N MARCH WE THINK OF ST. PATRICK'S DAY AND HERE IN
TEXAS WE HAVE SOME BIRDS THAT WEAR THE GREEN.
ONE BIRD IS FOUND ONLY IN SOUTHERN TEXAS , IT IS THE GREEN JAY. THIS IS A
GAUDY TROPICAL JAY AND IS COMMON IN RIVERSIDE WOODS, PARKS, SUBURBS, OAK GROVES,
AND DRY BRUSHLAND OF SOUTHERN TEXAS. THEY OFTEN TRAVEL IN SMALL FLOCKS. THEY ARE
MOSTLY GREEN WITH PALER AND YELLOWER FEATHERS BELOW AND A PURPLE AND BLACK HEAD.
THEY ALSO HAVE BRIGHT YELLOW OUTER TAIL FEATHERS. THE GREEN JAY IS FOUND IN THE
VALLEY AREA OF SOUTH TEXAS.
ANOTHER MOSTLY GREEN BIRD WILL ARRIVE IN MARCH, THE RUBY THROATED
HUMMINGBIRD. THE FEMALE IS GREEN ABOVE, WHITISH BELOW WITH WHITE TIPS ON HER
OUTER TAIL FEATHERS. THE MALE HAS AN IRIDESCENT RUBY THROAT WHICH SOMETIMES
LOOKS BLACK IN MANY LIGHTS. HE HAS A WHITE CHEST AND GREEN SIDES AND HIS TAIL IS
ALL BLACK AND FORKED. THE RUBY THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS USUALLY ARRIVE HERE IN LATE
MARCH BUT IF WE ARE WARMER WE MAY SEE THEM SOONER. THEY STAY AROUND FOR SOME
WEEKS AND THEN WILL GO ON NORTH. YOU MAY HAVE A FEW THAT STICK AROUND ALL SUMMER
BUT MOST GO ON. THEN IN MID AUGUST THRU MID OCTOBER THEY WILL COME BACK TO US.
HAPPY WEARING OF THE GREEN AND REMEMBER SPRING IS EARLY HERE SO CLEAN OUT
YOUR OLD BIRD HOUSES AND PUT UP NEW ONES NOW AND ENJOY THE BIRDS.
Past and current articles by Kathy Coward of Just for the Birds in Old Town Spring
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The American Goldfinch
Our goldfinches were late this year, perhaps as Gary
Clark speculated in his article in the Houston Chronicle the wild food crop of
tree seeds and grass seeds across North Texas kept the birds well-nourished
until the recent ice storms. They are migratory birds here in our area and
usually come in Januarary or a little bit earlier subject to our weather. In the
winter they are in flocks and I saw about 15 to 20 birds at my feeder which is
not unusual. I love these little birds and always hate to see them go up north
in Spring. These birds are about 5" long and both the male and female have black
wings and tail with white wing bars. In winter the male is yellowish brown with
a yellow wash on his face and chin and the female is a grayish brown with a
little yellow tint. They have black eyes and their beak is yellow with a tint of
orange. They eat seeds, insects and berries and at birdfeeders they prefer
sunflower seeds and their favorite seed, the thistle. As soon as I see them at
my feeders eating the sunflower seed I put out my thistle seed feeder. Thistle
seed is a very tiny black seed and you will need a specialized feeder or thistle
sack for this seed.
I know you will really enjoy these little birds if you attract them to your yard or come by the little garden in front of my shop, Just For The Birds. Even with the people passing by when the goldfinches are hungry they are at my feeder and a cherry site to brighten your day.
It is wonderful that we can enjoy so many different birds at all times of the year.
I know you will really enjoy these little birds if you attract them to your yard or come by the little garden in front of my shop, Just For The Birds. Even with the people passing by when the goldfinches are hungry they are at my feeder and a cherry site to brighten your day.
It is wonderful that we can enjoy so many different birds at all times of the year.
Hummingbirds are Here
Our fall migration begins usually in mid August
through mid October. I have had quite a few people tell me they have
hummingbirds at their flowers or feeders. My first little hummer to stay around
and eat arrived at my feeder about 3 days ago. I was sitting outside near my
feeder and before he ate he came over and hovered right in front of me just like
he was giving me a greeting. It is great how such a small thing can give you
such joy.
The most common hummingbird we see here is the ruby throated hummingbird. The male has the pretty iridescent red patch on his throat. You can see it if the light is shining the right way. The female is more green grey but I love them all. The males are very territorial and fight others for nectar all the time. If you can put up two or more small feeders apart from each other it is best for viewing and helping out the birds trying to avoid the bullies.
Most of our hummingbird feeders have enough red or bright color on them that coloring the nectar is not necessary. The nectar ratio is 4 water to 1 sugar (just plain old white sugar, never honey as this can harm the birds.) I find if I boil the water or microwave it first before putting the sugar it seems to stay fresh longer. Any extra nectar , keep in the refrigerator until you need it. In our heat unfortunately we need to change the nectar and clean the feeder every 3 to 4 days or at least every week and it helps to keep the feeder in the shade if possible. The heat makes the nectar ferment and can cause harm to the birds.
The second weekend in September you might try to attend the Hummer Bird Celebration in Rockport-Fulton , Texas, about an hour north of Corpus Christi. They are right on the migratory trail of the hummingbirds and at times have as many as 40 to 50 birds crowding around one feeder and they have feeders out all over town so you can imagine what a sight this is. To find out more information about this Festival you can call the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at 1 800 826 6441 or on the internet at www.rockport-fulton.org.
Happy Hummingbird watching.
The most common hummingbird we see here is the ruby throated hummingbird. The male has the pretty iridescent red patch on his throat. You can see it if the light is shining the right way. The female is more green grey but I love them all. The males are very territorial and fight others for nectar all the time. If you can put up two or more small feeders apart from each other it is best for viewing and helping out the birds trying to avoid the bullies.
Most of our hummingbird feeders have enough red or bright color on them that coloring the nectar is not necessary. The nectar ratio is 4 water to 1 sugar (just plain old white sugar, never honey as this can harm the birds.) I find if I boil the water or microwave it first before putting the sugar it seems to stay fresh longer. Any extra nectar , keep in the refrigerator until you need it. In our heat unfortunately we need to change the nectar and clean the feeder every 3 to 4 days or at least every week and it helps to keep the feeder in the shade if possible. The heat makes the nectar ferment and can cause harm to the birds.
The second weekend in September you might try to attend the Hummer Bird Celebration in Rockport-Fulton , Texas, about an hour north of Corpus Christi. They are right on the migratory trail of the hummingbirds and at times have as many as 40 to 50 birds crowding around one feeder and they have feeders out all over town so you can imagine what a sight this is. To find out more information about this Festival you can call the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at 1 800 826 6441 or on the internet at www.rockport-fulton.org.
Happy Hummingbird watching.
The Bald Eagle
In July we think of the fourth of July and the
symbol of our country, the bald eagle. We think of strength, dignity and freedom
when we see the eagle. The eagle is honored by American Indians and the Pueblo
people believed that eagles were related to the Sun because they were able to
soar high into the sky and disappear from sight. The dignified image of the bald
eagle comes partly from its coloration-a pure white head and tail contrasted
with a dark brown body.
If the bald eagle has feathers on its head, then why is it called bald? The name comes from an Old English word, "balde," which means "white." It was natural to call this pure white-headed bird the bald eagle. Their large size and fierce look in their eyes give eagles the appearance of strength.. The bald eagle has a wingspan of seven to eight feet.
Eagles are "birds of prey," which means they eat meat. Fish is the favorite food of eagles. They eat many animals besides fish, including geese, ducks, rabbits, turtles and other animals. They also eat carrion- the decaying flesh of dead animals and this is especially important in winter when other foods are usually not easily found.
Eagles lay one to three eggs in early spring in a very large nest which they make of sticks. Most nests are as big as your bed. Eagles that survive the difficult first years of life can live to be forty years old.
Bald eagles are found only in North America. Recently the bald eagle was removed from it's classification as an endangered species. This was a wonderful success for conservation. We still do have a federal law, the Bald Eagle Protecion Act, to protect this beautiful and important symbol of our country.
If the bald eagle has feathers on its head, then why is it called bald? The name comes from an Old English word, "balde," which means "white." It was natural to call this pure white-headed bird the bald eagle. Their large size and fierce look in their eyes give eagles the appearance of strength.. The bald eagle has a wingspan of seven to eight feet.
Eagles are "birds of prey," which means they eat meat. Fish is the favorite food of eagles. They eat many animals besides fish, including geese, ducks, rabbits, turtles and other animals. They also eat carrion- the decaying flesh of dead animals and this is especially important in winter when other foods are usually not easily found.
Eagles lay one to three eggs in early spring in a very large nest which they make of sticks. Most nests are as big as your bed. Eagles that survive the difficult first years of life can live to be forty years old.
Bald eagles are found only in North America. Recently the bald eagle was removed from it's classification as an endangered species. This was a wonderful success for conservation. We still do have a federal law, the Bald Eagle Protecion Act, to protect this beautiful and important symbol of our country.
Doves - A Valentine Symbol of Love and Peace
THE COOING OF DOVES ALONG WITH THEIR COURTING
DISPLAYS HAVE MADE DOVES A SYMBOL OF LOVE AND PEACE.
THE TWO TYPES OF DOVES FOUND MAINLY IN OUR AREA ARE THE MOURNING DOVE AND THE INCA DOVE.
THE MOURNING DOVE GETS IT'S NAME FROM IT'S MOURNFUL COO. MOURNING DOVES ARE ABOUT 12" IN LENGTH. THEY ARE A SLEEK BIRD -GRAY-BROWN WITH LONG POINTED TAILS AND BLACK DOTS ON THEIR WINGS. THE MALE HAS A LIGHT GRAY CROWN AND IRIDESCENT SIDES OF IT'S NECK. THE FEMALE IS EVENLY BROWN ON HER HEAD AND NECK. WHEN THEY ARE IN FLIGHT YOU CAN SEE THE BROADLY WHITE TIPPED SHORTER OUTER TAIL FEATHERS. THEY ARE COMMON AT FEEDERS, FEEDING MOSTLY ON THE GROUND . THEY EAT WEEDS, GRASS, GRAIN SEEDS AND SOME INSECTS. FROM A PERCH AT COURTING TIME THE MALE DOES A CONSPICUOUS COOING IN WHICH HE PUFFS OUT HIS THROAT AND BOBS HIS TAIL. WHEN COOING ON THE GROUND IN FRONT OF THE FEMALE HE REPEATEDLY BOWS HIS HEAD AND GIVES A LONG COO. THE PAIR MAKES A FLAT LOOSE NEST OF TWIGS, GRASS, WEEDS, AND PINE NEEDLES PLACED IN A VERTICAL FORK OR HORIZONTAL BRANCH OF A TREE. THEY USUALLY HAVE 2 WHITE EGGS.
THE INCA DOVE IS SMALL ABOUT 8" AND IT'S DARK-TIPPED FEATHERS CREATE A SCALLOPED EFFECT ALL OVER IT'S BODY, THE TAIL IS ALMOST AS LONG AS THE REST OF IT'S BODY. WHEN IT IS IN FLIGHT YOU CAN SEE IT'S REDDISH-BROWN WING TIPS AND IT'S LONG TAIL WITH WHITE ALONG THE SIDES AND CORNERS. THEY ARE GROUND FEEDERS EATING WEED SEEDS AND GRAIN. THE MAKE A SAUCERLIKE NEST OF TWIGS , STICKS, GRASS AND LEAVES WHICH THEY PLACE ON HORIZONTAL LIMBS BUSHES OR TREES AND SOMETIMES IN HANGING BASKETS. THEY USUALLY HAVE 2 WHITE EGGS.
ENJOY THE PEACEFUL SOUNDS OF OUR DOVES IN OLD TOWN SPRING AND HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY.
THE TWO TYPES OF DOVES FOUND MAINLY IN OUR AREA ARE THE MOURNING DOVE AND THE INCA DOVE.
THE MOURNING DOVE GETS IT'S NAME FROM IT'S MOURNFUL COO. MOURNING DOVES ARE ABOUT 12" IN LENGTH. THEY ARE A SLEEK BIRD -GRAY-BROWN WITH LONG POINTED TAILS AND BLACK DOTS ON THEIR WINGS. THE MALE HAS A LIGHT GRAY CROWN AND IRIDESCENT SIDES OF IT'S NECK. THE FEMALE IS EVENLY BROWN ON HER HEAD AND NECK. WHEN THEY ARE IN FLIGHT YOU CAN SEE THE BROADLY WHITE TIPPED SHORTER OUTER TAIL FEATHERS. THEY ARE COMMON AT FEEDERS, FEEDING MOSTLY ON THE GROUND . THEY EAT WEEDS, GRASS, GRAIN SEEDS AND SOME INSECTS. FROM A PERCH AT COURTING TIME THE MALE DOES A CONSPICUOUS COOING IN WHICH HE PUFFS OUT HIS THROAT AND BOBS HIS TAIL. WHEN COOING ON THE GROUND IN FRONT OF THE FEMALE HE REPEATEDLY BOWS HIS HEAD AND GIVES A LONG COO. THE PAIR MAKES A FLAT LOOSE NEST OF TWIGS, GRASS, WEEDS, AND PINE NEEDLES PLACED IN A VERTICAL FORK OR HORIZONTAL BRANCH OF A TREE. THEY USUALLY HAVE 2 WHITE EGGS.
THE INCA DOVE IS SMALL ABOUT 8" AND IT'S DARK-TIPPED FEATHERS CREATE A SCALLOPED EFFECT ALL OVER IT'S BODY, THE TAIL IS ALMOST AS LONG AS THE REST OF IT'S BODY. WHEN IT IS IN FLIGHT YOU CAN SEE IT'S REDDISH-BROWN WING TIPS AND IT'S LONG TAIL WITH WHITE ALONG THE SIDES AND CORNERS. THEY ARE GROUND FEEDERS EATING WEED SEEDS AND GRAIN. THE MAKE A SAUCERLIKE NEST OF TWIGS , STICKS, GRASS AND LEAVES WHICH THEY PLACE ON HORIZONTAL LIMBS BUSHES OR TREES AND SOMETIMES IN HANGING BASKETS. THEY USUALLY HAVE 2 WHITE EGGS.
ENJOY THE PEACEFUL SOUNDS OF OUR DOVES IN OLD TOWN SPRING AND HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY.
The Chicadee
One of the birds I see most often in front of my
shop and in my backyard is the Chickadee. It seems so small but bright and
cheery in it's black and white colors and it's spritely movements. They make me
happy every time I see them . Many times they are with a titmouse , the little
small grey and white bird with the crest on top of it's head . As they are with
each other so often I call them cousins.
Here in our area we have the Carolina Chickadee. The habitat for this bird is woods, farmland and suburbs. The Carolina Chickadee is about 4 3/4" long. It has a black cap and bib with a white cheek. The feathers on the shoulder are all grey and the lower edge of the bib is clean cut.
You can see them up in the tree branches searching for insects, seeds and berries. They come to feeders and like sunflower seeds best. They nest in a natural cavity or excavate in rotted wood but will also use a birdhouse provided for them. Mosses or wood chips make up their nest material and they lay up to six eggs which are white and reddish speckled.
In winter time they form flocks but in the spring they disperse into breeding pairs. The males sing and each pair defends its territory. They sing four notes with the 1st and 3rd much higher than the others.
As Mr. Roger's use to say "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood" and if you see a little chickadee your spirits will be lifted and a little smile may come to your face.
Here in our area we have the Carolina Chickadee. The habitat for this bird is woods, farmland and suburbs. The Carolina Chickadee is about 4 3/4" long. It has a black cap and bib with a white cheek. The feathers on the shoulder are all grey and the lower edge of the bib is clean cut.
You can see them up in the tree branches searching for insects, seeds and berries. They come to feeders and like sunflower seeds best. They nest in a natural cavity or excavate in rotted wood but will also use a birdhouse provided for them. Mosses or wood chips make up their nest material and they lay up to six eggs which are white and reddish speckled.
In winter time they form flocks but in the spring they disperse into breeding pairs. The males sing and each pair defends its territory. They sing four notes with the 1st and 3rd much higher than the others.
As Mr. Roger's use to say "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood" and if you see a little chickadee your spirits will be lifted and a little smile may come to your face.
The Cardinal - The Joy of the Season and Yearround
THE NORTHERN CARDINAL IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL
OF ALL OUR BIRDS. SEVEN STATES IN THE EASTERN U.S. COUNT THE NORTHERN CARDINAL
AS THEIR STATE BIRD.
CARDINALS ARE NAMED AFTER OFFICIALS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, CALLED CARDINALS WHO WEAR RED ROBES. THE MALE CARDINAL IS ALL RED WITH A CREST AND HAS BLACK ON HIS FACE AROUND THE BASE OF A REDDISH BILL. THE FEMALE CARDINAL IS BUFFY BELOW AND GRAYISH BROWN ABOVE. SHE HAS A REDDISH BILL WITH REDDISH TINTS ON HER CREST , WINGS AND TAIL. THE JUVENILE CARDINAL IS SEEN IN SUMMER AND LOOKS SIMILAR TO THE FEMALE BUT HAS A DARK GRAY BILL.
IT IS THOUGHT THAT CARDINALS MATE FOR LIFE. THEY MAKE A NEST OF TWIGS, BARK STRIPS, AND LEAVES, PLACED IN DENSE SHRUBBERY OR SMALL TREE. THEY LAY 2 TO 5 EGGS OF A BUFF WHITE COLOR WITH DARK MARKS. CARDINALS MAY NEST OR BROOD 1 TO 4 TIMES A YEAR. DURING MATING THE MALE CARDINAL MAY BE SEEN FEEDING THE FEMALE AND THE MALE ALSO SHARES THE FEEDING OF THE YOUNG WITH THE FEMALE.
BOTH MALE AND FEMALE CARDINALS SING A SERIES OF CLEAR WHISTLES THAT VARY , LIKE " WHOIT WHOIT, CHEER CHEER CHEER" AND ALSO MAKE A CALL THAT SOUNDS LIKE A METALLIC "CHIP."
CARDINALS READILY COME TO FEEDERS. THEY PREFER SUNFLOWER SEED BUT ALSO EAT SAFFLOWER SEED, CRACKED CORN OR MIXED SEED. CARDINALS ENJOY BIRDBATHS FOR DRINKING AND BATHING.
CARDINALS ARE SYMBOLS AT THIS TIME OF YEAR BECAUSE OF THEIR BEAUTY AND CHEERFULNESS. I HOPE THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CARDINALS LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE DURING THE HOLIDAYS AND ALL YEAR LONG.
CARDINALS ARE NAMED AFTER OFFICIALS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, CALLED CARDINALS WHO WEAR RED ROBES. THE MALE CARDINAL IS ALL RED WITH A CREST AND HAS BLACK ON HIS FACE AROUND THE BASE OF A REDDISH BILL. THE FEMALE CARDINAL IS BUFFY BELOW AND GRAYISH BROWN ABOVE. SHE HAS A REDDISH BILL WITH REDDISH TINTS ON HER CREST , WINGS AND TAIL. THE JUVENILE CARDINAL IS SEEN IN SUMMER AND LOOKS SIMILAR TO THE FEMALE BUT HAS A DARK GRAY BILL.
IT IS THOUGHT THAT CARDINALS MATE FOR LIFE. THEY MAKE A NEST OF TWIGS, BARK STRIPS, AND LEAVES, PLACED IN DENSE SHRUBBERY OR SMALL TREE. THEY LAY 2 TO 5 EGGS OF A BUFF WHITE COLOR WITH DARK MARKS. CARDINALS MAY NEST OR BROOD 1 TO 4 TIMES A YEAR. DURING MATING THE MALE CARDINAL MAY BE SEEN FEEDING THE FEMALE AND THE MALE ALSO SHARES THE FEEDING OF THE YOUNG WITH THE FEMALE.
BOTH MALE AND FEMALE CARDINALS SING A SERIES OF CLEAR WHISTLES THAT VARY , LIKE " WHOIT WHOIT, CHEER CHEER CHEER" AND ALSO MAKE A CALL THAT SOUNDS LIKE A METALLIC "CHIP."
CARDINALS READILY COME TO FEEDERS. THEY PREFER SUNFLOWER SEED BUT ALSO EAT SAFFLOWER SEED, CRACKED CORN OR MIXED SEED. CARDINALS ENJOY BIRDBATHS FOR DRINKING AND BATHING.
CARDINALS ARE SYMBOLS AT THIS TIME OF YEAR BECAUSE OF THEIR BEAUTY AND CHEERFULNESS. I HOPE THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CARDINALS LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE DURING THE HOLIDAYS AND ALL YEAR LONG.
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