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Birdwatching in Winter
By Smith James
Three are many different ways that you can go about building your bird
house. If you want your kids to have some input, it is important for the
design to remain simple. Just like recognizing certain characteristics and
habits of people you can do the same with birds, which ultimately makes
identifying them much easier. These characteristics are shape, size, color,
flight pattern and where they're seen, to name just a few.
Bird cages are the type of thing that "you don't go cheap twice". If you
go cheap once, you'll be sure to never do that again! Here is a feature
that is often overlooked: bird-proof door locks.
Let me explain why; when a cage is fairly easy to clean, it not only cuts
down on the amount of time you spend cleaning, it also extends the life
of your cage. If your cage is an extreme pain to clean and it takes many
hours you will put off cleaning it for longer amounts of time and this will
drastically reduce the life of your cage (especially a powder-coated bird
cage).
Some folk have the advantage of looking out of their windows into the
back yard to observe nature¡¯s best. The rest of us need to get moving. I
would highly recommend visiting a National Wildlife Refuge.
Birdwatching in Winter
Birds are rather scarce in winter because they migrate to warmer places
so birdwatching is mostly confined to the south, where places are frost-
free and the temperatures are a little higher. There are birds however,
who are hardy enough to stay through the cold even when food is scarce
and the temperatures are below freezing.
During winter, birdwatching is normally confined inside the house, where
an avid bird fan can just watch from the window. But for some brave
souls who venture out in the cold to find the birds, there are also some
wonderful species to see.
Some birds who stay for winter are not really locals, but birds flying in from
farther north. Some of them are song sparrows, crows, goldfinches,
meadowlarks and sometimes, purple finches, bluebirds and robins.
Some birds migrating to the south might linger in winter, especially in the
Northern and Middle parts. These birds are the winter wrens, warblers
and brown creepers. There are also the ¡®visitors¡¯ like the tree sparrows,
horned larks and the snowy owl.
To find these birds, a birdwatcher can seek open fields, where there are
seeds available for food and where birds can usually be seen in a flock. On
shade trees, shrubs and fruit trees, birds may be seen feeding on frozen
fruits, buds and seeds.
Though authentic antique cages are pleasing to the eye, they are not
the best home for your bird. Many antique bird cages are treated with
chemicals or paints that can be toxic to your bird.
Think about the ability of your family to care for a pet and then only
choose a bird that you could really care for and enjoy. Just where to hang
the feeders? In general, it is good to hang these feeders in any part of
the garden where there is no direct exposure to sunlight and where the
wind will not be able to shake the feeder.
Does your cage stimulate your bird like it should?
Practice Before You Go. A key to viewing wildlife, and especially birds, is
to have the ability to very quickly put your binoculars on target.
Inland bodies of water are usually frozen in winter, so water birds are rare,
but there are birds who manage to eke out a living in the swamps or
rivers. There is also avian life along the coast, where gulls and shore birds
can be found. In marshes, there¡¯s the marsh owl and even the snowy
owl.
There¡¯s no need to go out to find birds in winter. This is the time when
food is scarce, so some birds would actually appreciate a little generosity
on the part of homeowners. Leaving food in a good location near the
window can let you watch them from inside. Chickadees and blue jays are
regular takers, along with sparrows. An avid birdwatcher will not be
discouraged by the arrival of winter to seek out birds. There are plenty to
see, but only if we bring them to our doorstep or actively brave the cold
and seek them in their territories.
How do bird watchers strive to entice birds to their yards? Find out at
http://www.bird-watch.info Despite the lack of birds in winter, it is
actually a great time for birdwatching. Winter gives us the wonderful, if
limited, opportunity to see birds that normally do not come to our shores.
The scarcity of birds in winter makes us appreciate them even more.
Powder-coating on regular powder-coated cages has Zinc and/or Lead in
it, that's a fact, but good manufacturers have taken the time to discuss
this with vets and other experts to determine a safe level for these
minerals and the top manufacturers demand that their cages are
manufactured in a way that stays inside of these standards!
There is no such thing as a perfectly manufactured cage, but there is a
huge difference between the quality levels. Respectable companies will
include decent warranties against defects and they'll also insure your cage
against possible damages when shipping it to you. If you are a new bird
watcher, we urge you to joing a bird watching forum. Buying a pet bird
can be quite an investment. After spending money on your bird and its
supplies, you might be looking to save a little on the cage. Luckily,
discount bird cages are available.
Bar spacing is also important because inappropriate bar spacing can result
in injury to your bird. Avoid cages with fancy scroll work or intricate
designs, and beware of doors, latches and other cage parts that could
trap your bird. After you have brought your bird bath home, find a place
to set up the bath well within sight of your outdoor and indoor spaces.
About the Author
Get a good pair of bird watching binoculars if you are serious about bird watching.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/49679.html
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| Some other articles by Smith James | |
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