DON'T FORGET THE WILD BIRDS The thermometers have been dropping; we are definitely into WINTER. These cold temperatures are bringing our winter friends to our bird feeders. As their natural food supplies are now dwindling, they are in need of a constant source of nutritional food so that they may maintain their body temperature. Black oil sunflower seeds are an excellent source of high protein for our feathered friends; especially well loved by the Cardinals, Tufted Titmouse’s, Grosbeaks, Purple Finch and Chickadees. They also enjoy the sunflower hearts along with safflower seeds. Pine Siskin and Goldfinch will enjoy Niger Thistle Seeds. Woodpeckers, Starlings, Blue Jays and Nuthatches will visit for tasty suet treats. Doves and Sparrows enjoy foraging off the ground for cracked corn and mixed seeds. Provide a variety of seeds in a variety of feeders and you will be pleasantly surprised by all of your winter guests. Don’t forget to give the birds a source of clean water during these cold days. Many streams and ponds are frozen. Clean fresh water in a birdbath with a heater is a great help to the birds. Add fresh water every day and don’t let the water evaporate out. Birds need to maintain clean well groomed feather to stay warm. You can watch them splash even on a cold day. Who among us is that brave hearted on a sub zero day. Yes it may be cold outside…but the birds are adding happiness and warmth to our days. ENJOY their show - and their songs.
The Eastern Bluebird Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly…Why then, oh why can’t I ? Edgar Y. Harburg, The Wizard of Oz [1939] “Over the Rainbow” Bluebirds still fly over the rainbow…..but they can fly in your yard too! If you don’t already have some bluebird houses in your back yard….Be sure to use untreated wood for your bluebird house. Remember they build in hollow tree trunks…so no chemicals or paint on the wood. If building your own houses is a little too ambitious for you…and your afraid your Green thumb will turn black after you’ve hit it with the hammer while trying to hammer the parts together, then by all means purchase your bluebird houses. Houses are available at your local garden centers and on line at berkshires@massaudubon.org from Berkshire Sanctuaries.
The male Eastern Bluebird(Sialia sialis) has prominent blue color on top and a bright rusty breast.Females are less showy… they are a gray blue color on top with a light rust breast. These birds are always welcome visitors to our yards and gardens.Beware all you insects!Though the Bluebirds enjoy eating a mixed diet, they are especially fond of caterpillars, moths, grasshoppers, butterflies, and spiders.They will also eat wild fruits and berries.Bluebirds prefer to roost and nest in areas with grassy expanses and small trees and bushes.From these perches they can sit and keep watch.
BLUEBIRD (Male) in Sheffield, MA
Locating your Bluebird Box Place your Bluebird Nest box in open with some trees.Orchards which are backed by open fields are ideals spots to site your nest box.Bluebirds can take advantage of the trees as perches while they are on the look out for a juicy insect snack.Metal poles are the best for mounting your boxes…this will discourage hungry predators from trying to gain access to your bluebirds home and young.They will be unable to climb up the slippery surface.Boxes should be about 6 feet off the ground.Monitor your boxes.In order to increase your chances of a nesting pair, place two boxes about 20 ft from each other.Sparrows, Cowbirds, and or Swallows may take one, but be sure to keep the second box open and clear for your bluebirds.Remove any nest materials that may be brought in by another species. More information available at your library, book store or on line at: Massachusetts Bluebird Associationhttp://herper.tripod.com/massbluebird/id14.html CornellUniversityhttp://birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/speciesaccounts/EABLBIRD.HTM
Distribution and Breeding Habitat for the Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) The Eastern Bluebirds may be found throughout the areas east of the Rockiesin the eastern and southeastern portions of the United States and Canada and to central Mexico.In some areas the populations are year-round residents.In hard winters many leave for southerly latitudes until the warmer temperatures of spring return. Pais of Bluebirds may begin as early as March to Nest.Males generally search out possible houses for their mates.Females may begin to build their nest in several sites…picking the favorite one eventually.Nests are generally by the females using dry grasses, pine needles and small twigs.Males are generally on guard to protect their mates from other birds and potential suitors, during the nest building phase.
Depending upon the weather, Eggs may be laid as early as late March, as soon as the nest is completed.Each day a new egg is laid.On average the birds have three to five blue eggs.Be on the look out for an odd colored egg in the clutch.This means that another bird may have entered the box and laid its egg.Cowbirds are notorious for this behavior since they build no nest themselves. Incubation is about 14 days. The hatchling will emerge a day apart…just as the eggs were laid.Both parents tend the young birds with frequent feedings.The babies will be ready to leave the nest in about three weeks.Parents stay together with the group. Generally two broods are raised each season. Young birds from the first brood will continue to stay with the family helping to raise the new hatchlings with their parents.
Mourning Dove - (Zenaida macroua)
Ground feeding birds, such as DOVES and FINCHES… are at risk from disease.Salmonella can be spread at your bird feeding stations when seeds and droppings mix.To help reduce the risk of contamination, wash your bird feeders with a solution of 10% bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) at least once a year.Ground feeding birds may benefit by seeds being placed in different locations on your driveway or near your bird feeding station and moved about regularly.
Immature Red Tailed Hawk – (Buteo jamaicensis) in Sheffield, MA
Uninvited and unexpected guests at your bird feeder? HAWKS need to be discouraged from your bird feeder.Both the predator and the prey are at great risk of death due to collision with windows.To discourage their visits…stop feeding the birds.It won’t take long for the hawk to look elsewhere after the small birds leave and his food source dries up.
WILD TURKEY - Hen with her chicks (Meleagris gallopavo) in Sheffield, MA
If you feed your birds throughout the entire year....you may have some unexpected guests. Here, a hen TURKEY has brought along here chicks to eat seeds spreed out for the ground feeders in Sheffield, MA.
BLUEJAY (Cyanocitta cristata) in Sheffield, MA
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