familiar nesting sites or seeking new homes.

It is widely believed that along the East coast, nearly all purple martins are using man made nesting sites, be they multi-unit houses or collections of hanging gourds.

Now is a good time to be considering renovating your martin houses or buying a replacement and please remember, for the health and successful fledging of the young, all man made nesting devices should be kept clean.

Purple Martin House, 18 Unit Aluminum by Heath

Regular price: $119.99
Sale price: $99.95

If you are already a landlord, or expect to be one this year, Good Luck.

Birding The Twelve Days of Christmas

What woman would be wooed by the gift of a partridge in a pear tree the day after Christmas?  

Not one apparently because according to sources quoted by Wikipedia, this famous line has evolved since Elizabrethan times, from something more understandable,  being the French for partridge – “une perdrix” and giving us the original phraseology, “A partridge, une perdrix.”  

 Photo of pedrix rouge (Red Legged Partridge)  from oiseaux.net…

Other linguistic and recording evolutions, if peeled back, give seven different birds for the first seven days of Christmas.  If this idea comes as a surprise, how appropriate given that this early 16^th century English Christmas carol refers to the twelve days leading up to January 6, the “Epiphany:” 

A partridge, two turtle doves, three French hens, four blackbirds (“calling” from “colly” from coaly “black”), five ring-necked pheasants, six geese a-laying, and seven swans a-swimming.

In Dennis Bratcher’s work “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the partridge for December 25 also has significant biblical symbolism, recalling Christ’s lament over the fate of Jerusalem.  According to Bratcher, the partridge is a female sitting in a tree feigning injury and protecting her young from predators. 

On a side note, being a song familiar to Elizabeth I, and given that partridges were introduced to England in the late 1700’s, the partridge in question was probably the Red Legged Partridge found in France, which does inhabit trees.

For an interesting rendition go to:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUZe4OS1SGI

Purple Martin Time

Mid-January is an exciting time for the one million Purple Martin enthusiasts, particularly for those welcoming their return on the Gulf Coast and in Southern California.  Excitement mounts as the birds migrate further north to arrive late April in the northern States

Tipping the scales at 2 ozs, the Martin is the largest Swallow.  Named after the month of their appearance, March, the monogamous Martins exhibit “site fidelity” meaning they return to their “home” after wintering in Brazil.

Keen to raise their broods the Martins search for last year’s familiar pole mounted martin houses and the increasingly successful hanging gourds.  See our wide selection of  proven Bird Shed items especially designed for Purple Martins:  http://www.thebirdshed.com/purple.html

If your friends and neighbors have Martin houses, you too can be a host, much to the dismay of your bloodthirsty local flying insect population.

Attracting Purple Martins and partnering with them to successfully raise their broods takes time and energy.  Installing new, suitable, and correctly positioned homes is the first step in developing a fascinating hobby.

Enjoy this short video of Purple Martin nests in action!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJf5sjMOgCw

Winter Irruptions – What, Why and Wow!

Irruptions

Irruptions are a phenomenon that fascinates birders of all skill levels.  An irruption is an irregular and generally unpredictable winter influx of birds from northern regions, birds that get the heart pumping such as Bohemian Waxwing, Great Grey Owls and Snowy Owls.

Although a backyard birder is unlikely to encounter the owls, there is a strong possibility of receiving a visit from a Bohemian Waxwing. This bird is the large relative of the Cedar Waxwing that is a much more common and regular visitor. I have provided a link titled “Irruptions” that was written recently about Bohemian Waxwings irrupting in the State of Washington.  I urge you to read it.

The general consensus is that irruptions occur when there is scarcity of food in the normal wintering grounds.  This can be due to poor conditions such as very damp summers or unusually harsh winters.  Damp summers can prevent the insects from pollinating seed generating flowers which in turn makes winter berries and other seeds too scarce.  Likewise, the owls and other birds of prey at the higher end of the food chain will find less small birds and mammals to pounce on.

Any backyard birder in the northern States who cultivates seed bearing plants and fruit trees can expect to receive a visit from a true and exciting stranger at some point.  Be sure to visit our website and see the feeders that can make your backyard more enticing and the products that can enhance your hobby.  The “nature cameras” are a very popular item for those backyard birders looking to “get up close.”

     

BHSC – Hawk Eye Nature Cam The Hawk Eye is a color video cam, with infrared night vision, built in microphone, and a weather shield so it can be used inside and out. Comes fully wired with 100′ RCA (audio-, video-in) cable. Extensions are available. Although the image is color, be aware that colors inside a birdhouse will, at best, be muted. Infrared lights automatically take over when natural light levels are too low. Because it is also wired for infrared night vision, the infrared coming off vegetation can overwhelm the the camera’s sensors, giving false colors. Works best in shaded areas. Grass, flowers, and other vegetation likely to appear off color. BHSC-HB101 Price: $95.00 Sale price: $89.95

 

Holiday Gift Items

Depending on your geography, winter can be a combination of harsh weather and scarce resources or it can be a welcome respite from the steamy summer with mild conditions and plenty of wild bird food such as nuts, seeds and insects. 

For reasons steeped in spirituality and survival in the Northern Hemisphere, celebrations of Holy days, winter dormancy and symbols of re-birth are tied to the Seasons. Giving gifts that reflect Man’s relationship with nature is a fitting tribute and connection to these ancient traditions. 

Feeding the birds in the northern states is as simple as providing easy, safe and sheltered access to bird seed.  There are many feeders on sale at The Bird Shed that will meet these requirements www.TheBirdShed.com

Squirrel Buster Plus with Cardinal Ring by Brome Direct

Regular price: $73.53
Sale price: $64.49

Feeder, Single Sided Absolute by Heritage Farms

Regular price: $79.99
Sale price: $66.95

In the southern, more clement climates, wild food is generally available so the challenge is more one of attracting and retaining “favorite” birds such as the hummingbirds.  Our Fat Ruby site www.FatRuby.com has many feeders and supplies for hummingbird enthusiasts:

Aspects – Hanging Feeder, HummZinger Excel 16oz

Price:$21.99
SALE PRICE: $19.95

Hummingbird Window Feeder by Droll Yankees

Price:$19.99
SALE PRICE: $19.99, 2/$38.00

Providing shelter for backyard birds is another way of attracting birds that are battling the elements and seeking cover from predators such as the equally desperate Coopers Hawk.  Most evergreen bushes and shrubs provide good shelter and are especially attractive when positioned near the feeding station.

Backyard Bird of the Month – Common Grackle

The Common Grackle                        

The sight of a flock of raucous grackles dominating trees, fences and other perches in the confines of a backyard often triggers long suppressed fears that even an amateur psychiatrist can attribute to Hitckcock’s exploitation of deep-seated phobias.  Still, most backyard birdwatchers either love ‘em or hate ‘em. 

Photo of a flock of grackles by “nyperson” on flicker.com:

 

I am a fan.  The piercing eyes and sharp beaks, the aggressive puffed up posturing and head pointing, the strutting and the screeching.  All this over whose going to gorge on a particular sunflower seed on the window or hanging feeders, oblivious to the thievery going on all around them. 

And there is the disdain for their companions the Cowbirds who, being obsessed with mobility, outsource their brooding and rearing to unsuspecting but willing hosts.  Anyone who has seen grackles protecting the health of their young by carrying fecal sacs far from the nest can understand why they take the moral high ground.

For reasons long forgotten and apparently not well documented, the bird’s scientific name of Quiscalis quiscalis is from the 16^th century Latin for “Quail.”  Confusing for a species found at the opposite and far end of the Field Guides.  Could it be a ruse put out by a bird often destined to be rolled in flour and served with sautéed mushrooms?

If you are lucky enough to have hundreds of grackles visit your backyard, enjoy their stunning iridescence as they flick and pirouette in the sun, showing off their splendor and asserting their rights over a particular sunflower seed, one of hundreds.

Grackles will visit any well stocked feeder but I have to recommend the in-house window feeder if you are looking for a close up view of a truly beautiful and striking large bird.

Feeder, Single Sided Absolute by Heritage Farms

Regular price: $79.99
Sale price: $66.95

Awe inspiring hummingbirds

All birds are interesting but the hummingbirds capture our imagination

 To be a celebrity suggests instant recognition by the masses. I think hummingbirds fall into that category. Hummingbirds have the charisma to capture even the most unaware’s attention.

We are all fascinated by “extremes” and like the ostrich, a hummingbird’s size is immediately intriguing and awarded high points of appreciation. Then the vision of a hummingbird hovering close by like a minute helicopter is one that is life altering and unforgettable, often inspiring sensitive tales from those not normally classified as such by their friends. And there is the bedazzling iridescence that tells us we are seeing the Crown jewels brought to life. No wonder just about everyone can recognize and enjoy a hummingbird.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has recently promoted two short videos that will add two new reasons to be stunned by the hummingbird family. The first is a Herculean courtship display that defies gravity and the second sets a new level for those aeronautical engineers aspiring for greatness.

Both videos are enthralling.

To see these two videos go to the BBC website:

• Courtship – http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8338000/8338728.stm

• Speed – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8091944.stm

Although we will never see a megastar such as the “marvelous spatuletail hummingbird” at one of our North American feeders, we can appreciate the antics and majesty of our local species. Please visit our website, www.FatRuby.com to see a selection of supplies that will help you entice your local celebrity hummingbird to your feeders.

Carolina Wren – A welcome neighbor

The Carolina Wren                             

For many backyard birdwatchers in the eastern States, the sight of a faint wisp of breath accompanied by the booming and often repeated ”Tea Kettle Tea Kettle Tea Kettle TEA” on a cold winter’s morning is reassurance that our feeders are not in vain.  In some parts of the country maybe the Carolina Wren’s call is characterized a little differently, but the bird’s presence is widely enjoyed. 

This small brown bird with the fancy name of Thrythorus ludovicianus and sporting a vivid white eye strip is classified as a member of the Troglodytidae family, referring to their habit of dwelling in caves.  And of course, to the discerning eyes of a duly courted Carolina Wren, a well mounted nesting box is a perfect cave in which to raise her brood.     

Having put his vocal cords to good use, a successful Carolina Wren and his bride will stay together for life.  Which is even more reason to keep your bird feeders and nesting boxes clean and free of potentially harmful problems.

As the climate changes over the years, Carolina Wrens are slowly spreading into new parts of the country, particularly northwards and gracing the presence of more suet and seed feeders.

If you want to have a conversation with your local Carolina Wren, try “pishing.” Pishing is a noise that you may use to scold a noisy theatre-goer, but begins with a “p” sound:  pssshhhhhhh,  pssshhhhhh.  You will be sure to get his attention, but please do not overdo it because he will become distressed by your invading his territory.

Beginners’ guide to attracting hummingbirds

Attracting Hummingbirds

Whether you are on the east coast attracting the ubiquitous Ruby-Throated Hummingbird or elsewhere in North America attracting an array of species, think red.  There are many anecdotes shared amongst successful hummingbird enthusiasts eager to help, but if you’re a beginner, think red.

There are many good hummingbird feeders on the market.  They are generally used by people who already have hummingbirds in their yards and who are trying to bring the birds closer to their windows. 

Tip # 1:  The first tip is to attract the birds to your yard.

A good inexpensive plant to start with is the perennial Bee Balm.  Bee Balm stands about two feet high. 

The Butterfly Bush (Buddleia Davidii) is also a good plant for attracting hummingbirds, although it is a bush and can grow quite large.  Of course, another advantage of the Butterfly Bush is that it lives up to its name and will also attract a nice variety of local butterflies.

Tip #2:  Getting “good looks”

Good looks can be attained by drawing the birds closer to the living space, whether it is a patio or from the living room window.

Hanging flowers in baskets is a good method.  Another is to buy one or more of the many specially designed hummingbird feeders.  Some attach to a window via a suction cup; others hang from brackets or hooks.  The Bird Shed at http://www.thebirdshed.com carries a nice variety of hummingbird feeders recognizing that different folks have different needs and decorating styles. 

Tip #3:  Very important – keeping your feeder clean and fresh.

The nectar that is used in feeders can ferment and become poisonous to the birds, especially in the warm climates that hummingbirds love.  I recommend changing the nectar every day and cleaning the feeder as often as possible.