All over the world we have birds that travel from one area to another, they are called migrating birds. In my area we have Bald Eagles and flocks of Canadian Geese. The geese fly in a V formation to conserve energy. American Robins are usually the first we see coming back to the area. I have not seen them come in flocks but they are not a large bird like the Canadian Goose or the Great Blue Heron.
This is amazing to watch the birds group together and move in one large flock. It is a great time to get out your cameras and get some photos. My family loves to take photos of wildlife. You must have time and patience to capture a bird in flight. I go to my family’s home and they have amazing photos of hummingbirds and other birds from all over. It is nice to sit at the table and enjoy the birds. My dog enjoys watching the bunnies and birds over at their home also.
Some of our birds of prey/raptors have been fitted with tracking devices to learn the migration patterns. Eagles are a protected species. This means that if there is a nest people can’t build around the area or destroy the nest. The birds are protected from hunting or abuse. You will have hefty penalties if you kill, injure or disturb an eagle. If you find one injured or dead you must contact the wild life authorities in Canada or the USA
Many of the birds travel much farther than experts ever were able to get information on before the tracking devices were put on. I have learned a lot attending wildlife community events.
Birds come and go to find more stable conditions to have offspring. When the weather is too cold birds metabolism goes down so they leave before they freeze.
For the ones that stay there are lovely humans that care for them by providing food, shelters and freshwater. This is a commitment, if you start caring for wild birds whether they stay or go, they often will come back to your space to enjoy the resources. If you are going away from home for holidays or a prolonged time please get someone to fill you water and bird feeders.
If you are one that enjoys hummingbird feeders, please consider making your own hummingbird nectar. You can put it in clean mason jars in the fridge and it will last quite some time. Refined white sugar and water without dyes is the best way to keep hummingbirds healthy and happy. The reason I recommend making your own nectar is many store bought ones have dyes and other irritants that are very harmful to the birds. Also when you make your own you know when it was made and what is in it. There is some question about boiling the water when you make the blend, some say it helps rid the water of impurities.
I would also say if you enjoy being the human helper please put something on your windows stickers, tape decals or zen drapes, I have seen so many birds hit the windows and get stunned, that leave them vulnerable or injured.
Feeders and nectar care, if you have a seed feeder you want to take it down and give it a good cleaning every 3 to 4 months. Top it up in-between.
Your hummingbird feeders in warm weather need to be taken down about every 5 to 6 days. Take it apart and wash it with some warm mild soap and rinse it really well then let it air dry. Put it back up with clean nectar and enjoy the birds. The nectar can be kept in the fridge for many weeks, always check it before adding it for mold. If there is mold, toss it and make a fresh batch.
In the area I live in we have at least 2 Blue Heron reserves, when you drive less than 30 mins from my area you see the most amazing bird. We also have a designated rehabilitation and rescue program for injured and disabled birds of prey.
In doing this blog topic sadly I realized when my computer died I might have lost all the photos I took of the birds of prey. I forsee a blog about backing things up more then once and labeling thing so one can fine them again.
I hope your week to come brings many blessing. please let me know what birds you love or what birds come to your feeders or area.
This is where it starts 