Wild Birds Unlimited

I Heart Birds

2012-02-14T03:00:00.000-05:00

I thought this was an appropriate love poem for St. Valentine's Day.

Do birds have belly buttons?

2012-02-13T03:00:00.000-05:00

Stages in chick embryodevelopment

All mammals have navels or belly buttons where the umbilicalcord distributes nutrients between a mother and her fetus. After birth, theumbilical cord is cut and a scar develops on the abdomen where the hole closes.Humans have very obvious buttons. Other mammals like my cats have teeny, tiny, little,bare patches.

Of course avians or birds hatch from eggs which are virtually self-contained life-support systems thatonly require warmth and oxygen to develop properly. Instead of an umbilical cord scar, birds have yolk sac scars at hatching. This is where the chick embryo is attachedto the yolk sac.

But don’t look for any bird belly button rings. The scars usuallyheal and become virtually invisible.

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Photo credit: http://msucares.com/poultry/reproductions/poultry_chicks_embryo.html

Identifying Brown Birds: Do birds change colors in the winter?

2012-02-12T03:00:00.000-05:00

I’m new to bird watching. Do you have a book that shows thebackyard birds in their winter colors? We have a lot of brown birds and I’mhaving a hard time telling the difference. ~ Birch Run, Michigan

Most of our backyard birds in Michigan go through only one full molt ayear in the fall. They replace their tired old feathers with a new set thatwill last until next fall. Most of the brown birds you are seeing at thefeeders are probably just that, little brown birds that are brown their wholelife. The two exceptions are the European Starlings and the American Goldfinches.

Starlings molt their feathers in the fall too, but their newfeathers are black with white tips giving the bird “stars”. Over the wintersunlight and weather dulls the speckled look and the bird becomes uniform darkbrown or black.

The American Goldfinches are the only mid-Michigan finch togo through a molt in the fall and one in the spring. The male goldfinches moltinto duller winter colors that resemble the female's soft olive green andsubdued yellow tones. And just when it seems as though winter will lastforever, the male goldfinch forecasts spring’s arrival with the reappearance ofits glamorous buttery yellow.

Color can be confusing. Any of our Birds of Michigan bookscan help you identify birds as well as any of the North American field guideswe have at Wild Birds Unlimited stores in East Lansingand Okemos, Michigan.

So what are all the brown birds you are seeing at the feeders?The most common backyard winter brown birds in Michigan are: House Sparrows, Dark-eyedJuncos, Carolina Wrens, female House Finches, Pine Siskins, Cedar Waxwings, Brown Creepers, Common Redpolls, female Northern Cardinals, European Starlings andAmerican Goldfinches.

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Dirt baths help birds stay clean http://bit.ly/yUUyYb
Fun Facts About European Starlings http://bit.ly/zvK9Zb

Do cardinals use bird houses?

2012-02-11T03:00:00.000-05:00

We’ve had a cardinal nesting in our front bushes for acouple years now. Can I buy them a house to nest in to make them safer? ~ Dimondale, Michigan

That’s a good question. Northern Cardinals, like many other birds,build open-cup nests. They aren’t cavity nesters so they wouldn’t use a birdhouse.

In the spring the female will visit several potentialnesting sites in her mate’s territory. She has to spend a lot of time stuck inone spot while incubating her eggs so you may see the female flutter her wingsto check out the space or turn around and peek through the branches to checkthe view and privacy levels.

Cardinals build their nests in a variety of trees and vinesthat offer protection and concealment. The female first builds a platform usingstiff, six inch long twigs. She uses her bill to bend the twigs in severalplaces and weave the twigs around her body. She also presses with her body andfeet to force some pieces into place.

After the framework is done, a nice soft layer of leaves areapplied to line the nest. Finally the female finishes her nest by adding alayer of fine grapevines or fine weed stems topped with very fine rootlets,grass stems or weed stems.

Once the nest is complete the female rocks back and forth inthe nest to make it more comfortable. She usually likes to build in the morningand the nest construction can take 3 to 6 days. The male cardinal may bring the female some twigs but the female usually builds the nest all alone while the male patrols the area.

Thank you for all your good information. I love your blogand emails. We saw a commercial with a cardinal in a bird house and so Ithought I better ask the “bird expert” at Wild Birds Unlimited before I did something that mightdisrupt my cardinals. Thank you for responding so quickly.

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Photo Share: Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

2012-02-10T03:00:00.000-05:00

I believe this is a Cooper’s Hawkthat was in our neighbor’s back yard, a block away from St. Lawrence (Sparrow)Hospital in Lansing.A gorgeous fellow!! The photo credit should go to my partner, Melodee.

Great blog! I just found it and amlooking forward to following it! ~Amy (Lansing, MI)

Did you miss anything on the Wild Birds Unlimited blog thisweek?

Weekly Recap:

Can birds predict your Valentine? http://bit.ly/wFmWJM
How many different types of chipmunks are there? http://bit.ly/AvXDgv
Why do bluebirds bathe more than cardinals? http://bit.ly/AfMOCj
Not a Shy Bird: How the Black-capped Chickadee Communicates http://bit.ly/yl0voa
Unusual bluebird behavior http://bit.ly/z0zMqb

Can birds predict your Valentine?

2012-02-09T03:00:00.000-05:00

Curious about what your romantic future holds, you may wantto look to the birds. Ornithomancy is an Ancient Greek practice of readingomens based on the birds. According to the ancient practice, the first birdthat an unmarried person sees on Valentine’s Day can foretell their future partner’scharacter.

The following is a list of birds and the type of person youcould end up with, supposedly, if you spot them on Valentine’s Day:

- Cardinal = Romantic person
- Chickadee = intelligent, long-term thinker
- Nuthatch = A scientist or mathematician

- Finch = A very sociable person

- Robin = A person in uniform

- Turkey= Environmentalist

- Bird of prey = A politician

- Bluebird = Someone who makes people smile

- Pigeon = A homebody

- Wren = Likes material possession

- Blackbird = A spiritual, charitable guy

- Sparrow = A farmer
- Owl = An academic

- Hummingbird = One that travels
- Swan = A partner for life

- Duck = A homely but stable person

- Kingfisher = Has inherited wealth

- Goose = Someone who works in communications

- Dove = A happy marriage

- Woodpecker = No marriage

- Crow = No relationship

Finally if the big question is popped and you arecontemplating what to say, sit outside and wait for a little birdy. If one fliespast you on your left, the answer is "no" and you may want to change yourplans. If a bird flies past you on your right the answer is "yes" andall will be well.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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How Birds Mate http://bit.ly/zRvpJ1

How many different types of chipmunks are there?

2012-02-08T03:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, I was looking for a 'chipmunk information' site andclicked on yours. I am wondering if there is a difference in Eastern andWestern chipmunks? We live in western(BC) Canadaand have had a chipmunk showing up off and on all spring and summer. It hasbeen some weeks since we last saw our little guy scampering around amidst ourbushes and flowers. Are the hibernating practices of our chipmunks the same asthe ones in the east?

Do they have a territory and stay there all the time or dothey move around? We have squirrels as well and I wondered if they weredisplacing the chipmunks in the past....this little guy seemed to not bebothered by them.

I appreciate your information site. As I live on the otherside of the continent, it is unlikely I will ever visit one of your stores(mores the pity as I would probably find many 'have to have' items topurchase!), so will understand if you don't respond to this. I just wanted to thank you for caring aboutour little co-habitors of this planet....too few people consider their wellbeing in their daily lives, I'm afraid. Thanks for doing such a great job....

Least chipmunks

There are 25 known species of chipmunks in the world. Fifteenspecies of native chipmunks of the genus Eutamiasand one of the genus Tamias are foundin North America. The Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) and the Least Chipmunk(Eutamias minimas), are the two mostwidely distributed species.

You probably have the LeastChipmunk the smallest of all chipmunks and similar in appearance to ourEastern Chipmunk. Least Chipmunks distribution includes western Canada from the Yukon,south through Sierra Nevada and Southern New Mexico, and east to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and QuebecCanada.

Most chipmunks are characterized by having black stripesthat run down the middle and sides of their back. The least chipmunk's outsideblack stripes on each side of its body are complimented by white stripes. Whitestripes also run from nose to ear above and below the eye.

Eastern Chipmunk

Least chipmunks are most active between April and October. During the winterthe chipmunks retire to underground burrows, where they enter torpor (shorttimes of hibernation) and live off stored food until spring. Larger squirrelsdon't displace them.

A lot is still unknown about these animals. Home ranges have been estimated at1/4 of an acre. Some areas have up to 6 individuals per acre. In general, theyare not social, except for mating in the spring and rearing young.

Females usually have a single litter of 2-6 young after a 30 day pregnancy. Theteeny tiny pups are born naked and don't open their eyes until 28 days later.The mother nurses her young for two months and then they are on their own afterthey are taught by her to hunt for nuts, berries, fruits, grasses, fungi,snails, and insects in a six week survival course.

Thanks for the question. You can look for a Wild Birds Unlimited store near youby going to https://maps.wbu.com/find.php.Maybe you have a local store that can provide you with more details. Have agreat day, Sarah

You can find a list of all chipmunks in the book Mammal Species of the World.

The 25 species include: Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), Leastchipmunk, Neotamias minimus, Alpinechipmunk, Neotamias alpinus, Yellow-pine chipmunk Neotamias amoenus,Buller's chipmunk, Neotamias bulleri, Gray-footed chipmunk, Neotamias canipes,Gray-collared chipmunk, Neotamiascinereicollis, Cliff chipmunk, Neotamias dorsalis, Durangochipmunk, Neotamias durangae, Merriam's chipmunk, Neotamias merriami, California chipmunk, Neotamias obscurus,Yellow-cheeked chipmunk, Neotamiasochrogenys, Palmer's chipmunk, Neotamias palmeri, Panamintchipmunk, Neotamias panamintinus, Long-eared chipmunk, Neotamiasquadrimaculatus, Colorado chipmunk, Neotamias quadrivittatus,Red-tailed chipmunk, Neotamias ruficaudus,Hopichipmunk, Neotamias rufus, Shadowchipmunk, Neotamias senex, Siskiyouchipmunk, Neotamias Siskiyou, Sonomachipmunk Neotamias sonomae, Lodgepole chipmunk, Neotamias speciosus, Townsend's chipmunk, Neotamias townsendii,Uintachipmunk Neotamias umbrinus, andSiberian chipmunk (Eutamias sibiricus).

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Will Safflower seed keep squirrels and chipmunks off my bird feeder? http://bit.ly/wYGDBi

Watch for Snowy Owls and early migrants on the move

2012-02-07T03:00:00.000-05:00

Warmer temperatures and lack of snow in parts of North America are setting the stage for what could be a most intriguing 15^th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, coming up February 17-20.

Snowy Owl © Ian Davies

Bird watchers across the U.S. and Canada are getting ready to tally millions of birds in the annual count coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, and Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada.

In past counts, participants were most likely to report American Robins in areas without snow. Will more robins be seen farther north this year? Will some birds, such as Eastern Phoebes, begin their migrations earlier? And where will the “Harry Potter” owl turn up next?

Snowy Owls have dazzled spectators as these Arctic birds have ventured south in unusual numbers this winter--an unpredictable occurrence that experts believe is related more to the availability of food than to weather.

"This count is so much fun because anyone can take part--we all learn and watch birds together--whether you are an expert, novice, or feeder watcher,” said Gary Langham, Audubon’s Chief Scientist. “I like to invite new birders to join me and share the experience. Get involved, invite your friends, and see how your favorite spot stacks up."

Participants count birds at any location they wish for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, then enter their tallies at www.birdcount.org. Anyone can participate in the free event, and no registration is required.

Last year, participants submitted more than 92,000 checklists with more than 11 million bird observations. These data capture a picture of how bird populations are changing across the continent year after year--a feat that would be impossible without the help of tens of thousands of participants.

"This is a very detailed snapshot of continental bird distribution," said John Fitzpatrick, director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. "Imagine scientists 250 years from now being able to compare these data with their own. Already, with more than a decade of data in hand, the GBBC has documented changes in late-winter bird distributions."

To learn more about how to join the count, get bird ID tips, downloadable instructions, a how-to video, past results, and more visit www.birdcount.org. The count also includes a photo contest and a prize drawing for participants who enter at least one bird checklist online.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is made possible in part by a sponsorship by Wild Birds Unlimited.

Source: Visit the GBBC News Room for high-resolution images and your state’s top-10 lists from the 2011 count. Photo Credit: Snowy Owl © Ian Davies

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Most common winter birds in Michigan http://bit.ly/ywWdfL

Why do bluebirds bathe more than cardinals?

2012-02-06T03:00:00.000-05:00

Your seed is great but I also find that in the summer thebirds are attracted to my bird baths...especially the bluebirds. I do wonderwhy I have never seen the cardinals in the bird baths...just at the feeders.

Most birdsprefer to forage for food naturally, but it’s a treat for us when birds visitour feeders and baths and bring a little excitement to the yard.

Variety of birds enjoying Wild Birds Unlimited Seed cylinders

Lots of birds that winter in areas where the weather isharsh will switch their diet from invertebrates in the summer to a plant baseddiet in the winter. Bluebirds are bug eaters that switch over to suet, fruit,nuts, and berries in the winter. A bluebird that visits a seed feeder in thewinter is much more likely to visit a mealworm feeder or hunt for bugs in thesummer.

Water is just as important as food for birds in the summeras well as the winter. All birds drink, but some birds visit baths more oftenthan others. Cardinals can get a lot of liquid through their food and might notdrink at baths as often as other birds. Nice juicy bugs, berries and fruit mayrequire the cardinal to make fewer stops at the bath.

When they do drink, they scoop water up with their bill fromtiny pools in the branches of trees, puddles, streams, ponds and even birdbaths when needed. My cardinals seem to prefer a shallow bath. Then I also have a larger bath that attractsthe bathers.

American Robins, Eastern Bluebirds and other birds in thethrush family all seem to frolic in the water more than other backyard birds.They may bathe more to remove excessive oil from their feathers. Most birdshave a preen gland or uropygial gland at the base of the tail. With their beak,birds realign the barbs correctly, remove any dirt or parasites and sometimesapply preen oil. Robins and bluebirds seem to produce more preen oil than otherbirds.

Fluffy feathers provide proper insulation againstbitter winds. Too much oil on the feathers can cause the feathers to clump andlower the body temperature to dangerous levels. Most birds have one main molt ayear, so birds have to maintain their featherscarefully for a year until they go through another molt.

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Not a Shy Bird: How the Black-capped Chickadee Communicates

2012-02-05T03:00:00.000-05:00

I have a Wild Birds Unlimited window feeder that my cats and I have been enjoyingall winter. I especially like it when the Black-capped Chickadee stops by to tseet, tseet hello, pick out a seed thatpleases him and zip away. At about a ½ ounce, these slight birds have noproblem feeding with much bigger birds or asking me to refill the feeder.

Chickadees have a couple kinds of songs and lots ofdifferent calls. Songs are usually longer and used to attract mates or determale rivals. Calls are usually shorter notes with a variety of meanings such aslook out for the danger, hello, or foods here.

At the end of nesting season, young chickadees leave theterritory they were hatched and join non-family flocks to forage for foodtogether all winter. The flocks usually are equal in the numbers of males andfemales and pairs form.

In the Wild Bird Guides: Black-capped Chickadee, Susan Smithwrites that the fascinating thing about the chick-a-deecall is that the dee notes of thechickadees that live together for a while meld to form a common dee for the group. Then chickadees can identify to which flock other chickadees belong. Studies also suggest that theproportion of each note type within a chick-a-deecall could encode information about what the caller is most likely to do next.

At the end of January chickadees begin to explore potentialnest sites (bird houses) so that as soon as the flocks begin to break up for breeding, eachpair can claim a territory within their home range. Flock ranges can beanywhere between 20-50 acres in size.

As chickadees dispute territory rights, the loud whistled fee-bee-beeyee songs become a familiarsound. You’ll hear male chickadees engage in prolonged fee-bees battles with their male neighbors.

Besides defending a territory a male must woo his mate byfeeding her tasty treats. The female receives her gifts with a broken dees vocalization made exclusively bythe females. The male continues to present the female with food while the nestis being built and during egg incubation. When the nestlings hatch, poppa birdis there with food for the babies too. With a little squawk call, he promptsthe babies to open up. Squawk calls can be given by either parent to stimulatetheir babies mouth to gape for food.

If the parents feel threatened by the approach a predatornear the nest, a chickadee can take a defensive stance and produce a loud hiss call along with a sudden forwardand downward head movement that resembles a striking snake.

When babies leave the nest you may hear a begging dee call at your feeders that sounds alot like “feed me! Feed me me!” The young chickadees continue to give thebegging dees until their family flockbreaks up and they disperse from their natal territory.

Listen to a sample of the sounds of the Black-Capped Chickadee: http://www.birdjam.com/birdsong.php?id=12
Source: Wild Bird Guides: Black-capped Chickadee available at Wild Birds Unlimited

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Unusual bluebird behavior

2012-02-04T03:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning! I am a resident of Northeast Arkansas, and a bluebird lover. We have two bird houses in our backyardthat have been up for 5 years. Each house produces at least five bluebirdchicks a year (most of the time more)!

Our blueies usually stay over winter and stop in to feedduring the day. Over the last two weeks, I have noticed four blueies in thebackyard frequently. We have also noticed that a pair of bluebirds has taken upresidence on top of one of the speakers we have mounted on our covered patio.They have been there just about every night for a week. I was a bit alarmedbecause they have never come this close to the house and they don’t fly awaywhen we let our puppies out for a bathroom break.

I do have a few questions: 1) Is this behavior normal foreastern bluebirds? 2) Why are they now coming so close to the house? 3) Isthere anything I can do to help make sure they make it over the winter? 4) Ihave put mealworms out, but is there another food source they enjoy? Thank-youfor your time! ~ Paragould, Arkansas

I’m glad you have been so successful in growing the bluebirdpopulation! Bluebirds are very beneficial in controlling the bug population aswell as bringing happiness into our lives.

1) Is it normal forbluebirds not to be afraid of humans or dogs?

In order to survive, birds have to adapt to theirsurroundings. It’s not unusual for birds to become very unafraid of man, theirbest friends, and their machines especially if you are feeding them.

2) Why are theycoming up close to the house?

The birds may have found the perfect roostingspot out of all the winds and in a safe location. At night or during badweather bluebirds often find shelter in tree cavities, birdhouses, or under theeaves of houses.

Or you might have young birds scouting out future nestingsites. Research has found that the basics in nest construction are primarilyinstinctive, but birds’ nesting skills improve through trial and error. Theymay try nesting on the speakers under your covered patio. If it has a favorableoutcome, you can expect them to try and nest there again. If his nest fails,they'll move on to another location.

Experts recommend that bluebird boxes be spaced at least100’ but preferably 300' apart. I suggest you put up another bluebird box, ifpossible, or encourage your neighbors to start a bluebird trail.

3) How can I help thebluebirds survive the winter?

Bluebirds are attracted to water. If your area freezes likemid-Michigan, you can provide a heated birdbath for your birds. This isn’t likea hot tub. The bath just remains free of ice and open to the birds to getdrinks or clean their feathers.

Photo by Tom T. WBU So. Yarmouth,Ma.

Feathers are critical for flight and insulation, birds mustkeep them well-maintained. A good part of a bird's day is spent just cleaningand grooming its feathers by bathing, scratching, and preening. The featherscovering the body give the bird a water resistant, aerodynamic shape forefficient flight. The feathers also provide insulation by trapping body heatclose to the skin.

4) What do you feedbluebirds?

The only time it may be hard for birds to find food in thewinter is during storms. Freezing rains or heavy snows can cover their food andmake it almost impossible to feed. Otherwise in the winter, bluebirds foragenaturally for fruits, nuts, and berries from shrubs, trees, and vines. Some ofthose include dogwood, hawthorn, mountain ash, sumac, holly, bittersweet,pokeweed, grape, and honeysuckle fruits.

If you want to supplement their diet or attract bluebirds toa feeder, most people like you do, feed mealworms.I also like to add chopped apples in the same tray I offer the mealworms. Bothbluebirds and live mealworms enjoy eating my apples.

Other foods you can offer are shelled sunflower seeds, nuts,berries, or suet. Bluebirds enjoy raisins or chopped grapes too but these canbe harmful to dogs so I don’t suggest that if your little buddies can accessthe feeding area.

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How to Attract Bluebirds: http://bit.ly/nfCq2b
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ID tips for the Sharp-shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk

2012-02-03T03:00:00.000-05:00

This fellow was around our feeders for abouta week last Fall. My son caught apicture of him. He has a sparrow in histalons which are through the metal mesh! He hung this way for a good five minutes. He kept gently twisting around to watch thearea while he held the sparrow. Eventually, he let go of the sparrow and flew up into the trees. The sparrow survived and flew off! The hawk then came back to the feeders andjust sat there for a long time looking for his dinner!

I love your blog and have learned so much from it! Thanks, Katein Massachusetts

Wow! I love the photo and the story. You can tell the birdis young not only by its "unique" hunting style but also by thevertical brown stripes on the chest and yellow eyes.

I'm glad you were able to capture the scene. This is exactlywhy I started the blog, as a place to share stories and information. Thank youfor writing, Sarah

Is it a Cooper's Hawk? It's interesting because we saw this fellow for the week and then the Massachusetts Audubonsent its newsletter to me featuring a story about Cooper's Hawks at thefeeders. Otherwise, I probably wouldn'thave known what he was! ~ Kate

I think you are right. It looks like a young Cooper's Hawkto me. Sharp-shinned (Accipiter striatus)and Cooper’s (Accipiter cooperii)hawks can be hard to Id from photographs. The birds have a lot of variation inplumage and size and there no single field marks that distinguishes one speciesfrom the other.

Sharp-shinned Hawks average 10-14" long. Females arelarger and can appear nearly as large as a male Cooper's Hawk. Where Cooper'sHawks average 14-20" long and males are smaller and can appear nearly assmall as a female Sharp-shinned Hawk.

The following are ID tips from Project Feeder Watch for the Sharp-shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk:

1) The tail feathers ofSharp-shinned Hawks appear squared, whereas a Cooper's Hawks tail looks rounded.

2) Cooper's Hawks have a barrel shaped chest. Sharp-shinned Hawks are widest at the shoulder and get distinctly narrower downto the hips.

3) A Sharp-shinned Hawk's head looks small compared to the body, and a Cooper's Hawk's head looks large.

4) Cooper's Hawks areusually larger than Sharp-shinned Hawks.

5) A juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk has very thick, rufous stripes that extend down thelower belly while the Cooper's Hawk has very thin, dark vertical streaks that fade away on the lower belly.

6) Sharp-shinned have very thin toes and legs, compared to the Cooper's Hawk.

7) The color of the nape of an adult Cooper's Hawks is palewith a clear contrast to a dark cap. Juveniles of both species can show apale nape, however.

More identification tips and challenges can be seen onProject Feeder Watch's Accipiter Photo Gallery page: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/accipiterphoto.htm

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Can you identify birds by their silhouette or song?

2012-02-02T03:00:00.000-05:00

Though you may be drawn to watching birds because of their wonderful colors or fascinating behavior, when it comes to making identifications, size and shape are the first pieces of information you should examine.

With just a little practice and observation, you'll find that differences will jump out at you. Study the sillouettes in the picture and see how well you can identify a bird just by the combination of size and shape.

Sillouette Answers: 1. Great Horned Owl, 2. American Crow, 3. European Starlings, 4. White-breasted Nuthatch, 5. Cooper's Hawk, 6. Blue Jay, 7. American Goldfinch, 8. Carolina Wren, 9. Woodpecker, 10. Northern Cardinal, 11. Black-capped Chickadee, 12. Mourning Doves, 13. Fox Squirrel, 14. House Sparrows, 15. American Robin

To become more familiar with silhouettes go to: AllAboutBirds.com-Size and Shape

Identifying birds by ear is also a skill that you can learn with a little practice. There are lots of learning devices. Wild Birds Unlimited has bird song CDs available including one that has Michigan birds only.

And the Backyard Birdsong Guide is a very popular book that allows you to enjoy bird songs at the touch of a button while reading vivid descriptions of their songs, calls, and related behaviors. To become more familiar with songs go to: BirdJam.com and AllAboutBirds.com-Songs and Calls.

Also make sure your local birds are represented in the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count February 17-20! It’s a huge citizen science project that gives a snapshot of the bird population each year.

Everything you need to know to participate is on the website at http://www.birdcount.org.

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Most common winter birds in Michigan http://bit.ly/ywWdfL

Is hibernation more of a nightmare than a pleasant dream?

2012-02-01T03:00:00.000-05:00

Each year, on 2 February, North Americans watch someone draga groundhog from hibernation for clues about how long winter will last. Accordingto legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks ofwinter weather and if he doesn’t, an early spring is predicted.

Sometimes during an especially long winter, hibernationsounds like a good thing. Just crawl into bed and wake up in the spring. Scientistsare now weighing the costs and benefits of spending half your lifedisconnected.

Hibernation is when an animal alternatesbetween torpor (deep sleep) and arousal while holed up in a winter den.The state of torpor is defined as a coma-like statewhere body temperature, heart rate, and breathing are lowered drastically.

Torpor is a response to food scarcity and decreasing day length during thecold winter months, but it doesn’t come without serious risks. During torpor,sensory and motor capabilities are reduced severely. Groundhogs move into anear brain-dead state and many basic body functions are shut down. Brainactivity is arrested to such a degree that animals must rouse themselvesoccasionally just so they are able to sleep.

Most hibernators come out of torpor for only a few hours ata time and remain relatively inactive. During arousal, groundhogs usually stayin their burrows except perhaps for an early emergence in February to surveytheir territories, assess food availability and establish bonds with females. Groundhogsthen return to the den to recover and for some more deep sleeping episodesbefore the final arousal in March.

During hibernation animals are not only incapacitated and vulnerableto an attack from predators, their body is under such stress that temporarybrain damage, disorientation and memory loss is commonplace. Also muscles canbegin wasting away and, in fat-storing species like groundhogs, the gutundergoes profound atrophy. Most of these negative effects of torpor arereversible but a more thorough examination of hibernation needs to be madebefore the physiological consequences of this remarkable and widespreadphenomenon are understood.

Source: The Role of Energy Availability in MammalianHibernation: A Cost-Benefit Approach http://biology.mcgill.ca/faculty/kramer/articles/Humphries%20et%20al_97.pdf

Related Articles:

What's the Difference Between a Groundhog & Woodchuck? http://bit.ly/z5FPoV
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Do opossums hibernate during winter? http://bit.ly/u4ORP6
Migration vs. Hibernation http://bit.ly/sixWTH

Best Bird Houses

2012-01-31T03:00:00.000-05:00

I really want to watch birds raise a family this year in abird house. When do I put it up and do you have houses in stock? ~ Lansing, Michigan

It's never too early or too late to put up a bird house. Ifyou listen, you’ve probably already noticed the excitement in the air. Everyday the sun is rising a little earlier and the days are getting longer. Prettysoon when I wake up in the morning, I’ll be able to watch the birds outside mywindow sitting on the tips of branches and breaking out in song to mark theirterritory.

Home Tweet Home

It’s hard to believe, but a lot of the birds that winter in Michigan have already begun to scout for good nesting areas. At Wild Birds Unlimited we can help you choose a good, functional bird house that is right for where you live. Not all birds are going to use birdhouses. Depending on where you live, some birds that use houses are House sparrows, wrens, chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers, flickers, bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Purple Martins, Screech Owls, American Kestrels and Wood Ducks.

Best Nest

Just like feeders, it’s best to find a house that isdesigned well and easy to clean. Look for homes with an easy clean out, properventilation, drainage holes, untreated wood, or recycled plastic houses withthe proper design. Not all birdhouses are equal. Studies show the insidedimension, the shape and the diameter of the opening determine what birds itwill attract. Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansing, Michiganstore always has a wide selection of functional bird houses available.

Create Habitat

People provide bird houses or “nest boxes” because in naturemost of these birds use tree hollows or old woodpeckers’ nests. But today weare quick to remove dead and decaying trees with holes because they couldbecome dangerous and fall in storms. So we help Mother Nature by providingalternate homes.

In return the birds will do their best to decimate the bugpopulation in your yard by stuffing their kids’ mouths. And they are alsoeducational and entertaining to watch!

Related Articles:

Building bird houses http://bit.ly/wUogMl
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When do you clean bird houses? http://bit.ly/zpTAiX

When birds make noise, it's not always with a song

2012-01-30T03:00:00.000-05:00

The wings of the smallest hummingbirds can reach 100 beatsper second during courtship displays. As their wings slice through the air, it produces a hum. Thehummingbird gets its name from this sound.

Pigeons and Mourning Doves use a wing whistlenoise to warn their flock about approaching enemies--the first example of anon-vocalized alarm call in birds. The source of the alarm noise may be anarrow outer feather on the pigeon's wing. A startled takeoff produces a fastertempo wing whistle that alerts the flock to danger.

Woodpeckers’ rigid tail and wing feathers produce a uniqueclacking sound in flight. No woodpecker produces a song, only calls. Mostwoodpeckers use drumming to communicate. You’ll hear an increase in woodpeckersbanging their bill rapidly against wood, metal, or any surface that resonates,more and more as breeding season approaches. The drumming relays lots ofinformation including the bird’s sex, health, availability, and right to a territory.

Related Articles:

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Can All Birds Learn to Talk Like Humans? http://bit.ly/s0rflH
Do birds attract mates with their scent? http://bit.ly/nQxXBg

What is the smallest hawk in North America?

2012-01-29T03:00:00.000-05:00

I don’t see this bird very often so it’s a treat when heshowed up in the tree outside my window recently. A little larger than a BlueJay, the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiterstriatus) lookslike a mini Cooper’s Hawk.

Sharp-shinned Hawks are the smallest hawk in North America. The name Sharp-shinned comes from the longand narrow appearance of the hawk’s legs just above its toes.

Adults have blue-graybacks, with narrow, horizontal red-orange bars on the breast and red eyes.Immature sharpies are mostly brown, with coarse vertical streaks on white bellyand yellow eyes. Female Sharp-shinned Hawks are about a third bigger andheavier than males. Both the adults and young have broad dark bands acrosstheir long square-tipped tails.

Due to the secretive nature of sharp-shinned hawks, little is known about their mating behavior. They have courtshipflights and are presumed to be monogamous. The breeding season of sharp-shinnedhawks corresponds with the time of maximum prey availability which is usuallybetween late March and June. Ninety percent of their diet consists of smallerbirds like sparrows that they hunt for in the forest but I’ve seen them near a feeding station occasionally in the winter.

On average they have one brood per year and lay 4 to 5 white orbluish eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts about a month, and the eggshatch within one to two days of each other. Females do most of the incubating, andmales will provide food for females while they are on the nest.

After hatching,the chicks are fed in the nest for two weeks and near the nest for another 21to 32 days. Then the juveniles are shown how to hunt.

The longest recorded lifespan for a sharp-shinned hawk is 13years. However, most do not live longer than 3 years due to predators, huntingand collisions with cars and buildings.

Related Articles:

Hawks at Feeders http://bit.ly/wzE35r
Can You Scare a Hawk Away? http://bit.ly/xpVocG
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Red-tailed Hawk Fun Facts http://bit.ly/AaK61o
Coopers's Hawk http://bit.ly/y5cNMz
Northern Goshawk http://bit.ly/xcEcW7

When do Northern Cardinals Nest?

2012-01-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

I've had a steady colony of Cardinals coming to my feederfor the past six years. They live in the pines in my front yard and all spendtime at the feeder in the back yard. Their number has grown from two pairs tothree and now to four over these few years. Imagine my surprise that just now Ilooked out to see NINE pairs. I have several different feeders and they wereall over them. Any thoughts? Is it nearing the time when they breed? I'vealways thought that once paired they stayed together - do they still groupduring the mating season? ~ Garden City, MI

February is the toughest month for birds to find food sothat may be why you are seeing more birds at the feeders. Also most cardinalsform pair bonds around February-April. Males and females that have paired up inprevious seasons are often the first to pair up as the new breeding seasonbegins, sometimes even as early as January.

When the males begin to sing they are claiming a territory.Older males usually claim their old territory while young males have to movearound to find an open territory and an available mate. Extra cardinals nowcould also mean they are young birds looking to establish a breeding territory.

Actual nesting begins usually sometime between early Apriland mid-May and ends sometime between mid-July and early September depending onwhere you live.

Northern Cardinal Mating Rituals

Male cardinals sing to establish territories and attractmates. Females that hear singing may approach and then fly away when spotted bythe male. While the male chases the female he continues to sing and spread histail and wing feathers to give the females a good look. This may continue forseveral days and help the female determine the male’s health.

As the courtship continues both the male and female begin tosing duets. Cardinals can sing several different song types but during theduets they coordinate songs. Scientists think this is another way for thefemale to determine her potential mate’s quality.

Next the males bring tasty treats that they feed to thefemales. A male’s ability to forage efficiently and provide good quality foodis an important consideration for a female that depends on a male to providefood for her while she is incubating eggs and later feed her babies.

Source: Wild Bird Guides-Northern Cardinal by Gary Ritchison

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Why Cardinals are Different Colors http://bit.ly/xonnDU
Cardinals weren't Always Residents of Michigan http://bit.ly/ycWUCm

Photo Share: Singing Vole

2012-01-27T03:00:00.000-05:00

Singing Vole (Microtusmiurus) by Anne Morkill, at the Alaska Martime National Wildlife Refuge.

This species gets its common name from its warning call, a high-pitched trill, usually given from the entrance of its burrow.

Did you miss anything on the Wild Birds Unlimited blog thisweek?

Weekly Recap:

How high can squirrels jump to bird feeders? http://bit.ly/wA8EqZ
Evidence that yawning is contagious in birds too http://bit.ly/w8nE0K
Dark gray bird with white speckles http://bit.ly/ygU0pn
Titmice Fun Facts http://bit.ly/xydf7r
What seeds do wild birds eat? http://bit.ly/A8TqKJ
Why are there more birds at the feeders in the summer? http://bit.ly/zcUq3s
Happy Birthday Michigan: How the state got its name http://bit.ly/xY7Cl2

Happy Birthday Michigan: How the state got its name

2012-01-26T03:00:00.000-05:00

On January 26, 1837, President Andrew Jackson signed a billmaking Michiganthe nation's 26th state. "Michigan"is believed to come from the from the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigami, meaning "great water" and referred originally to Lake Michigan itself. The Great Lakesaccount for one-fifth of the world's surface freshwater supply.

In 1836 a pair speculators from Lansing,New York sold land to a non-existent city inmid-Michigan known as "Biddle City." The NewYorkers arrived to discover that the plots they had purchased were located in a marsh or underwater. Some of the pioneers stayed,and developed a village in what is now Old Town Lansing a mile north of thenon-existent "Biddle City."

In 1847, the legislature passed a law to locate thestate capital in mid-Michigan because many were concerned about Detroit's proximity to British-controlled Canada, which had captured Detroit in the War of 1812. Unable to publicly reach a consensus because of constant political wrangling, the Michigan House of Representatives privately chose the Township of Lansing as the capitol out of frustration. The sleepy settlement of fewer than 20 people transformed quickly into the seat of state government and individual settlements began to develop along the Grand River.

State Symbols:

Bird - American Robin

Fish - Brook Trout

Reptile - Painted Turtle

Wildflower - Dwarf Lake Iris

Flower - Apple Blossom

Tree - White Pine

Stone - Petoskey Stone

Fossil - Mastodon

Fun Facts:

Michiganis simultaneously known for its cities, supported by heavy industry, and itspristine wilderness. Michiganhas the largest state park and state forest system of any state. It is home toa number of areas maintained by the National Park Service with 78 state parks,19 state recreation areas, and 6 stateforests.

Michigan State Universitywas founded in 1855 as the nation's first land-grant university and was the first institution of higher learning in thenation to teach scientific agriculture.

Michiganwas the first state to provide in its Constitution for the establishment ofpublic libraries and the first state to guarantee every child the right totax-paid high school education.

Vernors ginger ale was created in Detroitand became the first soda pop made in the United States. In 1862, pharmacistJames Vernor was trying to create a new beverage when he was called away toserve our country in the Civil War. When he returned, 4 years later, the drinkhe had stored in an oak case had acquired a delicious gingery flavor.

The Kellogg Company has made Battle Creek the Cereal Capital of the World.The Kellogg brothers accidentally discovered the process for producing flakedcereal products and sparked the beginning of the dry cereal industry.

The Detroit Zoo was the first zoo in America to feature cageless,open-exhibits that allowed the animals more freedom to roam.

Michiganhas more than 11,000 inland lakes, more than 36,000 miles of streams and 116lighthouses and navigational lights.

The Upper Michigan Copper Country is the largest commercialdeposit of native copper in the world. Detroitis known as the car capital of the world. Alpena is the home of the world'slargest cement plant. Rogers City boasts the world'slargest limestone quarry. Elsie is the home of the world's largest registered Holstein dairy herd. Michiganis first in the United States production of peat and magnesiumcompounds and second in gypsum and iron ore. Colon is home to the world's largestmanufacture of magic supplies. Grand Rapids ishome to the 24-foot Leonardo da Vinci horse, called Il Gavallo, it is thelargest equestrian bronze sculpture in the Western Hemisphere.

Sources:

Lansing, Michigan From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org
Michigan From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan
DNR- Michigan Facts and History http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-54463_54466---,00.html

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Most common winter birds in Michigan http://bit.ly/yFYkRA
Birds of Michigan Field Guide http://bit.ly/AhVJ9p

Why are there more birds at the feeders in the summer?

2012-01-25T03:00:00.000-05:00

I know you told me that birds don’t depend on my feeder tosurvive, but I was just wondering why I see the birds visit my feeder moreoften in the summer than the winter. To me it would seem winter would be thehardest time to find food naturally. ~ Linden, Michigan

Year-Round Feeding

Many people enjoy feeding songbirds year-round. Those that domay have noticed birds seem to frequent feeders more at certain times of theyear. In fact, the most crucial time in the life of many birds may be in theearly spring when seeds that occur naturally are scarcer. Unfortunately this iswhen a lot of people stop feeding.

I think your observation about birds utilizing feeders more inthe warmer months is correct. In the spring and summer, birds are very busy.New birds are migrating up to Michigan,choosing territories, mates, and preparing to have young. Females incubatingeggs on the nest take advantage of a convenient feeder for a quick bite. Laterparents bring young birds to the feeder as a first step into the world. It isfascinating to watch the parents show their young how to pick up the seeds.

Some birds, like the Dark-eyed Juncos and Red-breastedNuthatches leave us in the spring while others like the warblers, orioles andthe hummingbirds, are only summer residents in Michigan.

Bird-Feeding Myths

Some people believe that once you start bird feeding, itshould be continued. Or that feeding your birds in the summer will make themtoo lazy, too dependent or keep them from migrating at the appropriate time.All of these old myths have been dispelled by modern research and observation. Birdfeeding is a fun and educational hobby. Birds appreciate the food but neverbecome dependent on your feeder unless there is a severe storm that preventsthem from foraging.

Backyard bird feeding is an entertaining and educationalpastime that can be enjoyed by children and adults. Thank you so much forsharing your observation.

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How to Prepare Your Yard for Spring http://bit.ly/zYHZyV
Would the birds starve to death if I stopped feeding them? http://bit.ly/xOFgb9

What seeds do wild birds eat?

2012-01-24T03:00:00.000-05:00

Can you give a definitive answer as to what seeds wild birdswill and will not eat at my feeder?

When choosing a seed blend to feed wild birds I always makesure sunflower is the first ingredient. I also like seed blends with nuts. Sunflowerseed is the favorite of most seed eating birds like cardinals, finches and titmiceand the peanuts will attract bug eating birds like chickadees,wrens, jays and woodpeckers.

To make the most of your birdseed budget, choose seeds that attractthe birds you want to watch. The following shows the results of U.S. Fish andWildlife Service studies on food preferences of birds:

1. Sunflower seed

a) Black oil – Freshoil sunflower seed is attractive to most seed eating bird species.

b) Striped – The largershell is harder for some birds to crack but Tufted Titmice and Blue Jaysprefer.

2. Peanut pieces –Are attractive to numerous species. Lots of bug or suet eating birds choosepeanuts for their high protein and fat levels.

3. White Proso Millet– Is the preferred food for ground feeding birds like juncos, doves andsparrows.

4. Safflower seed– This was not included in USFWS studies but is a favorite of House Finches andis considered acceptable to most other bird species except blackbirds andstarlings. (Squirrels don't seem to care for it either.)

5. Nyjer (Thistle) - Is not related to weed thistles. The high fat content and small seedshape makes it attractive to finches.

6. Cracked Corn -Eaten about one-third as often as white proso millet and attracts blackbirds.

7. Red Proso Millet– It can be used as a substitute for white proso; however, not as preferred

8. Golden (German)Millet – Is the least preferred of the millets

9. Milo(sorghum) – Large red round seed found in a lot of cheap blends. It is unattractivegenerally to all species. Jays, cowbirds, and grouse may eat it in Michigan. More of the western ground feeding birds might eat milo.

10. Oats - Onlystarlings found hulled oats attractive.

11. Wheat – Unattractiveto most species.

12. Canary seed -Unattractive to most species. House Sparrows and cowbirds will eat canary seed.

13. Flax seed - Almostcompletely ignored.

14. Rape seed (canolaseed) - Least attractive feed in the study. Quail and doves may eat.

Where to PurchaseSeed

We have tons of fresh seed delivered every week to our twoWild Birds Unlimited stores in East Lansing and Okemos, MI. Our seed is also sifted totake out all the sticks and field debris. Wild Birds Unlimited isdedicated to offering fresh, top-quality seed. Our no-waste bird seed blendsare made from 100% edible seed and have been exclusively formulated for thefeeding preferences of our local birds. No cereal fillers—just fresh,high-quality seed your birds will love. We also carry a wide variety of otherbird foods—suet and no-melt doughs, seed cylinders, mealworms and more.

What is your bestblend?

For the East Lansing and Okemos Wild Birds Unlimited stores,customers’ preference by far is WBU No-Mess Blend. Our unique No-Mess Blend containssunflower seeds, peanut pieces and white proso millet without the shells. No shellson the seeds make for a tidier feeding area, since there's nothing on theground to clean up. Pound for pound, our No-Mess Blend offers the best valuebecause you do not pay for the shells. The birds eat everything happily.

Related Articles:

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How to winterize your bird feeding station http://bit.ly/xucuF8
Why do Birds Scatter Seeds from Feeders? http://bit.ly/vZ6gzM
Why pay more for seed at Wild Birds Unlimited? http://bit.ly/xJZMFe

Titmice Fun Facts

2012-01-23T03:00:00.000-05:00

There are five species of titmice in North America: Black-crested Titmouse, Juniper Titmouse, Oak Titmouse, Bridled Titmouse, and Tufted Titmouse . The most widely distributed and only titmouse in mid-Michigan is the Tufted Titmouse.

• The Bridled Titmouse is the only North American member of its family that appears to have helpers at the nest regularly, And unlike the other titmice species, does not hide seeds for future use. The part of the brain used to store memories of hiding places is small in this species compared with other species that frequently hide food.
• The Oak Titmouse mates for life, and pairs defend year-round territories. Those that do not find a mate in their first fall are excluded from territories and must live in marginal habitat until they find a vacancy.
• The Juniper Titmouse sits very tight on her nest and will hiss like a snake if disturbed.

• The Black-crested Titmouse hybridizes with the Tufted Titmouse where their ranges overlap in central Texas. They were considered the same species for a while, but they are distinct genetically and vocally.
• The Tufted Titmouse has an alarm call that seems to fade off into the distance, giving the impression that the bird is moving from one place to another. Birdwatchers and predators alike can be fooled into chasing this ghost call while the titmouse stays securely hidden out of sight. During the winter, Tufted Titmice forage together with chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers and Brown Creepers.They have been expanding its range northward since the 1940s and is now found almost to the Canadian border across most of its range. Speculation for the expansion suggests warming winter temperatures and the increase in mature woodland habitat.

Sources: WBU BOTM and http://www.allaboutbirds.org

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Dark gray bird with white speckles

2012-01-22T03:00:00.000-05:00

I have flocks of robins eating the fruit from my Mary PotterCrab trees. Mixed in with the robins, (seemingly a part of the flock), I see abird that initially looked like a baby robin as it has the speckled look, but Iknew it couldn't be that this time of year. These birds are a darkish gray,about the size of a robin and have rounded white tips on their feathers and ablue green iridescent underbelly. I've never noticed a bird like this. Do youhave any idea what it could be? I'd sure appreciate any help you could provide.Thank you, Novi, MI

They are probably European Starlings. They flock and eatfruit in the winter just like American Robins and Cedar Waxwings.

The European Starling Sturnus vulgaris molts itsfeathers in the fall and the new black feathers have tips that are whitish,giving the bird the appearance of “stars” covering their body. Over the winter,sunlight and weather dulls the speckled look and the bird becomes uniform darkbrown or black.

Both sexes also have reddish brown legs, and seasonal changes in bill color (yellowin the spring, black in the fall). Males sport a bluish spot at the baseof their beaks, while the female displays a reddish pink speck. Juvenile birdsare large dull gray or black.

The European Starling is insectivorous when breeding and typically consumesinsects including caterpillars, moths, and cicadas, as well as spiders. Thestarlings like to grab bugs directly from the air or plunge their beaks intothe ground randomly and repetitively until an insect has been found. In thewinter starlings are omnivorous and can also eat grains, seeds, fruits, nectar,and food scraps.

In 1890’s, 100 starlings were released into New York City’sCentral Park. It is said that EugeneSchieffelin wanted all of New Yorkto see the birds mentioned in the plays of William Shakespeare. Until thattime, starlings were not native to North America and were imported from England.Scientists estimate that descendants from those original released flocks nownumber more than 200 million in the United States.

Thank you so much, you are correct! Additionally, the male,(I assume), has alternating iridescent purple and iridescent red under the neckwith iridescent green on breast. Very pretty. Female is lighter in color andmore white specked with little iridescence. They seem to be a good example of a bird that can easily be ignored, but whenviewed more closely, they are very beautiful; especially on a sunny winterafternoon which brings out the beauty of the iridescent coloring! Thank you somuch for the identification!!

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Amazing moment bald eagle chases down and catches a starling in mid-air http://bit.ly/zMkfD
How to Keep Starlings and Blackbirds away fromBird Feeders http://bit.ly/wXGmEU

Evidence that yawning is contagious in birds too

2012-01-21T03:00:00.000-05:00

“Budgies”also find yawns contagious

Yawning is contagious in humans and some non-human primates.A recent study investigated the possibility that yawning and stretching was also contagious in birds. The social, flock-livingbirds Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), were videotaped andthe times of all yawns and stretches for each bird were recorded.

Analyses suggest that the clustering of these behaviors isdue to social influence. If the birds saw their neighbor stretching andyawning, it cued them to do the same. This study provides the first detaileddescription of temporal patterns of yawning under social conditions as well as the first support for contagious yawning and stretchingin a non-primate species in a natural context.

Source: (Behavioural Processes, DOI:10.1016/j.beproc.2011.12.012).

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How high can squirrels jump to bird feeders?

2012-01-20T03:00:00.000-05:00

Squirrel Fun Facts

• Squirrels can jump up to 5 to 6 feet vertically, and theycan leap 8 to 10 feet between objects.

• Squirrels have 5 toes on their back feet and 4 toes ontheir front. Their front toes are very sharp and help in gripping tree bark forclimbing. Their back foot toes allow them to hang upside down and leave theirfront paws free reach for food.

• They have two incisors on the top and two onthe bottom jaw that will grow continuously, but stay short due to the constantwear they receive.

• Squirrels cansmell food from great distances. This helps them find the food they hoard.

• Squirrels eyes are positioned in such a way that they cansee some things behind them.

• In addition to residing in the Eastern US, Eastern GraySquirrels have been transplanted to many Western states, Great Britain, Irelandand South Africaand come in a variety of colors.

• Squirrels can eat their own body weight (approximately 1.5pounds) every week.

• Squirrels have been known to fall from 100 feet withouthurting themselves.

• The name Squirrel comes from the Ancient Greek word σκίουρος,skiouros, which means, shadow-tailed. This is probably because thesquirrels use their bushy tails to shade themselves.

Not Feeding Squirrels

People either seem to love squirrels or hate them. Manypeople complain that the squirrels are eating their birds’ food. The number oneselling feeder at Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansing is the squirrel proof feeders. We can alsohelp you create a squirrel proof set up with baffles or choose a seed to detersquirrels.

Feeding Squirrels

For some people, feeding squirrels is actually fun or providesa distraction to deter squirrels from bothering their bird feeders. Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansinghas several feeders and food for squirrels.

It is recommended that people who feed the squirrels placefood away from window sills or door steps so as to discourage squirrels comingthrough screens. Feeding stations for squirrels should also be placed away fromthe regular bird feeding stations. There are many good feeders for feedingsquirrels and some birds attracted to nuts and corn may also visit thesefeeders.

Squirrel Houses

Squirrels live in many backyards. Placing squirrel houses inurban areas can help reduce the possibility of squirrels nesting in unwantedlocations. Squirrel houses should be placed away from human dwellings at least15’above the ground. They should face south and away from prevailing winds.Boxes can be cleaned in mid to late summer if there are no babies present.

Relocating Squirrels

If you or anyone you know is trapping and moving squirrels,please let them know that it is illegal to move wildlife in Michigan without a permit. And you may bedoing more harm than good. Squirrels live in territories and every time one isremoved, another will take its place. Moving squirrels that are pregnant orthat have babies waiting for their mother could result in death. However, if youleave the squirrels that you have, alone they will keep other squirrels away. Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansingcan show you how to squirrel proof your bird feeding station so that you andthe squirrels, can live in harmony.

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How to choose the best suet cake

2012-01-19T03:00:00.001-05:00

To choose a suet that attracts the widest variety of birds, thefirst ingredient should always be rendered beef suet. Some people feed straightsuet only. If you want to offer more protein and flavor the next ingredientshould usually be peanuts or tree nuts.

Never, never buy suet where milo, oats, wheat, processed grainby-products or artificial flavorings are in the ingredients. These filleringredients are used to make a cheaper cake but the birds have to pick aroundand pick out all this filler to reach a little suet.

All of the suets at the Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansing, MIstore are made with only the highest quality processed beef kidney fat. It isthe most concentrated source of energy you can offer wild birds.

Our best seller is the peanut butter suet cake, which hasonly three ingredients: rendered beef fat, chopped peanuts and peanut butter.Again, no milo, no wheat, no corn, and no millet - no filler ingredients!

If you have a problem with squirrels or other wildlifeeating your suet try our Hot Pepper Suet. It has rendered beef suet, groundpeanuts and capsicum pepper. Capsicum contains capsaicin, a chemicalthat that doesn’t harm but can produce a strong burning sensation in the mouthof squirrels. Most mammalsfind this unpleasant, whereas birds are unaffected.

A good suet cake will have a minimum crude protein of around6% and crude fat of 35% (the more the better). And it’s acceptable for suet tohave a maximum crude fiber of 12% and moisture of 10%. If you have anyquestions feel free to ask and we can suggest what will work in your yard toattract the best birds.

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Why is snow white and water blue?

2012-01-18T03:00:00.000-05:00

Where does the white go when snow melts? ~ Peyton, Colorado

Sir Isaac Newton discovered in the 1600s, that sunlight hasno color and appears to be white. But this “white” light actually contains theseven colors of the rainbow: red, yellow, orange, blue, green, violet, andindigo. When light hits an object it may absorb, reflect, scatter, or transmit individualwavelengths, or shades of color back to our eyes.

Snow is made of tiny crystals. When light hits, it’s scatteredby a zillion ice crystals. Sometimes on very sunny days you might catch littlerainbows reflecting in the snow crystals. No one wavelength is absorbed orreflected, so snow to our eyes is white, the color of the sunlight.

Because water absorbs the red end of the visible spectrum, oureyes see the reflected blue color, the complementary color of red. An intenseblue color is also reflected back from deep holes in fresh snow and glaciers.

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How to feed birds off your deck and deter squirrels and raccoons.

2012-01-17T03:00:00.000-05:00

Hi again Sarah! I hada quick question and thought I might ask in an email, in case
others had the same question. I have a second story living area, with awooden deck. I can't place feeders in the ground or in trees, so I have to relyon window feeders. Are there appropriate feeders that attach to deckrailings? I have raccoons visiting almost every night as it is and it'shard to remember to bring in the bird feeder every evening so they don't get intoit. What do you think would be best for the situation? I'd like tohave more than two window feeders and a feeder I have to remember to bring inat dusk. Thanks again!

If you have a problem with wildlife at yourbird feeders, you can try changing your feeders or food. I have a few recommendations.

Feeder Choices

Squirrel Buster Plus- This feeder deters squirrels, raccoons and large black birds. You can adjust the tension on the spring mechanism to have the feeder ports shut when unwanted guest attempt to feed. It is also backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Dinner Bell - One of the most popular feeders in my yard is the WBU Dinner Bell. You can invite a variety of birds to a delicious meal with this versatile feeder. It can be filled with seed, suet snacks, seed cylinders, fruit or mealworms. If you have a problem with raccoons fill it just enough for the birds to finish by night or use a Safflower seed cylinder. It is also backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Finch Feeders- I’ve never had a problem with the critters on any finch feeders that are filled with straight Nyjer thistle seed.

Food Choices

Pure Beef Suet with no seeds or Hot Pepper suet deters most animals but still attracts a wide variety of woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, and wrens.
Safflower seed: You can start by offering safflower gradually, mixing it with the seed you currently use. Over time increase the amount of safflower until you are feeding straight safflower. The seed looks and tastes different from other bird seed, so it may take your birds some time to adjust. Safflower is a small, white seed that is high in protein and fat. Many favorite backyard birds - including cardinals, chickadees, finches, doves, woodpeckers, titmice and nuthatches- savor safflower. Blackbirds, starlings, raccoons and most squirrels typically refuse to eat safflower seed. Safflower seed cakes and seed cylinders are also available at Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansing, MI.
Nyjer Seed – Nyjer, niger, and thistle are all common names used to identify a tiny black birdseed cultivated in Asia and Africa that is high in calories and oil content, and loved by American Goldfinches and avoided by most raccoons and squirrels.

To check out the Wild Birds Unlimited Advanced Pole System for the deck go to: http://www.wbu.com/products/aps/index.html,

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Great Backyard Bird Count

2012-01-16T03:00:00.000-05:00

Participating in the GBBC is afamily affair for these siblings.

Photo by Jerald Reb, Delaware,2011 GBBC.

Counted and Be Counted!

Make sure your local birds are represented in the upcoming Great Backyard Bird Count—they won’t count unless YOU do! Save the dates: February 17-20 is the 15th annual GBBC.

Everything you need to know to participate is on the website at www.birdcount.org, including downloadable instructions, FAQs, and a how-to video. Get a regional list of the birds you might see in your area in February so you can brush up on your identification skills ahead of time.

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Brown and tan bird on tree trunk

2012-01-15T03:00:00.000-05:00

It’s such a treat when I spot the Brown Creeper circling the locust tree right outside my window. They're not a frequent visitor like the nuthatches but it’s always a welcome site to see a creeper not so much creeping up a tree but dancing up the trunk of a tree, checking all the crevices in the bark for hidden bugs or larvae.

Brown Creeper Certhia americana
Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: Creeper (Certhiidae)

Description: The creeper has a long stiff, pointed tail to help it climb tree trunks, and a long down curved bill to probe insects from bark. Its brown back feathers with buff white streaks, white eyebrow feathers, and white belly feathers make them nearly indistinguishable from a piece of bark.

General: The cryptic Brown Creeper usually hangs out in old-growth forests and will nest behind loose bark of a dying tree. The base of the nest is attached to the bark with webbing from cocoons or spider egg cases, and then a cup is made of fine pieces of bark, fibers, leaves, mosses, and feathers.

Behavior: Brown Creepers are the only tree creepers in North America. Feeding mainly on invertebrates found on tree trunks, they start at the bottom of a tree, spiral upward, then float down to the base of the next tree and begin again. A group of creepers are collectively known as a "sleeze" and a "spiral" of creepers.

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What is the difference between Oil Sunflower and Striped Sunflower?

2012-01-14T03:00:00.000-05:00

I’ve been reading lately about how birds like oil sunflower.Can you explain what that is and how it’s different from other sunflower seed? ~ Saint Louis, Missouri

That is an excellent question! Sunflower seeds are the fruitof the sunflower plant. Black Oil Sunflower and Striped Sunflower are the twodifferent varieties used to feed birds.

Most seed eating birds are attracted to black oil sunflowerseeds. The black in the name describes the all black hull. The oil in the namerefers to the higher oil content per gram in this smaller sunflower seed. Cardinals,chickadees, finches, sparrows, nuthatches, and many other birds prefer black oilsunflower over any other seed because of its high fat content and thinner shellwhich makes it easier for birds to open.

Striped sunflower is larger and has a tougher striped shell.Jays, titmice, cardinals, grosbeaks and woodpeckers love striped sunflower andcan handle the tougher, larger shells.

Sunflower seeds can also come hulled, which means the shellhas been removed. Our unique No-Mess Blend features seeds that have had theirshells removed so only the meat of the seed is left. No hulls on the seedsmeans no hulls on the ground and the seed won’t sprout either. Hulled sunflowerseeds will attract the same birds, but there is no mess left below the feeder.

Sunflower seeds are considered the number one choice to feedand attract the greatest variety of birds. At Wild Birds Unlimited we will helpyou choose the right seed – and the right feeder – for the birds you are tryingto attract.

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Photo Share: Long-eared Owl

2012-01-13T03:00:00.001-05:00

Hello, I live in Fargo, ND but enjoy reading your blog every day. I just thought I’d send along the photos I took of a long eared owl I took last month.

The dogs and I were walking in the woods and this owl landed right in front of me. As an amateur birder I was really excited to see such a fun bird.

Thanks for such an informative blog. Kerry

Best Illustrated Bird Identification Book

2012-01-12T03:00:00.000-05:00

Sample page shows the revolutionaryphoto montage

used in The Crossley ID Guide byRichard Crossley.

The Crossley ID Guide is stunningly illustrated book available at the Wild Birds Unlimited -East Lansing, MI store that revolutionizesbirding by providing the first real-life approach to identification. RichardCrossley is an internationally acclaimed birder and photographer whose love ofthe outdoors and interest in teaching resulted in the design of a new kind of birdbook.

Whether you are a beginner or expert, Crossley’s birdidentification book will improve your ability to name birds. Unlike otherguides, which provide isolated individual photographs or illustrations, this isthe first book to feature large, lifelike scenes for each species. Each scene iscomposed of 12-20 color images showing the bird in a wide range of situations--nearand far, from different angles, in various plumages and behaviors, includingflight, and in the habitat in which they live.

The Crossley ID Guide: Eastern Birds is a 544 paged bookthat all bird watchers will want for study and reference. Its large anddetailed plates make it a great coffee table book or the best reference book whenyou see a new bird at the feeder.

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Do bunny rabbits hibernate?

2012-01-11T03:00:00.000-05:00

Rabbits do not hibernate in the winter but they arecrepuscular, meaning you’re probably not seeing them because they're mostactive at dusk and dawn. In the winter, rabbits must shift from tall grassesand other herbaceous foods to woody foods such as raspberry twigs, stems ofwild rose and the bark of sumac. Highbush cranberry, silky and gray dogwood,thorneapple, and other planted shrubs will also supplement their winter diet.

Most of the bunnies you see in Michigan are the Eastern Cottontail(Sylvilagus floridanus). They have speckled brown-gray fur, big eyes,and a tail that is puffy white on the underside. Many people mistakenly believethat wild rabbits and domesticated pet rabbits are the same species, but thedomesticated rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) belongs to another genusand is only distantly related.

Domestic rabbits are descended from European wild rabbitsand not North American Eastern cottontails. Even if you can’t tell them apart,they know the difference. If a cottontail meets a domestic rabbit, they wouldprobably not even recognize him as a rabbit. Cottontails and domestic (orEuropean) rabbits are genetically isolated and cannot interbreed. Cottontailsonly live in North and South America and thereare 13 currently recognized species, including our eastern cottontail.

Famous for their breeding abilities, cottontails breed fromFebruary through September in Michigan.Gestation is about 28 days. Three to four litters of four or five babies areborn each year. Young are born helpless in a shallow depression lined withgrass and mother's fur, but they grow rapidly and are weaned when less thanhalf the size of the adult.

Please note, many baby cottontails appear to be abandoned,but in fact their mother is nearby. The mother rabbit only visits the nest onceor twice a day, and stays well away the rest of the time so it won't attractpredators.

Rabbits may live up to two years in the wild, but wherepredators are numerous they seldom survive more than one year. Hawks and owlsare some avian predators, and foxes, raccoons, skunks, and opossums are somemammals that prey on rabbits.

If you think you’ve found an abandoned baby, call a licensedrehabilitator. For a complete list of Michigan Licensed Rehabilitators visitthe Michigan Department of Natural Resources at: http://www.michigandnr.com/dlr/

Source: Sargent, M.S and Carter, K.S., ed. 1999. ManagingMichiganWildlife: A Landowners Guide. Michigan United Conservation Clubs, East Lansing, MI. 297pp.

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Building bird houses

2012-01-10T03:00:00.000-05:00

I purchased a great book on how to build bird houses at yourWild Birds Unlimited - East Lansing store and I am about to assemble the pieceson my first house. The plans don’t include a stick for the birds to land onbelow the door. Should I add a place for the birds to perch before they enterthe house? ~ Webberville, Michigan

I don’t recommend perches on bird houses. Natural cavitiessuch as tree trunks do not have perches, so birds that use nest boxes don'tneed a perch either. A perch might also invite predators or other birds toattack or bother the parents and babies inside.

There are many different styles of nesting boxes, includingthose that are decorative and bird-specific. All bird houses should meet thesesix requirements:

1) Correct size –Entrance hole size, and house length, width, and depth need to be designed for specificspecies.

2) Ventilation holes -Air vents prevent heat build-up and keep baby birds safe.

3) Cleaned easily –Cleaning the house after each nesting helps deter parasite infestation and apredator’s ability disturb a nest that is built on top of old nests making itcloser to the entrance hole.

4) Mounted or hung easily - Wild BirdsUnlimited has APSbirdhouse poles or hanging chains for houses.

5) Durable -Bird houses should be made with material that will protect the birds and withstandseveral seasons. A baby ladder inside is also nice.

6) Drainage holes -In order to keep babies dry and safe, drainage holes should be placed in thebottom of the house.

Of course not all birds use nest boxes and you can encourageother birds to nest in your yard by providing nesting material and an attractive habitat.Good luck on your bird house project.

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Are birds confused by this warm winter?

2012-01-09T03:00:00.000-05:00

Birds take the weather as it comes. Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansing, Michiganhas received several calls and e-mails about hummingbirds, orioles, red-wingedblack birds and other migratory birds staying for the winter.

Migration south isn't a mandatory vacation. Migratory birdsmay linger in the north as long as there are still a lot of natural food sourcesavailable. If the snows every begin to blow, some birds may find they have tomove further south.

NOAA's official Winter Outlook for 2011-2012 is that La Niñawill produce a winter that is drier and warmerthan normal in the Northeast and some birds have chosen to stay north longerthan usual. However, a seesawing of atmospheric pressure between the Arctic and the mid-latitudes creates a less predictableArctic Oscillation thatcould produce dramatic short-term dips in temperatures this winter which may createa feeding frenzy at the feeders.

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Long-eared Owl Fun Facts

2012-01-08T03:00:00.000-05:00

The Long-eared Owl Asiootus actually has its ears located asymmetrically on the side of its heads,with the right ear being higher than the left ear. Each ear hears the samesound with a slight difference, creating a form of audible “depth perception”which can be used to track the location and movements of their prey preciselyby sound alone.

The birds look similar to the Great Horned Owl but are smaller(13-16 inches), with dark, vertical streaking rather than horizontal barring onthe upperparts. The long feather tufts that look like cat ears on top of theowl have little or nothing to do with hearing.

They are widespread but scarce throughout much of Michigan. They are most noticeablein the winter months when they roost together in groups of 10 to 20 birds inwoodlots, hedgerows or isolated tree groves.

Long-eared owl males begin advertising for a mate as earlyas January with the use of songs and aerial displays to attract females. They breedbetween February and July, and nest in hollowed out tree stumps or old nests fromcrows or hawks.

The female incubates 2-6 eggs for about a month. The owletsleave the nest at 21 days but still can’t fly until they are about 35 days old.The male brings food for the female and chicks until the chicks becomeindependent at about 10 to 11 weeks old.

Long-eared owls hunt almost exclusively at night and in openhabitats for small mammals like mice, shrew, or baby rabbits. A lot of theirprey is swallowed whole. Later they regurgitate “pellets” whichconsist of indigestible fur and bones of the prey.

If you spot an owl in the woods, look below its perchingspot for mysterious small brown bundles can be picked apart to discover what they had for dinner.

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Beat winter blues with birdsong

2012-01-07T03:00:00.000-05:00

Can the sound of birdsong really improve our concentration? Inan ambitious new study, scientists investigate whether natural bird calls canimprove a person's mood, attention and even creativity.

Past studies found that bird songs make traffic noise moretolerable, make people feel more comfortable in crowds and can even mediatecircadian rhythm, but few have looked at their broader impact on mental health.

Peter Brash, National Trust ecologist, said: “Birdsong isone of the most distinctive sounds from the natural world and gives us a warmglow inside when we hear it. We’re all attuned to the need to eat five fruitand vegetables a day or take a 30 minute walk. Taking the timeout to listen tofive minutes of birdsong every day could be as beneficial to our well being.”

Listening tobirdsong could be one of the best ways to help get us through the shortest dayof the year and give us a much needed boost during the long winter months.

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Blue Jay in Snow

2012-01-06T03:00:00.000-05:00

Blue jay on snowy tree branch. ~ Laura Perlick, NJ

How to Help Keep Your Birds Warm

2012-01-05T03:00:00.000-05:00

Keeping winter backyard birds warm is as easy as offeringrich, high-energy foods and open water sources.

Offer Fat and Protein Rich Foods

Suet is a great winter food. A pure fat substance, suetprovides high energy when insects are more difficult to find. We have a varietyof suets to choose from. The most popular one is a peanut butter suet cakewhich is high in protein and is tastier to the birds. Wild Birds Unlimited alsohas bird seed blends that are sure to keep your birds warm.

Energy-packed Cylinders

Bird food cylinders are a win-win for you and your birds.Seed Cylinders are long-lasting allowing you fewer trips to fill the feeder.The birds stay longer eating at the feeder instead of grabbing a morsel and flyingquickly away to eat it elsewhere. The cylinders are packed with high-calorie nutsto provide birds with enough energy stay warm.

Open Water = WarmBirds

Water sources in winter are a wonderful way to attract avariety of birds, such as the American Robin, that don’t visit feeders normally.They provide a reliable source of water for bathing and drinking. Bathing isespecially important in cold weather to keep feathers in top condition.

Available drinking water allows birds to maintain a healthy metabolism to staywarm. Use a heated bird bath or add a heater to your existing plastic, metal orstone bird bath. This will help make some water, available even on the coldestday.

Source: WBU Corporate Content

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Do the same birds show up at the same feeders year after year?

2012-01-04T03:00:00.000-05:00

Birds are one of the freest creatures on the planet, able tofly anywhere at anytime with nothing to bind them to any single location. Andyet birds, like humans, are creatures of habit and bird banding studies haveshown that many of our winter birds, such as Dark-eyed Juncos and nativesparrows, utilize the same wintering location year after year.

Dark-eyed Junco

With a potential lifespan of over 10 years, it is likelythat the Junco gleaning millet off of the ground below one of your feeders hasspent many previous winters as your loyal backyard guest. And recent researchshows, that is only half the story!

These birds are not only loyal to a specific location, butalso to a single feeder! The study showed that the only time they abandonedtheir favorite feeder was during periods of cold weather when the feeder wasplaced in a location too exposed to the wind.

So help your birds stay loyal and warm by locating yourfeeders in a sheltered location or offer roosting or bird houses.

Once you have prepared a safe and sheltered location, besure to fill your feeders with the high-energy, high-fat foods that provideyour birds with the crucial nutrition they need to survive the coldest month ofthe year.

Source: WBU corporate content

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Do you get more birds if you feed year-round? http://bit.ly/wnLaq4
Filling Up on Fatty Foods http://bit.ly/yOOYbY
At 11, the Methuselah of chickadees http://www.startribune.com/local/136171038.html

Where are the birds?

2012-01-03T03:00:00.000-05:00

We just got back from Missouri. We were staying out in the countrywith plenty of woods...but we saw no birds. We returned here to southeastern Michigan and no birdshere either. We have a variety of feeders, water, suet, and leftovercrumbs...all I have seen is one goldfinch...where are the winter birds? ~ Sentfrom my iPad

Thereare several reasons you may not have as many birds this year. With thewarmer-than-usual conditions more birds are finding it easier to forage forfood naturally. It's estimated that only about 20% of a backyard bird's dailyenergy intake comes from feeders and because we haven’t had a lot of snowfallin mid-Michigan, there still might be a lot of natural food sources available.

Alsothis year we've had no major bird irruptions. According to Ontario FieldOrnithologist Ron Pittaway,the cone crops are excellent and extensive across much of the boreal forest andnortheast Canadathis year. That means there will be plenty of food for the winter finches andmore birds will stay up north this winter with little chance of irruptivemigration to mid-Michigan.

Otherthings to check if you don’t have birds at your feeders:

1. Make sure your seed is fresh. One wayto do this is to pinch the seed with your fingernails on a piece of white paperand see if any oil comes out. On cold days where every meal counts, if yourseed has dried out your feeder will be skipped. (Wild Birds Unlimitedreceives a fresh load of seed each week).

2. Make sure there is no mold in thebottom of your feeder. This can be dangerous to the birds and they willavoid your feeder again. To prevent mold in bad weather use Feeder Fresh™ (a silicagrit that absorbs water and humidity, is safe for birds, and made fromnon-toxic absorbent sand). You can also shelter your feeder from the elementsby using something like WBU Weather Guard.

4.Look for predators. Hawks or catscan deter birds from feeding in your area.

5. Check with local birding groups. Callyour local Audubon or go in to a Wild Birds Unlimited to see if you are theonly one reporting fewer birds.

You'll probably notice that the bird activity was very high at the feeders before the last storm and I think more birds will visit now that winter may finally be here to stay.

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Would a cardinal have more fun as a blonde?

2012-01-02T03:00:00.000-05:00

If you ask me a question I take it seriously. If you want to know why some birds live longer than others, if a hawk will eat your dog, or if you can have a penguin as a pet, I’llanswer your questions as best as I can and may even go a little more in depththan you wanted. I like birds and I like that other people are thinking aboutbirds and I always have fun doing research.

People should never think their questions are silly. If your thinking aboutit, believe me, lots of other people are too. Recently when someone asked howto tell a male and female cardinal apart, as usual the question led me to lookat published research on cardinals and their coloration.

One study that I found a little disturbing was done by L. LaReesa Wolfenbarger at Cornell University 1998.They captured 30 male birds with a similar red coloration and 1/3 were given aClairol Professional “Torch Crimson” treatment to deepen their red color, 1/3were lightened with an “Ultra Blonde” treatment and 1/3 were left the same color.

A cardinal goes through one full molt in the fall, and theirhealth, and how well they are eating determines how red their plumage will befor the following year. The redder cardinals are usually the more dominant birds.

So what happens if you take cardinals all the same shade ofred and make some lighter and some darker? Released the next day after theirmale beauty treatments, the scientists observed to see if color played a rollin dominance during the non-breeding season.

The results found it didn’t affect their behavior. Birdsthat are redder naturally are probably in better health, more experienced andbetter foragers than duller birds and are more dominant naturally. The falseredder heads didn’t take advantage of their new coloring to control foodresources. Both the falsely brighter and duller birds acted in accordance withtheir true coloring.

Do you have a question about birds? Send it to bloubird@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer it. We also post bird photos every Friday and you are welcome to contribute. Happy birding! Sarah

Source: Is Red Coloration of Male Northern Cardinals Beneficialduring the Nonbreeding Season?: A Test of the Status Signaling http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Condor/files/issues/v101n03/p0655-p0663.pdf

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Sexually dimorphic Northern Cardinals: Why male and female cardinals are a different color

2012-01-01T03:00:00.000-05:00

How do you tell the male cardinal from the female? ~ Beverly Hills, FL

Male and Female Northern Cardinal

Not all bird species have visible gender differences, butthe Northern Cardinal is sexually dimorphic which means it is possible todetermine which bird is male and female by plumage coloration.

Except for a black mask and throat, the male cardinals arered all over including their bill. The females are shaped like the male but area duller brown color and have only warm red accents on the tips of their crest,wings and bill. The juvenile cardinals in the spring and summer look similar tothe female except for the darker crest and bill. The duller coloring is betterto camouflage nesting birds.

Cardinals as well as other red feathered birds get their redplumage from pigments called carotenoids.Birds can’t synthesize carontenoid pigments but must obtain them from wildfruit seeds, weed seeds and fresh bird seed.

A good field guide like Ted Black’s Birds of Michiganprovides full-color illustrations, detailed identifications, and a descriptionof a bird’s habitat, nesting information, favorite foods, voice, and a rangemap.

The book also explains that the Northern Cardinal with itsvivid red plumage, is a delightful year-round resident in mid-Michigan andprefers tangled shrubby bushes and evergreens in yards with feeders. They formfaithful pair bonds, and will visit feeders together commonly in the early morning and evening. Both birdssing to one another throughout the seasons with soft, bubbly whistles and whenforced to incubate her eggs in the spring the female keeps in contact with themale by singing on the nest, to inform her partner whether or not she and theyoung need food.

So if you see the bright red male cardinal, look and listenfor the "chip, chip, chip" of the less conspicuous female cardinal.

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Attracting Michigan Songbirds

2011-12-31T03:00:00.000-05:00

Bird watching is among the most popular of all Americanrecreational pursuits. Of the world's more than 9,000 species of birds, over200 are known to breed in Michiganand more than 400 species spend at least some time in the state. The list includes manysongbirds ranging from the common American robin to the endangered Kirtland'swarbler.

Songbirds use manydifferent types of habitat including forests, grasslands, wetlands, andshrublands. Michigan'slandscape has changed greatly since the early 1800's when the first Europeansettlers arrived. No longer are there vast forests in southern Michigan, and we havelost over 35% of wetlands statewide. Land development continues to fragment thestate.

Many songbirds are sensitive to size and shape of theirhabitat. "Area sensitive" species including some warblers, flycatchers,thrushes, and ovenbirds have low tolerance to fragmented habitat. For this reasonarea sensitive species tend to seek out grasslands, forests, or wetlandshundreds of acres in size.

Many of these species are declining in number asthey no longer have these large unfragmented breeding areas. However, other species such ascardinals, chipping sparrows, and chickadees can tolerate fragmentation and mayeven thrive alongside humans. These species are most often seen in urban areas,and are fairly common.

Conservation

Your landscape determines the opportunities you have forbird conservation. The following describes some of the basic habitat needs ofsongbirds.

- Territory

Territorial needs vary with each bird species. Eastern bluebirds,for instance, are territorial and need about five acres per pair. You cancreate a larger area for those species that are territorial by working withneighbors.

- Water

Most songbirds need open water of some kind. Luckily, Michigan is home towetlands, lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. However, providing a water sourceon your property can attract songbirds up close. A small bath with shallowedges draws them to bathe, drink and help control their body temperatures.

Birds are attracted to the noise of flowing water. Providingmoving water may increase songbird usage but is notmandatory. Misters and drippers are other means to move water and draw morebirds. Songbirds will use water sources year round. In winter considerproviding water in a heated birdbath.

- Food

Natural foods, such as fruits, nuts and seeds provided bytrees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers will attract a variety of songbirds.Planting highbush cranberry, dogwoods, or other fruiting shrubs on yourproperty may draw migrants as well as resident birds. These plants can alsoprovide areas to sing, court, nest, rest and hide, as well as pleasinglandscapes.

Providing bird feederscan also attract songbirds. There is no best time to start feeding birds. Oncefood is established, they will visit year round. When food supplies are scarce,such as in the very early spring or during bouts of severe weather, birds willrely on your feeders the most. However, if you have to stop feeding for a monthor so, the birds will find alternate sources, even during the winter.

Locating feeding stations in several places reduces crowdingand remember to clean the feeders frequently.

- Shelter

Songbirds use cover for shelter, nesting, and brood rearing.Dependent on the type of species, required cover types could vary fromwoodlands to grasslands to wetlands. After assessing what cover types areavailable on your property, you can determine what species you will be able toattract. By planting trees, shrubs, grasses, and adding nest boxes, you can enhance thecover and attract more species.

Backyard Areas

Many kinds of songbirds are attracted to balconies, decks,lawns, and ornamental shrubs and trees in both rural and urban settings. You donot even need to own property to enjoy songbirds as they may visit yourcondominium or apartment complex. For example the Cardinal, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, House Sparrow, House Finch, American Goldfinch, European Starling, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, and Mourning Dove are among the many species that nest in urban habitats.

Regardless of where you live, it is helpful to maintain adiverse yard with an abundance of trees and shrubs, as well as areas with leafcover for ground-feeding birds. Consider planting a variety of native tree andshrub species such as white spruce, hemlock, white pine, oaks, sugar maple,flowering dogwood, and juneberry. Cardinals will nest in dense shrubbery,chipping sparrows in pines and spruces, and house wrens in cavities of trees ornest boxes. Even wood ducks and screech owls will nest in town if tree cavitiesor nesting boxes are present. In winter, you may find pine siskins feeding oncones of your evergreens.

Other Considerations

Use native plant species for plantings whenever possible.Alien species, such as purple loosestrife, garlic mustard, autumn olive, andglossy buckthorn, should be avoided and actively removed as they displacenative species used by birds as food sources and sheltered sites.

purple loosestrife

garlic mustard

glossy buckthorn

House cats can be a major predator of songbirds and shouldbe kept indoors. If this is not possible, securing bells to their collars whenoutdoors can help warn birds and small mammals of their presence, thus reducingtheir impact as a predator.

Feeding songbirds can be educational and fun. To enjoy thefull benefit of songbirds, get a good field identification guide that containscolor pictures or paintings and buy a quality pair of binoculars. You may evenwish to keep a checklist of birds that visit your land in order to determinethe variety of birds that you have attracted to your area.

Source: Sargent, M.S and Carter, K.S., ed. 1999. Managing Michigan Wildlife: A Landowners Guide. Michigan United Conservation Clubs, East Lansing, MI. 297pp.

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Photo Share: Snow Geese

2011-12-30T03:00:00.000-05:00

Flock of Snow geese on Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge ~ Lee Karney, New Mexico

Advanced Pole System: Best Bird Feeder Pole Attachments

2011-12-29T03:00:00.000-05:00

My boys got me a beautiful Wild Birds Unlimited AdvancedPole System! They had it all set up and ready for Christmas morning!! They toldme all about the little “extras” I can add to my set up. I won’t be able tomake it in to your store for a couple weeks. Can you explain a little moreabout what I can add to the Basic Set-up my very thoughtful boys gave me? ~ Grand Rapids, Michigan

We had lots of customers shopping for gifts in December andsome were positive about what would please their family and friends and otherswere a little panicked by all the choices. I’m glad you were pleased.

Wild Birds Unlimited - Advanced Pole System (APS), as youknow, is a revolutionary bird feeding pole that has interchangeable hardwarepieces that lets you design the perfect feeding station for your needs. You canmake it as tall or as short as you want with as many arms or attachment asneeded.

We have a wall of “extras” that can customize your set-upwith over 3,000 combinations. We have several different arms to add as well as perchingbranches, suet attachments, side dishes, baffles and a choice of severalfinials.

To help you construct your masterpiece come in to our WildBirds Unlimited - East Lansing and Okemos, MIstores or go to wbu.com/aps for more examples.

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Is the platypus a bird?

2011-12-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

According to Wikipedia,when the Platypus was first discovered by Europeans in 1798, a pelt and sketchwere sent back to Great Britain and British scientists wereconvinced that it must have been a hoax.

But it isn't a bird. The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semi-aquatic mammal from eastern Australia.It is one of five existing species of monotremes, the only mammals that layeggs instead of giving birth to live young. All are long-lived, with low ratesof reproduction and relatively prolonged parental care of infants.

Like other mammals, monotremes are warm-blooded, but layeggs. However, the egg is retained for some time within the mother, whoactively provides the egg with nutrients. Monotremes also lactate, but have nodefined nipples, excreting the milk from their mammary glands via openings intheir skin.

The venomous, duck-billed, egg-laying, beaver-tailed,otter-footed platypus is the only living representative of its family (Ornithorhynchidae) and genus (Ornithorhynchus).

Scientists believe all mammals evolved from reptiles, andthe animals that became platypuses and those that became humans shared anevolutionary path until about 165 million years ago when the platypus branchedoff. Unlike other evolving mammals, the platypus retained characteristics ofsnakes and lizards, including the pain-causing poison that males can use toward off mating rivals.

Recent research took a closer look at the platypus genome totry and unravel DNA that seems to mix different classifications of animals. Thenby comparing platypus genes to those of humans and other mammals, scientistshope to fill in gaps in knowledge about mammals' evolution and better identifycertain species' specific traits.

Background Information

View the full article, published in Nature pp 175-183, read the news and listen to the Nature Podcast.

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When do birds begin nesting?

2011-12-27T03:00:00.000-05:00

When is nest building season for most birds in the NE i.e.,cardinals, chickadees etc?
Thanks ~ PA

Nesting season can vary depending on the species of bird, theweather conditions, food availability, and many other variables. Some largerbirds like owls, hawks, and eagles may begin courting in December and nest inJanuary and February.

Otherbirds that winter in Michiganor elsewhere in the northeast may begin to sing and scout for good nestingterritories as early as January. Bird feeders may contribute to a bird decidingto nest early in your yard.

However,if a bird starts to nest and a cold front moves in, they may suspend their nestbuilding activities for a couple weeks and then continue when the weather ismore favorable. This may happen especially with inexperienced and excited firstyear nesters. Research has found that the basics in nest construction areprimarily instinctive, but birds’ nesting skills improve through trial anderror.

NorthernCardinals usually nest anytime from March to August. Black-cappedChickadees usually nest any time from April to July. In some areas the MourningDoves nest almost year round because they feed their young “crop milk”.While AmericanGoldfinches wait to nest until late July to September when the thistles andother flowers are producing a reliable supply of fluff to make their nests andseeds for their young.

Youcan click on the charts to see a list of other birds in the NE and theirnesting schedule.

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Do penguins make good pets?

2011-12-26T03:00:00.000-05:00

@birdsunlimitedare penguins a good pet? ~ @lyssalenee

Emperor Penguins

Penguins do not make good pets and all species of penguinare protected legally, so it’s not even an option. Penguins are best off in thewild. Zoos and Aquariums are able to provide large enclosures with filteredair, controlled temperatures, a fresh saltwater area to swim and a dry area torest. They are also able to keep the penguins in a colony, which they prefer, andprovide lots of fresh fish to eat. In the wild, penguins might live 15 to 20years. Protected in captivity, they can live much longer.

Great Auks

According to the IPCWG Web Site: “World-wide there are 17species of penguin, all of which breed in the Southern hemisphere. The name isbelieved to have originated from the Welsh "pen gwyn" which meanswhite head. The name was originally applied to Great Auks, which are flightlessbirds that lived in the northern hemisphere, before being hunted to extinctionin the 19th Century. Great Auks looked similar to penguins, and were alsounable to fly, which is why they were killed off so easily by sailors who usedthem for food.”

Most penguins have the same egg shaped body and black backand white belly or tuxedo coloring. There shape is perfect for swimming and thecoloring is good camouflage. Viewed from above they blend in to the water.Viewed from below they blend in with the sky. Penguins also have a much heavierand stronger skeleton than birds that fly, to allow them to dive easier forfish. And their feathers act as a waterproof shield and insulation against coldwind.

To read more about these fascinating birds go to the WebPage by Mike Bingham, Organisation for theConservation of Penguins.

Thank you for following me on twitter @birdsunlimited and for the great question! Sarah

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Michigan's Kirtland's Warbler Continues to Exceed Recovery Goal

2011-12-25T03:00:00.001-05:00

Press Release from: Michigan Department of NaturalResources

Contact: Keith Kintigh 989-732-3541, Chris Hoving 517-373-3337 Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently releasedthe annual survey information that indicates the state's population of the endangeredKirtland's warbler remains steady.

Biologists, researchers and volunteers in Michigan observed 1,805 singing males duringthe official 2011 survey period -- 1,747 males were observed in 2010. Thepopulation has not increased or decreased by more than 5 percent since 2007.The lowest numbers were recorded in 1974 and 1987, when only 167 singing maleswere found.

The Kirtland's warbler survey is conducted each year duringthe second and third weeks of June when the birds are defending their nestingterritories. Warblers are detected by listening for their songs. The songs canbe heard at distances up to one-quarter mile, providing an excellent way todetect the birds with minimum disturbance. Only the males sing, so estimates ofbreeding population size are obtained by doubling the number of singing malesrecorded, based on the assumption that each male has a mate in its territory.

The 2011 survey was a joint effort by the DNR, U.S. ForestService, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan Department of Veterans andMilitary Affairs, Michigan Audubon Society, and citizen volunteers.

As the amount of nesting habitat has stabilized, thepopulation of warblers has also stabilized in the core of the range: northern Michigan's jack pinebarrens ecosystem. The warblers nest on the ground and typically select nestingsites in stands of jack pine between four and 20 years old. Historically, thesestands of young jack pine were created by natural wildfires that frequentlyswept through northern Michigan.Modern fire suppression programs altered this natural process, reducingKirtland's warbler habitat. The result was that the population of Kirtland'swarblers declined to the point that they were listed as endangered.

To mimic the effects of wildfire and ensure the future ofthis species, the DNR, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servicemanage the forests through a combination of clearcutting, burning, seeding andreplanting to promote habitat for many species, including snowshoe hare, otherwarbler species, and rare plants. Approximately 3,000 acres of jack pine trees are harvested and replantedannually on state and federal lands. This use of public lands creates jobs,provides habitat for Kirtland's warblers and other species, and brings tonorthern Michiganbirders and hunters from across the state and around the world.

"Warblers create jobs," said DNR EndangeredSpecies Coordinator Chris Hoving. "From tourism to festivals to forestproducts, this endangered species directly or indirectly contributes to theeconomic activity of rural northern Michigan."

"The Kirtland's warbler habitat program is successfulbecause there are many benefits," said Keith Kintigh, DNR wildlifeecologist. "Not only are we providing habitat for an endangered species,we are also providing wood products and great hunting opportunities forsnowshoe hare, deer and turkey, to name a few."

For more information on the Kirtland's warbler, visit theDNR website: www.michigan.gov/dnr. TheMichigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation,protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and culturalresources for current and future generations.

Why do some birds live longer than others?

2011-12-24T03:00:00.000-05:00

Why do some birds like the robin and chickadee only live ayear or two, while other birds can live longer? That is so sad. ~ Anonymous

A definitive answer to the evolution of lifespan is still amystery. Scientists believe that birds’ observable characteristics: such as theirdevelopment, physiological properties, and behavior (like nest building) is a resultof the expression of their genes and the influence of environmental factors.

Another theory on why some birds live longer than others is size.Because smaller birds tend to be more prone to predation and other dangers,their life may be cut short. The average lifespan of the littler bird is only ayear or two while the bigger birds average around 25-50 years. There are anumber of cases in which smaller animals within a given species live longer incaptivity. For example it has been recorded that some captive House Sparrows livedfor 23 years, and Northern Cardinals 22 years.

At what age a bird reaches sexual maturity might also influencelongevity. While chickadees, sparrows, and goldfinches can mate at one year,crows, hawks, and eagles may take up to five years to reach sexual maturity.

Although life expectancy in birds might be correlated closelywith size, further information is required. So in addition to collecting datadirectly by banding and recapturing birds more research needs to be done.

In fact one recent study already found that tropical birds, leading aslower life and expending less energy, tended to live longer than birds thathad to survive harsh winters. The researchers traveled to Panama where theycaptured tropical birds and measured their basal metabolic rate (BMR) – theminimum amount of energy they expend at rest, solely to maintain their vitalbodily functions.

They compared these measurements with the BMRs of temperatebirds. They found that tropical birds used about 18 percent less energy, asmeasured by BMR, when compared with temperate birds.

The researchers also tested neotropical migrants – thosebirds that live in the tropics much of the year, but migrate north to temperateclimates such as the United Statesand Canadato breed. Results showed these birds expended more energy than those speciesthat live year-round in the tropics, but still used less energy than birds thatwere permanent residents in colder states like Michigan.

Scientists believe that tropical birds may have a slowerpace of life because it fits with the rest of their life history. Tropical birds,compared to those from temperate regions, tend to live longer, and producefewer offspring which develop slowly and mature relatively late in life.

Makes me glad I feed the hardy birds that choose to stayyear-round in Michigan.As the temperatures dip and natural food sources may become covered with snowor locked in ice, I know that the supplemental food and water that I provide ismore widely appreciated and has a bigger impact on the birds’ survival.

Source: Ohio State University(2007, May 23). Tropical Birds Have Slow Pace Of Life Compared To NorthernSpecies, Study Finds. http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~patches/publication/wiersma%20et%20al_2007_PNAS.pdf

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Macro Cardinal in Snow

2011-12-23T03:00:00.000-05:00

Some pictures from the first winter storm. JEF~ Lansing, MI

Best Large Capacity Bird Feeder

2011-12-22T03:00:00.000-05:00

I’m looking for a house type feeder that holds a largeamount of seed. My old neighbor built us a wood box type feeder that lasted foryears but it definitely needs to be replaced. Any suggestions? It needs to bemounted on a 4” x 4”. ~ Battle Creek, Michigan

You can choose from a wide selection of feeders at ourstores. One of the most popular at the Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansing, MI store is our huge recycled plastichopper feeder.

The EcoTough® Ranchette Retreat bird feeder is a fullyfunctioning bird buffet that holds two gallons of seed and two suet cakes. Thevariety of food offered in one place attracts many different bird species suchas cardinals, finches, jays, chickadees, woodpeckers and more.

To protect the seed, the Ranchette Retreat has an extra largegreen roof that overhangs the extra large tray area. This will accommodatelarge and small birds comfortably. It also has a mesh screen bottom with a builtin seed diverter to keep seed moving through the feeder smoothly and to preventmoldy seed. It mounts to a 4” x 4” easily or on our Advanced Pole System (APS).

This is one of the easiest feeders to clean. The recycledplastic doesn’t fade, crack, or split. The plexi-glass front and screen bottomare removed easily. Its dimensions are: 11" x 16¼" x 17¼".

EcoTough® feeders are environmentally friendly, high qualityproducts that are made from recycled plastic milk jugs. They are more expensivethan the cedar hoppers but they are hand crafted in Chilton, Wisconsinand come with lifetime guarantee.

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What is winter solstice?

2011-12-21T03:00:00.000-05:00

The tip of Earth's axis causes the northern hemisphere inwinter

to face away from the sun and toward it in summer. Credit:NASA

Is anyone else tired of it being dark at 4pm? Don’t worry,the winter solstice is this week and for everyone in the northern hemisphere thatmeans the days will start to get longer.

The first day of winter or the December solstice marks thelongest night and shortest day of the year when the sun's daily maximumelevation in the sky is the lowest.

Depending on the shift of the calendar, thewinter solstice usually occurs on December 21 to 23 each year in the NorthernHemisphere, and June 20 to 23 in the Southern Hemisphere.

Winter Solstice celebrates the birth of the new Solar yearand the beginning of winter. Cultures around the world have had celebrations ofrebirth for centuries at this time of year.

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Do birds choke on peanut butter?

2011-12-20T03:00:00.000-05:00

Nuthatches are one of many birds that love nuts!

I teach preschool and we coated lots of pinecones in peanutbutter and then dipped them birdseed as a treat for the birds. One parentthought the peanut butter would choke the birds. Did I do something wrong? ~ Huntsville, Texas

There are no documented cases of birds choking on peanutbutter. I think peanut butter on pine cones and then dipped in seed is a fabuloustreat for the birds. Or if you smear peanut butter on a tree trunk you’ll besurprised how many cute birds this will attract up and down your tree.

Pine Cone Feeder
1. Tie natural rough brown string around the top of a pine cone.
2. Pack Peanut Butter into pine cone.
3. Roll pine cone in Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU) Seed.
4. Hang from a tree.
Be sure to select a tree somewhere near a window so that once you have completed your decorating, you and your family can sit back and watch the beautiful birds enjoy their holiday treats.

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Do birds have teeth?

2011-12-19T03:00:00.000-05:00

Modern birds are characterized by feathers, a beak andno teeth, although ancient birds did seem to have the pearly whites. Around 300 millionyears ago, the ancestor of all modern vertebrates gave rise to two lineages,the mammals and the reptiles/birds. The oldest reptiles, such as crocodiles andalligators, had cone-shaped teeth. So did the earliest birds, calledarchosaurs.

Then, around 80 million years ago, modern birds emergedwithout teeth. It turns out that while developing a beak, birds lost theirteeth.

Normal chick (left), mutant jaw (right) shows teeth

CREDIT: John F. Fallon and Matthew P. Harris

John Fallon of the University of Wisconsinwas able to conduct an experiment in 2005 that induced tooth growth in normal developing chickens by tweaking thegenes. The chicks were not allowed to fully develop, but their teeth looked like reptilian teeth and shared many of the samegenetic traits.

A direct application of this research could be re-growingteeth in people who have lost them through accident or disease.

Source:

The Development of Archosaurian First-Generation Teeth in aChicken Mutant - http://www.cell.com/current-biology/retrieve/pii/S0960982206000649

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Fun Facts on Nuthatches

2011-12-18T03:00:00.001-05:00

Nifty and Nimble Nuthatches!

Image via Wikipedia

White-breasted Nuthatch

Nuthatches are are very easy backyard birds to identify. If you see a bird creeping downward on a tree, it’s a nuthatch. It’s the only species that can “walk down a tree.” It needs no tail support because it has incredibly strong feet!

That said, generally you won’t see large numbers of nuthatches in your yard. Most nuthatches visit feeders in ones and twos. They are feisty and aggressive birds, and pairs generally defend a territory of 10 to 30 acres. They feast on seeds and insects found in trees, and many times will hide seeds from feeders in tree bark for a snack later in the day or breakfast the next morning.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Red-breasted and White-breasted nuthatches are the most common visitors to feeders in Michigan. They enjoy suet, sunflower seeds and peanuts. Red-breasted Nuthatches are pickier than White-breasted Nuthatches, and their diet is made up mainly of conifer seeds.

Image via Wikipedia

Pygmy Nuthatch

Pygmy Nuthatches live in ponderosa forests in the West and survive the bitter winter nights by roosting with 50 to 100 or more other Pygmy Nuthatches in tree cavities. With so many birds in the cavity, they stay warm and can lower their metabolic rate to conserve energy.

Image via Wikipedia

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Another species, Brown-headed Nuthatches, live primarily in the Southeast United States in mature pine forests. These birds live in flocks, although they do not have the “sleepovers” the Pygmy Nuthatches have.

To attract nuthatches to your yard, try a suet or peanut feeder as well as our Wild Birds Unlimited seed cylinders.

Source:WBU Educational Resources: Nuthatches

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How to keep moths out of bird seed

2011-12-17T03:00:00.000-05:00

Facebook Question.... do you know of anything that willeliminate the moths and moth eggs that come in bird seed? I have had thisproblem for years in packaged seed. They get out, take hold, and make my garagea Moth haven! Help!

After seed is harvested it’s brought to mills where it isprocessed and stored. Along with the harvest come eggs that insects have layedin the field. Birds don't mind the extra protein, but if the eggs hatch theycan cause a real problem.

Female Indian meal moths lay tiny eggs (0.5 mm) in or nearpotential food plants. When conditions are right, larvae or "tiny whitishcaterpillars" hatch, eat, and then spin a tiny silken cocoon. The lifecycle may range from the shortest period of four weeks to the longest of 300days. In cold climates, eggs don’t hatch or larvae overwinter and pupate whenthe weather is warmer. Once the moth emerges from the cocoon, they mate andrepeat the cycle.

Larva

Indian meal moths (Plodia interpunctella), also knownas pantry moths, are the most common household moths that can reproduce inhomes. They are a pest of various foods found commonly in pantries. Besidesbird seed, Indian meal moths also may be found in all cereal food products,whole grains, dried fruits, cornmeal, flour, pasta and pet food. They are notrelated to clothes moths.

Adult in Resting Position

Meal moths can be difficult to eliminate once they've takenup residence, so a good cleaning is a necessary if you’ve experienced andinfestation. Throw out any contaminated bird seed and wash all containersthoroughly. The Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansingand Okemos, Michigan stores also have the moth pheromonetraps. Place one of these non-toxic traps in the garage to inhibit thedevelopment of adult moths.

The following are a few suggestions to prevent an Indian Meal Mothre-infestation:

Control Measures

1) Fresh Seed - In warm weather or if you store your seedinside buy no more than 2-3 weeks supply of seed at a time. And never pour oldseed on top on new. Moth eggs are inside seed and are just waiting for theright conditions to hatch.

2) Storage Conditions - Store seed in a cool, dry place, ora freezer to prevent moths from hatching. In the winter, the bird seed can bestored up to 3-4 months in a steel can outdoors or in an unheated garage.

3) Sterilize Seed – You can use heat to kill any larvae andeggs that may be in the food. In a conventional oven, spread seed out on a flatbaking sheet and cook for 30 minutes at 300 degrees. Sterilizing your seed willnot alter the attractiveness of the seed for your birds.

4) Seed Selection – You are less likely to find eggs in seedthat has no shell. When sunflowers seeds have their shells removed it alsoremoves almost all eggs. Wild Birds Unlimited No-Mess Blend or ShelledSunflower seeds rarely carry eggs, but may be re-infested if Indian meal moths arein the home. Nyjer (thistle) and safflower seed are also less likely to beinfected initially.

Well perhaps outside seed storage would be the answer. Ihave considered it for my wild birds, but I have the same issue for my insidebirds (lovebird, parakeet). I have tried freezing to no avail, but the outsidestorage for my outdoor birds may be a good solution. Thanks very much for theanswer to my question!

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Cardinal Bird Poem

2011-12-16T03:00:00.000-05:00

On a dreary fall day,

With no sun in the sky,

I see not far away,

A red flash flutter by.

The crimson takes a seat,

And this sweet song I heard,

What-cheer, what-cheer ... Tweet, Tweet,

It’s the Cardinal bird!

Gifts made in America

2011-12-15T03:00:00.000-05:00

Our family is taking the 'Made in America' Challenge this year forChristmas. I didn’t realize how difficult it was going to be to find thingsmade in the USA.I thought maybe your small business might know. Can you help? ~ Farmington, Michigan

Almost everything Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansing and Okemos, Michigan purchases is Made in America. We are a little businessand we support other little businesses. Most of our products are from smallcompanies that don’t sell to big box stores:

Julian is Aspect's office cat (He is indoors only!!)

1) Tube Feeders, Hummingbird Feeders, WindowFeeders - Aspects, Inc. out of Rhode Island is our main supplier of tube, window andhummingbird feeders. Their philosophy is to make the best feeders possible intheir USAfacility and stand confidently behind it with a Lifetime Guarantee. I considerboth their products and customer service to be excellent! I have several oftheir feeders and have sold thousands more to satisfied customers.

Recycled Hoppers attract a wide variety of birds

2) Hoppers, Houses, Suet Feeders – Birds Choiceout of Chilton, Wisconsin have reused and saved over 6million plastic jugs from going into the landfills by manufacturing productsfrom recycled materials. Quality materials, excellent workmanship, patented uniquedesigns, and customer service are the core of all Birds Choice products made inChilton, Wisconsin, U.S.A. by ateam of conscientious employees. So if you buy a recycled hopper feeder with alifetime guarantee, you are not only supporting an American worker but you’realso supporting the environment!

3) Squirrel Proof Feeders – Droll Yankees was started in 1960 by Peter Kilham and hisboyhood friend Alan Bemis. Peter cared about using quality materials, ininnovative designs that birds loved and people found easy to use. Droll Yankeesout of Plainfield, CT, strives continually to maintain thosehigh standards of design and functionality, and are proud to be recognized asmakers of “The World's Best Bird Feeders.” They make the popular Squirrel ProofFlippers, Whippers, and Dippers. They all work fabulously and come with alifetime guarantee. The only complaint I receive from customers is that theybuy them to watch the squirrel “flip” from them but the squirrels just leavethem alone instead!

Stovall also makes suet feeders

4) Houses – We have some really nicefunctional bird, bat, duck, owl, and squirrel houses made by Stovall Products.They are not only made in Americabut are actually made in Michigan.Stovall products promote environmentally green practices by using hand sorteddiscarded cedar pieces. The shop is heated with scrap wood, cooled with naturalshade, nestled in a glen of 25+ acres of beech/maple/oak forest in Michigan. Rumored staffingof woodland gnomes with a payroll of nuts and berries is still not verified.

5) Bird Baths - Allied PrecisionIndustries, out of Elburn, IL are specialists in manufacturing quality heatedbird baths and water wigglers. Their durable, plastic heated bird baths aremade in the USAand provide a reliable source of water when natural sources are frozen, even totemperatures below -20° F. It mounts easily to deck railings or can be placedon our stands. It features a built-in 150 watt, fully grounded heater that isthermostatically controlled to conserve energy. When the temperature is coldenough to freeze water, the bath will turn on.

That is just a sampling of the products we carry. Come inany time and I can tell you where all our products are made and help you find appropriategifts for anyone that appreciates nature.

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Do skunks hibernate?

2011-12-14T03:00:00.000-05:00

I was walking my dog last night and I thought I saw a catbut now I think it was a skunk scuttling across the road. Don’t skunkshibernate? ~ Commerce Township, Michigan

There are 12 species of skunk worldwide. Michigan’s Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis is recognized easily bytheir black fur and white stripe that begins as a triangular shape on the topof the head, splits into two stripes down the sides of the back, and usuallymerges again near the base of the tail.

Insects make up 70% of their diet but they are true omnivores.Besides insects they eat small mammals, birds, vegetables, fruits, eggs,crustaceans, grasses, and carrion. They have a territory of about 3 miles with multipledens in the ground or at the base of trees.

Skunks do not hibernate but can hole up in their burrow forweeks at a time if the weather is not good for foraging. Females oftenremain in their winter dens snuggled with other females and their young. Malesare usually solitary for the entire winter in their own den.

Skunks were originally grouped inside the Mustelidae family (weasels, otters,badgers, and their relatives) because of the physical similarities but recent DNAtests revealed skunks make up their own special family of carnivores named Mephitidaeafter a word meaning stink. Skunks spray repellant scent from nipples in theanal gland that can be aimed precisely at any attacker.

Studies show that up to 90% of skunks die in their firstwinter. In the wild skunks may live to be 2 to 3 years old and up to 15 yearsin captivity. Great-horned owls and red-tailed hawks are their main predators but humans by far are theirbiggest threat. Skunks become so confident in their ability to repel threats,that when a car approaches they spray instead of getting out of the way.

To neutralize or deodorize skunk spray, the chemicals in thesecretion must be changed to a different type of molecule. Tomato juice maymask the odor but does not remove the smell.

For pets that have been sprayed, mix outside:

1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide (from drug store)

1/4 cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

1 teaspoon of liquid detergent.

Scrub your pet thoroughly with solution and wait 5 minutes.Keep clear of your pet’s eyes and ears. Then rinse with water and repeat ifnecessary. The solution must be mixed and used immediately. DO NOT STORE IN ACLOSED CONTAINER - it releases oxygen gas so it could break the container. It alsomay bleach the pet's hair.

Some additional tips: Do this outside so the volatile skunkspray does not contaminate your house. To remove residual skunk odor from yourclothes and any towels or rags used in this clean up procedure, wash them withone cup of liquid laundry bleach per gallon of water.

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Snowy Owls sighted in Michigan

2011-12-13T03:00:00.000-05:00

Snowy Owls are yearly visitors to Michigan,but their numbers can fluctuate quite dramatically. In 2011 the lemming andvole populations were very high in the north resulting in a high survival rate ofSnowy Owls. So this fall/winter, many first year males seem to be venturing south insearch of food. The weird snow hurricanes in Alaskaand bitter cold weather in Canadaalso may be a factor for the increase in Snowy Owl sightings further south.

The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a large, yellow-eyed, blackbilled white bird that is recognized easily. It is about 2 feet tall with a 4–5 foot wingspanand can weigh over 6 pounds. The adult males are very white, while the femalesand young birds have some dark scalloping on their feathers. Their heavily-featheredtaloned feet, thick feathers and coloration make the Snowy Owl well-adapted forlife north of the Arctic Circle in temperatures aslow as 40° F below zero.

If you see one perched on atelephone pole or on your roof during the day, that’s OK, Snowies are diurnal.This means unlike other owls; the snowy owls are active and hunt during the dayas well as the night. Snowy owls can hear the pitter patter of preybeneath 10 inches of snow. They feedprimarily on lemmings in the Arctic tundra during the breeding season and eatother rodents, fish and some birds during the winter.

Snowy owls are monogamous generally but can choose a newmate each season. Their courtship behavior begins in midwinter until March orApril. The males try to attract females by flying in an undulating mannersometimes with prey in their mouth. Then on the ground the male turns his backto the female, fluffs up his feathers, spreads his tail feathers to impress thefemales. If this is not enough, the males also kill and display prey to thefemales.

After a mate is chosen the female scrapes a shallow nest in the ground. Every2 days the she lays an egg. The average clutch is 3 to 11 white eggs, dependingon prey availability. Males often“hoot” to defend their territory. They also make many other calls, including a“rick, rick, rick”, a “kre kre kre”, a mewing and a hiss. These calls are oftenused by an adult that is defending a nest.

After about a month of incubation, one chick covered insnowy white down, hatches about every two days. Both parents feed and protectthe chicks for 5 to 7 weeks until they are able to hunt for themselves.

Once nesting is complete they do not remain in pairs but become solitary andterritorial. The average lifespan of these magnificent birds is 10.8 years.

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The Tradition of feeding the Birds at Christmas Time

2011-12-12T03:00:00.000-05:00

Birds are considered to be among the most common Christmastree ornaments. They have religious symbolism as being biblical messengers thatbring love and peace to the world. Even today, birds represent good luck andgood fortune.

It is said that many German families felt that finding a bird’s nest in the Christmas tree meant the giftof health, wealth and happiness throughout the year. And in southern Germanycorn is placed on the roof to feed the birds on Christmas Eve.

In Denmark,the father of the household erects a “juleneg” on Christmas Eve. This is a cornstalk hung in a tree, just to let the birds know that Christmas has arrived.

Feeding bread crumbs, seeds, or a sheaf of grain to thebirds on is also a Swedish tradition. The last sheaf of grain fromthe harvest, known as the Julkarve orthe Christmas sheaf is hung out for the birds on Christmas Eve.

According to legend if lots of birds come, a good crop willfollow the next year. The very act of giving to the birds signifies a reminderthat no matter how lean the times, when people share, good fortune will follow.

If you would like to join the time honored tradition of feedingbirds this time of year, you can fill your feeders or make edible ornaments tohang from the trees. Then as you enjoy your traditional Christmas meal inside,you can watch the birds and squirrels enjoy their meal outside the window. I wish every one peace, good health, and a happy new year.

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Red-tailed Hawk Fun Facts

2011-12-11T03:00:00.000-05:00

Hello: I live in the NiagaraRegion. I fill my bird feeder every other day. A few weeks ago, the birds stopped coming to feed. Left me quite puzzledas they are all there every morning. Our neighbour has evergreen trees in herfront yard & it was my cat that noticed a red tailed hawk hiding out inthem. We have been spraying up water on the trees to discourage the bird fromreturning but he seems to come back every evening. I don’t know what else todo. Is there anything I can hang in thetree that may make the bird go away for good? Thank you.

Red-tailed Hawks are carnivorous and opportunistic feeders.Their diet is mainly small mammals, but it also includes the occasional birdand reptile. Prey varies with regional and seasonal availability, but rodentscomprise up to 85% of the hawk's diet. Most common prey types include mice,voles, chipmunks, ground squirrels, tree squirrels, and rabbits.

Red-tailed hawks tend to keep the same territories theirwhole lives. These territories can be as large as large as 10 square miles.They may perch in one area for a couple weeks and then move on to anotherlocation. They do not migrate, but may move short distances during the coldermonths to areas where there is more prey and return to their home range as theweather warms up again.

You can continue to feed as normal. Hawks would never eatall your birds or scare them away for long. Little birds are very smart withall sorts of tactics to outwit bigger birds of prey.

Some steps to take ifyou have hawks in your yard:

First and foremost, federal and state laws prohibit the capture, killing, or possession of hawks and owls. Raptors at bird feeding stations are a problem only when they perch nearby all day. The birds return as soon as the hawk leaves. So rather than get upset, enjoy a close-up look at these magnificent birds while they are in your yard.
Place your feeders where there is ample natural protection. Evergreen shrubs and trees can provide an easy escape for the birds. If there is none available, consider planting a few varieties.
Lastly, acknowledge that a few birds and squirrels will be caught by hawks at your feeders. This is part of the cycle. Raptors play an important role in controlling the populations. Also keep in mind; songbirds are difficult for hawks to catch. Few are caught by birds of prey.
Ultimately, the only thing you can do when a hawk comes to dinner is wait it out. Most hawks that settle in at feeders do so for two or three weeks and then they are off again to different territory. The presence of hawks at your feeders should in no way cause you to discontinue feeding birds. Just take a few simple steps to protect them and enjoy a season of bird feeding.

Fun facts onRed-tailed Hawks

- If a hawk finishes a meal with their crop bulging, it may not hunt again for a couple days. The crop is a pouch halfwaybetween the mouth and the stomach, where food is stored and gradually releasedto the stomach. The crop maintains the steady flow of food needed to sustainthese big birds.

- Averaging 19 inches long, with a wingspread of about 50inches and an average weight of 2.4 pounds, the Red-tailed Hawk is one of thelargest hawks in North America.

- The Red-tailed Hawks scientific name is Buteo jamaicensis. The genus Buteo is Latin for broad rounded wings. Andjamaicensis is named for Jamaica, West Indies,the first place they were identified.

- Red-tailed hawks often mate for life. Their courtship startswith each bird flying in circles high in the sky. Then the male makes a steepdive toward the ground, turns, and flies straight back up. The pair may thengrab each other by their talons and fall together, spiraling, toward the groundwhere they fly apart

- The pair nests in the same stick nest each year high ina tree. The female hawk lays one to five eggs—which are white with brown spotson the outside of the shell and green inside. Both parents incubate the eggsand raise the young.

- Most people view hawks, owls and falcons as the enemiesof smaller birds. However just because birds of prey may kill and eat somebirds, doesn’t make them evil or unwanted. House Sparrows, European Starlings,and other small birds may nest in or near a hawks nest for protection.

- Baby red-tailed hawks are covered with white, downyfeathers. The hawk parents feed their young bugs worms and small prey untilthey can leave the nest, usually when they're about six weeks old.

- Red-tailed hawks are important members of theecosystems. They help control populations of small mammals such as rabbits, aswell as help farmers by keeping down the numbers of mice, moles, and otherrodents that eat their crops.

Thank you very much for the information. We live in aresidential area & it is very strange to see this bird hanging around. Foodmust be scarce. They are beautiful birdsbut I have to say that I’m looking forward to it returning to its own habitat.

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Do birds sleep?

2011-12-10T03:00:00.000-05:00

I was wondering if birds sleep? ~ Klagenfurt, Karnten Austria

That's a very good question. These tiny creatures must always be alert for predators, ready to dart away at a moment's notice. Depending on the habitat, many birds are only able to get short little bursts of sleep.

Sleeping habits can also change with the seasons. Birds tend to sleep in the same areas they inhabit during the day. For instance, territorial birds often sleep on their nests, during the breeding season but now in the fall might sleep communally in large roosts. Water birds will sleep sitting or standing on the shore, or in the water or on predator-free islands. Tree-dwellers prefer to sleep in trees or dense shrubs out of a predator’s reach.

When birds are tired, they scrunch down to sleep because that automatically makes the toes grip their perch and stay locked. In the legs of tree-dwelling birds, the tendons from certain muscles extend down the leg behind the ankle to attach to the tips of the toes and when their knees bend, the tendons are pulled taut, making the toes on their feet clench.

Some birds can also sleep with only half a brain and one eye open, always on the lookout for danger. Keeping one half of the brain at rest is called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep (USWS).

Along with finding a safe place from predators to catch a few winks birds also need protection from the weather. Birds fluff their feathers to create many tiny air spaces that drastically reduce heat loss (the same principle that makes down jackets so warm in winter) and bury naked body parts into their feathers. This is why many birds pillow their head on their shoulder with their bill tucked among downy back plumage and have one leg held tightly up against the body.

Birds can also begin a constant shivering called thermogenosis to produce heat five times that of their normal rate, helping them to maintain an amazingly high body temperature. Scientists have found that some birds like chickadees go even one step further to survive the cold winters. The birds go into a nocturnal torpor to conserve energy. Torpor is a kind of deep sleep accompanied by drastically lowered body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. The result is a controlled hypothermia that can save a bird up to 20% of its energy. (Hibernation is defined as a sustained state of torpor.)

So remember, when you snuggle safely under the covers tonight, it might not be as easy as you thought to be free as a bird.

Sources:

1. Half-awake to the risk of predation

2. Cornell Lab of Ornithology Handbook of Bird Biology

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Great Egrets Fishing

2011-12-09T03:00:00.000-05:00

Great Egrets Ardeaalba make excellent fishermen standing motionless in the water to catchfish, snakes, crabs and frogs. ~ Lee Karney

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Full video at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/is-that-skunk/video-full-episode/4581/

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