Backyard Birds: Barn Swallow

May 29, 2014 by
I was working in the yard, and looked up to find this beautiful bird perched on my gutter.  I had no idea what type of bird it was.  It was new to my backyard.  What really caught my attention was how the feathers seem glossy and the fork tail.  So,  I went inside to check out my backyard birds handbook.   After doing my research, it appeared to be a female Barn Swallow.  Today, I’m going to share a few facts about Barn Swallows.  Fortunately, I have another bird to add to my  attracting backyard birds list.

barn swallows

I thought she was absolutely beautiful.  She sat regal on the gutter, and allowed her distinctive features to be admired.  Look at the long, forked tail and the color around the head and beak.  The top of the head was a bluish/black color.  Around the beak and throat was an orange color.  Her glossy feathers stood out; she was quite striking.

 

How to Attract Barn Swallows

 

 

Also, she had her baby with her.  However, the baby disappeared when I opened the door to go inside to get the camera and phone. Interestingly, momma bird seemed pretty content right where she was.  When I googled the features of a Barn Swallow, I learned some interesting facts.  They like to build their nest under eaves.

 

Facts about Barn Swallows:

  • Barn Swallow migrate between South America and North America.  No this is not a typo, they can travel 14,000 miles between winter and summer.
  • They usually live around 8 years.
  • Insects are a favorite.  They feed mostly in flight since insects are a large portion of their diet.  However, they will eat egg or oyster shells from a platform feeder.  Especially, in the spring.
  • Barn Swallows make their nests are made of mud and grass.  They are usually built on man made structures.
  • Barn Swallows habitat across most of the country.
  • They are very difficult to attract.  They like to be near streams, ponds and other sources of flowing water.  (My wet weather stream just happened to be running after 4 inches of rain).  Lucky me!

 

As I was writing this post I spotted a male Barn Swallow.  It was just as beautiful, but it was more black and blue in color.  Yet, the orange color on his breast was more defined than the females.  The male was gathering mud from my stream bed.  Again, Barn Swallows build their nest out of mud and grass.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me.  I am glad that I was able to get an opportunity to see this beauty up close and person.  According to what I have read, it is  rare to get this close to them.  I hoped you enjoy the facts about Barn Swallows.  What backyard birds are prevalent in your area?  You may also like:

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How to Attract American Goldfinch

May 26, 2014 by

Today, I’m sharing backyard birding tips on how to attract American Goldfinch to your backyard.  The American Goldfinch is one of my favorite backyard birds.  The male’s bright yellow color will keep you in awe.  If that is not enough their flight pattern will fascinate you.  The American Goldfinch is supposed to be a sign of good luck.  They signify prosperity and abundance.  Furthermore, they represent the importance of being optimistic, happiness, joy, and simplicity.  Who wouldn’t want this type of positivity in their yard.

 

American goldfinch

 

 

So, I discovered the American Gold Finch while gardening.  I noticed them on my sunflowers having the biggest party.  They were devouring my sunflowers seeds.  They were so beautiful, I now plant sunflowers every summer for them to feast on.  Besides, sunflowers are also pretty to look at and are great for our pollinators as well.

Although the male American Goldfinch had mottled, turned a dull olive color, I noticed that they were still hanging around during the winter.  So, I needed to find a way to keep them in my yard during the cold winter months.  I was successful, so I thought I would share my tips with you.

 

How to Attract American Goldfinch:

 

  • American Goldfinch love seeds, so plant sunflowers, aster and thistle to attract them during the summer months.  They also love milkweed.
  • Offer sunflower seeds in your feeders.  I fill one feeder with Black Oil Sunflowers.  This is a picture of a mottled male American Goldfinch.  The male turns a dull yellow/olive color in late summer.  The female is similar to this dull yellow year round.

 

how to attract American Goldfinch

 

  • American Goldfinch will visit feeders too.  You can use a platform feeder, hopper or just a regular backyard bird tub feeder.  They aren’t afraid to sway in the wind.  (The feeder above is an old copper tube feeder that I’ve had for years.  They love it).  This feeder has 6 ports, which allows several birds to feed at once.  It’s one of my favorites.
  • These birds love Nyjer as much as they do sunflower seeds.  But, you will need a special tube feeder for the Nyjer.  The seeds are very tiny.  As a result, they need a small openings above a perch to retrieve the seed. They make tube feeders specifically for Nyjer.  This tiny seed is the most expensive bird seed that you can purchase, but it’s a great way to attract them to your feeder.

 

 

 

 

  • You can also purchase a nylon sock for the Nyjer.  They are less expensive than the Nyjer feeders, and my Goldfinch prefer the socks over the feeder.

 

I hope that you have enjoyed my tips on how to attract American Goldfinch to your backyard.  Finally, I hope that you will try one or two of my tips so you can enjoy these beauties too.  You won’t be disappointed.

 

 

 

 

 

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How Attract Tufted Titmouse

May 22, 2014 by

Today, let’s talk about how to attract the Tufted Titmouse to your backyard.    Meet my Tufted Titmouse.  I love these backyard birds.  They’re a beautiful gray and white with a little tuft on top of their head.  They are marked with a touch of orange on their sides.  They’re abundant in my backyard.   

 

 


Tufted Titmouse

 

So, I keep them coming back by providing them with lots of black oil sunflower seeds. They flock with Chickadees and nuthatches.  Furthermore, they are funny birds.  They don’t eat directly from the feeder.  No, they take their sunflower seed and crack it on a nearby branch.  After they consume the seed, they head back to the feeder.  I enjoy watching them cling to the smallest branches while they wait their turn at the feeder.  Tufted Titmouse will eat from the platform feeder as well as the tube feeders.

How to Attract Tufted Titmouse:

 

Tufted Titmouse

 

 

The Tufted Titmouse likes to nest in holes in trees or a vacated woodpecker nest although they will also use nesting boxes.  I have plenty of woodpeckers around, so they have lots of holes to nest in.  They are known to pluck hair from live animals or humans for their nest. They mate for life.  The male does most of the singing, but the female will sing a softer version at times.  I will continue to supply black oil sunflower seeds, as they are permanent backyard residents that I can enjoy year round. Their young are ready to leave the nest in 16 days.

 

 

attracting tufted tit-mouse

 

 

 


 

 

I’m currently having problems with Starlings devouring the sunflower seed in hours.  So, I’m in the process of purchasing a new feeder and Safflower Seeds.  I’m thinking about a feeder that is enclosed in a cage, so only small song birds will be able to enter and eat from it.  I will be filling the other tube feeders with black oil sunflower seeds and thistle for the finches.  I’ll still use my platform feeder for the cardinals, but I will be mixing in the sunflower seeds with safflower seeds as well.  Cardinals love Safflower Seeds, and they will eat from the platform feeder.  Squirrels and Starlings don’t like Safflower Seed. I’ll keep you posted on this change at the feeding station, and how it works out.

Check out my other posts on attracting backyard birds.  You may also like Suet Feeders For Backyard Birds

 

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Tips to Attract Baltimore Orioles

March 27, 2014 by
I decided to become more diligent in feeding the backyard birds through out the year.  Today, I’m sharing tips on attracting Baltimore Orioles. I’ve never seen an Oriole in my backyard, but I did a little research and it seem they like oranges and grape jelly.  They are Maryland’s state bird, and since I’m across the Maryland line, about 20 minutes, I’m thinking my chances of attracting them to my backyard are favorable.  

Attracting Baltimore Orioles should start in early spring if you live in the north.  April and May is the best time to start offering oranges and grape jelly in several places.  Since, I love home made items, so I decided to make a homemade feeder.  Oriole feeders are expensive, so making a few homemade feeders keeps the cost down.  I decided to make a simple one out of a metal hanger.  My thinking, if I’m unsuccessful I’m only out a hanger and an orange.  To make this feeder you will need the following items.

  • wire hanger
  • 1 orange
  • yellow or orange ribbon
  • *grape jelly (optional)

 


 

1. Bend your hanger until it looks like S.

2. Next, cut the end with a pair of wire cutters, and spread the 2 pieces apart.

3. You want to leave the hook, you will use it to hang the feeder.

4. Now, cut the orange into slices.  Cut a wedge out of each slice.  You will use this piece as a spacer.

5. Alternate an orange slice and than a spacer.

6. You can smear grape jelly on the orange slices too.

7.  Spread them apart as much as you can, so the bird can perch and enjoy the treat.

8. Try a few slice on the feeder to start.  You don’t want to waste the slices.

 

How to attract Baltimore Orioles

 

Last, tie on your ribbon and hang in a spot where you can bird watch.  Orioles love the color orange, use an orange ribbon.  Also, try placing the feeder where the bird can perch from another branch and reach the slices if you’re unable to get enough space between the slice.  You can rearrange them once you hang the feeder if necessary.  Refrigerate extra slices.  Most importantly, slices should be checked every 2 – 3 days and changed if they dry out or start becoming moldy.

So, I’ll keep you posted on my endeavor to attract the Baltimore Oriole to my backyard.  Last, check out my other posts on attracting backyard birds.

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How To Attract Blue Jays To Your Backyard

March 20, 2014 by

Blue Jays are large and beautiful birds.  I love attracting backyard birds, and I’m happy that I have been able to lure these beauties to my feeders.  I have four that visit my feeders regularly.  So, today I’m going to share with you how to attract Blue Jays to your backyard.  

 

 


Blue Jays



 

Next, Blue Jays start their courtship in February. The breeding season is from March to July.  Spring is around the corner, so I wanted to give you a few tips on how you can get them to a feeder in your backyard for a photo op.

 

A few facts about Blue Jays, they are large birds and stay with their partner for life.  So they understand the meaning of until death do us part.  They are loud and love to make their presence know with their “jaaaay” call early morning.  Wooded areas are preferred.  I have trees along my back property and the adjoining property has a roll of evergreens, so I have the perfect environment.  The average life span for a Blue Jay is 7 years.

 

Blue Jays

 

 

The secret to luring Blue Jays to a feeder in your backyard is peanuts:

  • Purchase a platform feeder as shown.  I ordered mine from Amazon and love it.
  • They also love shelled peanuts, but make sure they’re unsalted.  You can buy them in bulk at Costco or SAMs.
  • Add acorns, sunflower seeds and fruit to the feeder.  (I use old grapes).
  • Spread cracked corn and sunflower seeds on the ground under the feeder.
  • Plant an oak tree and you will have them for life.  (They love acorns).

 

 


 

 

 

Blue Jays
It’s difficult to tell the male from the female, they look identical.  These two show up together, or one shortly after the other.  Blue Jays rarely eat at the feeder.  They pick up their treat and eat elsewhere, but return often for more.  Their color is striking.  Blue is my favorite color, so I may be biased.

I don’t know if this is the male or female, but the other is around somewhere.  The peanuts keep them around all year.  So, I’m hoping to see little Blue Jays this summer since breeding season has started.

 

 

 

 

Last, bird watching is a great activity to do with children.  Turn bird watching into an educational lesson. Additionally, bird watching gives them an opportunity to become involved with nature and learn the habits of various backyard birds.  You may also like:  Backyard Birds: Red Bellied Woodpeckers

 

 

 

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Backyard Birds Love Bird Seed Pine Cones

March 14, 2014 by

There’s really no recipe, but I thought I would share how to make bird seed pine cones.  First, I started bird watching and feeding my backyard birds years ago.  It is a hobby that I have come to love, and I am thoroughly enjoying it.  In order to keep birds in view, you must negotiate their stay.  I reached an agreement with them by making  bird seed pine cones.  The birds are loving them.  They literally pick the pine cones clean.  The bird seed pine cones are easy and fun to make with kids. 

 

 

 

bird seed pine cones

 

 

Next, pick a day to gather pine cones with the kids.  You can gather them from your neighbor’s yard, a park or your backyard. If neither of you have pine trees, locate an area where you can gather a few without trespassing.  A grove of pines will provide plenty.  I use a medium or large pinecone.  The larger the pine cone the more birdseed it will hold.

 

 

How to make Bird Seed Pine Cones

 

You will also need the following items:

  • Suet/Crisco  (You can purchase suet from you local grocery store.  I’ve purchased both beef and pork). Otherwise; purchase a small can of Crisco.
  • twine or yarn (You can purchase twine from the Dollar General)
  • birdseed  (You can purchase seed from the Dollar General)
  • a paper plate
  • plastic knife
  • plastic spoon

 

  • Melt the suet on low.  Allow it to harden enough to make it spreadable.  If you’re using Crisco, you can skip this step.
  • Tie a piece of twine around the bottom of the pine cone (the largest end).  You will use it to tie the pinecone on the tree branch or a hook.  So, leave the ends long enough to tie together.
  • Use your plastic knife to spread the Suet/Crisco over the pine cone.  Try to get the fat in the crevices and cover as much of the pine cone as you can.  (That can be messy if your kids are making the pine cones.  Spread out newspaper).
  • Pour the bird seed into a large bowl.  Roll the pine cone in the bird seed.  You can use the spoon to pack the bird seed onto the pine cone as well.

 

 

bird seed pine cones

 

 

Fortunately, this is a fun project for kids to create on rainy or snowy days.  Furthermore, they will love the craft more when they see the birds enjoying the treats.  See my bird seed peanut butter pine cones for visuals.  Once the pine cones are prepared, have fun watching our feathered friends gobble up the bird seed pine cones.  I guarantee you they will devour every seed.  Place them in a location where you and the kids can watch them enjoy the feast.  Consequently, you will be providing protein that birds need to keep them warm.

 Last, freeze the pine cones before placing them outside.  Place several in a gallon baggie and place in the freezer until you’re ready to use.  You will always have a few on hand when time is limited.   Check out my other posts on attracting backyard birds.

 

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Facts About American Goldfinch

March 10, 2014 by
Today, I’m sharing backyard bird tips on facts about American Goldfinch.  I fell in love with these beautiful birds years ago.  They visited my garden one year to devour my sunflower seeds, and I became
fascinated by their beauty. They are now one of my favorite backyard birds. The male sports feathers that are a beautiful shade of yellow and black. They are unmistakable, and they have a unique flying pattern.  It consists of an up and down motion.
facts about American Goldfinch

 

 

 

Facts About American Goldfinch:

 

  • First, American Goldfinch males have bright yellow feathers that are absolutely beautiful.  Unfortunately, they turn a dull yellow/olive color in the fall.  The color change is called molting. In the spring, they will “color up”.
  • Goldfinch are strictly vegetarian, and only eat seeds.
  • American Goldfinch have an up and down flight pattern.
  • Next, Goldfinch are called wild canaries. Also, they are relatives to finches.
  • Their call sound like “po-ta-to-chip”.
  • Furthermore, Goldfinches breed in June or July.  Since they only eat seeds, they wait until the thistle, milkweed and other seed plants have produced.  They feed seed to their young.
  • The American Goldfinch is the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa and Washington.
  • Surprisingly, the oldest known American Goldfinch was 10 years 5 months old.  Their lifespan is normally 3 – 6 years.

 

 

facts about American Goldfinch

 

 

  • Also, males and females choose a suitable nest site together.
  • Goldfinch nests are shaped like cups.
  • The Clutch size is usually 2 – 7 eggs.
  • So, females may have 2 broods yearly.
  • The eggs are a pale blue or a bluish green color.  The eggs usually hatch within 12 days.
  • Additionally, nestlings will fledge about 12 days after hatching.  Mom will coax them out of the nest.
  • Once they take flight, they will still be dependent on their parents for another 3 – 4 weeks after leaving the nest.

 

 

facts about American Goldfinch

 

 

 

  • Furthermore, if a female has an additional brood in a year, she will leave her original mate with the first brood.  She will find a new partner for the second nesting.
  • So, my sunflowers attracts American Goldfinch to my garden in the summer.  They cleaned off every sunflower seed on the plants.  Plant a few sunflowers, and enjoy these beauties next summer.

 

 

 

 

Finally, birdwatching is a great activity for kids.  I hope you enjoyed my facts about American Goldfinch and will get involved in nature too.  Most importantly, birdwatching isn’t just for small kids.  Big kids love it too.  Check out my other posts on attracting backyard birds.  You may also like 10 Beautiful Sunflower Varieties.  

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How To Attract Cardinals To Your Backyard

January 6, 2014 by

Today, I’m sharing tips on how to attract cardinals to your backyard. The cardinal also known as “redbirds” is my state bird, West Virginia.  They were also the mascot for my high school growing up, so I’ve always had an infinity toward them.  Cardinals are known as visitors from heaven, which makes me think of my mother, father and grandparents.  As a result, they are one of my favorite backyard birds.  

 

How to Attract Cardinals

 

Fortunately, my backyard is full of them year round.  And, as you can see my northern cardinals love seeds.   The males are red with black back/tail feathers and are a standout anytime of the year.  But, they are breathtaking during the winter months against the snow.  During mating season, the brighter the better to the female cardinals.

 

how to attract cardinals

 

The females have some red, but are mostly tan and gray.  They sing outside my bedroom window in the morning.  Cardinals are known to have up to 12 different songs.  While watching them, I’ve found them to be quite sociable.  They wait their turn at the feeder and interact well with other species.

How to attract cardinals to your backyard:

  • Provide mixed birdseed as well as black oil sunflower seeds.
  • Safflower seeds are another favorite.
  • Cracked corn and apples are also favorites.
  • Use a platform or hopper feeder near shrubs and bushes.
  • Offer a birdbath or other water feature, especially in the summer.
  • Plant nasturtium, purple coneflower, safflower, sunflower and sweet pea plants.
  • Cardinals love berries such as dogwood, hackberries, and northern bayberry.
  • Cardinals nest in evergreen and rose bushes if they are are least 8 feet or taller.

 

They also eat insects and sap from the trees.  However, I have yet to see them eat from the suet feeder.  The male is quite the gentleman.  The majority of the time he will perch on a branch while the female eats and than he takes his turn.

 

 

how to attract cardinals

 

You can enjoy the male cardinal’s brilliant color year round.  My feeder always contains a mix of black oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn and chopped apples.  They usually arrive at the feeder with their mates, but I have seen both feed alone.


 

If you’re a beginner bird watcher, just follow my tips on how to attract cardinals.  They are one of the easiest backyard birds to attract.  They aren’t picky about feeders, so platform or hoppers will work.  They’re also not picky eaters. Any of the foods listed will meet their needs.  However, they truly love safflower seeds.  Happy bird watching!  You may also like:  How to Attract Catbirds to Your Backyard.
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Using Suet Feeders for Backyard Birds

December 28, 2013 by
Today, I’m going to discuss using suet feeders for backyard birds.  Food sources for backyard birds become scarce during the winter.  So, I decided to put up a couple of suet feeders in addition to my regular feeders.   What is suet you ask?  Simply put, it’s fat mixed with corn, fruit, peanuts, hot peppers and/or  dehydrated insects.  Furthermore, it comes in a brick or log form.  The bricks fit into most suet feeder cages.

suet feeders for backyard birds

Also, you can use suet cakes year round.  So, they’re not just for winter feeding anymore.  That just happens to be the time of year I use them because the birds need the fat and protein.  If you’re going to use suet feeders for backyard birds in warmer months, I recommend using the No Melt Suet.  Check the package to ensure you have the No Melt version before you leave the store.  It’s easy to get the packages mixed up.  Also, using suet feeders are cheaper than buying bird seed.  So, if you don’t want to invest a lot of money in bird seed, a suet feeder is the way to go.

Furthermore, I’ve discovered that some birds prefer suet rather than seed.  Suet is important to birds, especially during the colder months.  It helps to keep them warm.  Mostly insect lovers like Mockingbirds, Orioles, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers and Chickadees flock to suet feeders.  I have been able to get my Woodpeckers and Chickadees to eat from my platform feeder too.  They love black oil sunflower seeds.

 


 

 

As a matter of fact, I really hoped to attract Orioles this past spring.  I tried using oranges this spring, but no luck.  I did manage to attract a Mockingbird and Catbirds.  They are both beautiful birds.  The Mocking Bird loves my bacon birdseed cookies.

 

 

suet feeders

 

 

The Downy and Red Bellied Woodpeckers are frequent visitors to the suet feeder.  I purchase the bricks made specifically for woodpeckers; however, I think they will eat any that contain nuts and fruit.  They love it.  Also, they will visit the platform feeder and indulge in the black oil sunflower seeds.

 

 

suet feeders for backyard birds

 

 

It’s cheaper, and the suet cakes last longer.  That’s if the squirrels, Starlings or Grackles don’t find the suet cages.  They can devour a cake or two in a day.  As a result, I purchased this bottom suet feeder to try to deter them.  So far it’s working.  I can put 3 of the suet cakes in this feeder.  The woodpeckers love it.  I have both Red-Bellied and Downy Woodpeckers that visit.  For larger woodpeckers like Flickers, the cage suet feeders are better.  They are large birds, and it seems easier for them to hold on to the cages rather than the bottom feeder.

 

 

suet feeders

 

What backyard birds visit you?  Do you feed them?  If so, what methods do you use to attract them?   Check out my other posts on attracting backyard birds before you leave.

 

suet feeders for backyard birds

 

 

This is a Downy Woodpecker on a cage suet feeder filled with raisins and cranberries.  So, you can get creative and use other food besides suet in your suet cages.

 

 

 

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Backyard Birds – Dark-eyed Junco Visits

December 15, 2013 by

Attracting backyard birds is a fun and interesting hobby.  I ‘ve had new visitors at my feeder recently, the Dark-eye Junco.  These backyard birds are also known as “snow birds”.  We had about 8 inches of snow, and they appeared on que.  They are beautiful birds, a grayish black with a white belly.  Some look almost coal black with a white belly.  They prefer colder climates, which explains why they have suddenly appeared at my feeder now that it has snowed.  Today, lets discuss how to attract Dark-eyed Junco to your backyard.

 

 

dark eyed junco

The Dark-eyed Junco visits backyard feeders in the winter, but breed in forests across Canada, the western U.S., and in the Appalachians.  I recently added a tube feeder to my feeding station, my tree, because the platform feeder holds the snow.  However, the Dark-eye Junco actually prefers the platform feeder.  They are called snow birds because they love the snow.  So, forging for seed buried under the snow in the platform feeder doesn’t seem to faze them.

They have interesting habits too.  I’ve seen them lay in the snow covered platform feeder and just chill.  Or, you will find them scouring the snow covered ground for dropped seed.

                                     Dark-eyed Junco
So, if you want to attract these entertaining birds to your backyard feeder, use a platform feeder.   and fill it with millet, bread crumbs, cracked corn or hulled sunflower seeds.  Platform feeders need to be emptied and clean more often than tubes or other feeders.  Why, because they are open to the elements.  Make sure the seed is fresh rather than wet and moldy.  I try to add fresh seed at least twice a week to my platform feeder.
Dark Eyed Junco
Furthermore, Dark-Eyed Junco like bread crumbs.  However, not just any bread is acceptable.  Make sure it is multi-grain.  Just like us, birds need to consume healthy foods.  As a result, rather than throw out the end of my multi-grain loaf that everyone refuses to eat and other pieces that are getting old,  I save them for the birds.  I stick them in the freezer.  I toast a slice and spread peanut butter on it.  The birds love it.
attracting Dark Eyed Juncos
Another trick to draw Dark-Eyed Juncos to your feeder is to spread birdseed on the ground.  Use a mix of black oil sunflower seeds mixed with cracked corn.  To avoid rodents or unwanted animals, limit the amount of seed that you spread on the ground.  I’m looking forward to watching my new visitors frolicking in our fresh snow.

 

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