September 1st, 2010
By Christine A. Smyczynski
It can be frustrating when your bird feeder turns into a squirrel feeder. You can do one of two things, you can either squirrel proof your bird feeders or you can surprise your furry visitors and put out a feeder just for them.
If you want to discourage squirrels from feeding at your bird feeder, you can get a squirrel proof bird feeder, such as the Yankee Flipper ($119.99) which has a motor driven, battery-powered perch that is activated by the weight of the squirrel and flips him off. The Heritage Farms Absolute 7533 Squirrel Proof Feeder ($69.99) has a counterweight that closes the feeding ports when a squirrel or large bird sits on the perch.
You can also fill you seed feeder with safflower seeds, as squirrels don’t like the taste of safflower seeds. Make sure you place your bird feeders in a place where squirrels can’t jump to them, as squirrels can jump up to 4 feet vertically and jump up to 12 feet horizontally.
If you want to have your birds and squirrels co-exist peacefully, put out some squirrel feeders and see what happens. Of course, put them in different areas of the yard; the squirrels will find them, as they can smell food from a distance.
Most squirrel feeders are designed to make feeding a challenge for the squirrel, which makes it entertaining for human observers. However, keep in mind that once you put out squirrel feeders, you may attract more squirrels than the area can support, so you will have to continue feeding them.
USA Bird Supply’s website www.seedcake.com carries Birdola Squirola Cakes, which contain corn, sunflower seed, peanuts, and gelatin to attract squirrels. You can get eight 2 ½ pound cakes for $39.99.
The Heath Squirrel Feeder ($9.99) is made of weather resistant cedar and holds one ear of corn for squirrels to munch on. Heath also makes a Squirrel Corn Log Treat 2 pack ($9.99) to use in this feeder.
Posted in Squirrel Feeders | No Comments »
August 30th, 2010
By Christine A. Smyczynski
This article, the 7th in a series of 17 that focus on the 518 mile long Seaway Trail, focuses on the far western region of Lake Ontario. This section of Lake Ontario, located between the Niagara River and Oak Orchard Creek, is a popular place for bird watching, especially in the winter, since this section of the lake doesn’t freeze over in the cooler months.
Four state parks can be found in this region, Four Mile Creek State Park and Campground, Wilson-Tuscarora State Park, Golden Hill State Park, and Lakeside Beach State Park.
Four Mile Creek State Park and Campground in Youngstown, is popular for fishing, picnicking, and camping (266 campsites are available mid-April to mid-October.) There are hiking trails through wooded bluffs along the lake. The marsh, located at the mouth of Four Mile Creek, is home to Great Blue Heron.
Wilson-Tuscarora State Park in Wilson, features 395 acres of woods, meadows, and marshland, along with 4 miles of hiking trails. Owls are one of the birds that can be found in this park.
Golden Hill State Park in Barker, features the circa 1875 Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse, open weekends for tours Memorial Day to Labor Day. There is even a rental suite in the lighthouse that is available year-round. Further east along the lake, Lakeside Beach State Park in Carlton in Orleans County, is a 743 acre park that offers a panoramic view of Lake Ontario. The park has 274 campsites which are open April-October.
Some of the birds found in the western Lake Ontario region include Common Goldeneye, White-winged Scoter, and occasionally a King Elder or Harlequin Duck.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
August 26th, 2010
By Christine A. Smyczynski
This article, the 6th in a series of 17 that focus on the 518 mile long Seaway Trail, focuses on the Niagara River Corridor. Since 1996 the Niagara River Corridor from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario has been known as a Globally Significant Important Bird Area.
The reason why it is so important is that it has the largest and most diverse concentration of gulls in the world. Nineteen different species of gulls have been spotted in this region. During November, over 100,000 migrating gulls travel through this region. Since the river doesn’t freeze because of the swift current, courtesy of Niagara Falls, it is an important feeding area for the gulls, who feed on the small fish found in the river.
It has been estimated that 50,000 to 75,000 of the gulls migrating through here are Bonaparte’s Gulls. Other gulls include some rare species like Sabine and Franklin Gulls. Bird watchers will also find geese, ducks, and swans in this area.
Some spots that you might want to check out include Fort Niagara State Park, where the Niagara River and Lake Ontario meet, for both scenic beauty and bird watching. The historic old fort located here is the oldest building in the Great Lakes region.
Several other state parks and attractions in this region include Artpark State Park, which combines nature and the arts, Whirlpool State Park and Goat Island in Niagara Falls, Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island and the waterfront in the City of Buffalo and, of course, the aptly named Bird Island Pier.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
August 23rd, 2010
By Christine Smyczynski
This article, the fifth in a series of 17 that focus on the various birding sites along the 518 miles long Seaway Trail, describes the areas of eastern Lake Erie, including Evangola State Park, Woodlawn Beach State Park, and Tifft Nature Preserve.
Evangola State Park, located along the shores of Lake Erie, has 733 acres. Amenities include a natural sand beach, picnic areas, and 80 campsites. Wildlife found in the park include raccoons and deer, as well as wild turkey and red-tailed hawks, which are one of the largest birds you’ll see in the region.
(Evangola State Park, 10191 Old Lakeshore Road, Angola. 716-549-1802).
Woodlawn Beach State Park is known for its natural sand beach and panoramic views of Lake Erie. It is a good place to bird watch, especially during migration season. Woodlawn Beach State Park is located on the southern end of the 100-mile long Niagara Birding Trail, which follows the Niagara River to Lake Ontario.
(Woodlawn Beach State Park, 3580 Lakeshore Road, Blasdell. 716-826-1930)
Tifft Nature Preserve is a 264-acre wildlife refuge, operated by the Buffalo Museum of Science, which is dedicated to environmental education and conservation. The National Audubon Society named it an Important Bird Area in New York State.
Only three miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Buffalo, Tifft is a great place to get close to nature and watch wildlife and migrating birds. Birders have recorded 264 species of birds in the area and 65 species of birds breed here. Tifft has 5 miles of hiking trails and fishing is permitted along the preserves lake.
(Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd. Buffalo. 716-825-6397)
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
August 20th, 2010
By Christine A. Smyczynski
Even though we are in the “dog days of summer,” many people are getting ready for fall and winter by loading up on provisions that will carry them through the long winter months. Folks are filling their pantries will home-made canned goods, preserves, and more, as well as freezing vegetables and fruits.
However, why not stock up on supplies that will sustain your feathered friends once their natural food sources are few and far between. USA Bird Supply is offering a number of items on sale on their website www.seedcake.com during their Summer Savings Event.
One of those items is Heath’s Fancy Bird Suet Cake, made from 100% food grade beef tallow, grains, and seeds. During the winter months many birds, including chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches, and cardinals, to name a few, enjoy feeding on suet cakes to give them a boost of energy as well as have a well-balanced diet.
The suet cakes, which are for year-round usage, are an excellent substitute for insects and perfect for use in the winter months. The cakes can be used in a suet feeder or placed on a platform or dish feeder. They are sold in a case of 16 cakes. It regularly sells for $18.99, and it is on sale for $15.99. The cakes are guaranteed fresh; just make sure you store them in a cool, dry place.
Pick up a suet feeder to use, such as the Heath Single Leaf Suet Basket ($15.99) which features a beautiful autumn leaf design, perfect for the fall. This basket holds one suet cake.
If you prefer using a seed feeder, the Woodlink Coppertop Caged 6-Port Seed Feeder is also on sale, normally $64.99; it’s on sale for $59.99. This brushed copper feeder, which will gleam in the sunshine during the upcoming colder months, has 6 feeding ports covered by a dome to protect both birds and seeds from the elements. The 1 ½” openings are large enough for small songbirds, like chickadees and finches, but won’t allow larger birds or squirrels to feed. It holds 1 ¼ pounds of seeds, cracked corn, mixed seeds, peanut chunks, sunflower seeds or safflower seeds.
Posted in Events | No Comments »
August 18th, 2010
By Christine A. Smyczynski
Whether you’re a backyard birder or someone who like to observe birds in the wild, the Buffalo Ornithological Society has something to offer to you. Established in 1929, the society promotes the study of birds in the Buffalo region and southern Ontario. They offer monthly programs, filed trips, bird counts, and more.
Affiliated with the Buffalo Museum of Science, the society’s field trips are led by experienced birders. There are over 380 species of birds in the region, so you’ll always see something new on their field trips, which take you to places like Tifft Nature Preserve, the shores of Lakes Ontario and Erie, the Niagara River, and the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
The society also provides information for the museum’s Dial-a-Bird hotline (716-896-1271) which features area birding information. Local birders may be interested in participating in the bird counts conducted by the Buffalo Ornithological Society. There are six of these bird counts throughout the year. The next one is a shorebird count scheduled for Sunday August 15, 2010.
For information on membership or to volunteer, see the society’s website www.buffaloornithologicalsociety.org
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
August 16th, 2010
By Christine Smyczynski
This article, the fourth in a series of 17 that focus on the various birding sites along the 518-mile Seaway Trail, describes Dunkirk Harbor. This area is unique because it has warm water year-round, courtesy of the local Niagara Mohawk power plant along the waterfront which discharges warm water into the harbor.
During the winter months, there is a large concentration of waterfowl living here, since the area is ice free. Fourteen species of gulls have been sighted in this area, as well as 40 species of geese, ducks, and swans, including Mallard, Black Duck, Canadian Geese, and Coots. There is a long pier and walkway along the harbor, which allows for a great view of the birds.
Another good birding spot in this area is Point Gratiot Park, which is right by the Dunkirk Lighthouse. During May, migrating songbirds gather here before flying across Lake Erie. They also stop here on their way south in the fall. It is one of the more popular places for birders to visit during the spring. Expect to see Whip-poor-wills, Orchard Orioles, and a variety of warblers. You will also find red-headed woodpeckers nesting here.
To get to this area, take the New York State Thruway to exit 59. Travel two miles west to the lake. Look for the pier at the north end of Central Avenue. To get to Point Gratiot, follow Route 5 about ¾ miles west of the harbor.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
August 13th, 2010
By Christine A. Smyczynski
If your only exposure to woodpeckers has been watching Woody woodpecker cartoons, why not attract some of these lively birds to your backyard to see how real woodpeckers act. Since they don’t migrate, you’ll find them in your backyard all year long.
Woodpeckers actually peck at trees because they eat wood boring insects. They usually like to build their nests in dead wood. Attract them to your yard and they will eat all sorts of garden pests, including ants, grasshoppers, spiders, wasps, and other bugs. If insects are not available, they’ll eat acorns, fruits, nuts, and berries. They also love black oil sunflower seeds and are attracted to suet, although it’s best to save the suet feeding until the colder weather.
USA Bird Supply has a variety of woodpecker feeders available on their website www.seedcake.com. The Droll Yankees Woodpecker Feeding System ($49.99) features a mesh tube feeder for peanuts or black oil sunflower seed, along with a attachable suet cage.
Another feeder they have is a Heath Redwood Double suet feeder for woodpeckers ($15.99), which holds two suet cakes and has a tail prop to give the birds stability as they feed. The Chalet Woodpecker Simple Suet Feeder by Heath ($19.99) holds a large suet cake and is perfect for woodpeckers, along with a variety of other birds, including bluebirds, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, orioles, and more.
Posted in Bird Feeders, Uncategorized | No Comments »
August 11th, 2010
By Christine A. Smyczynski
Gazing balls make an attractive addition to any garden. They go by many names, including gazing globes, garden globe, Victorian ball, garden ball, and even witch ball.
Skilled craftsmen, who blew the glass by hand, first created these garden balls in 13th century Italy. The balls are still hand-blown today. While in the past many people believe the balls served a specific purpose, today they are used primarily for decoration in the garden.
Many legends surrounded the globes. Some said they brought good luck, while others said the balls kept away evil spirits and witches. In the South, the balls were placed by the front gate so that people could watch from the porch so they could see who was coming. During the Victorian era many homes had butler balls strategically placed so servants could observe guests and see if they needed anything.
USA Bird Supply has a number of gazing balls available on their website www.seedcake.com, ranging in price from $29.99 to $35.99. Colors and surfaces include clear iridescent, mirrored, opalescent, stainless, and even decorative designs, like Golden Pond, which has a yellow, green, and blue design and Glow Galaxy, which has swirls of blue and green.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
August 9th, 2010
Review by Christine Smyczynski
Have you ever wondered why birds do the things they do? The wildlife book, “Why Birds Do That,” by Michael Furtman has the answers to 40 common questions that people have about birds.
For example, some birds stand on one leg because they actually find it relaxing and the reason birds bathe is the reason why anyone bathes: to get clean. If you’ve wondered why they can sit on high voltage wires and not get electrocuted, well, you’ll find that answer in the book. (Hint: it has to do with their small size.)
The book has over 100 color photographs to illustrate many of the questions and it is written in language that everyone can understand. The book will be of interest to avid birders as well as occasional backyard birders who want to know why birds act the way they do.
Some of the other bird related questions answered in the book include: why do they sing, why are their beaks different, why do they migrate, why don’t their feet freeze in cold weather, why do they fly, why do they eat what they eat, and why do they fly in flocks.
You can find “Why Birds Do That,” along with many other birding related books at USA Bird Supply on the web at www.seedcake.com
Posted in Wildlife Books | No Comments »
