Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Use Wild Bird Feeders in winter?

A number of birds are migratory birds that go south in winter. The Hummingbird amazingly goes to Mexico. Their migration starts in the northern climates and they may stop over at your nectar feeders for some much needed fuel on the way down. I’m in South Jersey and by now my Hummers have already left.

Bird feeders at Backyard WIld BirdsStill there are a number of wild birds that stay in the northern USA all year round. Wild birds are one of natures success stories in that they are direct descendents of dinosaurs from millions of years ago. They don’t really need us to survive a winter, but we can make it a little easier on them by providing extra seeds and suet in winter time. Besides, it really is nice to see them at our bird feeders. This extra food may keep them healthier, less stressed and more likely to grow their population in your area. In addition to bird food, water should also be made available. Of course, to do so requires a heated bird bath for when temperatures drop below freezing.

Some of the common Backyard Wild Birds that you can expect to see in the Northern USA are: Chickadees, Titmice, Cardinals, Nuthatches, Downey Woodpeckers, Red Belly Woodpeckers, and Goldfinches to name a few. You will be amazed to see them all when you thought none were around. Set out some bird feeders with seed and they will come! You can see great views of many different Bird Feeders at Backyard Wild Birds.

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Cape May Hawk Watch

Cape May, New Jersey is a natural wild bird migratory funnel by its geography. It is bordered on the west by the Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Because of this it is a Birders choice destination to be able to see large quantities of Wild Birds as they congregate during their southern migration. This is particularly true for birds of prey and Hawks. Between September and November, Cape May Hawk Watch platform is the place to be.

Backyard Wild BirdsThey have a very large above ground deck platform just for birders to watch the Hawks as they come down. This is a great place to use your optics and cameras to obtain superb photos of over 17 species of birds of prey. The Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk and Red- tailed Hawk are some common hawks as well as the American Kestrel. Cape May Bird Observatory keeps an official hawk count during these months and the Sharp-shinned Hawk takes the honors with averaging over 26,000 a year. In addition to the Hawk Watch platform there are three nature trails on boarded paths that you can take to explore and take photos as you go. See lots of wild birds, butterflies, dragon flies, insects and nature that is preserved for viewing. There are also viewing platforms along the way that you can stop at and observe for longer periods of time. All in all, a nice place to spend the day and let nature entertain you.  Brought to you compliments of Backyard Wild Birds.