THE AMAZING MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD!

Now here's a critter that is very prolific in the mountain region of the U.S.
These little guys are a breath of fresh air. Although slightly different, there are similarities with the Eastern Bluebird. Here are some facts about the Mountain Bluebird.

A common sight in ranch land and other open areas of the American West, the male Mountain Bluebird is a breathtaking brilliant sky blue. It prefers more open habitats than the other bluebirds and can be found in colder habitats in winter.

ADULT DESCRIPTION:

• Medium-sized songbird; small thrush.


• Head large and round.


• Body chunky.


• Tail medium length.


• Blue in wings and tail.


• Male sky blue overall.

Male Description:
Body, head, wings, and tail sky blue; brighter above, paler below. Belly white. Duller brownish blue in winter.

Female Description :
Brown-blue overall. Brighter pale sky blue on rump, wings, and tail. Head and back bluish gray. White eyering. Sometimes a faint malar streak. Chest may have some reddish. Some females are more brownish than others.

Youngster Description:
Juvenile with spotted chest and unspotted back, blue in wings and tail. Immature similar to adult but duller.

These are remarkable wildlife birds. For more information on how to help, house and attract bluebirds take a peak right here: http://www.wildlife-houses.com/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=13

Eastern Bluebird Population Map!

Hey Bluebird watchers and enthusiasts!

Maybe you were wondering whay type of Bluebird hangs it's hat in yer neck of the woods. This is good information to know, so we can be equiped on what type of bird seed, bird feeders, and artificial nesting boxes to set out during that time of the year.

These Bluebirds are wonderful creatures and can be trained to "room and board" in your local yards and forest areas.

Take a look at this informative map. We hope it will be an educational and helpful aide in assisting you in attracting these natural insect control units, or Bluebirds - to be a little less technical - to yer neck of the woods.

Yum - Yums for Eastern Bluebirds!

A bluebirds primary diet is insects and fruit.

Planting native plants like American Bittersweet is a great way to attract and help Bluebirds.

Another great way to help and attract Bluebirds is by feeding meal worms which are what bluebirds eat.

You can begin feeding mealworms in a cup or pan, but because many birds like them, and will eat you out of house and home, most people graduate to a Bluebird feeder instead of bluebird nests.

You may be wondering, "Why a Bluebird feeder?" The answer is pretty simple.

In a Bluebird feeder, the bird has to go through an entrance hole to find the meal worms and few birds, besides the Bluebird, will do so.

It may take a bit of time trying different forms of worms before your local Bluebirds will begin to dine regularly, but the results are worth it, as Bluebirds are trainable - even to the point of responding to whistles and other calls when your feeder is refilled.

Bluebirds have also been trained to eat sunflower kernels.

THE BIRD OF THE WEEK: THE BLUEBIRD!!!

Can you remember back when you were a kid and remember watching Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz sing, "Somewhere over the rainbow.....Bluebirds fly"?
That song helped to immortalize the beautiful wild bluebird.

Since the early colonial times, people have really enjoyed the company of the Eastern Bluebird because of the their beautiful rusty breast, white belly and blue cape.

Some people like to find ways to attract bluebirds by knowing what bluebirds eat and setting up bluebird nests. They love to feed in open areas such as farms, bluebird trails with scattered trees and have no problem nesting in artificial cavities of man-made boxes or which they can lay bluebird eggs and raise their families anytime between the months of April through July.

There is nothing like waking up in the morning to hear the bluebird songs that really bring a good feeling to ones ears.

In the United States of America, there are three different type of bluebird birds. The bluebird that is, by far, the most numerous is the Eastern Bluebird that resides east of the Rockies.
Moutain Bluebirds and Western Bluebirds are those who nest across the Western one-third of the United States.

Remember, a Bluebirds primary diet is insects and fruit.
Some folks are privy to the fact that it is a good idea to plant plants like the American Bittersweet which is a great way to help and attract Bluebirds.
Meal worms are another resource in which you can attract Bluebirds because, at 50.4% protein, they are an excellent nutritional source and something that Bluebirds eat besides berries and insects.

Unfortunately, conservation studies have shown a sharp decline in population mainly for lack of and or the competition of residential nesting boxes amongst the wild Bluebird species.
The good news is that those numbers are increasing, in large, because more and more Bluebird nesting houses are being erected, thus providing shelter for these natural insect controllers.

For more information on how you can help, simply to go:

http://wildlife-houses.com/

Great "Mother's Day" Gift Idea!!!!

Hey Kids!

Maybe by now the thought has entered your mind that Mother's Day is fastly approaching.

Maybe you were thinking about getting that same old flower arrangement or the predictable trip to Old Country Buffett...........Again!!!!

Why not give her something fun, unique and different??!!!!

Have you thought about purchasing and giving her an Edible Birdhouse or Birdfeeder?

I know, you're probably thinking, "What a Grrrrrrrreat Idea!!!!" "Why didn't I think about that?"

Now you have.

There are a variety of Edible birdhouses and feeders available on the market and in on-line stores. This is truely the gift that keeps on giving to the beautiful birds in her area.

Whether they attract Orioles, Meadowlarks, Robins, Bluejays, or Hummingbirds, your mom will love one of these Edible Birdhouses or Feeders. She also might enjoy a Window Birdhouse too. Yes, a birdhouse that can attach to any window on the outside of the house! Cardinals love these!!

Right now the Birdhouses and Feeders are marked down by 18%!

These bird houses are ladled with wild bird seed, nuts, corn, and other goodies that will attract the birdies and other wildlife to yer neck of the woods.

Drop by the store and take a browse for yourself. If you don't see something you like, contact us and we will try and get it for you.

Why not do something different and good for mom this year? I can just about guarantee that it will be the best gift she gets.

Visit us at: http://www.wildlife-houses.com/index.php

HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN BIRDSEED!!!

Use these 10 plants to bring more feathered friends into your backyard.

By Stacy Tornio, Managing Editor

Photo: Hazel Erickson

Plants have a lot more to offer than just beautiful flowers. Why not get the most out of your garden by growing plants with multiple benefits? Here, you'll find 10 great blooms that offer seeds for birds.

Autumn Joy sedum (Sedum 'Autumn Joy', Zones 3 to 9)
Just when your other plants start to fade, Autumn Joy sedum will take the spotlight with its star-shaped blooms. Grow in full sun to light shade until the first frost.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia, Zones 3 to 9)
This is another garden classic birds adore. The traditional black-eyed Susan has dark centers and bright-yellow flowers, but now there are even more varieties to choose from. Grow in full sun to light shade for blooms in summer through autumn.

Blazing star (Liatris species, Zones 3 to 9)
Many gardeners know this plant as gayfeather. Don't be surprised when you see an American goldfinch gripping the purple spikes of this flower head. It grows up to 5 feet in full to partial sun and blooms in summer.

Coreopsis (Coreopsis, hardiness varies by variety)
It's not hard to find an annual or perennial coreopsis (also called tickseed) that will flourish in your yard. Plant in full sun and resist the urge to overwater, as it's a drought-tolerant superstar that blooms in late spring through late summer.

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus, annual)
With its gorgeous daisy-shaped blooms, this low-maintenance beauty seems too good to be true. Grow single or double blooms in full sun, and you'll have flowers (and seeds to offer feathered friends) from summer through late fall.

Goldenrod (Solidago species, Zones 3 to 9)
All it takes is a few goldenrod plants to light up your garden in late summer and fall. Plant in full sun for best results. Deadhead the flowers to promote continued blooming, which in turn offers an ongoing food source for birds.

Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia, annual)
The vibrant, orange flower heads of Mexican sunflower will make a bold statement in any garden. Often mistaken for a zinnia, this sun- and heat-loving plant definitely holds its own when it comes to attracting birds.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea, Zones 3 to 9)
Birds will feast on the cones of this backyard favorite. New varieties offer a wide range of colors, including purple, pink, white, yellow and orange. Plant in full sun for great results midsummer to early fall.

Purple majesty millet (Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty', annual)
It's relatively new to the plant world, but birds have caught on fast! The plant itself is 4 to 5 feet tall, while the flower stalk offers another foot of delectable goodies for birds. Grow in sun or shade to get amazing foliage from spring to fall.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus, annual)
You can't expect to grow your own seed without this classic bird magnet. There are plenty of varieties to choose from, including cultivars that range from 2 to 15 feet tall and colors from yellow to red. Grow in full sun for summer and fall.

If for some reason you'd rather just purchase a birdhouse that is laddled with seed, check out some of these dandies that might be a good fit for your yard.

https://www.wildlife-houses.com/

DID YOU KNOW?

Common Name: Baltimore Oriole

Scientific Name: Icterus galbuba.

Family: Blackbird.

Length: 8-3/4 inches.

Wingspan: 11-1/2 inches.

Distinctive Markings: Male has full black hood and fire-orange plumage. Female is drab yellow with dusky-brown wings.

Nest: Woven bag-like structure.

Song: Short series of clear whistles in varied pattern.

Habitat: Deciduous woodlands, parks and suburbs.

Diet: Mostly insects and berries.

Backyard Favorites: Comes to feeding stations for sugar water, halved oranges nailed to posts and grape jelly.

THE BIRD OF THE WEEK: ORIOLES - Feeding Yer Local Orioles!

Here are some interesting facts and ideas to think about, when planning to set out bird food in your yard, near your bird bath and to fill your bird feeders to feed and attract orioles.

Here are some things to keep in mind about Orioles.

ORIOLES migrate at night so they are tired, cold and hungry when they arrive in your neck of the woods.
If you wait until you see'em, you are "too late" to attract Orioles, in maximum numbers, to your yard.
Not so much wild bird seed but bird food like ORANGES are one of the "keys" to attracting Orioles. Cut oranges in half and provide them "juicy side out" for a refreshing snack for these beautiful birds.

You can also attract these wild birds up close by offering oriole feeder nectar, jelly and fruit on the feeders by the house and patio.
They love the bright orange feeders and they are inexpensive and slip right on any Smuckers (tm) or other 10-12 ounce jelly jars.
Many people feed jelly year-around, not only Orioles, but Woodpeckers, Robins, Warblers and others enjoy it.

Many people tell have said that they keep Orioles longer now that they feed grape jelly!!!!
Our favorite Oriole nectar feeders are Orioles Feeders. Why? Their wide mouths and flat tops, make 'em easy to fill and clean (base also comes apart easily to clean), and some have bee guards to make sure that Orioles - not bees - enjoy the nectar.

If you're worried about ants bothering your jelly or Oriole nectar, simply hang oriole feeders with clear nectar protector ant moats above them and fill with water.
This acts like a moat around a castle.
In case you already didn't know, ants can't swim, and for a few extra bucks you'll never have to mess with cleaning hem out of the feeder. These also work well with hummingbird feeders.

While it is often advised that it is good to mix their own humming bird nectar from sugar, some opinion is that commercial Oriole nectar will attract and hold more Orioles and other wildbirds at the feeder longer.

THE BIRD OF THE WEEK: ORIOLES

SPRING IS HERE!!!

And so are ORIOLES - our bird of the week!

These wild birds are stikingly beautiful! Because of their beautiful black, orange or yellow plumage, their distinctive whistle, spring songs, and their amazing suspended nests, which we'll plan to look at further.

ORIOLES are quickly becoming one of Americas favorite wildbirds. While over eight species of Orioles can regularly be seen in the United States, we want to look at the "Major Three" species - Baltimore, Bullocks and Orchard.

ALL United States Orioles show variation on the theme of black with yellow or orange plumage.

Except for in the Southeast, all Orioles are tropical migrants. While migrations vary from year-to-year, Orioles generally arrive in the South in early spring.

Midwest in early May, and further North soon afterward. It is very important that you have Oriole feeders up and ready, or often they will pass you by for better feeding grounds. It is equally important to have nesting materials out and ready to help encourage Orioles to nest in your yard.

Although studies are still being done on how much we can tempt Orioles to nest, by birdhouses, in backyards, by summer's end, migrating Orioles are headed back south to their tropical winter homes in Central and South America.

It does appear that Baltimore Orioles (Not the Major League Baseball Team) ranges are expanding, while Bullocks and Orchard Orioles are declining.

ALL Orioles need and benefit from your help. You can help by setting up bird feeders, bird food, bird bath and bird seed in your neck of the woods and be a part of the bird feed and housing shortages.

Where nesting material is available, Orioles will defend an area of several acres and start building a pendulous (hanging loosely) nest.

More on Orioles and their feeding habits to come.........