Getting Ready for Winter

Blizzard of 2011 (Tichigan Lake)

While this photo may seem extreme, it is a reminder that those cold, blustery days are right around the corner.  Just about the same time that you turn your bird baths upside down for the season, you should be thinking about a fresh water alternative for your Winter birds!

You don't want to wait until it is 20 degrees or colder to drag out your heated birdbath. Get it set up and ready to go as the temperatures dip below freezing at night. Having an accessible water source is extremely important for wild birds, especially in the northern climates.  Even though we are surrounded by water here on our peninsula, the marsh and lake will soon be frozen, and it will be difficult for birds to get the open water they need.

Once you get your Winter birdbath set up, don't forget to keep your feeders filled. Like anything else, it is easier and much more enjoyable to be outside when the temperatures are warm.  However, the birds have fewer natural food resources in the winter, so it is important to maintain your feeders...especially during severe cold snaps.

The platform feeder above is mounted on my deck, and is within a few steps of my patio door.  Even when the snow piles up, I can easily maneuver my way to deposit fresh seed.  If you are not already offering suet at your feeding stations, Winter is a great time to do so.  Suet provides "high-energy" nutrition at a critical time of year.

I enjoy feeding the birds year round.  However, there is something about sitting with a cup of coffee on a cold, snowy day and watching the birds that gives me a real sense of comfort.

Happy Birding!

Belinda's Website

    

Looking for Loons

Common Loon (Non-breeding Adult)

Today I caught a glimpse of five Common Loons as they made a migration stop on Tichigan Lake. While the conditions were not conducive for taking a good photograph, I recognized their unmistakable profiles despite their Fall plumage. See photo (left) courtesy of Cornell Lab of Ornithology

These icons of the Northwoods are easy to ignore this time of year because they have lost their distinguished black and white markings and taken on a less dramatic appearance.  However, careful observation of their shape and graceful swimming style will quickly help make a positive identification.

Have you ever wondered where these "snowbirds" go to spend their winter months?  You may be surprised to learn that like many of us, they choose to hang out along the warm coastal waters of the United States.  If you are planning a trip to a warmer oceanside location this winter, keep an eye out for loons.  Despite the fact that they do not put on a vocal performance like they do during the breeding months, there is still something mesmerizing about viewing these elegant creatures as they move through the water.

For more information on Common Loons, visit this link at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Common Loon.


Belinda's Website

Send Squirrels Packing with Safflower

Gray Squirrel

I don't have to tell anyone who regularly feeds the birds what a challenge it can be dealing with squirrels.  The constant battle to keep these critters from emptying your bird feeders can drive almost any bird enthusiast insane.

Fortunately, I have discovered that I can turn almost any type of bird feeder into a squirrel-proof feeder by simply providing safflower seed, as opposed to offering black oil sunflower or a bird seed mix.

Safflower is known as one of man's earliest crops, and has had various culinary, cosmetic and medicinal uses throughout history.  In recent years, it has gained favor among individuals who enjoy backyard bird feeding. While being a favorite meal among "desirable" birds, including cardinals, chickadees, grosbeaks and nuthatches, squirrels do not particularly care for its taste.

If you have a favorite feeder that has become a victim of regular squirrel raids, try replacing what you are currently feeding your birds with "straight" safflower.  I have done this in all the feeders in my yard that are not currently squirrel proof. They are frequented regularly by my favorite birds, while the neighborhood squirrels pay them no attention at all.

In addition to being a deterrent to marauding squirrels, the bright white seed also adds a nice aesthetic touch when filled in a decorative feeder.  Safflower can take the place of any seed you are currently using in a fly-through, hopper or tube feeder.

Give it a try and pick up a bag of safflower the next time you need fresh bird seed. It will save you money in the long run and might just become your "new" favorite as well!

Safflower Seed

Note:  Use of safflower is not 100% squirrel proof, as some squirrels may eat it on occasion.

Belinda's Website

Missed Opportunities

Cedar Waxwing

I would like to take credit for this awesome photo of a beautiful Cedar Waxwing, but unfortunately I cannot.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of having a flock of Cedar Waxwings converge on my yard and crowd the birdbath on my deck.  I knew immediately what was happening, as I saw the telltale signs of a waxwing flock.  My cedar tree was filled with birds, and the limbs were moving as if the tree were actually "alive".  I peered out the window onto my deck and saw a half dozen waxwings enjoying my birdbath.

What's wrong with this scenario?  After realizing that I had a wonderful opportunity to capture some great photos, I discovered that both batteries for my Olympus camera were dead!  I couldn't get a single shot off.  By the time I loaded a battery into the charger, and had it sufficiently charged...the Cedar Waxwing flock had moved on.

I advocate that bird watchers should always have a camera handy should that elusive "bird" moment arrive.  I guess I need to remind birders to also make sure you have fully charged batteries in "said" camera.

While I missed what was most likely a "once-in-a-season" opportunity, I have learned a very important lesson.

For more information on this fascinating species, check out Cedar Waxwings at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website @ Cedar Waxwing.

Belinda's Website

Wild Birds as Therapy

Indigo Bunting

Sometimes life throws us an unexpected curve ball. Whether you find yourself facing a sudden job loss, serious illness or the death of a loved one, making time for the birds can be an unexpected source of comfort.

When you are feeling as though your world as been turned upside down, establishing a connection with nature during troubling times can keep you grounded.  There are numerous studies to support the fact that viewing and/or feeding wild birds can provide calming health benefits as well.  Simply taking a few minutes each day to fill your feeders and/or to identify different bird songs is quite therapeutic.

If you haven't already started the "addicting" habit of birding, it's not too late to start.  Sharing your hobby with those who may benefit from it is a wonderful way of giving comfort in their time of need.  There are plenty of inexpensive feeder options that can provide for maximum success and enjoyment.  Most independent lawn and garden centers have staff on hand that can create a "starter kit" to give as a gift.  They can help you determine what type of feeder/bird seed is most appropriate for their location and can also assist you with any bird guides for their area.  If a bird feeder is not desired, the garden center can also suggest a birdbath or flowers, trees and shrubs suitable for attracting birds.

Sharing the gift of birding, while beneficial to the human recipient, also helps provide for our feather friends as well!

Happy Birding!!!

Belinda's Website

The Heat is On

 Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

The heat is on, and it is the perfect time to remind bird lovers that they need to maintain their hummingbird feeders. When the temperatures rise up above the 80 degree mark, the nectar in feeders can quickly go bad.  When it gets this hot, I recommend cleaning and refilling feeders every 3-5 days, especially if they are hanging in an area with full sunlight.

If you don't have time to get to the store and purchase the powdered or pre-mixed nectar, you can make your own at home with sugar and water.  I use a 4:1 ratio of water/sugar:



I boil the water first in the microwave, then add the sugar until it dissolves.  I let it cool a bit on the counter then add it to an empty 1/2 gallon milk jug. This will stay fresh in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.

It is not necessary to have red coloring in the nectar as shown at left, especially if there is enough red visible on the feeder itself.

Keeping their feeders clean and filled with fresh nectar will ensure that your hummingbirds hang around throughout the "Dog Days of Summer".


Hummingbird Fun Fact:
The oldest known Ruby-throated hummingbird was 9 years 1 month old.

Belinda's Website

Water for Birds

Fountain Water Source

As the summer temps continue to rise, it is vital that we provide a source of water for the feathered friends we have managed to lure into our yard.

There are any number of ways to make water available, including the simple bamboo fountain shown here.  I took a beautiful glazed ceramic pot and attached it with clear silicone to the matching dish. This solved the issue of closing the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.  I had purchased the bamboo spout (with pump) a few years ago at a local garden center.  I filled it with a few rocks, and it was ready to go.  Not only do the birds love it, but it provides a nice source of water for my two dogs and cat.

The sound of gently-flowing water is irresistible to both birds and other wildlife. However, I don't limit myself to just one fountain.  In fact, I have an additional six (yes six) birdbaths located throughout my yard.  Not only do they provide a needed drink and/or bath for birds frequenting my bird feeders, but it is often visited by those "elusive" woodland species who prefer to dine on fruits and insects.  Placing a water source close to the edge of a wooded area is a great way to see a variety of species, including wood warblers.

Re-purposed Birdbath

Don't be afraid to get a little creative...this birdbath (left) was a favorite last season for my robins and blue jays to bathe in.  It was made from a combination of repurposed items (old glass light fixture shade and iron candlestick).  If you are not particularly creative, your local garden center will have a variety of birdbaths and/or fountains for you to choose from.

Don't forget to keep them clean and filled with fresh water.  You can also treat your birdbaths and fountains with special "safe" enzymes to keep the water clear and fresh!

If you don't have to the time or money to spend endlessly filling bird feeders with seed or you don't care for the mess...try placing a few birdbaths in your yard today!


Belinda's Website

Annual Attraction

Petunia

Annuals for Attracting Hummingbirds
Now that the ruby-throated hummingbirds have made their way back to their nesting locations, it is time to sit back and enjoy the show.  For those of you who would prefer not to mess with a nectar feeder, now is the time to purchase those annual plants that hummingbirds can't resist.

Plants featuring "tubular" flowers in shades of red, orange and bright pink are most likely to attract attention.  Listed below are some of their favorites:

Fuchsia
Petunias
Nasturtiums
Impatiens
Salvia
Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco)
Snap Dragons
Begonias

Fuchsia

Location
Place hanging baskets or containers containing some of the flower varieties listed above in locations where you can observe them.  Make sure you select flowers based on your particular sun/shade light requirements. If you already have nectar feeders out, adding hummingbird annuals to the mix will just increase your enjoyment.

Buy Local
I highly recommend purchasing annuals from your local grower.  Unlike some of the larger box stores, locally grown plants are hardened off and displayed for sale according to the weather in your location.  Your local grower will also have generations of expert knowledge to help you select appropriate varieties suited to your sun/shade limitations. They take the extra time and effort to maintain their stock while on display, as well as provide instructions on how to properly care for your plants.

Locally Grown

Don't hesitate...unlike other nursery stock, annuals are usually only available for a limited time.


Belinda's Website

Creative Use of Abandoned Nests

Those poor mother robins...they work so darn hard to create a beautifully crafted nest. Whether they are raided by predators or blown to the ground by Spring storms, I always feel bad when such craftsmanship is tossed aside.

This year I decided to create something special from the nest that I found lying under my spruce tree.  I placed it on a cute twig shelf on my patio and potted it up with a small amount of potting soil and some clippings from a tough and aggressive trailing sedum plant.  It now graces my outdoor living area and provides a unique accent, where it might otherwise be thrown out into the woodlot behind the house.

As a bird lover, I do not advocate going on a search and destroy mission to locate these nests.  If they are securely in place somewhere, please do not disturb them! This particular determined bird has since set about creating a new nest in another location. Mother robin is currently battling the local crows to protect her latest creation. I will continue to cheer her on and help chase the crows away when I can.  Then I will sit back on my deck and enjoy her first effort.

Belinda's Website

Bye Bye Birdie

A sad commentary on progress and an abandoned rookery

In western Racine County, just outside the Village of Rochester lies the intersection of Nesting Way and Blue Crane Ct.  There are no homes on this corner in "Rookery Landing Estates" and only two "McMansions" in the entire development. You certainly don't have to drive very far to see upscale developments that have become victims of the economy.  In fact, you can find them in almost every rural community across the country.  What makes this story heartbreaking, is the ultimate departure of the Great Blue Herons, for which the development was named.

I had heard about the "rookery"  just outside of town from a friend several years ago.  Until the farmland was sold for development, the rookery was a well-kept secret and difficult to access.   It wasn't until the Spring of 2010 that my husband and I took a drive and wandered down the marked and paved streets of Rookery Landing Estates.  We were able to get a magnificent view of upwards of a dozen herons in and around the rookery.  Straight out of a scene from Jurassic Park, the site of this community of huge birds perched in their large nests among the treetops was awe inspiring.  I imagined the scene resembled what a pterodactyl colony would have looked like in prehistoric times.

I was, however, deeply troubled by the fact that the first home/mansion built in the development was located right smack dab in front of the rookery.  I told myself at the time that whoever had purchased that particular lot must certainly be a bird/nature enthusiast, who would do everything in their power to both preserve and treasure the magnificent display that was "literally" in their backyard.  Little did I know at the time, we had witnessed the rookery's last season.

Fast forward to yesterday...I was heading out to do a landscape consultation at a home adjacent to the development.  I always bring my camera with me, so when I located the driveway marker, I was delighted that I would be gaining access to the property directly behind the rookery.  As I traveled down the dirt drive, I scanned the treeline for a glimpse of the huge twig nests in the trees.  To my surprise, there was no trace whatsoever of the rookery that had been there just two short years ago.  When I pulled up to the house, the first thing I asked the homeowner was, "where are the herons?"   She replied sadly, "they're gone".  They had apparently left following the construction of the second home.  My heart sank. She indicated that her subsequent inquiries to the Department of Natural Resources as to their whereabouts had gone unanswered.

She proceeded to tell me that the herons had been there since before she and her husband had built their modest colonial back in the sixties. They had managed to co-exist with the herons and always remained cautious around them. They made sure never to walk under the trees, as the birds would become agitated. Being a bird enthusiast like myself, I couldn't imagine her loss after all those seasons of enjoyment.  While I was still overcome by a mix of sadness and anger, she told me me that the owner of the home closest to the rookery had lost it in foreclosure...something about a gambling addiction.   I was stunned and managed to inquire, "please tell me that he at least appreciated the herons".  She slowly shook her head "no".  As if that weren't enough, she indicated that the developer had since abandoned the project.  While I realize I am stating information I received second hand, the sad fact remains that after countless decades...the herons are gone.

I have pondered this scenario for over a day now, and I am still perplexed by the total disconnect with nature. Who in the world purchases a lot in the middle of nowhere without having some appreciation of the areas original inhabitants?  For years, I have ranted to anyone who will listen about the irony of developers purchasing land and giving their new developments audacious names like Coyote Crossing or Deer Trail Estates, etc.  Just the simple act of clearing the land for streets pretty much guarantees the elimination of much of the existing wildlife.

I view the empty streets of Rookery Landing as a scar on the landscape and a sad commentary on "unchecked" progress in the name of personal profit.  I hope the herons have found a new, more suitable location for their nursery, and that the DNR remains "mum" on its location.  I also hope that the local real estate office that is currently selling the lots is successful, so that a neighborhood may grow out of this once "rich" farm land.  Where once young herons fledged from their nests, my wish would be to see homes of a more "modest" size, and yards filled with children playing.  And if a few of the resident creatures return to nibble on your prized hostas...SO BE IT!


Note:  The Blue Crane, as noted on the street sign at top, is an endangered crane (not heron) native to the southern regions of Africa...not North America.

Belinda's Website

Bird Seed - You Get What You Pay For!

Like most things in life, you get what you pay for.  When looking for seed to fill your bird feeders, it is vital that you resist the urge to grab that "box store" special. You know the one that advertises the 20lb. bag of bird seed for next to nothing. That's because there is next to nothing of value in the bag.

GOOD QUALITY MIX

           

A quality mix of wild bird seed will contain a high concentration of black oil sunflower, like the mix shown above.  It is even better if it contains safflower, peanuts and dried fruit.  You will attract your favorite species, including cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches and much more.

POOR QUALITY MIX

If you bring home that bag of "bargain brand" seed, you will most likely find it contains a mix that looks much like the one above.  There are very few black oil sunflowers seeds, but an abundance of millet (white), milo (red) and cracked corn. Generally what happens with these mixes, is that the desired birds will kick out the fillers (millet, milo and corn) in search of the elusive black oil sunflower.  In the process, the ground beneath your feeder is covered with seed/corn that attracts undesirable ground feeders, including house sparrows, grackles and starlings.

In the end, the money you save results in a substantial amount of seed waste. The quality of the birds attracted is directly related to the quality of seed placed in the feeder.  Don't sell yourself short...spend the extra money, and the results will amaze you!  

Belinda's Website

Hummingbird History in the Making!

Today I stopped in at my favorite site for monitoring the migration of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds.  I was absolutely astonished to see what was posted today (March 27, 2012).  The reality of this map shows that the recent warm temperatures have pushed the migration along at an unprecedented 4 to 5 weeks ahead of schedule.  

I have done numerous birding classes over the years, and I have always told the participants to anticipate the return of the hummingbirds to Southeastern Wisconsin when the flowering crabapple trees are blooming.  Usually this corresponds with Mother's Day (give or take a week).  This year, I was unsure whether this would hold true, as the forsythia bloomed last week, the Bradford Pear trees this week, and the flowering crabs are looking to burst open within the week.  It appears that the hummingbirds are following the warm weather and are on target to arrive within the week.  As noted on the map above, you can see that some have already made an appearance as far north as central Wisconsin.

I have always advocated that if you want to be successful in attracting hummingbirds, you should place your feeder out about a week in advance of the crabapple bloom.  Well folks...that time is NOW!  The migration map supports this, but it doesn't stop me from having a bit of apprehension.  Historically, we still have many more nights of freezing temperatures to expect.  This is truly uncharted territory!

My advice to hummingbird lovers is to put out those feeders ASAP!  Any drastic changes in temperature will severely affect these vulnerable creatures, so please make sure that you have your feeders filled with "clean" nectar at all times...especially if we see a cold snap.

Keep your fingers crossed that these harbingers of Spring have not arrived too soon!  To view details of the hummingbird migration, click here:  http://www.learner.org/jnorth/maps/humm_ruby_spring2012.html

Belinda's Website

Spring 2012...Strange Days Indeed!

We are now almost a week into the most unusual early Spring weather ever experienced here in Southeastern Wisconsin.  It hit 80 degrees on St. Patrick's Day, and the warming trend continues. We barely even registered Winter, but today my daffodils and my neighbor's forsythia bush are in full bloom...nearly a month too soon!

The bird activity has been just as unusual.  For the past 17 years, we have lived just off Tichigan Lake and have been treated to migratory loons making their way to northern breeding grounds.  Generally speaking, they arrive in conjunction with "ice out" on the lake.  This year the ice out was in late February, and as of today's writing...no loon sightings.  The cardinals, house finches and robins have been singing up a storm and displaying breeding behavior usually noted in mid April.

With changing weather patterns and an unusual jet stream in 2012, my advice to bird watchers this season is to expect the unexpected.  Anticipate many of your favorite migratory species to be visiting earlier than in year's past.  Also keep your ears and eyes open for that "wayward" traveler.  Often strange weather patterns will send some birds not native to your particular area off course.  Now more than ever it is important to have that field guide handy in case one of these little lost souls should take refuge in your backyard.

I would be interested in hearing what type of unusual nature-related trends others may be seeing throughout the United States.  Comments are welcome!  In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful weather.

Update 3/26:  Today I saw one lone common loon on the lake.  Hopefully they haven't all made it north yet!

Crooning Cardinals

For the past two days, this handsome devil has been perched in the cedar tree in my yard singing his little heart out.  While "Old Man Winter" has yet to decide whether he plans to stay or go, this colorful crooner has already set his sights on Spring and the female he was pursuing at the feeder.  The courtship ritual of cardinals can be quite entertaining...especially if there is more than one suitor involved.

Cardinals are quite easy to attract, especially when offered their favorite seeds (black oil sunflower and safflower).  They are most comfortable visiting a hopper-type feeder, or in my case, a fly-thru platform feeder.  If you don't already have a feeder in place, I highly recommend it.  Male cardinals have a very endearing mating technique of feeding seed to his potential mate.  If he is successful, he will continue this activity throughout the nesting and incubation process.  While the cardinal is already one of my favorites, this TLC shown by the male to his mate makes him even more attractive!

The link below provided by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology provides additional information on the song of the Northern Cardinal.

Cardinal Song - Courtesy Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Belinda's Website

Are You Ready for Bird Watching?

Now is the time to make sure you have all your bird watching tools ready to go at a moment's notice.  When that rare warbler is roosting on a branch outside your window is not the appropriate time to be searching for your digital camera or binoculars.  It is also not the time to discover that your camera battery needs a charge.

Throughout the Spring migration, I like to keep both my binoculars and digital camera within close proximity of my windows or back door.  I have found that the camera can be an invaluable tool for making proper identification of unknown species.  Even if you are unable to get a good "in-focus" picture, don't be disappointed.  It is often just as satisfying when you can make an identification by cropping and enlarging a poor quality pic.  As long as you can make out the distinguishing markings, you should be able to determine  which bird you captured on film.  Also, chances are very good that if you have food and/or a water source nearby, they will be back for a second photo op!

If you don't already have a good field guide, I suggest getting one or all of the following:

• Sibley Field Guide To Birds of (Eastern/Western North America)
• Peterson's Field Guide To The Birds (East/West)
• National Geographic Field Guide To The Birds Of North America

Field Guides on Amazon.com

I just happen to have a copy of each of these, as well as a few "vintage" versions of the Peterson's guide.  When in doubt, it is always helpful to be able to consult the pictures from another field guide.  

Don't limit yourself to making identifications and taking pictures in and around your home.  During the peak of the migrations, you will most certainly find both a field guide and a camera sitting on the passenger seat of my car.  You never know when that special sighting is going to present itself.

Belinda's Website

Birdscaping

“Birdscaping” is the careful process of native plant selection, combined with other key elements to create an interactive landscape that works in harmony with nature. 

During the spring and fall migrations, thousands of unique birds pass through North America en route to their nesting grounds.  Unfortunately, many of these beauties have a diet that consists mainly of fruit and/or insects, so they are not attracted by traditional bird feeders.  Applying the elements of Birdscaping will increase the odds of attracting these and other unique species of birds and butterflies to your home. 

In addition to enhancing your viewing opportunities, a well-planned habitat can quickly become a favorite nesting location for migratory birds and a permanent residence for year-round species.  The addition of fruit-bearing plants also provides needed sustenance during the long winter months.

It is well documented that making a connection with nature provides a multitude of health benefits to humans.  Why not take the extra time to make choices that everyone (birds and humans) can enjoy! 


See lists below for trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses to attract your feathered friends.

Trees/Shrubs

•         River birch

•         Crabapple

•         Red Cedar

•         Mountain Ash

•         Juniper

•         White Oak

•         Beech

•         Hawthorn

•         Dogwoods

•         Viburnums

•         Serviceberry

•         Winterberry

•         Cotoneaster

•         Coralberry

•         Chokecherry

•         American Elderberry

•         Sumac

Perennials & Grasses

•         Coneflower (Echinacea)

•         Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

•         Aster

•         Columbine  (Aquilegia)

•         Gay feather (Liatris)

•         Cardinal Flower (Lobelia)

•         Cat Mint (Nepeta)

•         Little Bluestem grass

•         Big Bluestem grass

•         Bee Balm (Monarda)

•         Garden Phlox

•         Shasta Daisy

•         Goldenrod

•         Coreopsis

      •         Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)

Belinda's Website

Tracking Spring Migration

Original watercolor by Belinda Abendschein, Copyright 2002

While the half a foot of snow that fell overnight might discourage thoughts of Spring, some of our favorite migratory birds are already making their way north. About the time that cabin fever sets in each year, I log onto my favorite migratory tracking website Journey North.  I love this program because it recruits K-12 students and teachers to participate as citizen scientists and report their sightings of various migratory species.  The general public is also welcome to participate, and I have often given reports of the first common loons that make their stop here at Tichigan Lake each March.

In addition to bird species such as hummingbirds, orioles, robins and red-winged blackbirds, the site also follows the migration of monarch butterflies, singing frogs, gray whales and much more!  So even if the landscape is still looking pretty bleak in your neck of the woods, log onto Journey North and click on the migration maps.  You too can get excited about Spring and be ready when your favorite visitors start winging their way to your neighborhood!

Belinda's Website

Preparing for Spring!

Spring is an exciting time, especially here in Wisconsin.  In addition to the activities of our resident species, we are also privileged to experience a large number of migrating species (especially warblers), as they work their way north to the boreal forests. Don’t wait until the hummingbirds and orioles arrive to make your preparations.  Many birds are already making their way north as early as late February/early March.

•         Put out nesting boxes for cavity-dwelling birds (chickadees, wrens, woodpeckers, bluebirds, swallows, owls, wood ducks).  A good resource for nest box specifications:   http://www.sialis.org/nestboxguide.htm 

•         You can also help nesting birds by providing clean, natural nesting materials (string, animal hair, twigs, straw).  Tip:  Place these items in an empty suet cage.

•         Get a good pair of binoculars and a great field guide.  Recommended field guides include:  Peterson’s, Sibley, National Geographic.  Also, a great resource for beginners is “Birds of Wisconsin” by Stan Tekiela.  The photos are arranged by color to help make identification easier for those who are still learning the various species.

•         Have feeders cleaned and adequately filled with a good quality seed/suet.

•         Make sure you have a water source available.  If possible and weather permits, a moving water source will get the most attention. This is important to attract insect/fruit eating species.

•         Have a camera available for those “surprise” visitors.  Nothing is more frustrating than having that “rare” visitation, and you can’t capture the moment.  It also makes it easier to make proper identification if you can go back and review a photo.

Belinda's Website

Baby It's Cold Outside

We have had a relatively mild winter thus far in Southeastern Wisconsin, but temperatures are going to dip tonight.  Don't forget to plug in those heated birdbaths if you have one.  If you don't, it's not too late to run out and purchase one.

During these cold spells, finding open water sources becomes more difficult for birds.  Providing them with a good source of water and fresh seed in feeders will certainly increase the activity at your birdbath and feeders.

Belinda's Website