February 14, 2023
| Grey Catbird by Laura Frazier |
For the seventh season in a row, Challenge FeederWatch and our sponsor Wild Birds Limitless are rewarding registered FeederWatchers with the possibility to win prizes. This yr, Celestron is becoming a member of the enjoyable and providing one pair of binoculars to every information entry contest winner as effectively. After getting into chook counts (information) into the FeederWatch web site, individuals have the chance to share a narrative, reminiscence, or tip by clicking the “Enter to Win” button on the Rely Abstract web page. We randomly choose two winners per immediate. Our second Knowledge Entry contest immediate this season was:
There are a lot of methods to enhance habitat for wildlife. What do you do to make your yard a haven on your avian buddies?
Congratulations to our winners, Pat Brown and Jennifer Gaus-Myers!
Pat shared:
Water is our habitat specialty! We dwell on a lake in North Georgia, have a waterfall/pond characteristic, and likewise place a dish of water close to the chook feeding space that over 30 chook varieties, 20+ deer, too many squirrels, and different critters take pleasure in. The surface area the place I feed birds is a ground under my large kitchen window, in an space filled with deciduous and evergreen timber and shrubs, which incorporates massive timber for birds to roost and make nests in. There’s additionally brush for the wrens and different birds to make a house in.
Flower gardening is my ardour, offering extra meals for the birds. Hummingbirds love the perennial flowers, particularly the penstemon, pineapple sage, and trumpet vine. Instantly outdoors my kitchen window is my favourite fig tree the place the birds typically land earlier than heading to the feeding space. Little did I do know, once I planted it, that it might enable me to take footage from just some toes away, providing the advantage of figuring out birds that normally too far-off. This chook sanctuary is a present that places a smile on my face every single day. All of the birds and critters find it irresistible too!
Planting gardens and landscaping your yard with wildlife in thoughts is without doubt one of the greatest methods to assist birds as they search out meals sources, nesting habitat, safety from predators, and extra. Not solely do vegetation present meals equivalent to seeds, fruit, nectar, and sap, however additionally they present habitat for bugs, that are important for birds and their younger. Birds use timber and shrubs for canopy and safety from predators, and use plant fibers for nesting materials and nesting habitat. To be taught extra, try Challenge FeederWatch’s web page on Gardening For Birds.
Jennifer shared:
I’ve tried to range yard cowl utilizing native vegetation, shrubs, and timber, utilizing species with seeds and berries that entice birds. I don’t deadhead my flowerheads – I depart the useless stalks standing all winter [so that birds can access] seeds, hidden bugs, and perching spots. I’ve a mud bathtub space that I preserve clear and a heated chook bathtub with a small bubbler. I don’t use pesticides; I let all of the invertebrates that birds would possibly discover tasty have a house right here. Many birds nest in my tall spruces or my thick hedge. I exploit UV-reflective merchandise on my home windows to cut back influence. Moreover, I’ve two wren homes and a Japanese Screech owl field…all on a 3rd of an acre!
Jennifer’s efforts are an amazing instance of what will be accomplished even for those who solely have entry to a small plot of land! NestWatch, one other citizen science undertaking right here on the Cornell Lab, has a number of assets that may provide help to present nesting area for birds. Try their Proper Chook, Proper Home device to search out nest field building plans. You should use the filters on this device to search out species that dwell in your location and habitat, then click on on the species web page to find out about their particular nesting preferences, obtain a building plan, and discover tips about the place and the right way to set up the field. You may also discover ideas for putting in nest containers right here. In the event you do put up a nest field, take into account monitoring it for NestWatch! Solely curious about placing out nesting supplies for birds to make use of? We advocate studying their nesting supplies weblog submit for ideas!
Due to everybody who participated and shared their tales – we want we may share all your submissions! Search for the prompts after you submit your subsequent depend and keep tuned for once we announce the following information entry contest winners on March 14th, 2023! E-mail feederwatch@cornell.edu with questions, and skim the tales from previous winners on our weblog.
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