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Facts About Birds

Attract Bluebirds To Your Garden With The Proper Bluebird Houses

October 13th, 2009

Nothing beats watching birds especially bluebirds in the most natural way possible. One way to be able to achieve this is to set up a bluebird house in your own backyard.

Bluebird species in the northern part of America are actually composed of three kinds: the bluebirds eastern which are usually seen in the half east part of the United States continent all the way to Mexico.

The bluebirds Western, this is predominant in the half west part of the United States, to Canada’s southwest and all the way to Mexico.

The bluebirds mountain, these are usually the prairie high bluebirds that are found in the mountaineous area of the half west part of North US, all the way to Alaska and Mexico.

What do bluebirds look like?

The fact of the matter is that bluebirds are the type of thrush birds that has a gorgeous blue color and one that prefers spaces that are open with a cover that is adjoining.

They usually sit and perch on low areas in order to wait for bugs and insects to wander nearby.
They also will swoop down suddenly on a caterpillar that is unsuspecting. They also choose fruit and berries as the food they prefer to eat.

Setting up a bluebird house near your area is a good way to attract bluebirds that are flying low and along your neighborhood.

Though the bluebird houses are usually used by birds in the springtime, the autumn months is also a perfectly wonderful occasion when the bluebird houses could be built.

Another reason for this is that bluebirds nest early. They also nest during the early month of February.

Bluebirds also nest during the wintery cold weather. Having a bluebird house is a good way to shield bluebirds from cold bitter winds as well as for these bluebirds to go together and roost, sharing each others heat in order to eventually keep all their fellow bluebirds warm.

Where do bluebirds usually dwell?

Believe it or not, bluebirds are dwellers in places that have cavities. They use holes in existing trees that are usually made by other types of birds like woodpeckers.

Since a large number of forest habitats have recently been damaged or destroyed in the past years, the bluebirds have been left with no place where they could nest comfortably.

Since it has been discovered that the bluebird population have been declining, this fact has caused some alarm in a lot of bluebird loving people.

This is another reason why the creation and building of bluebird houses all across the United States continent have replaced the woodpecker-made natural holes where they usually live in.

A lot of bluebirds have adopted happily to these newly erected bluebird homes. Believe it or not, a lot of these bluebird houses could be found along the bluebird trails such as areas of wildlife and golf courses.

Due to this fact, the population of bluebirds have been steadily increasing once again.

In order to attract the bluebirds to perch in the bluebird house you have made, make sure that you have used the appropriate dimension when constructing it.

There are many bluebird house plans that are available in the internet.

Also, as much as possible, when building more than one bluebird house, be sure to space these bluebird houses apart from each other – about a hundred feet.

Always make sure that you consistently monitor the bluebird house. Check inside the bluebird house regularly. This is to ensure that no other types of bird have moved in and that no house sparrows have made it their dwelling.

House bluebird designs

Believe it or not, there are two house major designs for the bluebirds. There is the traditionally conservative square bluebird house as well as a Peterson house – this has a slope that has a steep roof and a floor.

All in all, creating a bluebird house is easy as long as you make it as fun and enjoyable as you possibly could.

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com

Lee Dobbins writes for birdhouses.garden-g8way.com where you can learn more about bird houses and find out about more about bluebird houses.

Teach your Parrot to Talk

October 12th, 2009

The quickest and most effective way to teach your bird to speak is to understand how birds learn speech. If you utilize the bird’s natural inclinations and abilities, teaching your pet will be a much more enjoyable experience for both you and the bird. In the wild, parrots are most vocal during the morning and the evening. This is when they would gather with their flock to feed and roost. Since they are inclined to be noisy at these times, it is a good idea to work with your bird then.

Parrots also pick up words much more quickly during heightened states of emotion. When the bird is excited about you returning home from work, he or she is much more likely to retain the words or phrases you repeat. Similarly, if you speak with emotion, the words will stick in the mind of the bird much easier than if you say something in a monotone, bored voice. This is why so many parrots pick up curse words. These are words that are said with emphasis and gusto and therefore the bird remembers them. It is important to remember when working with your bird, that even if your bird is retaining the words you say, he won’t necessarily repeat them right away.

In the wild, birds learn language by listening to other voices that sound like their own. If you imitate the tone of your bird’s voice, you will increase the chance that the information is retained. So if you have a parakeet or a cockatiel than speak to the bird in a very high, squeaky voice. If you have a cockatoo, then it would be best to have a woman teach the birds words, since this type of bird has a smooth, female-like voice. Another great way to quickly teach your bird is to put it with other birds that speak. This is the most natural way for a bird to learn speech.

A parrot can learn the whole vocabulary of another bird in one month. If you don’t have a neighbor or friend with a bird that speaks, you can purchase CDs that replicate this phenomenon. Use Parrot voices that speak a wide variety of phrases. The phrases are repeated several times for a few minutes at random through out the day, just like a parrot would.

Be wary of CDs with human voices that claim they will teach your bird to speak. These CDs do not match the learning style of parrots since they do not match their tone to the particular bird, they do not speak with emotion and emphasis, and by repeating the same words over and over again, they can actually teach your parrot to hate those words!

Parrots pick up words that intrigue them. This is why two birds in the same setting will pick up different words. Every bird is different. CDs that endlessly repeat words will tire the bird, making those words boring and less likely to be retained.

Article Source: http://articles411.com

Author: Zevs Borealis. This article is one of many featured at www.parrotsite.com – A website dedicated to the world of Bird Lovers. Revolutionary Speech Training Method Will Change How Bird’s Learn To Talk. Available for reprint on your ezine, website or ebook. You MUST agree NOT to make ANY changes to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.

Bird House Buying Guide Or How To Choose The Right Bird House

October 11th, 2009

Bird houses magnetize our feathered friends to the yards and defend them in the know of a year. The following advices would help you discover the most preferred bird houses for you and certain species.

Types of bird houses
Decorative bird house styles
Bird houses are different forms and types. Some of them have decorative topic, another are constructed from wood or wood-like materials and colored. You and only you make the choice for the type of bird house. Only you must be sure that the bird house is suited for the climate and your feathered friends.

Various species, various bird houses

The form of your bird house would be specified from the kind of species you desire to magnetize. The following roll points a model of the type of bird house which is necessary by certain species. Purple martins are the biggest members of family of swallows. The purple martin house had to size 6 inches across on the inside and must have an entry of two and a half inches in diameter. Purple martin houses must be colored with white paint from outside.
Wrens prefer to nest in little, ordinary houses. From inside the wren house is really plain and little. You must be certain that the holes have the size around 1 inch in diameter to allow the wrens to go in and hold predators outside.
Chickadees and nuthatches are attracted from houses which resemble wildlife, and a bird house from wood material is good choice. The bird houses have to be deep and close, with entry at the top and opportunity to nest below and be secure.
If you are not sure what kind of bird house is necessary you have to specify the bird species around your home and which of them you want to magnetize. The other choice is a general bird house for different species.

General Bird House Tips

No matter of the style of bird house you purchase, there are several important points, which would help your birds be secure and the house in better state.
Most of the bird houses are constructed from wood or wood – like material. The houses from metal have to be in shadow or they would get very hot. Your bird house must have drainage holes below and avoid gathering rainwater inside. At the top the bird house must have some holes because of the open air. You have to avoid houses with sprigs by entry. Twigs give courage to squirrels, cats, bigger birds.
Make your choice for a house which is easier to clean. Some of them have moving roofs and you receive access from inside. The bird house must be cleaned one time through the year to get out old nest and check the house is prepared for new birds.
The info would help you discover the best bird house for you and your feathered friends. It will be funny, but you must not forget, at first place it has to be comfortable and secure to your birds.

Bird houses magnetize our feathered friends to the yards and defend them in the know of a year. The following advices would help you discover the most preferred bird houses for you and certain species.

Types of bird houses
Decorative bird house styles
Bird houses are different forms and types. Some of them have decorative topic, another are constructed from wood or wood-like materials and colored. You and only you make the choice for the type of bird house. Only you must be sure that the bird house is suited for the climate and your feathered friends.

Various species, various bird houses

The form of your bird house would be specified from the kind of species you desire to magnetize. The following roll points a model of the type of bird house which is necessary by certain species. Purple martins are the biggest members of family of swallows. The purple martin house had to size 6 inches across on the inside and must have an entry of two and a half inches in diameter. Purple martin houses must be colored with white paint from outside.
Wrens prefer to nest in little, ordinary houses. From inside the wren house is really plain and little. You must be certain that the holes have the size around 1 inch in diameter to allow the wrens to go in and hold predators outside.
Chickadees and nuthatches are attracted from houses which resemble wildlife, and a bird house from wood material is good choice. The bird houses have to be deep and close, with entry at the top and opportunity to nest below and be secure.
If you are not sure what kind of bird house is necessary you have to specify the bird species around your home and which of them you want to magnetize. The other choice is a general bird house for different species.

General Bird House Tips

No matter of the style of bird house you purchase, there are several important points, which would help your birds be secure and the house in better state.
Most of the bird houses are constructed from wood or wood – like material. The houses from metal have to be in shadow or they would get very hot. Your bird house must have drainage holes below and avoid gathering rainwater inside. At the top the bird house must have some holes because of the open air. You have to avoid houses with sprigs by entry. Twigs give courage to squirrels, cats, bigger birds.
Make your choice for a house which is easier to clean. Some of them have moving roofs and you receive access from inside. The bird house must be cleaned one time through the year to get out old nest and check the house is prepared for new birds.
The info would help you discover the best bird house for you and your feathered friends. It will be funny, but you must not forget, at first place it has to be comfortable and secure to your birds.

Article Source: http://www.articlewarehouse.com

Limoeg Veigroeg is owner and editor of www.wildbirdscomfort.com where you can find information on every type of bird houses , bird feeders and all for wild birds. Wild Birds Comfort provides detailed information in decorative bird houses , custom bird house ,wooden bird houses, wren bird houses and discount birdhouses sale, as well as bird feeders.

Secure Bird Houses

October 10th, 2009

Every bird specie has other species that are harmful for it. The natural predators are an inevitable problem and you will have to deal with it. Of course this doesn’t mean to kill the predators but to place secure bird houses and take measures for keeping predators out.

The most common predators are other birds, squirrels, snakes, raccoons, cats, yellow jackets, wasps, ants and other insects. They are very harmful especially for the young birds that are growing in the bird house. There are several things to consider if you want to have a secure bird house.

As you probably know perches can help some predators to get into the bird house and damage the eggs or harm the youngsters. Although they add beauty to any bird house, the birds do not actually need them. Remember that the natural nests or wood holes do not have perches, so get a bird house without a perch. If you already have a bird house with a perch you can remove it.

The entrance hole size is also important. It should be big enough only for the nesting bird. If it is too big then predators can get in and kill the baby birds. Moreover you can nail and additional piece of wood that has the same size entrance hole. This will make it harder for any predators to get in. For additional security you can place metal baffles on the pole below the bird house. They will keep away some animals.

Another trick you can use to keep the predators away is to mount the bird houses on metal or plastic poles. It will be much harder for a non flying predator to climb it.

If there are many crows and ravens in your area you will have to think how to keep them away of your nests. An easy way is to provide them with the food they love. Place a feeder in your area and regularly fill it with eggs or meat. This is the food ravens love and it is likely that they will stay away from your bird houses.

Ants and other insects can be very harmful for your birds. You should check your bird houses regularly to see if ant nests have developed under them or near the houses. If you stop an ant nest treat it with products that are not harmful for the birds. Read the labels carefully.

Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

Keith Londrie II is the Webmaster of www.about-bird-houses.info/ A website that specializes in providing information on bird houses that you can research on the internet. Visit www.about-bird-houses.info/ now!

Bird watching

October 9th, 2009

Wooooooooow, it’s the perfect word to describe this binocular. Like Ferrari is the “God” of cars, the MV-321B Generation 3 is the “God” of binoculars.

Every serious bird watcher, every zoologist, every ornithology, needs one binocular like that. No doubt, this is really the “ONE”. With USNV-14B Generation 3 you can watch birds day and…NIGHT! Yes you read it right, NIGHT, because this binocular has an excelent night vision feature. But enought words, read the specifications:

The MV-321B binocular features the latest rugged military design with specialized multicoated optics. The light weight MV-321B features 3.2x magnification, automatic brightness control, a built in IR illuminator, and bright light protection. Its unique dual tube/dual eye configuration is the only night vision device that offers a true stereoscopic night vision image. The innovative wide exit pupil design eliminates the need for interpupillary adjustment and reduces the size and weight of the unit. The optional head-mount assembly and 1x lens kit convert the 321 from a binocular to a goggle, making the 321B the most versatile dual tube system available.

Key Product Features Include:

  • High resolution 64 lp (typical), high gain, and high photoresponse in visible and near infrared
  • Multifunctional: Hand-held or head-mounted
  • Automatic Brightness Control (ABC) automatically adjusts the brightness of the image tube for varying light conditions
  • Automatic high-light cutoff
  • Comprehensive two-year factory warranty
  • Product Specifications:

  • Generation: 3
  • Magnification: 3.2x
  • Objective Lens: F/1.6
  • Field of View: 15°
  • Diopter Range: +/-4
  • Range of Focus: 10′ to Infinity
  • Battery Type: One 3V lithium
  • Dimensions: 7″ x 5″ x 2.5″
  • Weight: 35 oz (992 grams)
  • Resolution: 64 lp (typical)
  • Eyepiece lens: 80mm
  • Battery Life: 30 hours at room temp
  • Learn about how you can find Bird information, tips and advices at http://birds.allaboutthese.org

    Article Source: http://articles411.com

    Jonix Konios is a writer for Birds Guide which is an excellent place to find bird links, resources, tips, advices and articles. For more information go to: birds.allaboutthese.org

    Decorative Bird Houses

    October 8th, 2009

    A decorative bird house is a nice addition to any garden, porch or patio. There is a wide variety of styles, colors and shapes and you can buy the one that best suits your garden style. In fact most of the decorative bird houses are fully functional and are suitable for bird nesting.

    You can buy a decorative bird house from almost any garden shop or online. There are many online stores selling only bird houses and you will be amazed at the number of styles available.

    Before you buy one though you should look for several things that are of great importance. The bird house should be made of wood or other natural material. It should be pest free and not treated with any chemicals. If it is painted make sure the pain is water based. These are all important factors and the decorative bird houses sometimes sacrifice them in favor of a great design and architecture.

    If you are after a fully functional bird house than most of the above issues will be covered. The next worry will be where to hang the bird house.

    Some people make the mistake to install a bird house on a place of their preference. It might be nice to have it directly next to your porch door but you may not attract any birds by doing so. You have to decide if you want the bird house as a decor enhancement or you want it for birds nesting.

    If you want to attract birds, than place it accordingly. Each bird type prefers different bird house placement. Some birds such as Bluebirds and Swallows prefer open areas and fields, while other such as Woodpeckers and Owls prefer forested areas. Water birds such as ducks will love a bird house facing a lake or a stream. The same rule is valid for Purple Martins. Titmice, Nuthatches, Kestrels, Flycatchers and Chickadees will like a bird house placed on the edge of a forested area. If you want a bird type living directly into your garden, than get a bird house for Finches. They live pre4fectly near the house.

    If you are placing more than one bird house consider the territory of each bird type. Some birds establish a territory and do not let other birds to enter it. If you place more than one bird house too chose you risk one of them to be empty. Check what is the typical territory for each bird specie and than distribute the bird houses.

    Finally you can add some feeders near the decorative bird houses. This will invite birds to come as they will have plenty of food to raise their families.

    Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

    Keith Londrie II is the Webmaster of www.about-bird-houses.info/ A website that specializes in providing information on bird houses that you can research on the internet. Visit www.about-bird-houses.info/ now!

    Putting Up Your Backyard Birdhouse

    October 7th, 2009

    For many people, there is nothing more relaxing than sitting on their deck or in their garden watching birds go about their daily lives. Many bird lovers enjoy putting up bird houses and bird feeders solely to attract birds for this purpose. Bird houses can be purchased already built and ready to go, or you can opt to custom build one of your very own.

    If you do decide to build your own birdhouse, you need to keep in mind what type of birds you want to attract and you’ll need to size your birdhouse accordingly. One mistake many people make in constructing their own bird house is making the entrance hole too large. The hole only needs to be big enough to allow the bird of choice to get inside. If you make it any larger, you are apt to be disappointed in who comes to set up residence in your new construction. You will likely have everything but birds living in your bird house. You could have squirrels, snakes, and depending on how big you made it, even raccoons coming to live in your new bird house.

    If you want a specific type of bird to take up residence in your birdhouse, you should do research so you can better accommodate your target bird, and build accordingly. You can do research at your local library, or even online to find the perfect bird house dimensions to suit your type of birds. Although you might not think it, birds can be very picky when choosing a home. If the bird house entry point is either too large or too small, they will look elsewhere. You may also find while doing your research that different materials are needed for some birds, so keep that in mind as well.

    Any bird house that you put up should have the proper holes for air circulation and water drainage. Air holes are needed to insure the bird house doesn’t get too hot for young birds in the summer. Drainage holes are a must to prevent fledglings from drowning in water which may have pooled in the bottom of the bird house after rainfalls.

    To really enjoy and care for your new tenants, the bird houses you make should be made for easy access for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Hinged bottoms or sides serve this purpose well. You will need to make certain your bird houses stay clean and free from unwanted guests, such as bees or other small animals.

    To ensure the safety of your birds, each bird house should be constructed of a non-toxic material. In most cases, untreated, unpainted wood works best. Your construction should be solid to provide protection from harsh weather and temperature changes. Again, it is best to do your research before you build any bird houses, and build for the specific type of birds you wish to attract.

    You don’t need to add a perch to the outside of your bird house, as you will only be inviting predators to come visit. The single act of attaching a perch could possibly cause you to lose your birds to predators. Birds don’t actually need or use bird house perches, but would rather land on the opening instead. Perches provide an easy way for squirrels, raccoons and other critters to reach in and pester your baby birds, and some may have them for lunch.

    There is no set time that you should put up your birdhouse, anytime that you are ready is fine. Birds are typically looking for a place to make their nests towards the end of winter and beginning of spring, but you can attract birds all throughout the year. It’s a good idea to place your bird house so that it’s facing away from the wind, and make certain if it isn’t hanging in a tree, that it is close to one.

    If you don’t get any birds within the first few months of putting up your house, you may want to consider trying it in a different location.

    If you decide you would rather purchase your birdhouse than build your own, keep in mind that just because it is on the market, not every bird house may be safe for birds. Make certain they are made of bird safe materials and are constructed properly. Soon you should have an entire neighborhood of birds to enjoy!

    Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

    How To Create A Bird Watching Oasis

    October 6th, 2009

    You have finally created the garden of your dreams. You have glorious, vibrant flowers and greenery rising from the earth, colorful stakes, perhaps a running fountain – in short, a beautiful oasis to which you can escape and appreciate nature’s finest. However, a garden is not complete until Mother Nature makes her contribution. Chirping birds and bright, vivid butterflies create a cheerful atmosphere and enhance the already-stunning garden area. Bird watching from your backyard is one of the most fun and rewarding experiences, and should not be neglected. Whether a gardening enthusiast or just an animal lover, it’s easy to attract wildlife to your backyard.

    Why do I want to attract birds to my backyard?
    Not only is bird watching fun and exciting, but watching the lively little birds flit around your garden and listening to their happy chirps is uplifting. You will feel relaxed and content by simply looking out your window. On the other hand, when you have a stressful day, watching the birds can take your mind off that stress and center you. Over time, you’ll learn their personalities and relationships, and they’ll feel like an extension of your home.

    Personal pleasure aside, creating a haven for birds in your backyard is excellent for the environment. In cities and suburban areas, there are fewer natural nesting areas available to the bird population. By creating a nesting area in your backyard, you can provide the birds with a comfortable territory.

    How do I attract the birds?
    It can be as simple as hanging a feeder in the garden or outside a window or as elaborate as installing a bird neighborhood. If you choose the latter, provide a wide variety of nesting areas placed far enough apart to give each family its space. There are some great products out there to enhance the garden, from edible bird houses and decorative bird baths to deluxe stackable bird houses designed to hold an entire colony of birds. If traditional bird houses do not fit your garden or your taste, there are ornamental bird houses to fit any preference and still provide the same haven to birds. Help the birds stay warmer in cooler temperatures with a heated bird bath. You can even combine these elements with perches and bird feeders for an area that is truly home to the birds. The possibilities are endless, and with every addition you’ll attract more birds.

    If you want to pique the interest of a particular species, fill bird feeders with food labeled specifically for that species. You can also find birdhouses made to be pleasing to certain varieties. If you create several separate areas for the birds, you can invite many different species, all enjoyable. Attract wildlife other than birds; there are some great sites out there that have a comprehensive collection of garden accessories that attract birds, bats, squirrels, and butterflies.

    Imagine the scenario: you go to sit in your garden with your favorite book. It is sunny and warm outside with a nice, cool breeze. You set your sweet iced tea on the patio table and notice the beautiful birds darting in and out of the branches, playing tag with one another. The soothing noises of their musical chirps will accompany your reading and create the perfect getaway (without you having to actually go anywhere). By creating a haven for the birds, you’ll create a garden oasis for yourself.

    You have finally created the garden of your dreams. You have glorious, vibrant flowers and greenery rising from the earth, colorful stakes, perhaps a running fountain – in short, a beautiful oasis to which you can escape and appreciate nature’s finest. However, a garden is not complete until Mother Nature makes her contribution. Chirping birds and bright, vivid butterflies create a cheerful atmosphere and enhance the already-stunning garden area. Bird watching from your backyard is one of the most fun and rewarding experiences, and should not be neglected. Whether a gardening enthusiast or just an animal lover, it’s easy to attract wildlife to your backyard.

    Why do I want to attract birds to my backyard?
    Not only is bird watching fun and exciting, but watching the lively little birds flit around your garden and listening to their happy chirps is uplifting. You will feel relaxed and content by simply looking out your window. On the other hand, when you have a stressful day, watching the birds can take your mind off that stress and center you. Over time, you’ll learn their personalities and relationships, and they’ll feel like an extension of your home.

    Personal pleasure aside, creating a haven for birds in your backyard is excellent for the environment. In cities and suburban areas, there are fewer natural nesting areas available to the bird population. By creating a nesting area in your backyard, you can provide the birds with a comfortable territory.

    How do I attract the birds?
    It can be as simple as hanging a feeder in the garden or outside a window or as elaborate as installing a bird neighborhood. If you choose the latter, provide a wide variety of nesting areas placed far enough apart to give each family its space. There are some great products out there to enhance the garden, from edible bird houses and decorative bird baths to deluxe stackable bird houses designed to hold an entire colony of birds. If traditional bird houses do not fit your garden or your taste, there are ornamental bird houses to fit any preference and still provide the same haven to birds. Help the birds stay warmer in cooler temperatures with a heated bird bath. You can even combine these elements with perches and bird feeders for an area that is truly home to the birds. The possibilities are endless, and with every addition you’ll attract more birds.

    If you want to pique the interest of a particular species, fill bird feeders with food labeled specifically for that species. You can also find birdhouses made to be pleasing to certain varieties. If you create several separate areas for the birds, you can invite many different species, all enjoyable. Attract wildlife other than birds; there are some great sites out there that have a comprehensive collection of garden accessories that attract birds, bats, squirrels, and butterflies.

    Imagine the scenario: you go to sit in your garden with your favorite book. It is sunny and warm outside with a nice, cool breeze. You set your sweet iced tea on the patio table and notice the beautiful birds darting in and out of the branches, playing tag with one another. The soothing noises of their musical chirps will accompany your reading and create the perfect getaway (without you having to actually go anywhere). By creating a haven for the birds, you’ll create a garden oasis for yourself.

    Article Source: http://www.articlewarehouse.com

    Michael Galambos is a bird watching enthusiast. He loves watching the birds in his backyard, and finds that wood birdhouses, wild bird feeders, and garden statues work the best when trying to attract birds to your garden.

    Attracting Wild Birds

    October 5th, 2009

    As more land is used to accommodate the ever-growing human population, yards and city parks become important bird habitat. Diversified landscaping and feeding stations offer an oasis of resources in the middle of human domain. Feeding and watching birds gives families the opportunity to practice conservation right in their own yards. Children can learn and enjoy the wonders of nature right from the kitchen window. Children will be able to observe the hatching of young chicks and learn how many birds help control the insect population.

    One fun aspect of feeding birds is learning what birds are visiting your backyard habitat. There are several good identification field guides such as National Geographic, Peterson’s East & West and Birds of North America through which the wild birds can be identified. Birds are grouped by physical characteristics. It is fairly easy to distinguish a duck from a songbird by just looking at body shape and size, as well as the beak and feet shapes. These physical characteristics will help identify birds: size, body shape, colors, markings, beak shape, feet and wing shape in flight. Birds have a variety of calls. Good listeners can learn to tell the difference between “chickadee” and “cheerily – cheerio – cheeriup” calls of the Black-capped Chickadee and the American Robin. The most important element is the type of food offered to the wild birds. The widest variety of food sources ensures the widest variety of birds. Ensure that your bird feeder is kept clean. Old, moldy seed left in the feeder will not attract wild birds. Not only is the food type important, but the time period you feed and the consistency of feeding is very important as well.

    Many people will only feed the birds in the winter months, which is when they need it most, however, by feeding throughout the spring and summer months you will attract the migratory birds returning from southern climates. In addition, by feeding in the spring and summer, parenting birds will have easy access to a food source for their young. Food like seeds, protein rich insects and worms, flies; birds love mosquitoes, spiders, aphids and ants. Do not kill all the bugs in your yard if you want birds. Flowers, shrubs and trees will encourage a rich insect life in your yard that will, in turn, provide necessary food for wild birds. If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, this can be accomplished in several ways. If you plant honeysuckle, common lilac (with purple flowers), red geraniums, nasturtium, red petunias, red salvia, coral bells, columbine, fuchsia and even scarlet runner beans, there is a good chance that you will see hummingbirds feeding among your flowers. Fresh, clean water made available year round is an important element of attracting wild birds.

    The simplest and most readily available is a shallow birdbath. Birdbaths can be kept thawed even in winter by a birdbath heater. Most garden birds like a water source far enough from surrounding vegetation to offer surveillance against a surprise attack from squirrels, rats, big birds. If there is water falling or dripping making sound this will attract birds even more towards the backyard. Birds are dependent on flight for safety; they are most vulnerable when they are “grounded” to rest, feed or nest. To a bird, protection means staying both comfortable and safe. Again, a wide variety of plant vegetation and trees will find the best range of habitat for birds. The selection of plants and their arrangement in the landscape are important in making a bird feel at home. Protection from cold winds and driving rain allow birds to maintain body heat, and keep healthy. Birds that are exposed to cold, wet and windy weather are very vulnerable to exposure and resulting death. Without protective cover near by, wild birds will not frequent bird feeders even if they are the best feeders with the most desirable seed. Build nest and bird houses for birds to raise their families and provide them with shelter. When the birds will feel that there is a shelter provided to take care of the baby birds they will build their natural nests and start living and heave their family. If you specially want to attract humming birds then take care that your feeders are full because they will begin moving south as early as July but it will take several months for the birds to begin to reach the southern U.S. and they can use your feeders during the trip. They eat lots of protein in their diets too and that doesn’t come from sugar feeders and they need insects too. It is important to leave your feeders up and full. Migrating birds need all the quick and easy nourishment they can find to sustain the incredible energy demands of migration. It is vital that hummingbirds fatten up for their extended trips, particularly those crossing the Gulf of Mexico. For several weeks after your regular summer hummingbirds have left your flowers and feeders, migrating birds could be quickly passing through your gardens unnoticed. Leaving your feeders up for at least three weeks after seeing your last hummingbird is essential.

    Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

    Paul is Head of Training for a major UK Charitable Organisation with a wealth of experience in personal development, management development, e-learning and operational management. In addition he owns PK eBooks (www.pk-ebooks.co.uk) and has just published a series of Bird Watching eBooks which can be found at www.pk-ebooks.co.uk/birding_for_everyone.htm

    How To Use Platform Bird Feeders

    October 4th, 2009

    Amongst the many types of bird feeders that you can choose the most common, and easiest to make, are the platform bird feeders. This type of feeder has a flat tray like base with short sides that are only tall enough to keep the bird food from falling out. It should also have a roof to it to keep the food dry in case of rain or snow. It also needs to have some holes for drainage in case it does get wet. You do not want puddles to appear in the seed you are feeding to the birds. This can spoil the seed and so keep the birds form coming back. One way to avoid this is to use a wire screen bottom instead of having to put holes in a wooden or metal base. This takes care of any water problem.

    If you are trying to attract a lot of birds then the placement of these feeders is very important. You will have more luck if they are not out in the open with no cover. The kinds of birds that will be attracted to platform bird feeders will be happier if the feeders are in a more secluded spot. Putting them in amongst the bushes, trees and shrubs will be much smarter. Evergreens are a good choice to offer this security as they are also great for protection from windy weather. But, despite the need to put the bird feeders in an area with lots of trees for protection, they cannot be too close or the birds could become easy prey for cats. As well, the bird food might become a treat for animals like squirrels that can jump from the trees to the feeders. Therefore, you should try to put them in a treed area but at least ten to twelve feet away from the trees themselves. Remember, this type of bird feeder is more likely to attract other creatures since there are no sides to protect the seeds or other foods against squirrels, chipmunks or other rodents.

    Having a platform bird feeder can prove to be a very rewarding experience as you watch your feathered visitors take a break when they stop in for a meal. They attract more variety of birds than the other types of feeders so depending on where you live you may see jays, doves, blackbirds, finches, sparrows to name only a few.

    Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

    Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website bird-feeders.wares-are.us. Please visit for information on all things concerned with Platform bird feeders