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Baby Bird Season is Here!
Baby birds often leave the nest before they're quite ready. Sometimes they are fledglings that can't fly very well. Or the nest may have been attacked by a predator and jumping seemed the most expedient method of escape. Some birds such as towhees, jays and robins finish a fledgling's education on the ground. Whatever the circumstance, bird rescue organizations are gearing up for the inevitable influx of thousands of orphaned or injured baby birds over the next few months.
Are you an orphan?
Before jumping to the conclusion that the baby bird on the ground needs rescuing, take a closer look. Does the bird have feathers? If not, try to locate its nest and return the baby to the nest.
Myth: Parents will eject a nestling if they catch your scent.
Most birds have a notoriously bad sense of smell and returning a baby to the nest offers the best chance of survival.
If the bird has feathers adopt the physician's creed of "First do no harm." Learn more.
Tip: Too many human visitors to a nest attract predators. Observe the nest from a safe distance. Once the fledglings have left for good, it is essential to remove the nest and clean out the birdhouse (use a natural, soy-based bird house cleaner) to eliminate insects, parasites and disease.
Rarely seen baby bird life Secrets to attracting birds 6 singing birds in a nest |
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It's About the Birds & the Bees!
National Pollinator Week June 21 - 27
5 Top Ways to Help Pollinators
One third of all of our fruits and vegetables comes to us thanks to pollinators. Bats, bees, butterflies and birds--Flowers must be pollinated in order to produce seeds and fruit. But, declines in pollinators pose a significant threat. Help pollinators in your neighborhood during National Pollinator Week by taking one or more of these five sinple actions:
1. Hang Hummingbird Feeders and attract beautiful pollinators that are so much fun to watch!
2. Use Native Plants - Create pollinator-friendly habitat with native flowering plants that supply pollinators with nectar, pollen, and homes. For information on what to plant in your area, download a free eco-regional guide online at www.pollinator.org
4. Plant a Butterfly Garden
5. Reduce Your Impact - Reduce or eliminate your pesticide use, increase green spaces, and minimize urbanization. Pollution and climate change affect pollinators, too! |
| Make Your Home a Hummer Haven
Tips to Attract Hummingbirds
 Hummingbirds go where there is food.
First tip: Put out more than one hummingbird feeder, keep them filled with nectar (mix 4 parts water with 1 part sugar). Though they are the smallest of birds, they are scrappers--very territorial and willing to fight to defend their food source.
Final tip: A fine mist of water refreshes and replenishes this tiny bird. Turn your yard into a hummer community and watch the antics! Easy mister attaches to your hose.
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Summer Birding Fun
At Home or Away
Whether it's seeing new birds on vacation or rediscovering familiar birds during your "staycation," summer is a great time to get out and enjoy nature! And, Wildbirds.com has all the local birding "hot spots" you'll want to visit.
If you are new to birding you will want to find a birding buddy who has more experience than you do. How can you meet other birders? Pete Thayer of Thayer Birding Software recommends: Pick a Saturday or Sunday, get up bright and early, grab your binoculars and visit a local park. Point your binoculars skyward and peruse the tree tops.
It doesn't matter if you see any birds or not. Sooner or later someone will come along and ask, "Seen any good birds today?" That's your new birding buddy! Find other birders. |
Good birding!
Pete Thayer & The Wildbirds.com Team!
WildBirds.com
809 Walkerbilt Rd.
Suite 4 Naples, Florida 34110
800-865-2473
P.S. Wondering how to help the oil-soaked birds in the Gulf of Mexico? Read more >>
Oil-soaked Brown Pelican |
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Thayer New Release | |
Great Gift for Dad!
Thayer's latest DVD, Version 4, is now available for Windows and Mac! Sporting a new lower price tag, highlights include detailed range maps outlining summer and winter habitats in Central and South America, 275 action videos depicting natural bird behavior and much more! Folks, this is world class software at a price that can't be beat!
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5 Most Counted Birds |
1. American Robin
2. Canada Goose
3. Snow Goose
4. American Crow
5. European Starling
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The State of the Count |
The state of Texas counted the most bird species with 347 species.
St Petersburg, Florida, led the way with 1,476,478 birds (1,450,058 of which were robins)
Summer for Kids!
These binoculars are perfect for smaller hands and come in fun colors. Pair it with a field guide and make summer an adventure for the kids!
 Kindle a healthy, enduring interest in birds and other wild animals in children.
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Happy Father's Day! |
June 20th is Father's Day
Give the Gift of Nature!
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