When I was a boy, back before Interstate highways and air-conditioned vehicles, we played games in the car to occupy time and take our minds off the fact that it was hot as hell and we weren’t going very fast. One game we played was Guess My Pretty Bird. In the game (usually played outside), someone with a cup full of water doused whoever guessed the name of the bird he or she was thinking of. … [Read more...]
Attract Bluebirds – Right Now!
If you want bluebirds in your backyard, don’t wait until spring to put out a box. Do it right now. If it’s an old birdhouse, make sure to clean it thoroughly. In the real estate business for birds, the “buyers” can be picky and a dirty birdhouse will send them elsewhere. Also, make sure it’s a “bluebird house”. According to the National Audubon society, it’s critical that a bluebird house have … [Read more...]
Oh Christmas Tree
Christmas is over. It’s time to un-decorate the tree, drag it out to the curb and let the trash guys do their thing. But not so fast! A Christmas tree has many uses after the holiday season is over. For one, it makes ideal cover for small birds as they face the coming winter. On a few occasions, I have convinced my wife to let me drag the tree to my vegetable garden and remain there until the … [Read more...]
Picking Up Worms
I had a paper route when I was 12 years old and every morning I was out and about delivering the Beckley Post Herald to my 30 or so subscribers in Lewisburg, WV. Lewisburg is limestone country with rich soil, a soil that supports a large night crawler population. On warm, wet mornings, the night crawlers were all over the streets and I had to swerve my bike to keep from running over them. … [Read more...]
The Humble Sparrow
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31 The above is one of my favorite bible verses. The very poorest people of that day couldn’t afford sheep or goats for religious sacrifices, … [Read more...]
The Best Birdseed
There are approximately 5 million of us who enjoy backyard bird watching to some degree and it’s hard to watch and observe without scattering a few seeds. As a mater of fact, according to the 2014 Wild Bird Feeding Industry research, 3 million Americans bought bird seed totaling $6.3 billion. Since money – and birdseed – doesn’t grow on trees, we birders need to get the most bang for our bucks. … [Read more...]
Tufted Titmouse
Who would ever name a bird “titmouse?” The poor little tufted titmouse has nothing in common with a mouse, or the other part of its name. The regal little bird with the crest should have been named the silver prince or something equally as distinguished, But it’s name is the tufted titmouse and we always have them at our feeder. About 10 years ago, I was blessed to witness the fledging of a … [Read more...]
Jay Walking
Some of the most entertaining birds in our back yard are the blue jays. Jays often get bad press because they will bust up nests of other birds. They are very opportunistic and will kill baby birds and eat other bird eggs if given the chance. But they are one of the smartest birds on the planet and I enjoy sharing my back yard with a small, resident flock. Recently, I was in the backyard … [Read more...]
Two Turtle Doves
On the second day of Christmas somebody’s true love gave a gift of Two Turtle Doves. Personally, I’d rather have a gift certificate to Chili’s, but to each his own. True turtle doves are European natives. A migratory species, they spend their summers across Europe and the Middle East while wintering in southern Africa. We don’t have turtle doves in the states. What some call turtle doves are … [Read more...]
Fall Landscaping Tips
Fall is the time for local homeowners to prepare their yards and gardens for the coming winter and upcoming spring. Tending to a few simple tasks in the next month or two assures a vibrant and healthy lawn. Yet, fall can be a busy time for many homeowners. There are school activities, preparations for the holidays and the daylight hours get progressively shorter. Need a little help? Then call … [Read more...]
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