It’s the early bird that catches the worm and this New World thrush is its poster child! During spring and summer, you will see American robins, the largest thrush in North America, nibbling said worm on your lawn. These little munchers start just before the sun rises. Their warm orange breasts shake busily as they chirp their merry song, nabbing worms from under the dewy fresh grass.
Warblers breed and feed in areas of mature coniferous and deciduous trees. Come winter, these tough survivors don’t migrate to the tropics but find ways to live on berries in parks and open pine forests, making it the main winter warbler in North America.
Yellow-rumped warblers travel together in small flocks and appear to be in constant motion. It is fascinating to watch them feeding in flight, darting from branch to branch to catch their prey of flying insects!
You’re not alone. Birding has become one of the most popular hobbies in North America, second only to gardening. 57 million households have taken up bird-feeding as a hobby. In fact,February has been namedNational Bird-Feeding Month by congressional decree.
And by this decree, ladies and gents, we shall show you how to attract the little chirpers to your backyard. Whether in an apartment or condo or a house with a backyard, we’ll show you step by step how enter to the world of bird feeding.
Yes, the starling is not on the top of the list for most bird lovers. When they flock to our gardens, we immediately "curse the gods" and worry for the safety of our regular birds who visit our backyard.
These little flyers are smart, creative and a wonder to watch! In this "Bird of the Week" we will learn to "love our (cute) enemies”, respect the starling and find ways, if that is your wish, to avoid them!
There are two kinds of window feeders, the solarium and the suction cups. The latter seems to be the most popular of the two and here are a 6 tipsto keep the adhesiveness of the cups long term.
Think of a crow. Its brilliant coal-black body. Now paint white stripes down its neck, add a striking flaming red colour to its crest, a neat dark-red moustache and a bill as long as its head and voila - a Pileated Woodpecker.
It’s hard to look at these little fliers and not melt inside with their cuteness! With their fat heads, stout necks and plump bodies, these curious tiny creatures are such a pleasure to have in your window or garden as they are extremely friendly.
Curiously enough, they are not as afraid of humans as other birds. After a short training, you might get them to peck seeds from your hand! That’s why these birds are first on the list for most bird lovers!
“There’s more to a blue-jay than any other creature. He has got more moods and more different kinds of feelings than other creatures; and mind you, whatever a Blue Jay feels, he can put into language.”
Standing out with its brilliant golden feathers, it is no surprise that the Baltimore Oriole, one of the brightest sights in the forest, has inspired so many artists and poets. Always a sight for sore eyes, this flyer deserves to be Bird of the Week.
Hundreds of types of hummingbirds spread their wings in the tropics of America, some fly west - but east of the Mississippi, you will mostly spot one type only: the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird.
This week we voted the Northern Cardinal as bird of the week, one of the leading birds to to inspire bird watchers and bird feeder owners. It's easy to understand why. With their fiery red plumage it's hard not to take your eyes off them, or even your ears off them, since these bird make the loveliest of sounds. So let's get to know them a little better!
