Home » Pets & Animals » Birds » Wild Birds

Kathy's Bird Watching

Ranked #8,120 in Pets & Animals, #205,633 overall

Kathy's Bird Watching

On those quiet days, yes I do get a few, I love to sit back and watch the birds in our backyard, there is nothing more relaxing. We don't do anything fancy and I am far from an expert, having to look up many of the different bird species.

We've tried several types of specialty bird seed, nuts and fruit, but the only feed they like is the black oiled sunflower seed. Below are just some of the birds that drop by to visit, well maybe more that they drop by for a snack.

We had a new bird in our back yard during the winter of 2009, we just saw it a couple of times, and never have seen one like that before. I'm not sure what it was, and hope it returns this winter so we can figure out who he is.

Lens created on August 28, 2007
Last updated on May 23, 2011

Gallery image above is an Indigo Bunting

What Else is on Here?

  1. Bird-watching Myths
  2. This guy thinks he's a Nuthatch LOL
  3. Leaky Taps can be Beneficial
  4. And Speaking of Water......
  5. The Rinse Cycle?
  6. Our Bird Bath
  7. Grass Clippings for Nests
  8. Don't throw out your Dog Hair!
  9. Mud Bath?
  10. Make your own Hummingbird Food (Nectar)
  11. Cleaning your Hummingbird Feeder
  12. Cactus Creation
  13. Check out these unique bird houses!
  14. Video's of our Feather Friends
  15. Other Resources
  16. Our chipmunks share the backyard too
  17. Bird Brain Feedback

Male Indigo Bunting Among Crabapple Blossoms
Jones, Adam
12 in. x 16 in.
Buy at AllPosters.com

Birdwatching Question

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Bird Feeding Question

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Bird Feeding Question

Loading poll. Please Wait...

American Goldfinch

Both Rick and I love watching these pretty birds. They are just so bright and fun to watch. And I love their song, it's always enjoyable to listen to them singing. The mail is small and noisy.

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to American Goldfinch

Black Capped Chickadee

One of the most enjoyable birds to watch! I love how they will grab just one seed out of the feeder, and fly off to eat it. They often fly into our still growing red maple tree in the back yard (we planted a 3" tree in 1993). They are a little hard on the small branches, using them to crack open the seeds. But that's ok, these small feathered friends are just too cute! LOL

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Black Capped Chickadee

Blue Jay

type=textNothing personal or against these birds, but they are so aggressive. These ones actually attack our chipmunks * gasp * and are very noisy. Not my favourite bird by a long shot, but still one of God's creatures.

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Blue Jay

And speaking of our Chipmunks.....

Loading

Brown Thrasher

We have never had many of the Thrashers; one or two each year, that is it. They are kind of funny to watch when eating, they smash their beaks into the ground to feed. I love their long tails! They didn't show up this year (2010) or else we just didn't notice them.

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Brown Thrasher

Cedar Waxwing

We seem to be in a very odd cycle with our feathered friends. Many of the birds we used to always see, are getting to be fewer and fewer. Including the Cedar Waxwing.

We've had some very unusual weather the past couple of years, and hoping that is all it is.

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Cedar Waxwing

Eastern Bluebird

We don't see many of these, they just seem to show up every couple of years. A very pretty bird though.

We didn't see any during 2010, but again, I hope they return. I think when they do show up, we are just lucky to catch a glimpse of them.

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Eastern Bluebird

Evening Grosbeak

Another of our favourites. I think maybe we just really like yellow coloured birds! They seem to come in cycles here; this year and last year, not so many have showed up. Too bad, I love these birds.

2010 was a good year for our Grosbeaks, they have just showed up in good numbers! Looks like I will have the pleasure of their company this winter!

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Evening Grosbeak

Hummingbird

I remember when I first started feeding and attracting hummingbirds many years ago, I was shocked at how vicious these adorable little wee birds were! Watching them spend more time fighting with each other is amazing! LOL

What is disappointing is the decline in numbers we have seen over the years, and I have no idea why. When we first moved here almost 20 years ago, I used to have to keep 3-4 feeders going and had at least 30 hummingbirds. They have been slowly declining over the years and now we have at the very most, maybe 6 who feed here. We are thinking it is either a change in regional weather, just mother nature or a change in their own patterns.

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Ruby Throated Hummingbird

Our First Hummingbird Video

Loading

Hummingbirds nesting in garden

This is the story of two baby hummingbirds growing up in her garden.

Loading

Indigo Bunting

This is such a gorgeous bird, such beautiful bright blue plumage. We don't get these little fellas often or for very long, it seems only for a week or two at the most each summer. This year they have arrived early. I saw my first sighting on May 22, 2009!

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Indigo Bunting

Our Indigo Buntings

Our Indigo Buntings
by awelldressedbullet | video info

0 ratings | 14 views
curated content from YouTube

Mountain Bluebird

This one is not native to our area, and was only sighted in the summer of 2006. We believe this was due to the extreme hot weather conditions here that summer along with those massive forest fires in the western US the same year.

I do hope they might visit again, but of course, under kinder circumstances.

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Mountain Bluebird

Mourning Dove

type=textLast year we had two of these delicate creatures show up, and we started to throw a different bird seed mixture on the ground for them to more easily feed. It definitely paid off, this year we had twenty! They are such a joy to watch and listen to, they seem like such happy and gentle birds. When they lie down underneath our young maple tree, they hunker down so much, you can barely see them!

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Mourning Dove

Northern Cardinal

Sadly, we don't see these often either, usually in spring and fall. But then I guess that makes it that I get more excited when I spot them. Not sure why, but always seem to see the female first. The male probably sends the female ahead to make sure it is safe LOL

I wish we would get these more, I might look at adding some more different types of bird seed next year to try and attract them more, maybe they are finding better places :-)

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Northern Cardinal

Northern (Baltimore) Oriole

This one is funny bird, I try so hard to attract them here. I first notice when they are trying to feed at our hummingbird feeders, and no, they don't fit too well :-). So I get out the Oriole feeders almost right away and wait, and wait, and wait, and never see them again.

If I just put out the Oriole feeders in the spring, again, they don't show up. Maybe I should look into find some other types of Oriole feeders LOL

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Baltimore Oriole

Northern Shrike

type=textAnother new one who recently showed up (November 8 2010). I don't know what we are doing better or different this year, or if it is just a pattern or the weather, but we are suddenly getting several new birds.

I don't know much about this bird, but will keep an eye on it. Though classified as a songbird, they are apparently very fierce predators and because of our chipmunks, will do what we can to keep this bird away.

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Northern Shrike

Pine Grosbeak

Always love the bigger birds too, just easier to watch, although they do clean us out of seed much faster! Always a nice addition to the yellow Evening Grosbeaks.

We don't get the same numbers of these as the Evening Grosbeaks.

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Pine Grosbeak

Purple Finch

The Purple Finches are always nice to have also, they mix in with the other Finches adding their own touch of colour.

We didn't have any here in 2009, so I am hoping they return this winter.

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Purple Finch

Red Breasted Nuthatch

These arrived a few years back, and the numbers continue to increase each year. Again, I love these upside down birds, they are just so funny to watch.

And they also seem like such a happy bird, although they sometimes boot off the Chickadees from the feeding stations, not all the time, just once in a while. I guess they have bad days too.

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Red Breasted Nuthatch

Rose Breasted Grosbeak

The Rose Breasted Grosbeaks seem to show up when the Pine Grosbeaks do. I always love when we have multiple species around at the same time.

Again, not the same numbers as the Evening Grosbeaks, much fewer are here.

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Rose Breasted Grosbeak

Tennessee Warbler

type=textA male Tennessee Warbler showed up two days ago (November 4, 2010) and not sure why we are suddenly getting new birds. But no complaints here, I always love to see new birds come and visit. Don't know very much about this bird, so will have to watch it more. I hope they come back after this winter!

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to Tennessee Warbler

White Breasted Nuthatch

type=textThis little guy just showed up today (November 6, 2010). They look so different, we noticed it right away. I hope these will stay, they do look so pretty. I just find it so funny at these birds who stand and feed upside down. LOL

For more information and to listen to their call, refer to White Breasted Nuthatch

Bird Watching Books on Amazon

Loading

Bird-watching Myths

How do you separate the myth from the reality? It is not always easy. There are extraordinary and improbable stories about birds that are entirely true. The trick is to develop a silent alarm system, a little buzzer than goes off when the story is too good, too weird, too improbable. Don't reject it out of hand, but investigate. Ask other bird watchers. Post a question on the Internet. Go to the library.

The following are myths that are not true.

  • You should not throw rice at weddings because birds eat it and it swells up in their stomach and kills them
  • Exploding gulls when given an Alka Seltzer tablet
  • You should take down your bird feeders in the fall because they keep birds from migrating and these birds will freeze to death
  • Hummingbirds migrate by riding on the back of geese
  • Red dye (food coloring) in hummingbird nectar is good/bad
  • Purple martins regularly eat 2,000 mosquitoes a day
  • Small birds are carried long distances by powerful storms
  • Parent birds will abandon a nestling if it has been touched by humans
  • Some birds mate for life
Read why here or here.
type=text

This guy thinks he's a Nuthatch LOL 

Leaky Taps can be Beneficial

In the house, no way, once a tap starts to drip, if Rick can't fix it, it's replaced, immediately. I hate wasting water and the sound of the constant dripping.

BUT, I always leave our outside tap on with a very, very slow drip. The birds just love it!

If you can, put a small bed of pine needles below the tap, I don't think tree leaves would work, they would probably get slimy or moldy. Doing this provides a nice source of fresh clean water for our feathered friends.

I have heard that by adding crumbs and bits of fruit to the pine needles, you can attract even more birds. I'm going to try that this summer.

And Speaking of Water......

We aren't one of those people who water their luscious lawns daily, to me that is a waste of water and face it, our lawn just ain't that nice! LOL

But I do run a fan type sprinkler during those dry and hot periods. I keep it low and run it a couple of times a day for short periods.

No, I don't do it for the benefit of the lawn, I love watching the birds fly through the spray, they get a drink and a wee bath! :-)
type=text

The Rinse Cycle? 

Our Bird Bath



Now don't laugh, but we had a real hot spell here a few weeks back, and not being close to any stores, Rick made up a quick bird bath. He used the bottom half of a wood burning unit that had never been used, and hooked up a hose to it. The hose sprays up and then into it, and voila, instant bird bath. And see the birds were in it in no time! They really seem to love it!

Editors note: sorry, picture was taken through the livingroom screen , so it isn't the best

Bird Baths on eBay

Yup, I should take a closer look at these LOL

Loading

Grass Clippings for Nests

Nest Building Material

type=textMost birds in our backyards will prefer dried grasses in their nest construction. So when you are finished mowing the lawn, leave the cut grass on the ground for the birds to pick up and use in their nest. Note: Don't do this if you treat your lawn with weed/feed chemicals.

I know most people like a nice trim lawn, maybe choose a small area in the backyard where your neighbors might not see it. Wait until the grass is longer before you mow it.

Leaving untreated grass clippings is good for both the birds and your lawn.

Don't throw out your Dog Hair!

More nest building material

For years, just before spring, after a good doggie brushing, I would always put out Ruger's dog hair collected on her brush outside on the lawn or else on the top of a small bush or tree (they can easily pick it up from there).

The birds absolutely love using hair to build their nests. It's light for them to carry, easy for them to use in their "engineering" (the flexibility of the hair) of the nest, and using hair builds very strong nests for their babies.

My sweet Ruger is no longer with us, so what I do each spring is when I clean out my brush, I throw my own hair out. They love it just as much!

Tip: If you or your dog have long hair, cut it so it is no longer than 3 to 4 inches long. Long strands of any material (including yarn or cloth) may entangle the adult birds or their babies and cause them to be strangled.

Mud Bath?

Not quite, more nesting material

type=textSomething else you can easily provide for your backyard feathered friends, to help the birds in their nest building, is to provide mud.

Many birds use mud in the construction of their nests and you can easily provide this nest building material for them by placing a low and wide container, such as a garbage can lid upside down, and filling it with dirt and water.

Note: Do make sure you check on it from time to time during the nesting season making sure the mud doesn't dry out.

Make your own Hummingbird Food (Nectar)

Water;sugar ratio is usually 4:1, which means 4 parts water to 1 part sugar.

  1. Pour four cups of very hot water into a (non-aluminum) pot
  2. Add 1 cup of regular sugar (do not use honey or other sugar substitutes).
  3. Mix well until all the sugar has disolved
  4. * Bring to a rolling boil for 1-2 minutes
  5. Cool and then pour into your clean hummingbird feeder

Tips

Boiling* boling the mixture is to slow the mold growth, however, if your hummingbirds usually empty your feeder within 2-3 days, there is no need to do this step.

Storage - I make only what I use to fill up the feeders, I don't make extra. If you do, you can store any extra mixture in your fridge for up to two weeks. But keep checking the mixture, if mold shows up or it turns cloudy before then, throw it out.

Red Coloring - There is no need to add red food colouring, especially if your hummingbirds know where your feeder is. This is also why most feeders are red or yellow in colour (to attract them). Although no evidence to prove it is harmful, it is an additive, so if it isn't necessary, why add it?

Put up/Take Down Feeders - in our area (Ontario Canada) I put up the feeders by April 1st (to catch any early arrivals) and take them down when they are gone for the season (usually mid-October). If a warm spring, I will put our feeders up in March.

Cleaning - Always clean your feeders often, and keep refilled with fresh clean nectar.

Cleaning your Hummingbird Feeder

I keep my hummingbird feeder super clean (it's so important).

It is a lot of work keeping them clean, especially during those hot and humid periods. I only use glass feeders as I believe those to be more sanitary.

Use a mild solution of white vinegar to kill mold in feeders for week-to-week cleaning. Scrubbing with a good bottle brush makes cleaning so much easier.

It really bothers me when I see people with that yuckly black mold in their feeders! Most people tell me they find it too difficult always scrubbing their feeders. * gasp *

Here's a tip I learned:

When black mold forms inside a feeder, to clean it, simply break up a denture-cleaning tablet and add it to the reservoir with plain water. After it does it's thing, make sure and thoroughly rinse the feeder.

Bird Feeders on eBay

Loading

Cactus Creation

My mother cut this out of a magazine and thought this was so inventive and cute.



Tom Krieg made this shapely feeder for his home in Arizona.

As a retired engineer, he took special care with the design, forming it from long-lasting PVC pipe and drilling slightly angled holes to prevent the seed from spilling out.

Tom has since passed away, but his wife continues to enjoy the birds this saguara cactus brings to their desert backyard.

Check out these unique bird houses!

Loading

Bird Houses on eBay

Loading

Video's of our Feather Friends

Loading

Other Resources

There are so many great websites about birds, these are just a few
Learn Bird Songs
You've come to the right place to start learning bird sounds and songs. This site is dedicated to helping bird enthusiasts, who are used to looking for birds with binoculars and scopes, add to their expertise as birders by listening for them as well.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching Dot Com is about wild birds and the sport of birding. It's for everyone who's interested in birdwatching and enjoying nature.
Wild Bird Watching
For everyone who enjoys learning the feeding, nesting, and mating habits of backyard birds. We've also included some bird sounds for a few of our more popular backyard birds. Backyard birds capture our gaze more than any other type of wildlife which may explain why 60 million Americans are feeding and watching birds.
National Audubon Society
Audubon's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity.
Bird Watchers Digest
Do It Yourself Projects
Hummingbirds
Your source for information on attracting, watching, feeding, and studying North American hummingbirds.
The Owl Pages
Owls have fascinated man from time immemorial - to some cultures they are symbols of wisdom, while to others they are harbingers of doom and death. Here, The Owl Pages sheds some light on these mysterious creatures.
What Bird
Identify birds of North America with a few clicks using our search engine. Build you own bird field guides. See the latest image technology at work:
Backyard Bird Watching, How to Attract Birds
Attracting backyard birds and butterflies for bird watching
All About Birds - Cornell
Comprehensive information on North American birds including a bird guide, identification tips, and conservation programs.
Bird Watching Info > Trips, Events & Birding Clubs
For the love of birds and the great outdoors
Birds, Bird Pictures, Wild Birds - National Geographic
Learn all you wanted to know about birds with pictures, videos, photos, facts, and news from National Geographic.
The Great Backyard Bird Count
The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent
Birds & Blooms Magazine
Birds & Blooms Magazine feature free practical tips for growing bigger blooms and attracting more birds to your backyard, beautiful photographs of your favorite birds, birdhouses and flowers and fun facts about birds.

Our chipmunks share the backyard too

Loading

This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.

Add this to your lens »

Bird Brain Feedback

guestbookfeedback.jpg

  • AnthonyAltorenna Mar 21, 2012 @ 10:53 am | delete
    This is a very interesting & informative lens! Though I live in the northeast, we have a lot of same feathered visitors at our feeders.
  • WindyWinters May 23, 2011 @ 7:10 pm | delete
    You have some very pretty backyard birds that are uncommon out West. The hummingbird at your feeder is huge! Ours are much smaller.
  • ohcaroline May 23, 2011 @ 3:56 pm | delete
    I was fortunate to get to see indigo buntings when I lived in Tennessee. They are so beautiful. I really enjoyed your videos.
  • yourgoldenfuture Mar 9, 2011 @ 12:06 pm | delete
    the fotos are wonderful...
  • JeanJohnson Feb 24, 2011 @ 6:54 pm | delete
    I really enjoyed visting your page, makes me excited to go get a bird bath, great birds
  • Load More
Show All

My Top 20 Lenses

Loading

by

awelldressedbullet

offers handmade Belt Buckles, Bolo Ties, Bullet Pens, Ceiling Fan Pulls, Cufflinks, Earrings, Fridge Magnets, Keychains, Money Clips,... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Bird Feeding Kit 

Everything required for a backyard feeding station

Gardman USA 0280019 Wild Bird Feeding Kit

Gardman USA 0280019 Wild Bird Feeding Kit

Amazon Price: $26.97 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now

Bat Shelter  

Give the bats in your backyard a place to roost by placing the Audubon Cedar Bat Shelter

Woodlink NABAT Audubon Bat Shelter

Woodlink NABAT Audubon Bat Shelter

Amazon Price: $27.95 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now

Nesting Material 

For your door, or hang it on a post, tree, clothesline

Songbird Essentials SEWF91008 Wreath Nesting Material Bird

Songbird Essentials SEWF91008 Wreath Nesting Material Bird

Amazon Price: $13.98 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now

Related Tags