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:

Yankee Flipper

Regular price: $149.99
Sale price: $98.95

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.

Coveside Conservation- Mahogany In-House Window Feeder – Mirrored

Regular price: $150.23
Sale price: $99.89

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.

Product Review “In-House Feeders”

In-House Window Feeder

People often ask me if window feeders with reflective windows really work.  Surely the noisy kitchen frightens the birds or the one-way mirrors can’t possibly fool the birds.  My response – not only do they work but if you love birds and you are fascinated by their behavior, you need to get one. 

Coveside Conservation- Mahogany In-House Window Feeder – Mirrored

Whether it is mounted in a kitchen window or in a bedroom, the thrill of having a wild bird feeding and jostling around just inches from you is indescribable. I will never forget the first time a bird visited my feeder which was mounted to overlap the kitchen table.  The white-breasted nuthatch was at first startled by his own image reflecting in the mirror but he soon settled in and started pounding on the sunflower seeds oblivious to my munching on flaked corn.  

After I moved to a new house that had “the wrong windows” in the kitchen I mounted a new feeder in the bedroom window.  My 4 year old son, now 6, is still mesmerized by the coming and goings of the tufted tits, the chickadees and the nuthatches.  Less frequent but very exciting is the landing thud of a blue jay or a grackle followed by a cacophony of screeching and puffed up posturing, right next to the bed!  On a sadder note, seeing the house finches with conjunctivitis reminds us all that the birds are also frail and need protection from disease.  But then of course, there are the occasional squirrels who can be scared away with a sharp reprimand through the lid.  Always satisfying to see a nemesis squirrel defeated, especially one gorged on my birdfeed!

This style of feeder attracts a broad range of birds.  Living in the northeast, I have frequent visits from red-bellied and other woodpeckers, Carolina wrens, mourning doves, different sparrows and finches, starlings, cowbirds, cardinals and even a red breasted grosbeak. 

Tips: 

• Keep your feed in a medium sized airtight container near the feeder so that you do not have to traipse through the house spilling seeds. The lid on top is very well designed for dropping seed into the feeder.
• Do not put in more than a coffee can at a time and try to brush out the empty hulls. Keeping this style of feeder clean is as important as keeping any feeder clean.
• Add some sand to your bird seed if you have harsh snowy winters, it helps digestion.
• Make sure you keep the edges of the feeder tight around the window so as to conserve energy and keep out any unwanted bugs that may be visiting the area.  I use electrical tape which looks fine and works well.

Choosing suitable backyard birding binoculars

Helpful Review – Backyard Birder Binoculars

Binoculars come in bewildering array of styles and prices.  Choosing the right pair can be a confusing and risky proposition for anyone looking to own their first pair or buying a gift for special someone, or even for a “pro” wanting to upgrade.

Most backyard birders just want good looks at the nature visiting their feeders or skulking around the bushes, or maybe flitting from one tree top to another and most of all.  What is a “good look?”  A good look is measured in terms of clarity or how well the colors and features of the bird stand out and also for how long the bird can be observed before the binoculars become a dead weight and uncomfortable.  A good look at a moving bird is measured in terms of how easy it is to find and follow the bird in flight.  Lastly, or maybe not, the price of a pair of “binos” is another factor that has to be considered.

When I advise a beginner on what binocular would suit them best I start by defining the price range.  A backyard birder should consider $100 to $200 as a good starting point for a first class pair of binoculars that will meet their needs.  If the hobby leads to signing up for natural history trips to exotic locations with unusual weather and once in a life time opportunities to see extraordinary things, then it makes sense to upgrade to the best money can buy and leave the backyard binos at home.

Comfort in the hand is very important. Make sure the binos are not too small to hold or too bulky.  Fingers on both hands should wrap around the binos in a way that just feels right, and the finger tips should easily reach the focus wheel.  They should feel comfy around the eyes.

Some folks believe that a “good look” just requires more power.  Not true.  Leave the powerful binoculars to those who need to see what is happening in far distance, such as a ship’s captain!  Binoculars come with two numbers, such as “8 times 40.”  The power is indicated by the first number, such as “6 X” or “8 X.”  A backyard birder should be very happy with either 6 or 8.  Anything higher makes it difficult to find, follow and focus on the bird.  The second number is the diameter of the big lens in millimeters and is a measure of well the bird will appear.  The higher the number, the better the light and the better the clarity.  Backyard birders should stay above 25 and below 45.

My wife loves her Leupold Yosemite 6 X 30.  She has the fashionable pink set.  Another good bino is the rugged waterproof Audubon 8 X 40 WP.  Both are very reasonably priced, give good looks and both feel comfortable in the hand and near the eye.  

Audubon 8×40 Intrepid Binoculars AUD-7800 Price: $139.95 Sale price: $119.99

 

Good binos last a life time and on a pennies per bird basis, they are a great investment for the backyard birder.  Happy birding!