Latest news with #birdwatching
BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
St Albans Cathedral peregrine falcon chicks leave the nest
Three peregrine falcon chicks have successfully fledged after their parents' first set of eggs was male peregrines were born in June at St Albans Cathedral in Hertfordshire, which has been home to a mating pair of falcons since looked as though no offspring would survive this year when someone crushed the first clutch in April, but a second set of eggs hatched cathedral, which has a webcam trained on the nest, said: "Thank you to everyone who tuned in and supported Alban, Boudica and the chicks. We can't wait to do it all again next year!" St Albans Cathedral also thanked the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, which has partnered with the church to support the birds of Ellis, engagement manager at the trust, said: "We're delighted to see the wonderful comeback these birds have made, demonstrating just how resilient they are." The nesting platform at St Albans has been livestreamed by cameras on the cathedral's April, viewers watched as an unknown person stood on eggs that had been recently this month, Hertfordshire Police said an investigation into the destroyed eggs was ongoing. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
CNET
3 days ago
- General
- CNET
Here's Where to Hang Your Bird Feeder for Maximum Visits
As someone who writes about wellness and loves birdwatching, I've experienced firsthand how much joy birds can bring to your daily routine. And science backs it up. Listening to birdsong and spending time watching feathered visitors has been shown to lower stress, ease anxiety and even help reduce symptoms of depression. It's a simple but powerful way to feel more grounded and connected to nature. Until recently, I lived in an apartment in the heart of a city. I had to actively seek out nature and the advantages of being surrounded by our avian friends. I now live in a house with a backyard and mature trees, where birds flit among the bushes and bounce along the fence line. I dove headfirst into my long-time dream of having an outdoor space with bird feeders, and I quickly realized I needed guidance on choosing the right feeder and where to place it. Tru Hubbard, urban wildlife education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, came to the rescue with expert insight. From feeders and seeds to bird safety tips, here's everything you need to know about where to place and how to care for your bird feeder. Where is the best place to put your bird feeder? Location, location, location -- it's not just a term for real estate agents. Where and how you set up your bird feeder can affect the birds and other wildlife. The main points to consider when picking the best spot for your bird feeder are proper coverage and proximity to trees, distance from windows and height off the ground. Coverage and proximity to trees Birds prefer to feed in areas with some coverage, allowing them to quickly escape to nearby trees or bushes if needed. Placing your feeder near trees or shrubbery increases their protection from predators and offers shelter from inclement weather like rain or wind -- but they shouldn't be too close. The standard guideline is to put your feeder between 10 and 15 feet from bushes and trees. Hanging your feeder in a tree with easily accessible branches isn't advised. "We also want to reduce the ability of other animals to access the food, which is why sometimes hanging them in trees can be an invitation to our smaller mammals. Placing it about 10 feet away from any tree or structure squirrels or raccoons could use to jump off will help stop them from stealing food," said Hubbard. A bird feeder hung close to branches or structures can be an easy target for squirrels, raccoons and other placement can also reduce the likelihood of birds being stalked by neighborhood cats from the bushes. This is important to consider because feral and domestic cat predation is the primary driver of bird mortality in the US. Distance from windows "There are multiple factors to consider that can vary for each person and yard. Prioritizing the bird's safety should be number one; thus, avoiding spots that could increase the chance of bird strikes on windows should be at the top of the list," said Hubbard. There is a sweet spot regarding how far away your feeder should be from windows. One way to remember this is the Rule of 3 or 30, which suggests placing your bird feeder within 3 feet of a window or at least 30 feet away. If your feeder is less than three feet from a window, the chances of a bird getting injured are reduced since it won't be flying at high speed if it hits the window. The safest option is to position your feeder well away from windows to eliminate the risk of collisions entirely. "Ideally, a bird feeder should be placed more than 30 feet away from any windows, allowing plenty of time for them to navigate around potential hazards, or within a few feet of a home, which doesn't allow birds to gain enough speed to injure themselves if they do contact a window," explained Hubbard. The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that over one billion birds collide with glass and windows in the United States annually. If birds are colliding with your windows at home, check out these tips for keeping them safe. Shade versus sun "Hanging feeders in shaded areas is generally preferred because it will prevent food spoilage, provide some cover from the elements and keep birds out of the hot sun for a more comfortable feeding environment," explained Hubbard. In addition to keeping them cooler during the warmer summer months, a shaded location can help reduce sun glare and prevent confusion for the birds flying in your yard. The height of your bird feeder will also play a role in the type of bird you off the ground The height of your feeder will also impact the species of birds that will hang out there. Ground-feeding birds, such as sparrows and towhees, naturally prefer to eat lower, while others, like woodpeckers, feed higher in trees. "About five to six feet minimum is recommended due to other animals that will be trying to access the feed, including squirrels, raccoons and deer," said Hubbard. You can certainly install a bird feeder above that five-to-six-foot sweet spot, just keep in mind that positioning it too high can make it less convenient for cleaning and refilling. What type of bird feeder should you use? Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from trays and platforms to hoppers and tubes. Browsing the many options at my local plant nursery was a little overwhelming. I spoke with a knowledgeable employee who explained that when it comes to deciding on the type of feeder, it ultimately boils down to the bird you hope to attract. Hubbard echoed this sentiment. "Your bird feeder selection depends primarily on the species of bird you would like to feed. For instance, platform feeders tend to be better suited for larger songbirds like cardinals, while feeders with lots of little perches are better for small songbirds and can reduce competition for food. Things you can also consider are durability, how easy they are to clean and squirrel-proof features if you expect this to be an issue," Hubbard explained. Unless you're trying to attract one specific type of bird, providing a combination of different feeder styles and foods in your yard will attract the greatest variety. For more, here's a breakdown of the types of bird feeders and the birds they're best for. It was three days before I saw the first visitor to my platform feeder. Aly Lopez/CNET After installing my hanging tray feeder, the first visitor was a California scrub jay. This species can be rather competitive and aggressive with other birds, and is sometimes called a "bully bird," so I hoped it wouldn't hog the feeder. However, I'm pleased to report that many other birds have since been regularly stopping by the feeder, including chickadees, house finches, mourning doves and American robins. What should you feed the birds? Similar to the type of feeder, the food you put out will determine which birds (and other animals) will visit. "The type of birdseed used varies depending on what species you're hoping to attract to your backyard," Hubbard said, sharing research published by the National Audubon Society. Project Wildbird was an impressive study involving the observation of 1.2 million bird feeder visits to determine the top seed preferences of birds. The number-one choice? Black oil sunflower seeds. They're easy to crack open and provide a nutritious, high-oil snack, meaning less work and a greater reward. It's preferred by birds such as the black-capped chickadee, Cassin's finch, northern cardinal, house finch, tufted titmouse, red-breasted nuthatch and many more. The birding section at my local plant nursery displays signs showing which seed is best for attracting certain species of birds. Aly Lopez/CNET High-quality birdseed will increase the likelihood of birds flocking to your feeder. Cheap store-bought mixed bags often include fillers such as cracked corn and red milo. These low-quality alternatives to sunflower and other protein-rich seeds lack nutritional value, and birds often won't eat them. Smaller birds have a harder time eating these with their tiny beaks. An accumulation of leftovers can grow mold and attract unwanted wildlife or pests to your feeder, so it's best to avoid the cheap stuff at all costs. Mealworms and suet cakes are other great options for providing the birds with nutritious and energy-rich food. I chose a variety of birdseed mixes from Wild Birds Unlimited. Aly Lopez/CNET I opted for various birdseed mixes from the reputable brand Wild Birds Unlimited. The company offers an assortment of bird food ranging from suet cakes to high-quality seed blends. Large bulk bags of birdseed are available for purchase, but I chose to go with a few smaller bags first to see which is the most popular among the birds in my yard. Do not give them human food Avoid setting out human food or snacks to protect your wild bird visitors and their digestive health. Certain foods, including avocado, fruit seeds and pits, bread, milk, chocolate and foods high in sugar or salt, are toxic to birds. "We do not recommend feeding any wild bird human food. An unnatural diet doesn't provide the required nutrients that wild birds need to be healthy, and it can also result in behavioral changes, increases in illnesses and disease spread," explains Hubbard. Is it OK to have a bird feeder in your yard? Generally, having a bird feeder in your yard is fine, but it depends on your situation. While bird feeders attract various birds, they may also draw in other animals, such as mice, squirrels, raccoons, deer and bears. The presence of rodents near your bird feeder can attract predators like snakes, coyotes, hawks and owls to your space. "Some instances where it may be a good idea to remove your feeder, at least for the time being, are when you're made aware of high wildlife activity in your area, including animals such as bears or coyotes. These animals are attracted to almost any food source they can find, especially when they are easily accessible. Securing food sources can be an easy adjustment to help keep wildlife from developing a habit of visiting your yard," said Hubbard. If you live in bear country, it's important to secure any attractants when there are sightings in your area."If you don't want to remove the bird feeder completely, try removing it overnight when a lot of wildlife is most active, then place it back out in the morning. You can also try scattering some small amounts of birdseed in your yard during the day, which will be easy for birds to pick through but not worth it for our larger animals. Keep in mind that this may also attract smaller rodents to your yard, which could, in turn, attract predators. It is good practice to keep up with sightings in your area, and you can start by removing and securing the feeders at night," Hubbard emphasized. How often should you clean your bird feeder? "Generally, it is recommended that bird feeders be cleaned every other week or twice a month, but this frequency should be increased if sick birds or disease is suspected. Another option is to clean the feeder every time it is emptied," said Hubbard. The frequency also depends on the type of feeder and food involved, as well as the climate. For example, hummingbird feeders require more frequent cleanings (around every three to five days), as do feeders located in especially hot or humid weather. Most bird feeders can be cleaned by removing the old seed, taking them apart and placing them in a dishwasher on a hot setting or handwashing with soap or a diluted bleach solution. Properly rinse and thoroughly dry the bird feeder before refilling it with new seed. Cleaning the ground beneath your feeder is recommended to prevent the buildup of uneaten seed and bird waste. How long will it take for birds to find the feeder? I have two different types of feeders: a hanging tray and the Bird Buddy Smart Feeder. The latter has a classic hopper or house shape with a solar-powered roof for coverage and a camera for capturing photos and videos as they munch. I had to fend off disappointment when my little bird buddies didn't immediately swarm around the new feeders, but I learned it can take up to a few weeks before they'll interact with a new one. Birds are creatures of habit, and testing a new food source and landing pattern takes time. The first bird to visit my platform feeder took about three days. It took 12 days for a bird to land on the Bird Buddy feeder. I was jumping for joy when I received the notification from the Bird Buddy app that I had a visitor -- a cute mountain chickadee coming to check things out for the first time. This little mountain chickadee was the first to check out the Bird Buddy feeder 12 days after installing it. Bird Buddy/Aly Lopez/CNET Too long; didn't read? The most important thing to consider is the health and safety of the wild birds in your area. In addition to the placement of your bird feeder, the type of feeder and seed you use influence the species of birds that will visit -- as well as the presence of other animals and potential predators. I enjoy the gentle coo of the mourning doves that have been visiting my hanging tray, but they sure do leave a mess. Aly Lopez/CNET Ideally, you should position your bird feeder around 10 feet away from trees or shrubs to prevent squirrels from jumping onto it. It's best to keep your feeder at least 30 feet away from windows or glass to reduce the risk of collision, a leading cause of injury and death for birds. Use high-quality feed and avoid offering human food or snacks, as many are toxic to birds. If you live in an area where bears, coyotes or foxes are frequently spotted, securing your bird feeder and any other attractants is crucial to keep these animals safe and out of your yard. Additionally, cats pose another huge threat to bird populations. If you have a cat that roams outside, it's best not to use bird feeders in your yard to ensure the birds' safety and protection. Regular cleaning of your bird feeder is essential to prevent mold and bacteria growth, which can lead to the transmission of bird disease. As fun as it is to bring all the birds to your yard, being a responsible birder is key to ensuring the birds (and you) stay safe, healthy and happy. If you have questions regarding your birding journey, the National Audubon Society is an excellent resource for bird feeding and care. Your state's wildlife department is another fantastic source for inquiring about local guidelines and assistance. It's pretty simple -- the bird feeder and type of seed you set out will influence the birds that come to your yard. Ensuring their safety is the top priority.
CTV News
6 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Incredible close-up: Junco mom feeds babies in rare nest footage
Blake Clinkard shot this video of a Junco nest near Otter Lake on Manitoulin Island in July 2025, showing the momma bird doing a fine job feeding her youngsters while keeping them safe and warm.
CTV News
7 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Backyard Fun Week: Tips for bird watching
Backyard Fun Week: Tips for bird watching Enjoy the beauty of birds in your own backyard. We show you how to set up and what you need.
Globe and Mail
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Birding is the most exciting scavenger hunt nature has to offer
First Person is a daily personal piece submitted by readers. Have a story to tell? See our guidelines at I have Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson to thank for my love of birding. The three of them acted together in The Big Year, a 2011 comedy drama that flew surprisingly under the radar considering the star power attached. Martin, Black and Wilson are cast as three obsessive birders, all competing to see the highest number of species in a calendar year in North America. I saw the film in high school and was immediately intrigued by how they identified birds from just a glance or a few notes of birdsong. I was always a kid who liked being outside, having spent a lot of time hiking and camping while growing up. I had a basic interest in birds and could tell a cardinal from a chickadee, a red-tailed hawk from a turkey vulture. But this was something entirely different – almost a gamification of birding. My mom and two aunts also watched the movie, and we began our own 'big year,' communicating our sightings through a private Facebook group, and keeping a shared Excel sheet to track our individual bird counts. Over the next year, I learned more about birds than I ever knew there was to learn. Ontario has hundreds of species, many of which were viewable on a short walk from my house. Others required travelling farther to see. I grew up in Mississauga and started frequenting the parks along the lakeshore, where I found grebes, loons and diving ducks. First Person: In search of the scarlet tanager: birding has brought me closer to Dad My family and I often birded together, spending days or entire weekends in nature with our binoculars (or 'bins,' as birders call them) in hand. We travelled to Point Pelee National Park and Rondeau Provincial Park to see the spring influx of warblers – a group of brightly coloured birds in yellows, blues and reds that weigh half an ounce and fly back from Central America each year. One of my aunts, who lives near Algonquin Provincial Park, took us there in search of chestnut-backed chickadees, the elusive spruce grouse, and Canada jays, who associate people with food and will swoop down if you call for them. By the end of the year, we had so much fun that we decided to do it again. Our lists grew with our knowledge, and this time around we were able to identify many birds by sight, and even some by sound. We joined Discord groups and discovered birding communities across the province, mostly made up of retirees and passionate science students. We knew where to go – or who to ask – to find certain birds. It's like realizing a scavenger hunt has been sitting there waiting for you, and there's hundreds of dazzling clues to be found in the forest. Birding opens the door to the diversity that exists in the natural world. Most of these birds are fundamentally the same, made up of hollow bones, wings and talons. And yet, they've found seemingly endless ways to survive through specialized wings, migration routes and feeding patterns. There are birds that eat tiny crustaceans and others that feast on tree sap. Burrowing owls live underground in holes dug by other animals, while vireos weave bark fibres and grass to build orb-shaped nests. The loggerhead shrike, a songbird, will hunt small birds and mammals and skewer its prey on barbed wire (or anything pointy, really). The red knot, a bird only a little bigger than a robin, flies up to 30,000 kilometres each year during its two trips from South America where it winters, to the Canadian Arctic where they nest and hatch their chicks. First Person: Am I still a birdwatcher if I don't care about what they are called? At the end of The Big Year, Martin and Black's characters lose to Wilson, whose ruthless strategies ultimately lead him to victory. He's willing to do anything to be the best birder – including abandoning his wife during fertility treatments to look for a snowy owl – and this eventually costs him his marriage. Martin and Black, meanwhile, are pulled away from their birding journeys by the occasional sacrifices required for the people you care about. Martin's character takes a few days off to meet a new grandbaby, and Black does the same to care for his aging father. As for me, nearly a decade after I first saw the movie, I'm no longer in what I consider my 'big year' era. I don't keep rigorous lists or fixate on my yearly total the way I did in my first few years of birding. Much like Jack Black at the end of the film, I still go birding through forests, wetlands and urban parks on the weekends. More often than not, I keep a pair of binoculars in my car just in case I spot something spectacular. But I don't worry so much about counting them any more. Instead, I focus on the aspects of birding that I truly love: the way it pushes me to get outdoors more, travel to gorgeous parts of Ontario I wouldn't normally see, and remember that patience reaps rewards. Most of all, I love the optimism inherent in birding. Beauty is all around us, and you never know what you might find unless you pick up a pair of binoculars and look. Caelan Beard lives in Brantford, Ont.
