:birds: opcorn: It ican be as exciting as a movie ! I just love to feed the birds, scattering seeds on the rock and ledges near our schoolbus home. Every morning they seem to call me out to " give them their daily bread." The squirrels also like to join the birds for their breakfast feast. I can sit peacefully for quite a while and watch them come and go, and observe their peculiar mannerisms, and species interactions. I have spotted and identified over 25 different kinds of birds. They stop by at all times of the years for a handout, then disappear to be replaced by another kind. It is very interesting, if you have the time to just sit and watch.! When they are done eating seeds during the day, the raccoons come out at night and lick the rocks clean. I really enjoy the various animals in our yard. Who else likes to bird watch ? Or watch wild animals of any kind.?
I love it! We have a birdfeeder out front that has to be filled every 2-3 days. I got a new seed that's supposed to give off a really strong smell, and lately there are always a few birds hanging from the feeder. Usually cardinals, blue jays, little ones that I think are sparrows, we got a hummingbird a few days back.
I really like listening to birds sing at dusk especially in spring and summer because there are so many more types. (a lot of them migrate for winter) The biggest bird around here is a heron the smallest is a humming bird - there are lots of eagles, owls and woodpeckers. I don’t feed the birds because I have to lug my supplies up a half-mile hill and birdseed is heavy. But what I do is leave a small section of lawn un cut and I got a big pile of branches on it the birds go in there and seem to find food. This is just a bit of trivia - but for the last couple of years there has been a problem on the Island with English Sparrows. The English Sparrows find a birdhouse occupied by regular sparrows – go in kill the baby’s or break the eggs – them wait in ambush for the parents kill them and take over the birdhouse. I used to think birds didn’t do stuff like that. Any way we also get bats around here and I think there pretty neat to watch - I know bats are mammals but they fly. Cheers!
People are mammals, and THEY fly! That makes me sad about the English Sparrows. I like the way my little brother put it the other day when we were feeding them.. he said, "You know, we took their land away. It's the least we could do." Squirrels are my favorite to watch. If I see one when I'm getting in teh car in the morning I'll just sit there and watch for a while, even if I'm running late.
If I could manage to keep a bird feeder around without it being ruined by the outdoor elements, I'd keep bird seed in it. My mom and step-dad lived in the mountains in Colorado. They knew the names of quite a few species of birds. I want knowledge like that too, but I don't seem to have the time to sit and watch.
I love feeding and watching birds...just put some grapes out and the chaffinches are devouring them. I have lots of feeders for peanuts and seed, but their absolute favourite seems to be sunflower hearts. We visit a small lake every day in winter and I have feeders there too. I make up a mixture of fat, seeds, peanuts and any leftover scraps, cheese etc. and fill coconut shells then hang them from the trees...they love it. Robins are the cheekiest. They'll practically take food from my hand and I have regulars, such as blackbirds who watch me coming along the path then wait under a bush for food...I always put food at the same 'feeding stations'. Come Spring they desert me, don't want my offerings anymore, but I know when Winter sets in they'll be waiting. Yes, birds are brilliant!
