Latest news with #birdwatching
CNET
2 days ago
- General
- CNET
I Wanted Maximum Visits at My Bird Feeder. A Wildlife Expert Gave Me These Tips
Taking time out of your busy day to sit and listen to the birds might sound hokey, but as a wellness writer and birdwatcher, I can tell you firsthand that it can transform your daily routine. Hanging out with the birds or listening to birdsong has real benefits like lowering stress, easing anxiety and even helping reduce symptoms of depression. It might not seem like much, but it's an easy way to slow down and connect with 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.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Top-Tier Birdwatching Awaits In This Unlikely East Coast Getaway
The Outer Banks played a prominent role in the early history of aviation, with the first sustained ... More flight by the Wright brothers taking place in 1903 in Kill Devil Hills. Long renowned for its picturesque lighthouses and pristine beaches, the Outer Banks region is considered one of the top summer vacation destinations in all of North Carolina—and to sweeten the deal, this scenic expanse of barrier islands is also brimming with all sorts of fascinating native species. From tiny shorebirds to formidable raptors, the Outer Banks plays host to a staggering array of bird species thanks to its varied collection of habitats, with estuaries, salt marshes and maritime woodlands found all across the region. Amidst its many shops, restaurants and vacation homes, the Outer Banks comes packed full of scenic preserves that are teeming with birdlife, making it the perfect getaway for avian aficionados. While the entirety of the Outer Banks spans roughly 200 miles along the Atlantic, the northern half of the region is home to pockets of thick forest, with Nags Head Woods Preserve serving as a top spot for a morning birdwatching session. This scenic park plays host to one of the largest surviving maritime forests in the Carolinas, serving as a crucial haven for more than 100 different avian species including the rose-breasted grosbeak, prothonotary warbler and purple finch. After a deep dive on the biodiversity of the refuge, nearby Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve is a top spot for scoping out wood ducks and American woodcocks thanks to its verdant marshes, but for a truly unique perspective on the Outer Banks, don't miss out on Jockey's Ridge State Park. Jockey's Ridge State Park is a popular destination for hang gliding thanks to its towering sand ... More dunes. Officially designated a state park in 1975, this fascinating preserve is best known for its towering sand dunes, each one formed over the centuries due to wind erosion. Though the dunes themselves are largely devoid of wildlife during daylight hours, the park offers plenty of avian biodiversity across the Roanoke Sound, an idyllic water feature that extends along the western edge of Jockey's Ridge. The many fish species throughout the sound serve as prey for diving ducks like the red-breasted merganser and bufflehead, while waders abound as well, with green herons and snowy egrets often spotted along the water's edge. Outer Banks visitors can spot all sorts of captivating species while staying entirely north of Whalebone Junction, but for the ambitious birder, nothing beats a journey to the region's oft-unexplored southern reaches. With more than 30,000 acres of land to explore, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge serves as one of the crown jewels of the Outer Banks in terms of avitourism, boasting roughly 350 resident and migratory species throughout the year. Shorebirds are a particular highlight, with winter bringing the potential to marvel at eye-catching visitors like the snow goose, American white pelican and tundra swan amidst a wealth of other waterfowl and waders. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938. Millions of visitors arrive on the shores of the Outer Banks each year, but this sprawling region plays host to far more than just summer vacationers. From the forests of Corolla to the shores of Ocracoke, this storied collection of barrier islands has given rise to some truly captivating preserves and refuges over the years, each one brimming with its own unique array of shorebirds, passerines and waterfowl amidst a wealth of other creatures. As you seek out your next destination for an avifauna-focused getaway, don't miss out on this oft-underrated region, with plenty of picturesque beaches and tranquil forests to explore all across its boundaries.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
A Birdwatcher's Paradise Awaits At Trinidad's Asa Wright Nature Centre
Asa Wright Nature Centre is managed by HADCO Experiences, a Trinbagonian destination management ... More company that specializes in eco-conscious luxury tourism. While the Caribbean is home to a wealth of wildlife-rich islands, few destinations offer such a fascinating blend of biodiversity as Trinidad. Located just off the coast of Venezuela, this storied island comes equipped with a truly diverse array of native species, with both Caribbean and mainland South American wildlife thriving across its borders—and for a thorough immersion into the vibrant fauna of Trinidad, it's tough to find a better destination than Asa Wright Nature Centre. Named in honor of Iceland native Asa Wright, this sprawling estate has been a popular destination for birdwatching since the 1950s—and in the modern era, the property is perfect for an ecotourist's getaway into the Northern Range, with 29 spacious rooms and a charming main lodge that's ideal for photographers and casual birdwatchers alike. Though top-tier ecotourism destinations abound all across Trinidad, the Asa Wright Nature Centre offers a glimpse into the pristine beauty of the Arima Valley, with plenty of unforgettable avifauna to find along the way. In addition to Trinidad, the tufted coquette can also be found in Venezuela, northern Brazil and the ... More Guianas region. Immediately upon arrival, visitors can bask in the splendor of the Spring Hill Estate building, with high-definition photographs and detailed wildlife paintings lining its walls—but it's the open-air verandah that draws birders in droves, with fresh bananas and other fruit set out each morning to attract all sorts of native species. Within minutes, visitors can marvel at eye-catching birds like the green honeycreeper, silver-beaked tanager and purple honeycreeper, while state-of-the-art spotting scopes are also in place across the verandah, providing visitors with a chance to glimpse species like the channel-billed toucan or common black hawk resting far off in the treetops. Amidst the fresh fruit, the area is also brimming with hummingbird feeders, transforming this idyllic space into a captivating flurry of beating wings by mid-morning. Classic South American species like the blue-chinned sapphire and white-chested emerald are abundant across the gardens, while the ruby topaz is a particular favorite thanks to the brilliant yellow and red plumage of the males—but there's one species in particular that draws birdwatchers in droves. Known as the tufted coquette, this tiny hummingbird is renowned for its striking appearance, with males boasting a prominent orange head crest and lengthy neck plumes that give the animal a polka-dotted appearance. The oilbird is one of few avian species that use echolocation to navigate its surroundings. Guests can have a truly fulfilling day of birdwatching without setting foot beyond the main lodge, but there's plenty of can't-miss avian opportunities to be found across the property's hiking trails as well. While there are more than 15 kilometers of trails to explore across the entirety of Asa Wright Nature Centre, you don't have to venture far from the main lodge to find one particularly fascinating site—the white-bearded manakin lek, to be precise. Each day, this small patch of forest springs to life as males compete for the attention of watching females, engaging in a time-honored ritual that involves leaping, head-bobbing and loud, firecracker-like wing snaps—and to sweeten the deal, the eye-catching bearded bellbird can be found just a short walk away from the lek, inviting birders to cross off two species from their life list in one fell swoop. Beyond the manakin lek, guests can also embark on a guided journey to spot one of Trinidad's most elusive creatures. Known as the oilbird, this cave-dwelling animal is an evolutionary oddity, serving as the sole flying nocturnal frugivore in the bird world—and the Asa Wright Nature Centre provides the perfect viewing opportunity during daylight hours. After a brief hike along one of the preserve's most scenic rivers, guests will arrive at the mouth of a small cavern, with plenty of native frogs and crabs to spot along the way. Upon entering the cave, several nesting oilbirds can be found dwelling within as they gear up to search for food at twilight, providing visiting birders with a megatick that's otherwise particularly difficult to accomplish. The Asa Wright Nature Centre grounds measure in at more than 525 hectares of protected rainforest. Though Asa Wright Nature Centre offers some of the finest birdwatching opportunities in all of the Caribbean, the property also comes equipped with a wealth of other amenities to keep guests occupied during a stay. After a long birding session, explorers are welcome to cool off with a trip to one of the estate's natural bathing pools, with roaring waterfalls and verdant foliage found at each site. Meanwhile, entomology buffs should be sure to embark on a guided night hike that showcases the many species that roam the forests of the Northern Range in the dead of night. Stick insects, scorpions and spiders are a common sight, while lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of a porcupine scurrying through the canopy. In addition to ecotourism, the Asa Wright Nature Centre is also a top spot for a thorough immersion into the richness of Trinidadian cuisine. During morning hours, guests can look forward to a superb breakfast spread that offers some of the island's most beloved dishes, with options spanning from melongene choka—a hearty eggplant dish that's brimming with notes of garlic—to saltfish buljol, a vegetable-heavy dish that's infused with salted cod. Later in the day, visitors can dine on savory plates like curried goat and curried shrimp, but no visit is complete without sampling some of the fresh fruits that grow across the island, with options including governor's plum, papaw and Julie mango.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan: Why you should season your bird feed with red-hot pepper
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan (Corsair £20, 320pp) I am in danger of becoming even more obnoxiously bird proud,' the novelist Amy Tan gloats after posting a video of a Bewick's wren splashing about in a pool in her garden. In the birding world this is the equivalent of a paparazzo shot of the Princess of Wales in a bikini, since this is a bird that has rarely been seen to bathe in water. Tan is a full-blown bird obsessive, though curiously until she was in her mid-60s she had little interest in them. That changed when she started taking nature drawing classes with a teacher whose advice was: 'as you look at the bird, try to feel the life within it'. Tan saw the parallels with her job as a novelist, because 'I always imagine I am the character I am creating'. As her drawings improved, so did her ability to recognise the birds. It dawned on her that she didn't need to venture into the countryside to observe birds; she had her own wildlife paradise right in her garden in California. Tan's house is nestled among four ancient oaks that are a 'community hub' for dozens of types of birds. Her garden is full of things birds like: dense tree cover, a nectar-bearing fuchsia shrub, passion fruit, jasmine, ivy, lemon trees and plenty of water. If she were selling this house to a bird, she muses, she would point out the rain runoff from the roof terrace, 'on which a little bird and its growing family can perch while drinking and enjoying a view of San Francisco Bay'. Her journal entries, starting in 2017, track her fascination with the comings and goings of her avian visitors. Soon she is noting down the names of more than 60 types of birds in her garden, from finches, sparrows and thrushes to hummingbirds, woodpeckers, owls, hawks and waxwings. Tan doesn't just enjoy the birds, she has a novelist's curiosity to work out what the dynamics of their relationships are and she frequently imagines conversations between them. Her anthropomorphism means that at times this book veers perilously close to tweeness, but this is more than offset by Tan's bird drawings, which capture them in all their feathered splendour. She puts up more and more feeders throughout the garden and constantly experiments with the best food with which to lure the birds. They love suet but so do the cunning, acrobatic squirrels. Eventually she discovers suet studded with hot pepper – 'inferno-strength stuff' – that has no effect on the birds but is loathed by the squirrels. Mealworms are also a big success, and soon Tan has 3,000 living in a container in her fridge, along with a bird corpse in the freezer (a local university wants it for their scientific collection). 'I have a very understanding husband,' she writes. Tan tries to persuade her nine-year-old neighbour to set up a mealworm-breeding business so she can source them more cheaply. Disappointingly, his mother vetoes the idea. Even if some of the bird names are unfamiliar to a British reader, this is a lovely book for anyone with even a passing interest in birds. You can understand why she finds observing the birds in her 'backyard' such an all-absorbing pastime. If she has learned one thing, it's that 'each bird is surprising and thrilling in its own way'.
BBC News
22-07-2025
- 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.
