Summer Birding

There is a common misconception surrounding summer bird feeding. Many believe that it is both unnecessary to feed in the summer and that it can make birds lazy and dependent.

The truth of the matter is that birds only get about 25% of their daily food from feeders. Food is abundant during the summer months with many types of insects and seeds available in the wild. While it is not strictly necessary to feed during the summer, it is also unnecessary to feed during the winter. Birds are incredibly resourceful. The entire purpose of bird feeding is really down to personal enjoyment. If you love having birds and activity in your yard then by all means feed away!

There are also many benefits to summer feeding.

During the summer we benefit from longer days allowing the birds to frequent feeders for a longer period of time which in turn makes bird watching easier and more enjoyable. Another benefit to feeding the birds in the summer is that birds are in their summer plumage make identification easier. The bright colours and markings are also prettier than the drab winter plumage. In the spring and summer you also get a chance to watch the birds raising their young. You will often see fledglings at the feeders with their parents. Also, providing a constant source of food and water is a sure fire way to encourage the birds to nest in your yard. Try putting out a woodpecker house or owl house for something different!

Be sure, though, to give the birds a wide birth should they nest in your yard. If they sense that they are endangered it is common for them to abandon their eggs and start a new nest in another area. It should also be noted that parents rarely leave their chicks for long and do not need assistance from nosy birders!

One of the greatest pleasures of summer feeding is the hummingbird. These quick little birds are exciting to watch and easy to please. A simple sugar/water mixture, or “just add water” concentrate, is all you need. Along with a feeder of course!

Summer feeding isn’t without its downsides though; there are a few things to consider before you fill your feeders!

During the summer it is vital to keep feeders clean. If it rains or if it is very humid there is the possibility that mold and bacteria begin to grow in the seed. This can be harmful to the birds. Cleaning your feeders regularly is a must.

The same is to be said about bird baths. It is important to make sure the water does not become stagnant. Not only will this provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes but also bacteria that may be harmful to birds and their plumage. This is not to discourage putting out a bird bath. It is actually important to provide the birds with a fresh constant source of water for drinking and keeping their feathers in top condition. Adding something to keep the water moving is a great way to discourage mosquitoes from laying their eggs in your bird bath, birds are also more attracted to moving water. Consider adding small rocks or pebbles to your bird bath if it is deep to encourage the birds to use it.

There is also the threat of raccoons and other animals that may get into your feeders. If you see these animals in your yard or hear that they are in the neighbourhood it is advised that you take your feeders down for a few days, they will move on if there is nothing around to eat. Common sense dictates that these animals will be far more attracted to the smell of garbage, barbeques, and, fruit trees, than the bird seed. They are not seeking it but will, of course, dig in if they come across some!

You may also consider taking advantage of the good weather and join a birding group! Summer birding can be a real treat, so grab your binoculars and get out there!

Nite Guard Solar®

            Nite Guard® predator deterrent works by preying on the primitive fear of being watched, and proves to be an effective tool against unwanted intruders.

            The bright red flash mimics the reflection of a predator’s eye at night. These solar powered and light activated lights begin to flash at dusk. To be most effective one Nite Guard® should be placed in each direction the unwanted animals are coming from. Mounting them to a pole at eye level of the intruders is the best way to guarantee it will be seen. Placed properly they will protect an area of several hundred yards, though the light is not bright enough to be a bother to you or your neighbours.

            Nite Guard® is ideal if you have a problem with raccoons, fox, deer, skunk, coyotes, and also, bears. Nite Guard® also works against hawks and owls, you must however mount it approximately 10-14’ on a pole so that it is visible during flight.

            Nite Guard Solar® are available in store at the Backyard Birder Nature Gift Shop, please contact for availability!

Nite Guard and Nite Guard Solar are registered trademarks of Nite Guard, LLC.

Getting ready for spring!

With spring comes a veritable bonanza of birds. Returning from their winter migration most are back to nest and enjoy the good weather!

Robin

You can expect to see returning Robins, Warblers, Sparrows, and, Wrens. The warmer months also brings back predators such as Kestrels and Sharp-Shinned Hawks. Though some ducks will Winter in the areas with open water most do migrate south. Feeding ducks is a popular past time for many, it’s encouraged to feed corn if available. Bread contains very little nutritional benefits to ducks, because they are simply empty calories. One of the largest birds that returns in the spring is the Great Blue Heron, if you live near water or have a cottage you’re surely familiar with this majestic bird. Its neighbour the Common Loon will also be back to lakes and ponds near you to nest.

Since most are indeed back to nest a great way to help out the birds this spring is to provide nesting material. Birds use twigs, grass, and, mud to build their nests. There are all sorts of materials you can put out for the birds like cut up bits of yarn, synthetic feathers, lint from your dryer, and, even the fur from the brush you use on your cats and dogs. Hang the material in a wire basket or place it on the ground in high traffic areas were the birds will easily notice it. While there is no guaranteed way to get a pair to nest in your yard combining nesting materials with nesting boxes is a great way to increase the odds.

Setting up a bird bath is also a great way to attract birds to your yard, especially those that do not feed at feeders. Water is important to birds not only for hydration but to keep their feathers clean and healthy. You must take care to clean it and change the water regularly to prevent the water from becoming stagnant. Not only will harmful bacteria grow but it will provide a ripe breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

Since many birds will have young this spring feeding provides a helpful dose of energy for busy parents. It should be noted though that most chicks will not eat grains and seeds. Meal worms, bugs, and, grubs can also be offered alongside your regular feeders. As the chicks begin to fledge you may see them at the feeders. By the time they do fledge and start to eat seeds they are for the most part full grown so they may be hard to differentiate from the older birds. The easiest way to tell them apart is by their feathers. They will still be sporting their juvenile plumage which generally isn't as bright and vibrant as their adult counterparts.

Last and certainly not least, Hummingbirds should be back in a matter of weeks! For more information on Hummingbirds and attracting them to your yard check out our post about these fun little birds.

The rush of spring can provide some of the best birding of the year so be sure to stop by the store and get everything you need before the birds arrive from their winter holiday!

Bird Journal

Do you ever struggle to remember the birds you've seen and when you saw them? If you’re like us you simply cannot rely on a photographic memory, because you don’t have one!

A great way to remember and track the many you birds you've seen is to keep a bird journal; it does not need to be complicated or costly!

A simple lined journal is all you need, though you can also generate your journal on a computer. Using a computer to generate your journal creates a neat, easy to reference, table with species, year, and, location columns. You may also want to track the weather conditions and the surrounding habitat. Filling out the species column with birds you know you're going to see is a great way to stay organized for quick entries. Take care to leave blank rows and columns for new sightings or rare birds that can be filled in as needed. Starting anew at the beginning of the year is an easy way to archive your sightings for easy reference. You can also use your field guide to journal, leaving shorthand notes beside the species you see. 

With your written journal you can also, if you’re artistically inclined, keep a pictorial journal with drawings or even photographs you've taken of different bird sightings. A journal is also a great way to track the number of birds you've seen. Now is the perfect time to start! The "Great Backyard Bird Count" will be taking place from Friday, February 15th to Monday, February 18th!

Together, with a good set of binoculars and a field guide, a pen and paper are a birder’s best friends!

Happy Birding!

Feeders

The type of feeder you should put up depends largely on what kinds of birds you are getting in your yard and which you’d like to attract.

                                               

                                                Tube Feeders: Tube feeds are available for sunflower seeds and Nyjer seeds; they come in a variety of sizes to suit any budget.

Squirrel Proof:  The Squirrel Proof feeders that we carry feature a weight based mechanism which is factory set to close under the weight of a squirrel or can be adjusted depending on the model. They are available for both Sunflower Seeds and Peanut Halves.

Pigeon Proof: These Feature cage around feeder which doesn’t allow pigeons to land on feeder, they are not squirrel proof; these feeders also thwart larger birds allowing the smaller birds to feed.

Peanut in a Shell: Highly entertaining and popular Wreath Feeder. This wreath is designed with Blue Jays in mind.

Peanut Wreath

Trays: Alternative to ground feeding. Reduces mess and makes feed more visible for birds attracting them to your yard.

                               

Fly-through: Large visually pleasing feeders. Large feed surface

                               

Hopper: Much like the fly-through just with a feed hopper. Reduces refill frequency.

Windows Feeders: Small plastic feeders that are affixed to a window with suction cups. Great for beginners and children!

Aspect Window Feeder - Aspect Inc.

As with nearly everything you buy you get what you pay for. This is not to say that you have to spend a large amount of money to get a good feeder! One of our favourite brands is Droll Yankee, due to high standard for quality and their lifetime warranty.

Feeders with painted metal hardware are recommended due to the added durability of the parts. It is also important to remember to clean your feeders regularly; moisture in the feeder can stimulate the growth of mold and bacteria which may be harmful to the birds. A feeder that is easy to take apart and re-assemble with few small parts is ideal for ease of cleaning.

You can view a selection of our feeders and the various styles on our website www.backyardbirder.ca. Also, do not hesitate to leave a question or comment here or on Facebook. If you’re really feeling zealous take a picture of your feeding stations/feeders and share it with us on Facebook.

Visit us in store to see our full selection of feeders so you can find one that suits your needs! 

Woodpeckers

            There are approximately 20 species of Woodpeckers in North America. The three most common species here in Northern Ontario are the Downy, Hairy, and, Pileated Woodpecker.


Downy Woodpecker

         

The downy woodpecker is the smallest of the three at approximately 6 inches. They are white with black wings that feature white spots. Males will have a bright red cap on the back of their head. They are highly tolerant to human activity and become quite tame. They tend to feed higher in trees but will also come down to a suet log or feeder with peanut halves or sunflower seeds.

 

Hairy Woodpecker

The hairy woodpecker shares most physical traits with the downy; they are however a little larger at about 9 inches. They are easily distinguishable by their larger more developed beak. Unfortunately they are not quite as tame as their little cousins, though they will tolerate some human activity. Like the downy they prefer the suet but will feed on sunflower seeds and peanut halves.

Pileated Woodpecker

The largest and most impressive of the three is the Pileated Woodpecker, growing up to 20 inches tall. They are black with white underside and a bright red crest. You’ll also know one is around by the loud noise they make when pecking at a tree. They prefer to stay in wooded areas but have been known to frequent a suet log in the winter months. They are quite wary of human activity and generally don’t stick around when people line up to gawk. To increase the chances of bringing the pileated into your yard to feed try putting the suet higher in the tree or directly on the bark this will allow them to feed at a comfortable distance.

            Woodpeckers favour suet but are also quite partial to peanut halves. The ideal treat would be suet with peanuts or pieces of peanuts in it. There are several types of feeders one can use such a as a cage for a suet cake, a pin for a suet ball, or a suet log with holes to stuff the suet into.

Hummingbirds

As spring arrives so do the hummingbirds! Though they haven’t quite made their way to Sudbury yet, it is only a matter of weeks!

There is said to be over 350 types of hummingbirds across the America's. Included in the hummingbird family is the smallest living bird, the Bee Hummingbird which has a wingspan of just 2 inches (for comparison the Ruby-Throated has a wingspan of about 4 inches). The most common species of hummingbird in our area is the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. The males are easily identified by their vibrant ruby throats. The females are a little more non-descript in their simple green plumage, bare throat, and white chest feathers. The average weight for an adult hummingbird is around 3.1 grams.

Females lay two pea sized eggs per clutch within 2-3 days of each other. Incubation lasts only a 2-3 weeks and each female will raise 2-3 broods each year, often reusing or rebuilding a previously used nest. The fledglings are cared for by their mother for only 14-20 days. Once they can feed themselves there are on their own. Though it is believed they can live up to 12 years they generally live somewhere between 3 to 5 years.

Feeding Hummingbirds is a great deal of fun because they are very tolerant of human activity. Though they may fly to the nearest tree when someone approaches they quickly return to the feeder when they do not feel threatened. This means that the feeders can be placed very close to your house making it a breeze to watch these zippy little birds. It is also very entertaining to watch the hummingbirds chase each other around the yard trying to guard the feeder.

Speaking of feeders there is a wide variety of hummingbird feeders available. Some are more decorative while others place function first. There are really just two things to consider when choosing a hummingbird feeder. It is recommended to select one that will prevent insects such as wasps and ants from getting into the nectar and one that has as little yellow on it as possible.

Bees and wasps alike are attracted to the colour yellow. Most feeders have yellow port holes. These should either be painted red or swapped for red ones.

The best solution, however, is to choose a feeder that makes the nectar inaccessible to them. Hummingbirds have long tongues and can get at nectar in a feeder that is constructed so that the solution is in a reservoir too deep for insects to reach. There are also attachments that can be added to the port holes making it impossible for the insects to reach the nectar.

Once the bees and wasps find your feeder they will communicate its location to the hive. Moving your feeder can thwart their efforts, though only temporarily.

For the nectar mix 1 part sugar (plain white granulated sugar) with 3 parts water. We do however recommend to use a pre-mixed solution or specially formulated hummingbird food powder which has extra calcium and vitamins which is essential for females when breeding! We carry both pre-mixed liquid hummingbird food as well as powdered hummingbird food (just add water) at the Backyard Birder Nature Gift Shop!

Fun Facts

·         Wing beats: 40-80 per second, average of 52

·         Heart rate: 250 beats per minute (resting), 1200 beats per minute (feeding)

·         Flight speed: 48 kph in normal flight, 80 kph when escaping, and up to 100 kph when in a dive

·         Nonstop migration from southern Canada to Gulf of Mexico

·         Males migrate earlier, while breeding females and juveniles will wait until the first frost

·         Nests are about 2” in diameter

·         Eggs are no bigger than a pea 

·        Largest species has a wingspan over 8 inches

·        Smallest has a wingspan of just 2 inches

Hummingbirds are a joy to have in your yard during the late spring and summer months. You can track their migration here and also report any sightings throughout the summer! Make sure to stop by the store for all your hummingbird needs!

Seeds

There are many species of birds and many types of seeds to suit all their needs. The first step in deciding what is best for you is to identify the birds that are coming to your yard. Once this is done you are ready to target which birds you want to keep around, or other species you may want to attract.

Fortunately many birds share seed preferences. To appeal to the widest variety of birds a pre-mixed blend of many types of seeds is often ideal. As with everything, bulk is the target. Though a 50lbs bag of seed may not be the easiest thing to carry around it is always cheaper to buy big. It is important, to note, when buying in bulk to have a cool dry place to store your seeds. We also recommend transferring your seeds to a metal can to insure that no unwanted diners get into your seed.

The most commonly recommended bird feed is the Black Oil Sunflower seed. This appeals to a wide variety of birds because of it high oil content. This is especially beneficial in the winter because of the high energy levels in the oil. For a cleaner alternative we suggest Hulled Sunflower which is simply the Black Oil Sunflower seeds without the shell. This reduces the mess because the shells are not tossed to the ground by the birds. It also favoured by the birds because it requires little to no effort because there is no shell to crack. This will surely keep them at your feeders!

If you are getting Blue Jays in your yard we strongly recommend Peanuts in a Shell paired with our Peanut Wreath. Blue Jays cannot resist this fun feeder which makes them work a little harder than usual to pull the peanuts out of the coil. If you like watching Blue Jays feed than this feeder should most definitely be on your shopping list!

Sparrows, Mourning Doves, and Junco's all prefer to feed on the ground. For these birds we suggest a pre-mixed blend with lots of Millet, Cut Corn, and Hulled Sunflower. These birds have a harder time with the larger hard shelled seeds.

If you're seeing a lot of Redpolls, Pine Siskin, and Goldfinches in your yard then the best thing you can put out for them in Nyjer. These small black seeds are their favourite!

One thing to always make sure to have out for the birds is Suet. For birds of all types this is the bees knees! You can read up on it in our previous blog post: "Winter Feeding Tip #1 - Suet".  Don't be fooled by the title though, suet is just as good for birds in the Spring and Summer as it is in the Winter!

From left: Black Oil, Striped Sunflower, Hulled Sunflower, Peanut Halves, and Peanuts in a Shell

At the Backyard Birder we carry, year round¹, 50lb bags of Black Oil Sunflower, Striped Sunflower, Hulled Sunflower, Peanut Halves, and Peanuts in a shell, and, Nyjer. We also carry 40lb bags of Whole and Cracked Corn. We do, of course, also carry smaller bags ranging from 1lb to 20lbs². 


In addition to single grains we also have a variety of custom blends which are mixed and bagged in store. We offer a Blue Jay Mix, Chickadee Mix, and a Sparrow Mix which target these specific species. We also have our Special Blend and Backyard Blend which provide a wider variety of seeds. Though there is something for everything in these particular blends, the Backyard Blend favours finches and sparrows. Our mixes are available in 10lb bags or, depending on the mix, 25lb, 30lb, and 40lb bags.

Here is a quick reference guide (that you can print out) of which birds like these common types of seeds and peanuts.

If you have any questions about feeding and the different types of seeds to not hesitate to ask either right here in the comments or on Facebook!

Keep an eye out for our next post on which feeders to match with the different types of feed and which style of feeder the different species favour!

¹ Subject to change without notice.

² Sizes vary by type of seed, not sold on a per pound basis.



Pine Grosbeaks

Pine Grosbeaks are amongst the largest of finches. They are easily identified by their long tail, stubby body, and, slightly hooked bill. The males are rather striking with red plumage which is a stark contrast to the females who sport a dowdy olive gray colour.

Pine Grosbeaks like their yellow cousins, the Evening Grosbeak, are a rare sight indeed. Unlike Evening Grosbeaks, which will migrate all the way down to Mexico, Pine Grosbeaks tend to stay North even during the winter. There does seem to be a more southerly migration during particularly harsh winters when food is scarce.

Fortunately for birders across Northern Ontario the Pine Grosbeaks have made their way to our area. The flocks have been exceedingly strong in the Sudbury area. Pine Grosbeaks like most birds favour Black Oil Sunflower Seeds and simply cannot resist Hulled Sunflower Seeds (both of which are available in store!). These beautiful birds are ground feeders. Simply tossing the feed on the snow would suffice, though you may also go the route of a tray feeder that reduces the spread of the seeds limiting the mess that the birds can sometimes leave behind. We carry many styles of tray feeders in store, as well as “fly-through” feeders which they will also frequent. 

Pine Grosbeaks are a wonderful addition to any yard. These birds are exceptionally tame and highly tolerant of human activity, making them a favourite amongst birders. The Backyard Birder does not, however, encourage direct interaction with the birds!

Make sure to stop by the store and pick up all you need to attract and keep the Pine Grosbeaks coming to your yard!

Also hit us up on Facebook and post your pictures of Pine Grosbeaks and let us know if they are visiting your yard!

Redpolls

The Redpolls are back!

These birds which breed in the far North of Coastal Greenland, Baffin Island, and, areas of the Hudson Bay follow no particular migratory pattern. They do, however, commonly head south in search of food during the winter. How far they go varies with the years this often makes them absent in the Sudbury, and surrounding, area.

Redpolls are small sparrow sized finches with gray-brown streaks on their back and sides. Their distinguishing feature is the red cap on their head as well as their black throat patch. Male Redpolls also have light pink plumage on their chests.

Fortunately for Northern Ontario birders the redpolls have come to us in search of food. They are a favorite amongst birders because of the large flocks the move in, up to one hundred strong.

Redpoll’s seed of choice is Nyjer, though they will also eat sunflower seeds. Redpolls will move on if they find a lack of food so it is essential to keep your feeders filled!

At the Backyard Birder Nature Gift Shop we have many different styles of Nyjer feeders as well as sunflower seed feeders which can be seen on our website http://www.backyardbirder.ca/#!birds. We also carry both nyjer seeds and sunflower seeds in store!

Also check us out on Facebook and share your Redpoll stories and pictures!