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Tips to Attract Baltimore Orioles

March 27, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

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.

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.

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: backyard birds, bird watching, feeding backyard birds

How To Attract Blue Jays To Your Backyard

March 20, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

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.

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.

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).

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

Filed Under: Backyard Birds, Nature-Gardening Tagged With: attracting backyard birds, backyard birds, feeding backyard birds

Backyard Birds Love Bird Seed Pine Cones

March 14, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

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.

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.

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.

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: backyard birds, feeding backyard birds, wild bird seed

Facts About American Goldfinch

March 10, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

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:

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.

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.

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.

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: attracting backyard birds, backyard birds, feeding backyard birds

How To Attract Cardinals To Your Backyard

January 6, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

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.

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.

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.

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.

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: backyard birds, bird feeders, bird watching, feeding backyard birds

Using Suet Feeders for Backyard Birds

December 28, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: backyard birds, feeding backyard birds, suet feeding

Backyard Birds – Dark-eyed Junco Visits

December 15, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Filed Under: Backyard Birds, Nature-Gardening Tagged With: attracting backyard birds, backyard birds, feeding backyard birds

Holiday Gift Ideas for Bird Lovers

November 10, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

Attracting backyard birds is becoming a popular hobby for many people. Today, I’m sharing holiday gift ideas for bird lovers. Gift baskets or gift bags don’t have to be full of toiletries, candles, and food. Better yet, don’t wait for the holidays. Our gift ideas are appropriate for birthdays or just because.

Here’s a few holiday gift ideas for bird lovers:

Binoculars – Consequently, every bird watcher needs a pair of binoculars. As a result, I purchased a pair of Bushnell Falcon’s binoculars from Amazon. I had a wonder time watching the American Gold Finch eat my sunflower seeds in the garden. They devoured every seed. These binoculars are great for beginners. Yet, they are getting good reviews from advanced watchers too.
A Subscription to Birds and Blooms Magazine – This is one of my favorite magazines. Each magazine contains articles filled with beautiful photos of birds, butterflies and flowers. What bird lover wouldn’t want to curl under a cozy blanket this winter browsing the magazine for gardening and bird attracting ideas for the spring and summer. Click on the link above, they’re offering a 2 year subscription for $15.00.
Bird Houses – For this particular gift, I would suggest that you do a search to determine the backyard birds in the gift recipient’s area. Make a selection based on your finding, different birds like different types of houses. No need to purchase a bird house for a bird that doesn’t habitat in the recipient’s backyard.
Bird Feeders – Another idea, check out your local Lowes, Tractor Supply or Home Depot for feeders. Also, different birds like different feeders. Buy according to the birds in the gift recipient’s area.
Gift Certificate – Next, a gift card is great for purchasing seed, suet, a bird book or magazine subscription.
CD With Bird Calls – Bird calls are fun to listen to when gardening or working in the yard. Great gift for beginners who are just learning the calls.
Book to Identify Backyard Birds – Mine sure has come in handy. I enjoy studying their habits and becoming familiar with the color and markings. I bird watch from my bedroom window during the colder months while I’m watching TV or blogging. It’s nice to flip through a book or Google to identify the birds.
Packs of Sunflowers Seeds – Birds love them, they’re easy to grow, and they’re so pretty in a garden.
Coffee Mug – Fill a coffee mug with the recipient’s state bird with a package of coffee or tea bags.
A Hummingbird Feeder and Nectar – Also, I would suggest a feeder with an ant guard they love the nectar too. It may be difficult to find a feeder this time of year in colder regions. Try on-line if unsuccessful locally.

Last, place your gifts for the bird lover in a gift basket. Furthermore, purchase a basket, filler, ribbon and holiday cellophane bags from the dollar store. This material doesn’t have to be expensive, spend your money on the gifts. Remember, put the larger items in the back and work forward with smaller items. If you need to hold items in place, use clear packaging tape. Finish off your gift with a twist tie to close the bag and a bow. Now, you’re done and your bird lover will thank you for this great gift.

Finally, we hope you enjoyed our gift ideas for bird lovers. You may also like: 5 Amazing Gifts From Your Garden.

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: backyard birds, bird watching, feeding backyard birds

How To Bring Birds To Backyard Bird Feeders

November 6, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

Today, I’m sharing backyard bird tips on how to bring birds to feeders. First, when I started gardening years ago, I’ve starting noticing the backyard birds more. It seemed that gardening and birdwatching went hand in hand for me. So, I placed several feeders throughout the yard to see what birds I could attract. I love watching the birds enjoy the food and show their personalities. Yes, birds have personalities. Now, I find bird watching to be relaxing. It’s a great way to connect with nature and a great way to peak intellectual curiosity about these beautiful creatures.

So, some of my favorites backyard birds are the Blue Jays, Cardinals, and the American Goldfinch. I find the colors on all of them striking. Unfortunately, the male Goldfinch molts and loses it brilliance in the fall. It turns a dull yellow. It becomes hard to distinguish the male from the female.

Next, learning the identity of various birds is a great to stimulate the brain. It requires research and opportunity to learn their cousins and their habits. I have feeders outside my bedroom window and feeders outside my family room window. I blog, read and watch TV by both windows, it provides an opportunity for me to capture great photos. And, my favorite photo opportunities are during winter snow storms. I open the curtains, enjoy the fireplace and wait for the perfect opportunity to grab a few photos. The feeders have lots of activity when it’s cold and snowy.

Furthermore, placing a feeder in the yard is a great way to get your children off electronics and interested in the birds. They can learn the calls of backyard birds and watch them interact with each other. Fortunately, their habits are quite interesting too.

Bring Birds to Backyard Bird Feeders:

Fill feeders with a quality mix of birdseed. I have a large feeder that lasts for 3 days. You can cut the recipe in half if yours is smaller.

Here’s the recipe to bring backyard birds to your feeder:

8 ounces of no waste bird seed
8 ounces of chopped peanut pieces
16 ounces of black oil sunflower seeds
8 ounces of dried cranberries, raisins or apples
8 ounces of cracked corn

Note: I use an 8 ounce plastic cup to measure my ingredients. Also, if you have raw peanuts instead of the peanut pieces, use your kitchen chopper to break them into smaller pieces. And, I chop the dried fruit. Mix the seed mixture thoroughly. I use a long handle spoon

Fill a feeder with Safflower Seeds – You can attract different birds with different types of food. Not all birds love safflower seeds. However, Norther Cardinals, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadees and more love it.
Use Suet Cages – Also, suet is the perfect food to offer backyard birds, especially in cold, snowy months. My backyard birds can’t get enough of my homemade suet cakes.
Fruit – Catbirds devour fruit in the spring. Cherries, apples, and grapes are favorites.
Shelled Peanuts – Last, Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and Carolina Chickadees love unsalted shelled peanuts.

Additionally, I grow sunflowers in my garden in the summer. The American Goldfinch and Cardinals devour the seeds.

Catbird

So, the feasting starts at the backyard bird feeders most mornings around 7:00 am and doesn’t stop until sunset. I fill my feeders every 3 days. In the winter, I add suet in addition to the feeder, peanut butter birdseed pinecones or birdseed cookies to the feeding station. The birds need the fat during the colder months to help keep them warm.

Finally, I hope that you found my post on backyard birds helpful. Follow tips and you will have feathered friends in your backyard in no time. Also, if you missed my post on making Birdseed Cookies, just click on this link. It’s a fun activity for the kids this winter and they will be helping nature feed our feathered friends. Do you have your children involved in nature? What activities do they do?