Bird Houses–Where and When Do You Put Them

Different species of birds like different kinds of locations.  For example, if you are looking to attract woodpeckers or nuthatches, you would want to place your bird house on a tree in a wooded area or on a post.  Bluebirds, swallows and certain types of wrens would be comfortable in a house hung in an open field or in a large backyard that does not have much vegetation.  Robins are attracted to wide wooden ledges with roofs over them that are protected from the wind.

Bird houses should be erected well in advance of the breeding season.  This would, normally, be during late summer or early fall to give birds the opportunity to situate themselves before starting to breed.  Bird watchers should have their bird houses up by early winter, the latest.  When birds are appearing in your yard, it is already too late to start hanging nesting boxes.

The location of a bird house is just as important for attracting birds as is the type of house provided.  Some species of birds prefer open, grassy areas and some prefer wooded shaded areas.  However, it is recommended to place birds in a sunny, open space.  One should be careful not to hang bird houses on trees as this gives easy access to the bird house for predators such as squirrels and cats.

Spacing, also, needs to be considered when erecting a bird house.  Bird houses should be placed, at least, 5-30 feet above the ground, again, making them more difficult to be attacked by predators.  And, always, it should be kept in mind that all bird houses should be, at least 25 feet apart.  This would address the territorial issue of birds.

When the bird watchers main goal is to attract a variety of species to nesting boxes, pairing of boxes should be employed.  This is done by putting boxes on poles in pairs.  This offers the advantage of allowing more than one species to, peacefully, coexist in the same environment.

Following these simple guidelines can turn into a very pleasant experience for anyone interested in bird watching.  They will attract many cheerful, singing birds that will provide entertainment for the interested bird watcher for hours.


- Mary Fesio

extinct bird species?

does anyone know any species of birds that have been extinct or are endangered because of the loss of wetlands and coastal wetlands? or a good site that has good info. about this..
thanks : )
- pink_purples

What are the most common bird species living around North East America?

I live in Montreal and I’m just curious of the names of the species of birds that live around here. I know robins, sparrows, chickadees, crows, blue jays, doves, cardinals and pigeons but there are tons I don’t know the names of. Mainly those little brown ones with the bright green stripe on their neck that are always fishing for worms in my yard!
- kathyjr1979

What is your favorite species of bird?

Of all the species of birds in the world, what is your favorite and why? (you can have more than one, too).
- Mary M

Tips For Attracting Birds To Your Back Yard

Looking for ways to attract more of God’s beautiful feathered creatures into your yard? Great! It’s really not hard – give the birds what they need, and they will come.

The first thing the birds need is food. A simple bird feeder with mixed seed can provide your birds with food, or you can go for something more complex, to attract more species of birds.

Thistle seed will attract many species of birds, such as some finches, that other wise would not come. Likewise, you may want to put out suet, or other “special” foods to attract more birds. Of course, during the summer, put out a hummingbird and/or an oriole feeder.

The second very important thing birds need is shelter. Birds have many predators out to catch them – everything from hawks to cats. Some people will go so far as to build brush piles in their yards to shelter birds, but that is rather unsightly, to say the least. An easier solution is to plant a flower bed filled with some evergreen bushes, ground cover, etc. It will look great, and provide a haven for birds.

Another thing that you can offer birds is a bath. You can provide them with a typical water bird bath, or you can provide them with a dust bath. A dust bath can be as simple as a patch of sand underneath the bird feeder. Nothing fancy is required!

Last, but not least, you’ll probably want to provide your birds with nesting houses – a safe, dry place for the to raise their families! Of course, be sure that you choose appropriate houses for the species of birds that you have nesting in your yard. If you’re fortunate, you might get to watch a pair of birds raise their young – few things are more exciting to watch.

In summary, give birds what they need and want, and they will come to your yard – and you can enjoy their colorful beauty.


- Adam Thompson

The World Atlas of Birds

Birds truly represent the most beautiful forms of life. Each species of birds has unique traits and characteristics. The love for these fascinating creatures makes bird watching one of the popular and interesting hobbies in the world. Especially, bird watchers would love to watch new species of bird coming to their countries at the time of seasonal migrations. If you are passionate about birds, World Atlas of Birds from WindowAlert is a good starting point. This world birds guide is highly recommended for amateur bird watchers.

To quench your thirst for Ornithology, World Atlas of Birds from WindowAlert includes beautiful full-color illustrations, color maps and diagrams of 500 species of birds. This birds reference guide also includes more than 200 line drawings to facilitate easy and simple understanding of the subject. The world birds guide is divided into various sections based on zoogeographic realms, like the Nearctic Realm or North America, the Ethiopian Realm or Africa.

Unlike other academic guides, WindowAlert’s World Atlas of Birds is interesting as well as easy to understand. It contains information on Magpie Goose of Australia, which still confuses even leading ornithologists, as it possesses the traits of swan, goose, and duck. This world birds guide also lets you know and understand about many other unique birds like Galapagos Hawk that hunts small birds like a falcon, catches insects in midair like a nightjar, and eats decayed flesh like a vulture.

Apart from general information on birds, World Atlas of Birds has an appendix that categorizes birds into modern order and family. It offers information on many topics, like habitat, nesting, feeding, food sources, social behavior, and general physical characteristics. It is a must-have book in your shelf, if you aspire to become an ornithologist.read more…


- Brice

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

The name of Bharatpur in world tourism map is well known as the Bharatpur bird sanctuary or Keoladeo Ghana National Park. It is one of the finest bird park in the world rich in many species of migratory birds indigenous water- birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds. It is also home to the animals like Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar. Situated in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Bharatpur is a heaven to the avian world and a pilgrimage to the bird lovers.

Interestingly it is the only man made wildlife sanctuary in India created in 1890 by by an erstwhile Maharaja of Bharatpur as a hunting reserve. But it was declared a reserve for birds in 1956 and later on listed as a world Heritage site by UNESCO.

Bird Watching in Bharatpur: A Treat to oneself

Covering the area of 29 sq km, this place is rich with more than 300 species of birds. The prime attractions of the park is Siberian Cranes, who travel from Siberia to spent the winter(number is reducing day by day). Other interesting birds that can be spotted in the park are elicans, Cranes, Egrets, Darters, Cormorants, Grey Herons, Stork, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Pipits, Warblers, Wheatears, Wagtails, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks, Shanks, and Stints to name a few. Interesting thing is that the park produces about 30,000 chicks during the breeding season.

A part from Birds :

Well there are some other attractions other than the birds. This sanctuary is enriched with flora and fauna. It also possesses several species of herbs and trees. There are mammals like Samber, Black Buck, Chital, Spotted deer, and Nilgais and Python also.

A part from the bird watching and animal spoting Bharatpur is a great recreation centre also. A beautiful artificial lake at the centre of the park offers boat riding and birds watching both. Early morning boat ride is a in the lake is an exciting experience.

Other attractions other than the park here are Bharatpur Govenment Museum, Bharatpur Palace and Lohagarh Fort.


- Debolina Debroy

A Guide to Bird Houses

Building a bird house is very interesting thing to do. Everybody loves birds and you can provide these birds a place to live at your backyard. The bird house saves the birds from their enemies and provides shelter to them. Bird houses give an attractive look to the backyards with stylish painted bird houses. Keeping different color combinations attract different birds. And it also helps to witness some beautiful colored birds in your backyard and getting a chance to become one with the nature.

Birds like their nests at a height and you don’t have to worry if you don’t have a tree. The bird houses should be made at a height of six feet from the ground level which helps in attracting more birds. There are some species of birds those prefer a height of maximum twenty feet high from the ground level. By nature these birds are like that only that they prefer making their homes at such an elevation as they feel safer.

An appropriate bird house should be able to provide cover and protection for the birds. The bird houses should be able to protect them in all weather. It should also provide proper exposure to air. During the summer weather the bird houses should be kept shaded as the eggs needs proper temperature to get hatched. The bird houses should have the roofs that overhang at the entrance. The bird houses should be hinge gap from the base so that it could easily get cleaned.

Here are some guidelines before you make a final decision:



First and foremost it is very important to decide which type of birds you want to keep, so that the shape is appropriate. Keeping the openings small will attract small birds.

Ducks, Woodpeckers, and other large birds require bird houses with bigger space.

The material should be made up of wood. The bird houses could also be made by metal but it might be dangerous for the birds as there is a risk of excessive heating in the summers. A bird house is appropriate if it is made up of wood as they coming out or newly born. Making use of paint could also be harmful for the new born as there is a risk of chemical reaction. If you want to use paint or some decorative products then make it sure that it is used at the outside of the bird house.

Introducing the bird houses with green surroundings has a negative impact as the birds you want to attract might not even notice the bird house you have built. The other major reason is the risk of other predators could easily target. Majority of the birds prefer making their bird houses on the trees which are dead. It is also safer from getting attacked by some predator as the attacker won’t get any place to hide.

If you are planning to keep more than one family then make sure that you situate them separately. It is in the nature of some birds that they are very protective about their nests and choose to live in solitude. Preferably it should be kept at such a distance that they are not visible to each other. You should make them as comfortable as possible and the birds should not think unsafe for one moment otherwise they will be forced to desert your bird house.



To make the birds feel good make sure to apply bird baths and shower with seeds of the flowers. In the end make sure that the bird house that you select has a door or an opening so that it is convenient to change the nests. There should be proper arrangement of drainage. Keep in mind the height for hanging the bird house while you are deciding a particular spot as it matters a lot.


- Baker

Beautiful Backyard Bird Watching

Bird watching has become a backyard hobby for many people and bird feeders are the best way to attract these birds. Different birds are attracted to different seeds. Acorns, for example, attract chickadees, jays, quails, and woodpeckers. Millet, on the other hand, attracts doves, finches, pheasants, native sparrows, and Carolina wrens.

Seeds from a black locust tree will attract quail while magnolias will draw in towhees, red-eyed vireos, and woodpeckers. Willows, on the other hand, will bring in grosbeaks, grouse, and redpolls. One of the newer technologies in bird feeding is the tube feeder. These tubes are easy to use and release seeds slower than other methods, so they save you money. Also, larger birds with bigger appetites do not use tube feeders. Solidified bacon fat, interestingly, will attract several species of birds including bluebirds, jays, and ravens. A collection of bird species love insects such as ants and an anthill can be a very attractive backyard feature.

Hummingbirds and orioles are drawn to aloes and agaves while amaranth attracts juncos and tree sparrows. On the other hand, bluebirds, catbirds, great crested flycatchers, jays, mockingbirds, tanagers, thrashers, thrushes, and waxwings like amelanchier (juneberry, shadblow, shadbush, and serviceberry) and make a good looking addition to any yard. Versatile and attractive, amelanchier species can be found anywhere in North America.

Both humans and birds like berries, especially ripening blackberries. The best time to offer these in your feeder is when they can’t be found anywhere else. The winter season creates a demand greater than the supply. Strawberries will attract catbirds, prairie chickens, crows, grouse, quails, robins, and sparrows while raspberries will attract bobwhites, bluebirds, buntings, chickadees, orioles, band-tailed pigeons, titmice, and waxwings.

A bird-friendly backyard is likely to be attractive to birds looking to raise a family. The friendly attributes include sources of water, food, grit, and salt. Predator control includes keeping your felines away from the birds and keeping snakes, raccoons, and opossums out of your yard. Sufficient covering is needed for a roosting place and nest sites. If you have cats it is important to keep at least three yards of short grass around the bird bath so the bird can spot the cat and get away in time. From inside, cats can still enjoy the birds by perching on their favorite piece of furniture (available at www.catdograt.com) and viewing the feathered flyers without endangering them.

Bird baths are a successful way to attract birds, especially in the summer. These yard decorations have been popular for a hundred years. If you learn to chisel you can create baths from large rocks or boulders. A bird bath is a great place to focus your binoculars, if you have them. Bird watching is best if you can get one to feed out of your hand. Chickadees can be trained to feed from your palm. If you’d like to attract cardinals, grosbeaks, nuthatches, or titmice, get a sunflower. An excellent selection of bird feeders, bird houses, and bird baths can be found at www.decoryard.com.


- Samuel Bryant

Great Places to Go Bird Watching in Europe

Europe is filled with many popular bird watching sites. Each country has several favorite bird watching spots, along with annual bird fair and conventions. Many little lakes and isles are home to many different species of birds, especially birds unique to every specific region. Are you a bird watcher looking to visit Europe?  Here are just a few great bird watching places to visit while in Europe:

 

The Spanish Pyrenees

From the snow-capped mountains and pine filled rocky hills of the north to the beautiful Aragon Valley of the south, the Spanish Pyrenees will please any avid bird watcher. The area is one of Europe’s best for raptors and is well populated with the following:

 

* Red and Black Kites

* Griffon

* Egyptian Vultures

* Short-toed Eagles

* Booted Eagles

* Golden Eagles

* Most importantly, the most sought after vulture, the Lammergeir!

 

In addition, the following birds are often spotted in the high alpine meadows:

* Woodchat Shrike

* Hoopoe

* Spotless Starling

* European Bee-eaters

* Wallcreepers

 

They are located in the Hecho Valley, high above the town of Jaca, which is in the central Spanish Pyrenees.

 

Serbia

Serbia is one of the top places to visit for bird watchers looking for the following breeders:

* Pygmy Cormorant

* Ferruginous Duck

* Great Bustard

* Long-legged Buzzard

* Saker Falcon

* Syrian Woodpecker

* Re-rumped Swallow

* Wallcreeper

* Nutcracker

* Black-headed Bunting

 

Visitors planning to bird watch here can use the Belgrade Airport which connects to most European airports. Most country roads are passable and accessible by bus or hired car.

 

 

France

Since France is positioned in Western Europe, a large variety of birds give every birdwatcher an opportunity to find the following birds:

* Black Redstart

* Serin

* Cirl Bunting

* Great Grey

* Red Black shrikes

* Golden Orioles

* Grey-headed Woodpecker

* Black Woodpecker

 

Many of the above birds can be seen anywhere in France, from the motorway to downtown without having to even venture into the wilderness.  It is however, important for visitors to be aware of numerous amounts of hunters between September and March. They are known to become aggressive with bird watchers and Ecologists in general.

 

The Canary Islands

The canaries are a group of seven volcanic islands located 100 km off the coast of Morocco in the North Atlantic. Most areas in the canaries provide public transportation along with detailed route maps and schedules. The following species of birds can be seen in the canaries:

 

Along the Hills:

* Berthelot’s Pipit

* Plain Swift

* Sardinian Warbler

* Whitethroat

* Canarian Chiffchaff

* Canarian Blue Tit

* Great Grey Shrikes

* Kestrel and goldfinch

 

Along the shores:

* Turnstones

* Curlews

* Lesser Black-backed Gulls

* Yellow-legged Gulls

* Parakeets

* Ringed, Little Ringed, and Kentish Plovers

* Whimbrel

* Lestrel

* Barbary Partridges

 

Around towns:

* Serins

* Canarian Kinglets (canarian goldcrest)

* Canarian Blue Tit

* Common Chaffinch

* Canaries

* Sparrowhawk

* Buzzards

* Great Spotted Woodpecker

* Laurel Pigeon

* Bolle’s Pigeon

 

 You can book hotel and coach hire and tickets & attraction at the web site  www.mygrouptour and www.in-holidays-europe.co.uk


- Robert Meldrum

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