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Decorate a Tree for the Birds this Season |
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Question: Our neighbors cat is always in our yard stalking and killing the birds at our bird feeder. What can I do to stop it? I really don't want to take the feeder down.
A: Domestic and feral cats kill millions of songbirds every day in North America, far more than any diseases do. Keeping cats indoors, especially at dawn and dusk (peak bird feeding times), will help. Always place feeders in open areas so the birds can see cats approaching. Make sure the seed you offer is a 'no waste blend', that way little ends up on the ground. Buy the cat a present - a collar with a bell.
Question: I am not sure, but for a week there is a sparrow hanging about with the other sparrows at my feeder. It acts a little differently and has the most beautiful song.
A: Look closer at those little brown birds under you feeder. You could be pleasantly surprised to see or hear a song sparrow. Song sparrows are frequently confused with other birds as simply being a LBJ (little brown jobber). Song sparrows have 21 different calls and songs. One song was rendered by Henry David Thoreau as 'maids, maids, maids hang up your teakettle, kettle, kettle'.
Song sparrows can be found at feeders (especially in winter months) eating millet and sunflower seeds from the ground. After a snowfall they will scratch away the snow to reveal seed. In the spring and summer they can be seen scratching for insects and seeds. Song sparrows will also use birdbaths throughout the year.
They can be seen alone or in small flocks of several birds. Song sparrows breed all across the continent. They nest in open habitats like suburban areas and farmlands. They may even stay to nest in your backyard, usually nesting in shrubs close to the ground. The next time you look out under your feeder and see little brown birds, look closely. You may find to your delight, a beautiful song sparrow. |
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