Each spring, there are many things you can do to prepare for the return of birds that had migrated south to escape the cold winter.

Remove last year's nests from any existing birdhouses and put out any new houses you may have early. Birds are already scouting for nesting spots.

As migrating birds begin arriving, they will be very hungry from their long journey. Make sure you have plenty of seed and suet available for them and don't forget water. Birds need to regain their strength for mating and nest building.

Mating will begin for most birds in early spring. Sometimes you will see a female quivering her wings at a male, and he will bring her seeds or suet. This is one of the ways he will court her. After mates have been chosen, scouting for a nest site will begin.

Providing nesting material is also a good idea; it makes nest building less stressful. A Large Woolie will provide the birds with sheep's wool which is perfect for lining nests. You will enjoy watching them pull and tug to retrieve the material.

Make your birds' homecoming a happy one and they will reward you with a summer of color and enjoyment!

On March 28, 2006 I visited the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield located on Deer Creek Road SW of C-470 and Wadsworth. The birds were abundant this day. I started on the paved trail going south of the Visitors Center, this took me to a bridge over a dry creek surrounded by Cottonwood trees. The air was filled with the sounds of Northern Flickers drumming on trees and their mating calls. South of the bridge I took the dirt trail to the right into the cottonwoods where I spotted Downy Woodpeckers, Juncos and Canada Geese in the field off in the distance.

I followed the trail back around to the bridge and crossed over to take another trail east along the dry creek bed. There are many nest boxes along these trails but no nesting birds as of yet. Walking east I saw many Juncos and Black-capped Chickadees. The Chickadees were so busy chasing each other they did not notice me and perched a couple feet away, what a treat.

I made my way to the pond with a viewing blind so as not to scare any waterfowl with my presence. At the pond there were Killdeer, a Great Blue Heron, Canada Geese and Gadwall. On my way back to the Visitors Center I also spotted Magpies, a Red-tailed Hawk, American Robins, House Finches and Starlings.

I drove over to Chatfield Lake across the way just looking for one bird. From the gates I took the road south and around towards the marina. There was the bird I was looking for. Actually it was more than just one for there were about 20 Mountain Bluebirds in the field. That made my day!

Caroline

If you love birding and nature, you may be looking for ways to get your kids interested and involved as well. If kids grow up with an appreciation for nature, not only do they have a life-long hobby, but our environment and world will be a better place for it. In this article I want to talk about some of our different products made especially for kids. I have personally used a lot of these products and can vouch for how much fun they are (and your kids might learn a little bit too!).

First is our newest product, OWL PUKE The Book. It sounds gross, but this is one of the best hands-on activities I have ever done. The kit comes with a great book which talks about owl pellets, or owl “puke”, which is a kind of hairball owls regurgitate containing the bones and fur of small mammals they eat whole. It also has one pellet, guaranteed to contain at least one skeleton, and a dissecting tray for separating bones. Kids get to learn about owls and their lives, and have fun playing with owl puke at the same time!

Next is the great line of products by the company Insect Lore, such as the Live Butterfly Pavilion and Ant Hill. The Butterfly Pavilion comes with a certificate to send away for live caterpillars. Kids get to watch the life cycle of butterflies happen right before their eyes, as the caterpillars spin their cocoons and emerge as beautiful butterflies. The Ant Hill also comes with a certificate to send away for live ants. Then watch the ants as they settle in, dig tunnels and make new homes. Don’t worry though; there is no way for the ants to get out!

We also have a whole line of books for kids, as well as bug keepers, bug kaleidoscopes, and bug magnifying glasses. Also check out bird feeder and houses that your kids can build themselves and then paint. All these kid products make great gifts, summer activities, and family fun get-togethers. Stop in anytime and we will be happy to help you pick out something you and your kids will love.

Sara

We are all concerned with the worldwide spread of the avian flu known as H5N1.

Because of this, listed below are many of the most often asked questions concerning this probable problem we in America will be soon be faced with. Armed with knowledge, the birding community can continue to enjoy the fascinating and rewarding pastime of watching wild birds both in the backyard and in the field.

Where has the H5N1 avian flu been reported and will it reach the US? H5N1 first appeared in Hong Kong in 1997. Since 2001 H5N1 has spread its wings and infected birds in 21 countries across Asia, Africa, and now Europe. Most avian scientists are certain it will reach North America in 6 to 12 months.

What is the concern to humans? To date the virus cannot spread other than by direct physical contact with infected birds or by eating meat not thoroughly cooked. As of this writing, 105 humans in Asia and Africa have died from H5N1. Almost all lived in households that harbored backyard poultry flocks. If, and until the virus mutates to one that can be transferred between humans, there is very little risk of becoming infected.

Is H5N1 a concern to wild birds? So far poultry birds (chickens) have the highest risk. H5N1 first appeared in Asian wild birds in 1997. It has killed some, but not all, of the wild birds infected. However, last April 6,000 bar-headed geese died at Qinghai Lake in central China. It has been proven that wild birds can carry the virus and not have the illness.

How will it most likely spread? Health and wildlife officials agree that the most likely route into the US is via migrating birds from the Pacific flyway. Migrating birds from the East Asia flyway will mingle with North American birds, such as the Sandhill Crane, in their Alaskan breeding grounds this summer. Those birds returning to the western states this fall will be highly suspect. Bird experts are most concerned however about H5N1 arriving through the pet trade and poultry industry either legally or illegally. Their biggest concern is the smuggling of wild birds and fighting cocks.

What is the US doing to test for and combat the spread to North America?Starting now researchers, in a coordinated federal/state agency effort, will test about 100,000 wild birds for the virus in all 50 states. All samples are sent to the U. S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Center in Madison, Wis. for testing. Additionally the USDA has banned all bird imports from countries the virus has been detected in. Quarantine and sanitation plans are in effect for the nations poultry industry. Major zoos have plans that range from shutting down walk-through aviaries to quizzing visitors on recent travels.

Why is this happening? Avian flues are nothing new. There are at least 144 types of bird flu viruses. Only 2, the rare H7 and H5 strains have proved fatal to birds in the past. The U. S. has had outbreaks of these strains in 1924, 1983, and 2004. All were contained with minimal consequence to human health. Protecting the country’s hobby flocks, exhibition birds, and live poultry markets will be the biggest challenge. H5N1 can be viewed as a natural step in avian diseases that ebb and flow in the wild.

What can we as wild bird enthusiast do? Stay informed and educate others as to what they can expect. As backyard birders, you can help by keeping feeders and birdbaths clean. Always wash your hands after servicing wild bird stations and report to wild life officials any unusual sightings. Now is the time to seriously give consideration to keeping cats indoors. Their natural instinct to hunt will most likely be our greatest concern.

Get outside and enjoy nature! It’s a great, positive hobby that helps teach respect for life and our fragile environment for both young and old alike. Share the joy with your children and grandchildren.

See you at the store.

Tom