Duncraft.com Wild Bird Blog for Nature Enthusiasts

Science Fair Project: Duncraft's No Waste Seeds Win!

Duncraft — Tue, 6 May 2008 14:40:20 -0500

"Hi--We thought you might like to know that our 11 yr. old daughter tested birdseeds this year for her science project. She used 4 of the same feeders on one tree branch all of which contained different blends of seed. Two were purchased from you and two from local stores. They were measured daily.

Results: Your Four Seasons No Waste was by FAR the big winner! And your Super No-Waste came in second! After the experiment was over she switched the feeder placement on the branch. The same pattern continued with with Four Seasons No Waste as the absolute favorite!!! Needless to say, both No Waste blends are now our food of choice for our backyard birds. Thanks for a terrific product from all of us as well as our "bird customers" as we like to call them!"

These are some photos from Casey's Science experiment...and of the actual Science Fair display. She received a blue ribbon! Gina and Casey, San Diego, CA

To view the web version or post a comment, go to http://duncraft.atom5.com/science-fair-project-1322.html

To create your own Blog at Atom5, go to http://www.atom5.com

Survey: Is Your Backyard Wildlife Friendly?

Duncraft — Tue, 6 May 2008 13:35:06 -0500

Hello Folks!

We're curious as to how many of you provide all four essential elements required for wildlife to survive and thrive. Does your yard currently offer birds and other creatures: food, water, shelter and places to raise their young? Let us know. Simply post your comment and tell us if you are providing these four essentials. Any additional detailed information you care to share is also welcome! Thanks, Michelle

http://duncraft.atom5.com/survey-is-your-backy-1321.html

To create your own Blog at Atom5, go to http://www.atom5.com

Sharon and Darryl Vaught share their Tennessee orioles

Duncraft — Mon, 5 May 2008 09:17:36 -0500

(Photos and story sent in to us by Darryl and Sharon Vaught)

This is our first year to have Baltimore Orioles in our yard, and they first came to feed on our hummingbird feeders (note the picture showing a female oriole and a hummingbird together on the same feeder)! We immediately started putting out orange halves and set up a couple of oriole nectar feeders as well, and they quickly began to visit them.

We are including representative photos (out of many that we have taken). Some are better quality than others, but each shows the striking plumage, and at least a few of the interesting poses these birds have shown off for us in the short time they have been in our yard.

We have enjoyed many songbirds in this and past years, including literally dozens of brightly hued goldfinches, dazzling indigo buntings, charming nuthatches, parenting tufted titmice, families of beautiful bluebirds, rufus-sided towhees, unusual rose-breasted grosbeaks (the females scarcely resemble the males), a variety of woodpeckers (including a female Pileated woodpecker), and the usual complement of cardinals, bluejays, magpies, cowbirds, doves, juncos, chickadees, etc. To add several orioles to that list is most exciting for us.

For photographers who are interested in such details, the pictures were taken with a Sony Cybershot DSC-H1 5.1 megapixel digital camera, and many of the pictures were taken at the camera's maximum 24 power zoom (due to the distance maintained by the rather skittish orioles). Since the camera's optical zoom ends at 12 power, and digital zoom is often destructive to image clarity, we're happy that many of the pictures turned out as sharp as they did. This was no doubt due at least in part to the camera's Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization, but even that could not prevent blurring caused by the oriole's movement on some of the shots.

Thank you Sharon and Darryl for sharing your lovely orioles!

http://duncraft.atom5.com/sharon-dar-1320.html

To create your own Blog at Atom5, go to http://www.atom5.com

More great oriole photos!

Duncraft — Mon, 5 May 2008 09:15:25 -0500

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

Barbara Friederich

I look forward to the return of the Orioles every year. They seem to come to my window to let me know that they are back and want to eat!

Wayne Wentworth

While making coffee I looked out to view this event taking place. This is the first opportunity for me to take a picture of the orioles. My wife and I were very excited to see these beauties especially knowing that a pair was visiting the feeder, both male and female.

Marg Petersen, Maplewood, MN.

Here is a picture of an Oriole defending her grape jellyfrom a Cat Bird.

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

http://duncraft.atom5.com/more-oriole-photos-1319.html

To create your own Blog at Atom5, go to http://www.atom5.com

Your Oriole Photos

Duncraft — Mon, 5 May 2008 09:14:14 -0500

Hello Folks!

Enjoy these Oriole photos sent in to us by Duncraft customers...Michelle

From Sam Wilson in Arizona: Hooded Oriole

From Melanie Chesser: Orchard Oriole

These are some of the oriole pictures I got last week. It ended up being a 1st year, 1st summer, male orchard oriole. I really enjoyed him. Had to ask an expert exaxtly what kind it was though.

Nell Obsharsky

Kathy Ceno

I am in Upper Michigan ..... waaaaaaaaay north. Almost as far north as you can go. Copper Harbor is at the end of the peninsula and we are maybe 36 miles S of there.I've had them for a few years here in the Keweenaw peninsula, but they don't stay for long. I would LOVE to have them all summer.check out your map. You will see how far north i am!

http://duncraft.atom5.com/we-want-your-oriole-1318.html

To create your own Blog at Atom5, go to http://www.atom5.com

Attract More Hummers!

Duncraft — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:30:13 -0500

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

Hummingbirds - Joyas Voladoras

When the Spanish first saw hummingbirds in the New World, they called them joyas voladoras; flying jewels. Hummingbirds are often described as gem-like or jewel-like because of their brilliant iridescent coloring. Some hummingbirds are iridescent all over while on others, the brightest colors appear on the gorget, an area on the front of the bird's neck. Usually the female birds do not exhibit the brightest colors, but they still have an iridescent sheen about them. The color on a hummingbird isn't caused by pigment in their feathers. Instead, the top layer of a feather is covered with special cells that break up light. As the birds hover and dive, light strikes the cells in their feathers at just the right angle and suddenly you see a flash of brilliant color; a flying jewel!

Did you know that hummingbirds are only found in the South, Central and Northern Americas? There are no hummingbirds in Europe, Asia, Africa or Hawaii. There have been fossils of hummingbirds found in Germany, but why these birds became extinct in the eastern hemisphere isn't known. There are 16 species of hummingbirds that breed in North America, mostly in the western and southwestern regions of the US. Some lucky birders in this area might have several types of hummingbirds in their yards, where different species overlap. Only the Ruby Throated hummingbird is found east of the Mississippi and in Central Canada, although Calliope and Rufous hummingbirds have been seen rarely in the southeast during autumn. There are another 6 species of hummingbirds from Mexico and the Caribbean that sometimes visit the southwestern states.

Attracting hummingbirds to hummingbird feeders is a well-loved pastime in the United States. A hummingbird diet consists of flower nectar and insects, but sugar and water nectar in feeders is also a favorite. To make your own hummingbird nectar, use 1 part plain white table sugar mixed with 4 parts of water. Although some people just stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves, it's probably best to boil the mixture for about 2 -3 minutes to remove any impurities in the water or sugar; then let it cool before filling your feeders. Don't use any other type of sugar or sugar substitute. Better yet, buy prepared nectar powder and just add water according to directions. Hummingbirds need to eat about 7 to 10 times an hour, but seeking out nectar only takes up about 30% of their day! The other 70% of the time, the birds are singing, sunbathing or preening their feathers.

There are lots of interesting facts about hummingbirds. The smallest bird on earth is a hummingbird called the Bee hummingbird. It comes from Cuba and measures only 2 1/2 inches long and weighs only 1.95 grams; that's less than the weight of two paperclips! The largest of the hummingbirds is found in the Peruvian Andes. This bird is called the Great Hummingbird for good reason. It is 8 1/2 inches long, but still only weighs 19 grams. That's about the weight of three quarters and a penny! In all, there are over 300 species of hummingbirds.

Few of us will ever see a hummingbird's nest although they are very common, because the birds have a good way of disguising it. First they weave the nest with spiders' silk and then cover the outside with lichens for camouflage. Although the nests are usually about 5 feet off the ground, they are only 1 1/2" in diameter and blend right in with the foliage. The two tiny eggs that are usually laid could easily be covered with a penny! Once the female hummingbird lays her eggs, the male is no longer welcome. She incubates the eggs until they hatch and feeds the nestlings herself. Within 4 weeks, the nestlings are flying and on their own.

If you're interested in attracting hummingbirds, put hummingbird feeders in a shady place and clean them often, about twice a week. If you plan on more than one feeder, space them well apart. Hummingbirds are very territorial and will defend their own special feeding spot. If you live in the south, hummingbirds return from their wintering grounds as early as February. In the north, have your feeders out by "tax day", April 15th. When the weather is good, also try planting bright flowers with a tubular shape. Hummingbirds will come to trumpet vine, petunias, and even red runner bean flowers! Soon your yard will be whirring with the wings of the tiny joya voladora!

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

http://duncraft.atom5.com/hummingbirds-1304.html

To create your own Blog at Atom5, go to http://www.atom5.com

Wings & Water

Duncraft — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:18:29 -0500

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

Water is a very important element to add to your backyard habitat. Birds need water not only for drinking and bathing but also for many other reasons. Adding water to your backyard helps to attract birds of different species. Birds do not drink a large amount of water, but they do drink some and need good sources all year long. Birds also require water for grooming--to keep feathers in top flight condition, so important for the ability to fly efficiently and to evade predators. Birds also find relief in water during periods of molting. A non-scientific reason for birds to take advantage of water may simply be that they enjoy it.

Lots of birds begin to bathe by lowering their breasts into the water. Next, they dunk their wings and splash water over their backs and sometimes submerge their tails. Other birds, especially the flycatcher, will skip through the bath. Hummingbirds often bathe in flight by skimming over the water. While some birds don't mind sharing a bath, others do prefer privacy. Parents may bring their young birds to bathe and a crowd will often attract others. Some birds will patiently wait while a bath is in use and others will dive-bomb the bathers to get a spot.

Remember that birds using mud to build their nests will certainly use your water source. Birds also need water to digest their food. Birds do not sweat but they do lose body moisture through respiration and through their droppings so water is very important in keeping them hydrated through the long dry summer months and during the long cold winters when there is no unfrozen water available. Of course bathing is a necessary activity since clean feathers will help to keep them insulated sufficiently.

Most of us think of a concrete pedestal and basin when the word birdbath is mentioned. Although pretty in your yard they are hard to clean, and may crack in the winter if left out. A lot of the newer baths are made of resin and are easy to clean. Duncraft carries a variety of cleaners to help make that task even easier. For a thorough cleaning, pour a mild vinegar solution (4 parts water to one part vinegar) into the bath and let it soak for 15 minutes. Take care to cover the bath while the solution is soaking so the birds won't get into it. Scrub the bath with a brush, rinse well and refill with fresh water.

A bath should be no more than 3 inches deep. If your birdbath is more than the 3 inches deep you should add sand, a large stone to the middle, or smaller Birdbath Fillers. This will allow the birds to bathe easily and also drink without the worry of slipping into the water.

Moving water can be a bird magnet! Adding a mister or dripper to your bath is a popular and practical way to attract the birds to the water. If the birds hear the dripping water they are sure to come investigate. Many little birds such as the chickadee will drink directly from the dripper while others like the Robin will enjoy cooling themselves in a fine mist from the mister.

Having water available just might be the most effective way to attract birds to your backyard. Make sure you put your bath in an appropriate spot for the safety of all your feathered friends. Place the bath near a tree or bush so there is easy access to cover by chance a predator approaches.

These tips should allow you to have a great time watching the birds and the birds a great time enjoying the water. Have Fun!

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

http://duncraft.atom5.com/water-your-backyard-1301.html

To create your own Blog at Atom5, go to http://www.atom5.com

Attracting Orioles

Duncraft — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:04:59 -0500

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

When we think of orioles, most people think of a vibrantly colored black and orange bird, but there are six species of orioles in the US, and they are all different. The males usually have a black back, wings, head or face combined with variations of yellow or orange. The eastern Baltimore Oriole is a rich orange, while the Bullock's is more orange-yellow. The beautiful Scott's Oriole is a brilliant lemon yellow in contrast to the Orchard Oriole that is a rusty chestnut color. Male orioles don't attain their fully colored plumage until their second fall. During their first year, male orioles more closely resemble the female of the species. In general, the females have less black plumage and a more subdued hue, many of them with yellow and olive coloring. At one time the names Baltimore and Bullock's Oriole were both changed to be called the Northern Oriole because they frequently hybridize where their territories overlap. However, after more recent testing, ornithologists have now decided that the birds really are quite different after all--so the names were changed back!

Named after similar looking birds of the Old World, orioles aren't true orioles at all, but are more closely related to blackbirds and meadowlarks. Neo-tropical, they spend their winters in Central and South American and birders eagerly await their return to the north each spring. They are often seen in areas where willows, cherry trees, elms or poplars grow. Orioles build hanging, gourd-shaped nests, usually at the end of a branch and lined with a variety of plant fibers. In fact, because of the shape of the nest, the oriole is sometimes nicknamed Hang-nest. While the Baltimore Oriole will raise only one brood per year, the Scott's Oriole may sometimes attempt to raise three. Orioles have a varied diet--their primary foods being a wide variety of insects, flower nectar and fruit.

Orioles can easily be lured to your yard with special feeders made just for them. Just as goldfinches seem to be attracted to the color yellow, orioles are attracted to orange colored feeders and foods such as orange halves and oriole nectar, and they also relish grape jelly and even bananas, pears and apples. You don't need to hang their feeders away from other birds. Orioles don't seem to be particularly shy and will readily dine in the company of other birds. Many oriole feeders are designed to feed all three of their favorite foods; fruit, nectar and jelly. If you do feed fruit or grape jelly, be sure to replace it daily, as sun and rain can make it go moldy quickly. And as with hummingbird nectar, be sure to change the oriole nectar about once a week, more frequently in hot weather--and always clean the feeder before you refill. You can make your own nectar solution by using 1 part sugar to 6 parts water (a weaker solution than hummingbird nectar). We recommend you boil the water first, add the sugar and stir until dissolved, then let the solution cool. You can store the nectar in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

http://duncraft.atom5.com/attracting-orioles-1295.html

To create your own Blog at Atom5, go to http://www.atom5.com

Squirrel Photo Mystery--Solved!

Duncraft — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:52:52 -0500

Squirrel Photo Contest Mystery--Now Solved!

(I saw this question posed to Photo Contest Winner #3...thought you all might be curious to read the response from our photographer, Bill G.)

Question to Winner #3.... story behind your photo??? Any clue as to why he was holding his tail??? Posted by Jan on Monday, March 24, 2008 06:54 PM

Response from Bill G.

Funny you should ask. I took this photo yesterday. Squirrels are always scratching something, and frequently take their tails and bite through the fur the entire length of the tail. I assume to rid it of fleas or some other biting insect. In the case of photo # 3, I startled him and he looked up still holding his tail. The photo to the right shows one about half way through the process.

Bill G.

http://duncraft.atom5.com/squirrel-photo-myste-1294.html

To create your own Blog at Atom5, go to http://www.atom5.com

The American Goldfinch

Duncraft — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:29:12 -0500

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

Did you know that a flock of goldfinches is called a "charm"? There are three species of goldfinches in the US; the Lesser and Lawrence's, found in the southwest, and the American Goldfinch, which can be observed almost everywhere, except in the high Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountains. One of our best loved songbirds, the American male (all decked out in his summer plumage) is absolutely brilliant! You can't help but take note when he enters your yard with his bold lemony colored body in dramatic contrast to his black cap and wings. In winter, his plumage resembles that of the females and first year males, with olive-yellow feathers and no black cap. It takes two years for the male to fully develop his stunning color. Sometimes called a wild canary, the easily-tamed goldfinch was once sold as a caged bird, valued for its beauty and song.

Goldfinches dine primarily on small seeds and grains, shown here plucking a seed from a batchelor's button plant. They also love sunflower seeds, several types of native thistles and the seeds of some trees, such as birches and alder. Its slender, conically-shaped bill is ideal for extracting seeds while perched on a plant. Goldfinches prefer open, weedy habitats such as orchards, old meadows and roadsides where there is an abundance of these types of foods.

Unlike most songbirds, goldfinches are not neo-tropical, meaning that they don't travel long distances to Central and South America during migration. Extreme northern birds may travel southward somewhat during winter, but most stay in their range year round. Northern Mexico is as far south as goldfinches travel.

The goldfinch is also unusual in that it doesn't mate in early spring like most songbirds. Mating occurs in July through September when spring plants have begun to produce seeds and the soft plant fibers they gather for nest building. Look for the cup-shaped nest (constructed by the female) in the fork of a tree or bush, and if when occupied it will contain 4 to 6 light blue eggs. The female incubates the eggs and once the babies are hatched, the male provides the nourishment. A mere 10 to 16 days after hatching, the young fledge and leave the nest. Since they mate so late in the season, they usually only rear one brood, but occasionally they'll produce a second.

Goldfinches are particularly attracted to specially designed feeders filled with their favorite Nyjer seed (formerly known as thistle seed). They also enjoy a tasty meal of sunflower seeds offered in a tube or platform feeder. These are sociable birds that frequently flock together in large numbers, particularly in winter, and are often seen in the company of chickadees and titmice.

An important note about Nyjer and thistle seeds: because our native thistles are a spiny, highly invasive plant, many people are reluctant to feed Nyjer to their finches for fear of it rooting and growing in their yards. However, Nyjer seed is not from the thistle plant at all; it is cultivated primarily in Ethiopia and India as an oilseed crop. The flower of the Nyjer plant is yellow and daisy-like and not at all invasive. Nyjer is the only major wildbird seed imported from overseas. Federal law requires that Nyjer seed, because it is imported, be heat treated to 250 degrees for 15 minutes to kill any insects and weed seeds that may be present.

(Back to Duncraft.com Home Page)

http://duncraft.atom5.com/the-american-goldfin-1293.html

To create your own Blog at Atom5, go to http://www.atom5.com