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First, remember that
what works in one yard may not in another. Other than providing water,
food and cover, there are no hard-and-fast rules for attracting birds.
By providing thistle, saflow-er and black oil sunflower seeds, hummingbird
nectar and peanuts and/or suet, you will attract a wide variety of birds. |
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* Beautiful yellow goldfinches and other seed lovers especially like the seeds from purple coneflowers and sun-flowers late in summer. I keep a thistle feeder near the coneflowers year round year round to lure goldfinches. If the spent coneflowers are too unsightly, I will deadhead them and tie them in a bunch to a nearby fence where the goldfinches can still feed on the seeds. Hummingbirds love to dine on nectar from many varieties of salvia. They also feed on bee balm and butterfly bush, among other flowers. * Besides the berries on holly trees, fruit-loving birds will dine on berries from such natives as dogwoods, beautyberry, wax myrtle and serviceberry. * Native vines, such as trumpet vine, coral honeysuckle and crossvine, provide nectar for hummingbirds as well as fruit in the fall. ~
Mary Reld Barrow from The Virginian-Pilot
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Bluebirds, the delightful thrushes they are, seem to have a special means of purging stress from the minds of those who pause long enough to enjoy their presence. Perhaps it is the magical combination of avian song and color in a refreshing new season that temporarily removes troubled thoughts from our minds. Spring in Virginia finds the male bluebird staking out a territory that ranges from two to 20 acres and has considerable cleared space for hunting insects. From atop a tree cavity or nesting box, he communicates affection to the female through a series of melodious whistles and unique wing posturing. Soon after constructing the nest of soft grasses, hair and feathers, the female lays three to five clear, blue eggs in as many days. The following two weeks of egg incubation also fall within her maternal responsibilities, thus explaining the male's lack of a "brood patch." Throughout the periods of incubation and brooding, the male is a tenacious provider of food for his mate. Unfortunately for spider and insect populations, the eyesight of the bluebird is second to none. If the mated pair can survive the onslaught of house sparrows, starlings, rat snakes, raccoons, and spring storms, their young fledge in approximately three weeks. The eastern bluebird readily adapts to the changing seasons. If temperatures remain relatively mild they stay over winter, feeding on dried fruits and berries. However, when Mother Nature dishes out severe weather conditions, the birds migrate to warmer latitudes. During the winter, bluebirds congregate in loose flocks sometimes numbering a dozen or more, roosting together at night in tree cavities or nesting boxes. Years ago I stood at our kitchen window and fretfully looked out at a miserable, late-winter storm that had abruptly cancelled my plans. Just then, amidst the wind and driving snow, a male bluebird landed on top of the feeder. What a rare and beautiful day it turned out to be! Sometimes, when things are not going my way, I recall that particular March morning and the words inspired by this feathered harbinger of change.... Sleeping flowers lie sure to grow, Spring's eternal promise held in faith By bluebirds in the snow. ~ Mike Roberts
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