Chipmunks Can Teach Us Lessons

Bird Feeder

Nice article-click the link at the bottom to read more.

Outside our kitchen window we have a squirrel-proof bird feeder. It not only attracts birds, many species, but it brings in squirrels, chipmunks, even predators like hawks and cats. 

We enjoy our wildlife menagerie because they are not only enjoyable to watch but they also remind us of certain personal responsibilities that cannot be delegated to the community or to the government — like having adequate food supplies on hand in case of natural emergencies. Incidentally, the squirrel-proof feeder drives the squirrel’s nuts — pun intended.

Chipmunks can remind us of our responsibilities

Some Reasons Birds Aren't Visiting Your Bird Feeder

Bird Feeder

I don’t think a passing bald eagle or even an infrequently soaring hawk would cause birds to shy away from feeding areas for any length of time. A sudden local shortage of birds can result from a frequent, unwelcome visit from a resident hawk. When a sharp-shinned or Cooper’s hawk appears on the scene, birds appear to “freeze” without any movement and can remain motionless for as long as a half-hour. 

Several factors could account for ‘shortage’ of birds

What Are The Dangers Of Windfarms To Migrating Birds?

Bird Feeder

This article address concerns about the impact of windfarms on migrating birds. Take a look:

As they do every year when autumn approaches, a small group of bird-watchers gathered Tuesday afternoon on Poor Mountain to record the southern migration of hawks, eagles, falcons, ospreys and harriers.

Roanoke County bird-watchers worry about windmills' wake

A Few Ideas For Bird Watchers

Your Bird Feeder

A reminder to change your hummingbird feeder “nectar” at least every three days, especially now that we are in the season of heat (103 in Ridgefield last week). Potentially harmful bacteria can grow quickly in very warm sugar-water.

BirdNotes: If you can’t catch 'em, join 'em

Learn About The Merlin-A Falcon With An Attitude

Bird Feeder

The raptors include the hawks, falcons, owls, bald eagles, turkey vulture (which has been in question as a true raptor recently). Our raptors have evolved/adapted to feed on smaller birds, mammals, fish, large insects and, in some cases, carrion.

N.B.'s merlin is a falcon 'with an attitude'

Raptors Coming To The Bird Feeder

Bird Feeder

Excellent article about raptors.

Raptors – hawks, eagles, owls and falcons – are one of more common yet least known wildlife inhabitants of Falls Church City. The Cooper’s hawk and its smaller cousin, the Sharp-shinned hawk, are occasionally seen hanging out near bird feeders in our suburban back yards.

FOOD: Other ‘Foodies’ in Our Midst