Interesting Blue Jay Facts for Kids

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on blue jay facts for kids.  Winter is approaching, and it’s a great time to starting thinking about indoor activities for your kids.  One activity that I recommend is bird watching.  It’s a great way for children to learn about our feathered friends and nature.  Observing birds through a window is a great winter activity.  And, it works for rainy and snowy days too. Simply place a feeder where they can enjoy the view and backyard birds retrieving treats.

Our feathered friends today are the blue jays.  Blue Jays are large, blue, white and black birds that love grabbing treats from backyard bird feeders.  If you provide the right treats, you can keep them coming back forever.  They are highly intelligent, and will remember where you buffet is located.  Kids will love watching them grab more and more of your delicious offerings.  Furthermore, kids can learn a little about these majestic birds and nature.

 

blue jay facts for kids

 

Blue Jay Facts for Kids:

  • Love peanuts, cracked corn and sunflower seeds
  • Drink from bird baths
  • Carry food in their throat
  • Relatives of Crows
  • Highly Intelligent
  • Prefer platform or hopper feeders
  • Stores acorns in the ground
  • Lay 2 – 7 eggs, which is called a clutch
  • Their babies are called a brood
  • Lifespan is 7 years
  • Feathers are actually brown, but look blue in the sunlight

 

 


Note:  I am an Amazon Associate. If you click on a product or make a purchase I may be compensated.  However, there will be no cost to you.

 

 

 

 

Blue Jay activities for kids

 

 

 

blue jay facts

 

 

 

After observing the Blue Jays, have a little fun with my Blue Jay Facts for Kids activity sheets.   The pack includes a coloring page, connect the dot, facts list, fill in the blank sheet and research suggestions.  They are a great way to re-enforce what your kids have learned about Blue Jays.  Or, make it a part of your home school or extra homework curriculum.  You can download the activity pack here.

 

 

blue jay facts for kids

 

Finally, check out my research suggestions.  The kids can Google Blue Jays and study the blue or brown speckled eggs.  How about researching how they build their nest.  What materials are used and how they shape the nest.  Better yet, let them pick out a feeder for their new feathered friends.

 

5 Ingenious Ways to Encourage Kids to Play Outside

There are many parents who would like to see their kids spend more time playing outside.  Modern children love their gadgets, but they must also  learn that the great outdoors is waiting to be discovered.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on encouraging kids to play outside.

 

 

encouraging kids to play outside

 

 

Let Them Care for the Plants

Is there a chance that your little ones might be interested in caring for your plants?  Most children love to water plants, dig out weeds, and anything else to keep the plants healthy.

Many youngsters really enjoy looking after plants because it gives them a great feeling of responsibility. Why not try this out to see how much they enjoy doing it for a few days.

Eat Together Outside

Eating outside is something that most children enjoy doing when given a chance.  Put a lunch together, and eat at the picnic or patio table.  Can you imagine how much fun they would have.

By doing this you can introduce them to the pleasures of being outdoors. With a bit of luck they will then carry on playing out there once you have all finished eating.

Add Some Outdoor Toys

Possibly the simplest and most effective way of getting children to play outside is to add some outdoor toys in the garden for them. After all, they may simply not go outside because there is  nothing for them to do.

Some cool garden toys such as kids trampolines, balls, tennis nets and other exciting stuff will give them lots of new ways to have fun outside. You might even find  that some of the grownups in the family enjoy playing outside as well.

These toys will give them a terrific option when they have friends over or when you plan a birthday party for them at home.

Grow Vegetables

Another hobby that can get youngsters outside more often is growing vegetables. This is a wonderful activity that can bring the whole family benefits.  For example, healthier eating, lower shopping bills and the chance to live a more environmentally friendly way of life.

This is something that should be suggested rather than forcing them to do it. If they enjoy growing their vegetables then they will probably start to spend more time outside doing other things as well.

Get Some Pets

Some pets can also do a terrific job in getting the kids to stray outdoors more often. For example, a rabbit is the kind of pet that most youngster love to play with in the garden.

An alternative to getting your own pets could be to make your garden more bird or animal-friendly.   Encourage local wildlife to come and visit the property. The kids can then enjoy getting out to look for their little visitors.

There are many clever and practical ways of encouraging younger members of the family to put down their gadgets and head outside to play. Why not give a couple of these ideas a try and see how they work?

 

Katrina, is a proud mom of two gorgeous girls who loves writing about home improvement, decor and contributes regularly on various blogs and online publications like Mother2Motherblog.com

Tips to Attract Baltimore Orioles

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.

How To Attract Cardinals To Your Backyard

Today, I’m sharing tips on how to attract cardinals to your backyardThe 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.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Bird Lovers

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.

 

 

 

gift ideas for bird lovers

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.

 

 

 

 

 

How To Bring Birds To Backyard Bird Feeders

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.  

 

 

backyard bird feeders

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.

 

 

 

backyard bird feeders

 

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.

 

 

Cat Birds

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?