NORTH CAROLINA’S STATE BIRD!

Cardinals are the North Carolina state bird and are a very familiar favorite of many. The male cardinal in all his red glory is very easy to recognize and always a treat to see. The female is just as pretty, but her coloring is more muted with brown tones accompanied  by red tinges on her wings, crest and tail. These birds are not migratory which can be to your advantage! If you offer them some food and water you just may get to see them long-term!

 

We have a regular family of cardinals that grace our presence daily. They are the first ones to show up in the morning and the last ones to leave in the evening, flying around vigorously visiting all their favorite dinner spots. Although they will use the hanging hopper feeders, I have found they their favorite ways to feed are in the ground feeding trays that are elevated a couple inches off the ground, as well as on the ground itself.

Each day I load up a supply of seed and distribute it in the morning around 7 am. I also go back out at lunch and replenish what looks low.  The cardinals mainly feed on seeds and fruit and so I put out safflower, shelled sunflowers, and black oil sunflowers. I noticed that they gravitated towards the shelled sunflower, however; I started to put out peanuts to see which birds would eat them and found that the cardinals are among those that prefer the peanuts. I keep my seed well stocked but anytime I put out the peanuts, that is their first choice. I guess it’s more bang for their buck!

 

We have pine trees that have become the home of the cardinals we know and love. During the day, they hang out in the deciduous trees near the driveway and backyard. Our driveway is fairly large and so I have started leaving peanuts on the ground in a particular area as well as in the yard. In the previous blog about Leucy, there were some pictures of her eating on pavers. Those pavers sit in the grass, and I put peanuts on them for the birds that prefer those.

I did not always live in an area with such an abundance of nature. For those of you who live in an apartment or area without nearby fields and tree lines, you too can enjoy birds! In the next blog, I will share some tips with you on how to feed birds in a smaller area!

Meet Leucy!

     This is Leucy! I know, not a very original name for a leucistic bird, but I called her that one day and it stuck. I suppose we cannot be 100 % sure she is a female, however, due to the fact that she has so much brown on her belly we are assuming that she is most likely a female.

      According to Merriam Webster, leucism is “an abnormal condition of reduced pigmentation affecting various animals (such as birds, mammals, and reptiles) that is marked by overall pale color or patches of reduced coloring and is caused by genetic mutation which inhibits melanin and other pigments from being deposited  in feathers, hair, or skin”. This is not to be confused with albinism.

 

      Leucy is such a treat to see! For those of you who are birders, you can relate to the sheer excitement that runs through your veins when you see a new species! Or, maybe I just don’t get out enough, but I comfort myself in the fact that my husband is just as goofy and enthralled as I am. He makes me seem or at least feel normal! Hahahaha! (By the way, although it seems childish to put hahahaha, I will always put hahahaha as opposed to haha because I don’t chuckle, I laugh, and heartily too!)

 

     Leucy was very shy for a few months and did not come as often as the other cardinals but for the last few weeks she has made herself more at home and is frequenting the feeders for longer periods throughout the day. She still does not feed as early or late as the other cardinals. Birds need to be able to camouflage themselves for protection from other animals and larger birds. Although Leucy is beautiful because of her white patches and various colors, it makes it more difficult to disguise herself. So far, she seems to have done well in protecting herself.

PAVERS MAKE GREAT ELEVATED GROUND FEEDERS!*

    

 

       Leucy brings us so much joy because she is unique. All of the birds on this property are cared for and we talk about some of them like they are pets because they are unique just like Leucy. Example: We had a mocking bird with a broken leg and it healed very awkwardly so we always knew it was the same one. Anyway, it will be interesting to see just how long we get to enjoy Leucy’s company. We see an average of 13 cardinals at a time daily, but other than Leucy, they all look the same (other than the obvious male and female distinctions) so it’s hard to tell if a new one has joined the gang! I feel like a scientist tracking the life of a bird, only in a remedial manner without having to make any effort whatsoever ….. such as having to catch the bird and apply an ankle bracelet! Oh, birding is so much fun!

For those of you who are wondering what in the world is going on with the cement "prison wall" look in all the pictures, those are blocks that house raised garden beds and the birds LOVE to perch on them frequently!

I have done some reading on different websites but will just leave you with 4 interesting points:

1-Although this unique bird is exciting to see, its color patterns can make it more difficult to find a mate because plumage is part of the mating ritual.

2-Lack of melanin in the feathers can make the wings weaker making flight more difficult.

3-Leucistic birds are more likely to become prey to other birds and animals.

4-Although white feathers help reflect heat, it can be fatal for birds in the winter because they sunbathe to warm their bodies.

So, the lesson here is to truly appreciate their beauty as well as the hardships that these special birds face!             

THE PICNIC BASKET FEEDER!

Today let's talk about the PICNIC BASKET! This is a simple feeder to use....It's basically a cage for a seed block and birds love it! You buy the block, drop it into the PICNIC BASKET, hang it on a pole, and then watch your feeder!

This is low maintenance for those of you who want to start out slow! Some of you may have heard of suet as well, and although it may not be as big as the seed block, it works well too! As is gets colder outside, birds who normally feast on worms and insects will be forced to find another food source. This is GREAT news for you! They are intelligent and resourceful and are always looking for the next meal! They expend enormous amounts of energy searching for food and they need that energy  available to help keep them warm. 




This particular seed block has a variety of tasty treats which brings a variety of birds to the PICNIC BASKET. It has fruit, seeds, nuts, and mealworms! What's not to love? The PICNIC BASKET is wonderful for nuthatches and woodpeckers who like to eat hanging or upside down, haha! Don't try that at home! Some of them perch on it right side up too because there is plenty of surface area. Again, if you don't have a seed block, suet works well too, and you can fit two of the smaller suets in the basket. I am going to post a few pictures for your enjoyment. I took the pictures of Mr Blue Jay this morning at 7:15 am. Birds start looking for food as soon as the sun comes up, and some of them such as cardinals, followed by mourning doves, are already out before its even completely light outside. 

 Don't be scared to branch out and try the PICNIC BASKET or just bird feeding in general. It is so rewarding to know that you are helping them out and that they are enjoying what you are providing! I have at least 6 Blue Jays on my property and they have also started coming up to the window feeder that is on my kitchen window! These birds are actually quite large, at least around these parts haha! All the good eatin' goin on round here! They like the peanuts and the sunflower seeds with or without the shell!

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BLUE JAY! I PUT OUT SHELLED PEANUTS FOR THE BIRDS AS WELL AND I HAVE SEEN A BLUE JAY TAKE 15 PEANUTS AT ONE TIME! I AM NOT EVEN SURE HOW THAT IS PHYSICALLY POSSIBLE! THEY WILL TAKE AS MANY AS THEY CAN AND STORE THEM FOR LATER!



This is a male Downy Woodpecker eating suet!

LOOK AT ALL THOSE CUTE BIRDS! THE PICNIC BASKET BRINGS ALL SORTS OF BIRDS!

Making Birds Part of the Holidays!

 Beautiful Colors are Everywhere!

It's time for the holidays again!  Fall approaches and then before you know it, the holidays have arrived! It is a beautiful time of year right now with the leaves changing colors, and the cool and crisp air makes me want to take a deep breath! My breathing is even more enjoyable right now thanks to my Salted Caramel Yankee Candle wafting through the air as I write this. You would never know I have 7 dogs and a cat in this house. It smells like I have been baking ALL DAY! No, I am not paid by Yankee Candles to mention them, but I will because I get so much enjoyment from my candles. Candles are one of life's simple pleasures! In fact, not many people know this.....um....up until now, but I have a closet for my Yankee Candles! Don't worry, it's a small closet!



Why am I talking about the fall, and holidays, and candles when I am supposed to be talking about birds? Well, it's my favorite time of the year! I love the holidays and although I am not into the over indulgence displayed in our society these days or going into debt for Christmas gifts, I do think that small thoughtful gifts are absolutely wonderful! I never have to top off last year's gifts or keep up with anyone. I buy something meaningful and DONE! Who has time or money to go crazy buying extravagant gifts for that one special day in December? Ok, apparently a lot of people do, but I am not one of them.

This Mocking Bird is Enjoying Fall too!

            So, my idea is to find something in the world of birds this year to use as gifts for those that I love or for those that I don't necessarily "love" but are still worthy of gift. Hahahaha! It is common knowledge that not everyone is a bird watcher, but there are many reasons that people don't take part in this wonderful connection with nature. It may be that the thought has never crossed their mind! Sometimes just the power of suggestion is enough to get people interested. I did not even realize that watching birds was "a thing" until a few years ago. I am so thankful that my eyes were opened to "birding" so that not another day goes by without my taking part in their world.

Bird Alley in My Yard

           Make birds a part of the holidays for you and your family this year! Oh, and don't forget your friends too. There are more birds to the holidays than just turkeys! Here are some simple gift ideas below. I have included the link on the home page for Wild Birds Unlimited just to make it easy for you. Click the link and then go to the ONLINE SHOPPING link. There are so many ways to shop on that site and you can find a gift that suits YOUR wallet!. If you don't get your products there, that is fine too,  but if you buy seed, remember the quality of seed is not always the same depending on the vendor and we want to protect the birds!


IDEAS TO KEEP IT SIMPLE:
1-A bird bath
2-A suet feeder and if you can afford it, include the suet as well. It's not very expensive.
3-A peanut feeder. This is easy. They sell the peanuts too.
4-Give a gift card of any amount!
5-Window feeder - These are fun!
6-A bird house is a low maintenance gift. Birds need places to go in harsh weather and they WILL use these. Make sure that you get one that is made properly. Houses for décor are not meant for real birds. Stores like Wild Birds Unlimited make sure that the measurements and ventilation are appropriate for birds to live in.
7-Don't forget children! They have adorable stuffed birds that sing when you squeeze them. They are real recordings of birds which makes them educational as well. I actually learned the songs of the birds in my own yard by buying these for my granddaughter!

Those are just SOME ideas. If you look online there are lots of FUN choices!

It's like being a kid in a German candy store! I am partial as I lived there 6 years!

Good luck and Happy Holidays!

A Way to Bring Birds to You!

Greetings!

Let's get down to the basics! I hear Julie Andrews singing, "Let's start at the very beginning! A very good place to start". Today I want to talk a little about something important that we all can do, that is cheap, and will not only help birds of all kinds, but will bring us visual gifts!  Why whatever might she be referring to? If you guessed water, don't just pat yourself on the back, rub your belly and pat your head at the same time! I know, silly and takes way too much effort, but you know that most of you have tried it at some point. Haha!

There is much to say about water! Birds drink water and they bathe in water, both of which are imperative for survival.  Birds must clean their feathers or it can effect their flying and mobility. For you fellow birders who have bird baths already, you may have seen birds looking like they are playing in the ice cold water during the winter, however, they are cleaning their feathers!

The main thing to remember about water is to keep it clean for the birds. I don't mean you have to clean it every day but it wouldn't hurt to check it every other day. If you are one that has a hard time remembering to do things or you know you are kind of lazy....shhhhh, I won't tell anyone, your secret is safe with me.....then you probably want to keep it simple...keep a small bird bath close to the house that doesn't require a garden hose. Keep it close to a grassy area or somewhere that you don't mind dumping it when it gets dirty. Try to remember that birds drink and bathe in the same water....need I say more? Wipe it down periodically as it will get a slimy feel to it on the bottom.

If you get a bigger plastic bird bath, make sure to put a broken piece of brick or something in the bath for the little birds to perch on. Sometimes the surface gets slippery and a brick helps, but make sure there is enough room for the birds to bathe without getting a concussion on the brick. The reason I am suggesting brick instead of rock is that I have noticed algae growing on the rock and also the water stays much cleaner now that I have brick. I am not a scientist but I do experiment! You do what works best for you!

Birds are resourceful and will drink out of and bathe in many different kinds of baths. If you like beautiful décor you can treat yourself to a sturdy but decorative cement bath or if you are on a budget, you can use a thick plastic drip pan that goes under a plant.  However, it has to be a big one that is made for large plants and has a sturdy feel and rounded edges that birds can perch on.  A great compromise are the shallow plastic bird baths sold at stores such as Wild Birds Unlimited. They have a whole range of baths to choose from if you like to shop!

Birds need water all year round! Even when it is below freezing they will take a bath in ice water if they can peck through the surface. If you see the water freezing in winter, break it up with an ice pick or screw driver or pour some hot water on it to allow for a little drinking water. For you over achievers, they make bird baths that stay heated which is so nice for the birds. Winter is very hard on birds! Lots of energy is expended trying to stay warm and so access to water is a gift! If they cannot clean their feathers, they cannot puff up properly to stay warm!!


We interrupt this blog for an announcement! In NO WAY is Wild Birds Unlimited asking me to mention them and I do not get kick backs etc. Although, wouldn't that be nice! Haha! I simply love the store and it has really changed how I experience the birds in my world, so you will hear me mention it frequently as a resource. Feel free to shop where ever you like!!!

Ok, so RECAP:

1.Birds need water to survive ALL YEAR ROUND!
2.Keep the water clean and even clean it periodically to remove the slimy feel on the bottom.
3.Birds will appreciate any form of a birdbath or drinking station.
4.Keep in mind size for bathing and safe edges to perch on for drinking.
(Don't use the thin clear plastic drip pans. The edges are too thin and the pan will tip over.)


Happy bird bath hunting or using something at home you already have! If you create something unique, post a comment and tell us about it! If you buy something at the store, share it with us!

The Challenge to Find Nature!

My blog title, Lolly Bird Tales, makes no secret about my love for birds, and I will be discussing them of course! However, one of the first steps to learning how to enjoy birds is discovering that they are out there and that despite our efforts, nature still exists! I am very light hearted and we have plenty of time for fun, but for now, I would like you to challenge yourself and ponder these thoughts.

          This world is a place full of little things that are pleasing! Have you ever stepped away from your T.V., computer, phone, and music and simply walked outside and looked at your surroundings? Have you listened to the sound of the birds or the leaves rustling in the wind, especially this time of year?

          Most people are accustomed to noise pollution so it may seem like silence the first time you do it, and probably a little like a snooze fest. I would imagine many people don’t know what to do with themselves if they aren’t being stimulated by something man made. It may take some practice to still your mind and listen and that is ok.  

          Who are you when you don’t have your T.V, cell phone, computer, or music? Where are you under all those layers of technology and distraction from the simple things? Do you develop your natural and simple side that was created without those “perks” we have today? There is more to you than texting, talking on the phone, watching TV, etc.  Have you ever met that person?

          Challenge: Abandon technology for just a few minutes. Go outside or sit in your kitchen or office and look outside. Look beyond the cars and houses. It doesn’t matter where you live. Nature is everywhere! Is there one thing you see that you like or that puts even a small smile on your face? A tree, a grassy area, an animal, or even perhaps a BIRD? Ha! We are created to enjoy nature and this world, so dig deep, I know you can find something! I would love to hear what you have found that you enjoy!