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All That Chatter Around Blue Bird Houses
Lots of bluebird chatter recently and lots of chasing from feeders. It’s only January but in the southeast this activity means one thing… bluebirds are claiming their territories already!The chattering along with the comical tip of the wing proves dad’s ready to find mom, pick the right blue bird house and get to work!
The previous family unit is severed and all bets are off now as juveniles are no longer welcome at meal worm feeders. Less than one full season old and it’s time to go find your own digs and significant other… they do grow up fast.
It’s difficult to watch sometimes, so you put extra meal worm feeders out and hope everyone gets a fair share. But instead, panic ensues and papa is frantically chasing his own offspring from feeder to feeder to feeder. Good grief!
This is precisely why having more than one bluebird house within view of another doesn’t work. But one in front, one in back does seem to work peacefully. And it’s worth it because watching blues nest and raise their young is fascinating. And it goes on for months if the first clutch fledges successfully.
Two, three sometimes even four nests per season! That’s superb entertainment for up to 6 months if you’re in the southeast anyway.
Always remove nests after babies have fledged. Unlike some cavity nesting birds, bluebirds prefer to build a new clean nest for each brood. Promptly removing old nests opens up the birdhouse for their next clutch. Discard away from the birdhouse (like in the trash) as old nests on the ground or nearby will draw predators.
A couple of new blue bird house for spring:
The Paisley Vinyl Bluebird House is whimsical garden decor with total functionality. Upgraded features make this one very bird friendly. Babies will love their fledgling ladder when it’s time to leave the nest!
If you happen to be ready for the next level and wish to monitor your bluebirds’ progress (recommended) the popular Gilbertson Nest Box recently received a cool upgrade. An optional recycled plastic roof (poly-lumber) in matching brown looks perfect.The new roof coupled with its vinyl birch-like cavity will be around for many seasons. And tests were performed measuring ambient heat… the plastic roof keeps houses cooler in summer than the the original cedar roof. But for any die-hards out there… the original roof is still available.
C’mon spring and happy birding!
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Roosting in Decorative Bird Houses: Snowmageddon 2017!
There wasn’t much difference than the great snow of 2016, but like rain in Southern California, snowfall in Atlanta is disastrous. The main difference is grocery stores sell out like it’s the blizzard of the century! A panic ensues when the mention of white fluffy stuff is forecast, folks get crazed while grocery store shelves become barren.
Now if you happen to be a crazy bird-lady (or man), the concern becomes stockpiling bird food! Seed, suet, meal worms, peanuts and the ingredients for bluebird banquet- which many other birds will partake. Yellow cornmeal, whole wheat flour, peanut butter and lard… find the easy recipe on our website under birding resources.
Wild birds are pretty resourceful, after all, they’ve been getting by for far longer than we’ve been feeding them. But in the dead of winter when natural food sources are scarce and what little remaining ones are covered by snow or ice, it really does help to offer up some good chow!
The heated baths see lots of activity simply because birds require water all the time and eating snow sucks. It burns too many calories trying to convert snow to liquid. Not fair when they spend all day at the feeders getting calories for energy just to sustain overnight.
Shelter becomes most critical as well, and decorative bird houses just might serve as the perfect nightly accommodations! Whether solo like the downy woodpecker who claims the Gilbertson nest box each night, or the family of Eastern bluebirds who huddle together for warmth, leaving your bird houses out through winter definitely helps feathered friends thrive.
So offer up some good food, (not the cheap stuff loaded with fillers) at least one consistent fresh water source and shelter (yes, even decorative bird houses serve as refuge when it’s freezing) to help your birds through rough winter weather.
And this great image (seems credit was lost along the way?) floating around on Pinterest captions “nesting bluebirds” but these guys are most definitely roosting, huddled close for body heat in what appears to be a natural cavity or hollowed out log. It’s clear by the age and sheer number of birds. Keep warm little guys!
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Unique Birdhouses Make Awesome Holiday Gifts
For a swell holiday gift, here’s why unique birdhouses are sure to please!- A birdhouse to match everyone’s personality
- Long lasting (the good ones anyway)
- A purchase with purpose
- Gives back to nature, provides cavity nesting birds a place to raise their young
- Beautifies the garden, porch, balcony or landscape
- Gifts of nature soothe the soul, nothing to plug-in or download!
Birdhouses for all tastes include classic or funky, modern or traditional, rustic, whimsical or just plain
weird for the one who may be… well, a tad off!Materials range from wood, vinyl, glass, pottery, copper and recycled plastic. Even textiles make a cool birdhouse like this hand-felted gingerbread pick.
There’s edible birdhouses which serve as 2-in-1 gifts for use as a feeder now and a real wooden birdhouse for spring. Not all are created equal, but the Bed & Breakfast and Wren Casita promise to host many successful broods over the years!
On a more classic note, go for these architectural birdhouses (matching feeders too). Stunning in the landscape and fine housing for feathered friends, these vinyl birdhouses are guaranteed for life.
Some rustic birdhouses include driftwood from Indonesia, vintage church birdhouses and natural log front bird abodes. The latter replicate cavities in trees and snags where birds with no housing will seek safe digs to rear young. The salvaged logs are chosen for their uniqueness and deep openings. Forming a natural predator guard, they keep nestlings safe from intruders and cozy dry in the worst elements.
Birdhouses serve friendly fliers well throughout the year. Aside from nesting in spring, most offer up a cozy roosting spot for cold nights. They add character to the garden and simply help feathered friends thrive! All in all, a totally swell idea for any nature buff on your list!
Birding Tips, Information & News