Backyard bird watching

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by ProfessorM

Get your boxes out early as they come up a lot earlier than most think, and keep cleaning them out when sparrows and other crap birds invade them. Once you know their call you will be able to spot them a lot easier. The males will check out the boxes and then he will hope to lure in a female. Also after they leave after the first brood get the box clean as you will sometimes get 2 in a year. They like open space and room in front of the box so don't hide it in the trees, perfect for the open front yard. Pretty much my favorite bird to watch once you get some renters. Good luck
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Thanks for the heads up. Looks like I need to get building on some houses then. At our old place, I'd pick of the rare House Sparrow when possible but barely able to take a bite out of that elephant. I'll be able to take a more aggressive approach on the HOSP this year - I hate those invasive little bastards. I've read that they are allegedly the #1 reason why the bluebird populations have been decimated.

Originally Posted by Raven

suet comes in many grades i've found and some is pure white and
smooth, that is sold differently as it's a cut above the rest ...not all chunky
and broken up.... this stuff looks like half a turkey breast you just sliced whole off a fresh baked turkey right
out of the oven and it's all ONE piece. it's then shrink wrapped and people use it to make Pudding ...the meat guy said.

once you find it.... you may have to search a few stop and shops
and don't forget to ask the butcher(s)

slice it thin then cut it the opposite way , then diagonally until you have mini pieces that they can WOLF down

Originally Posted by Raven

they are attracted to the commotion or TRAFFIC
of a good bird feeding operation...
watching the (BIG red i call them) woodpeckers
those being the red bellied... and follow their lead.

Thanks for the advice Raven. I'll have to check the Meat House or something and then rig up something to hold the suet.

We get a decent amount of traffic at the feeders. Downy woodpeckers throughout the day and the usual suspects - Thrushes, both nuthatches, titmice, goldfinch, chickadees and cardinals.