Backyard Chatter!
By Deck Hunter
[Deck lives in Sheridan, WY. Questions? 307-674-8875]

Most recent article!

Wilson's warbler in solidago. © Gordon Scaggs, dba HabiScapes Landscaping in Missoula, Montana, 2000, all rights reserved.

I'm pleased to be sharing my "Backyard Chatter" with you. Though I am not an ornithologist, biologist, or any kind of “-ologist”, I am an “appreciater”. Having grown up on a farm with a father who was an ag agent, I was constantly introduced to conservation and an awareness of flora and fauna. This interest continued all my life.

Through the years, I knew I didn't have to know the name of every flower to appreciate it, nor did I need to know the Latin name of the bird that sang so beautifully. I don’t participate in organized birdwalks or travel to see bird habitats and migrations. I’m primarily an “appreciater” of those wildflowers and critters that frequent my backyard.

As a wilderness ranger for the US Forest Service, I did make an effort to identify those birds and wildflowers I saw in the mountains, as visitors were always asking me for the names. Since then, I do try to identify a stranger to my backyard and learn about its behavior. So, I hope to share this little bit of fun with you.

Deck Hunter

[Most Recent on Top ...]

10-22-07

We usually don’t think of endangered bird species too much in our area, but the Greater and Gunnison's Sage Grouse along with the Brewer’s Sparrow are priority species in the sage brush areas of our Rocky Mountains and southwestern Wyoming.

This ecosystem is dominated by sage, mixed with other shrubs and grasses. But fire, livestock grazing and non-native plants have upset the balance leaving just a dense layer of shrubs.

Cheatgrass has moved into these areas and fire just stimulates a perpetual cycle of this grass. None of the birds previously mentioned can tolerate a cheatgrass habitat and livestock do not benefit by it either.

Populations of all the key birds are in decline in these areas and their future prognosis is grim. This is why sagebrush ranks highly in our threatened habitats.

Cheatgrass is extremely difficult to remove and requires herbicide treatment followed by the planting of desirable native plants. This is labor-intensive and very expensive. As a result, each year in the West, additional acres of sage are lost to the cheatgrass invasion.

This information was from “Bird Conservation”, Fall 2006, regarding threats to bird habitats.

10-15-07

Your collection of bird feeders set up for winter visitors will also attract the attention of those birds that feed upon the smaller birds.

Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks will keep an eye on the feeders. And, so will the Northern Shrike, not as well-known to many of us. The shrike particularly likes chickadees and sparrows.

About 10” long, the shrike has a strong hooked bill, is bluish gray in color with a black mask, black wing tips and a black tail.

Lacking the talons of hawks, the shrike usually strikes and knocks its prey to the ground, and then kills it by biting the back of the neck and severing the spinal cord.

The shrike is not an active, conspicuous bird. They take one bird and then sit motionless in a shrub or bush for hours. They can be around for days without being noticed.

It will be during the cold of winter that the shrike is most likely to be around your feeder. Much of the year, it thrives on large insects and small mammals. Only in winter, when insects and mice are hard to find, do they focus on the small birds.

They generally stay in a territory smaller than a square mile and return to a favored hunting site. They often impale prey on a thorny bush or barbed wire. Keep a watchful eye for this visitor.

10-8-07

This past spring, the National Wildlife Federation certified its 80,000th wildlife habitat.

A recent article from the NWF stated the biggest threat to wildlife is habitat loss. This is where we can enter the picture.

Equipping our yards with four basic elements essential to wildlife survival can mean all the difference to many birds, butterflies and water creatures.

You don’t have to own large acreage to create such a habitat. The four elements are food, water, shelter and places to raise young. All this can be accomplished in a small apartment area, at a school or church, and at a business.

Planting native plants is most desirable to entice many birds. But, bird feeders will also meet this need. A simple birdbath can provide water and a birdhouse a place to raise young. Shrubs and trees offer shelter and protection.

The Certified Wildlife Habitat program can be visited on the web at www.nwf.org/backyard. It shows how to develop a friendly backyard and tells how to be certified.

Or you can call me and I will share ideas with you and also send you an application form.

NWF has a goal of 100,000 habitats by the end of the year. Why not participate?

10-1-07

A couple weeks ago, I mentioned the autumn season and the beginnings of bird migration, as well as those birds that would stay with us.

With the breeding period ended, many of the adult birds head on their way, while the young remain behind. This is true of blackbirds, hummingbirds, sandpipers, and many water birds.

The young are able to take care of themselves and head south in September, making the trip over a route they have never traveled before.

And, now we turn to feeding those permanent visitors along with those that “migrate” south to us from Canada or the higher elevations of the alpine mountains.

Black-oil sunflower seeds are the most favored food. Don’t waste your money on mixed birdseed as it contains many seeds no birds here eat.

Finches love chicken scratch. Blackbirds and pheasants also like chicken scratch. Spread this on the ground where these birds can practice their basic habit of scratching for food.

Millet is a favorite of the small songbirds that are ground feeders, such as juncos and sparrows.

9-24-07

We usually think bird migration means birds are flying to southern areas. But, for some birds winter migration may just be moving from high alpine areas above timberline to lower elevations and the protection of sunny slopes and trees. A loss of 200 feet in elevation is equal to going south 72 miles in climatic change.

Among those that visit our feeders during the winter are the rosy finches. The Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch is most common to our foothills and is easily spotted by the gray markings on its head.

One morning, you waken to find a whole flock of these finches on your feeder. They can arrive in the hundreds. They’ll stay about 4-5 minutes, wipe out your black-oil sunflower seeds, and then move to a neighbors. By the time you get your feeder refilled, they’ll be back in 15-20 minutes.

Though often listed as breeding in the Big Horn Mountains, the Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch has more recently been placed as breeding in northwest Montana, but they are certainly present in Wyoming in the winter.

They prefer open tray-style feeders, so you can still meet needs of other visitors with the tubular feeders located a distance away.

9-17-07

House Finches v. House Sparrows? The House Sparrow, originally called the “English Sparrow” as it was introduced from Europe in the mid-19th century, quickly spread through the eastern United States. It is an aggressive bird that takes over cavity nests and even kills the birds inside.

The House Finch, a native western species, was brought to New York and other locations in the 1940’s. It adapted quickly and spread throughout the United States and southern Canada.

Researchers began to notice a decline in the House Sparrow. The finches seemed to be out-competing the House Sparrows for nesting areas.

Then, in 1994, House Finches were affected by a new eye disease, leading to many deaths. House Finch populations declined by half in a 3-year period, and House Sparrow numbers increased.

Since neither species was native to the entire US, it shows each took advantage of the habitat offered rather than inherent status.

A few months ago I noticed many House Sparrows in the backyard. Now, I have few of them and mostly House Finches. Then, this summer, I noted that some House Sparrows came and aggressively moved into the empty Tree Swallow house. Could I be having swing back to the sparrow?

9-10-07

Autumn is a changing of the guard when it comes to our backyard visitors. Blackbirds of all kinds will be forming large flocks and migrating south. Bluebirds, most robins, and meadowlarks will be on their way.

The American Goldfinch will be among the late starters as it doesn’t nest until late summer. This is because it likes to use the soft down from the thistle plant for its nest, and also prefers the seeds. When you see the bright canary body of the male show some dark olive patches, you’ll know fall is here.

In late August and early September, the Common Nighthawk begins to form loose flocks, and eventually gathers in huge flocks of about 500.

As these birds leave us, the White-crowned Sparrow, the Dark-eyed Junco, and the Tree Sparrow begin to arrive in our feeding areas.

House Finches, chickadees, woodpeckers, flickers and the blue jays will stay with us. The waxwings will make short stopovers as they migrate and you might even enjoy a Lazuli Bunting.

Keep an eye out for the Black-headed Grosbeak, the Red Crossbill and Townsend’s Solitaire.

Autumn is a special time of year when, like spring, you might see a variety of birds.

9-3-07

Many of you have enjoyed hummingbirds through the summer months. Each year brings the question of how long you should leave your feeder up. A common myth has it that the hummers won’t migrate south if you keep the feeder up until the fall.

Not so. The hummingbird moves south when it is ready or the weather dictates. With many breeding in Canada and global warming affecting the temperature there, hummers may not head south as early as in previous years.

Though the Rufous moves up the west coast with warm weather in the spring, it goes south via the Rocky Mountains and spills over into the Big Horns, frequently in July.

Males are the first to start migration with females following about two weeks later. Last to leave are the first-year birds and some of them don’t depart until October.

Hummingbirds don’t flock in migration but fly solo, and even those first-year birds know where to go to reach Mexico or South America.

So keep your feeders up well into the fall for you may be the lifesaver for a late starter or one caught in an early snow.

Solution for your feeder is four parts water to one part regular sugar, no substitutes. Skip the food coloring too.

8-27-07

The Gray Jay isn’t found in your backyard, but those of you who have ventured into the mountains have probably met this “Camp Robber” or “Whiskey Jack”.

Larger than a robin, this fluffy gray bird of the cool northern forests has a partial black cap over the back of its head, a white forehead and somewhat resembles an overgrown chickadee.

This bird is attracted to campsites and snitches as much food as possible. It stores suet, frozen meat, and seeds by gluing them into balls with its saliva and hiding them among pine needles. Why?

As a non-migratory species, the Gray Jay breeds so far north that young often hatch before spring thaws and these stashes remain available to feed the young.

However, a 25-year study by scientists at Ohio State University has shown that the Gray Jay is being affected by global warming. Rising temperatures meant that this refrigeration is not being turned on until later in the year, food is spoiling and breeding success being reduced.

Climate studies show global temperatures have risen steadily over the past 100 years, and 11 of the warmest have occurred since 1990.

The Gray Jay of our northern Rocky and Bighorn Mountains is in jeopardy.

8-20-07

There are only two crested jays in North America, and we have both of them in our northwest. One is the Blue Jay, which was originally only east of the Rockies, and the other is the Steller’s Jay, which is west of the Rockies.

The Blue Jay now has migrated throughout the United States and stays with us year round. Its habitat includes oak and pine woods, suburban gardens, groves and towns.

The Steller’s Jay breeds at higher elevations in conifers, but comes to lower elevations in the winter. A loss of 200 feet in elevation is equal to going south 72 miles of climatic change. It goes south by moving to lower elevations.

Both have lovely crests. The Blue Jay is blue with a white bib and abdomen and white in the wings. It sports a black necklace. Steller’s Jays have black heads and necks and a longer crest.

Jays are big on storing nuts and will hide whole peanuts in the shell. One jay is capable of storing 3,000-5,000 acorns in one autumn!

They form long-term monogamous pairings and are very territorial. A reputation for stealing other birds’ eggs is unfounded. One study found evidence of eggs in only 6 of 530 jays.

So, welcome the jay to your backyard year-round.

8-13-07

I have two birdbaths in my backyard. One is on a pedestal and has a donut shape with a small circular “landing area” in the center. As a result, the birds do not seem to care to bathe in the small donut area, but use this bath for drinking purposes.

The other birdbath is a large plastic plant saucer set on an upended fat log. I placed a small rock to one side for a landing area. Most of the saucer is open for bathing, and is used constantly, by robins, grackles, blackbirds and other small songbirds.

Obviously the bathing area is a bit larger and the birds are more comfortable. I often have to refill it three times a day.

I’m sharing this with you to point out that expensive birdbaths are not necessary. My plant saucer came from Wal-Mart, and the log was given to me when I saw some men cutting down a tree. And, its this arrangement that the birds have preferred.

Last month, I gave you a peanut butter/seed sandwich to be used in the heat of the summer in place of suet blocks that melt. I put one of these treats in my suet holder and it was gobbled up in just two days by grackles. My intent was for the flickers to eat it, but I never saw one of them.

Thus, I have abandoned the suet feeder until after the grackles go south.

8-6-07

On July 4th, two Yellow-headed Blackbirds made their first visit to our backyard. A ground-feeder, this bird forages for insects and grass and weed seeds. These two were under our feeders eating spilled seed.

Robin-sized, the male has a bright yellow hood and upper breast against a black body with white wing patches. The female and juveniles are grayish brown except for a yellow chin and breast.

In summer, it nests over marshes and freshwater and frequents nearby farmlands, where it forages in fields, agricultural areas, meadows and ranches.

It is common to the western half of the United States, is a casual visitor to Canada in the summer and is a rare fall and winter visitor to the east coast.

Its nest is of water-soaked reeds and grasses lined with softer materials, and is placed low up to 7 feet above water. It summers in marshes.

But, in fall and winter, it joins other blackbirds, starlings and cowbirds to form large flocks. These large flocks will migrate to Mexico.

So, be on the lookout for this striking bird. With its bright yellow head against its black body, its easy to spot and identify.

7-30-07

Many callers have inquired about the dove with the black collar on the back of the neck. A bit smaller and lighter than the Mourning Dove, this dove is a newcomer to our area in recent years.

Believed to be derived from the African Collared Dove, it was brought to the Bahamas and escaped to Florida. From there it made its way across the southern states and has now moved northward.

For a period it was called the Ringed-Turtle Dove, and then the Eurasian Collared Dove. Now, in 2006, the American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU) Committee on Classification and Nomenclature has settled on its name as the African Collared Dove.

This African Collared Dove has stayed with some for the winter. I had a pair here in January. So, be on the watch for this newcomer.

The AOU, in 1973, had renamed the Baltimore Oriole and Bullock’s Oriole as one species, the Northern Oriole. But, in 1955, the decision was reversed because of limited hybridization and new genetic evidence that the Bullock’s Oriole is more closely related to the Black-Headed Oriole of Mexico. It is the Bullock’s Oriole we have more frequently in our area.

For a complete list of 2006 changes, download at www.aou.org.

7-23-07

“What are bugs worth?”

An article under this title appeared in the Oct./Nov. 2006 issue of National Wildlife. Here are some highlights from that item:

Cornell University’s John Losey and Mace Vaughn, ecological scientists provided the study.

From an agricultural viewpoint, “work such as pollinating crops(native bees do $3 billion worth of pollination that would otherwise be assigned to hired honeybees) and pest control (when native insects chow down on alien invaders, farmers avoid $4.5 billion in crop losses)” are advantages.

The Dung Beetle of North America attacks the flies and parasites found in cow patties that pile up on the range. They recycle bovine waste into fertilizer that plants can use. “Chalk up another $380 million annual service for American ranchers.”

Insects help keep America’s population of native wildlife alive and well. Many kinds of animals from native trout to game birds to songbirds and raptors rely on insects for food.

“If the insects that these wildlife species need to survive were to suddenly disappear, there’s no way you could just go out and feed those animals some other food.

”Taken together, the wildlife species that rely on insects represent a $50 billion slice of the outdoor recreation industry (including bird-watching, along with fishing and hunting).” How many birds in your backyard eat insects?

7-16-07

Sapsuckers are members of the woodpecker family who have the distinguishing habit of drilling evenly spaced rows of small holes in trees. They visit these “wells” for sap and the insects attracted. Butterflies and hummingbirds also visit these wells.

Sapsuckers will return to the same trees time after time so you may be on the lookout after discovering a tree with the telltale rows of holes.

Robin-sized, sapsuckers have black and white barred backs with striped wings, red crowns and throats with black bibs. All have yellow bellies.

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker breeds in Canada and winters in the southeast. The Red-naped Sapsucker frequents our woodlands, aspen groves and orchards. It has a red patch on the back of its head. These two have frequently hybridized.

Williamson’s Sapsucker is common to our dry, piney forests in the summer. Unlike the others, it has a black head with narrow white stripes, bright red chin and throat, black back and wings with a white wing patch, flanks barred and a yellow belly.

Females and juveniles of all species are brownish in color with brown heads.

Most migrate south or move to lower elevations for the winter.

7-9-07

A summer resident in the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains regions of the West, the Swainson’s Hawk travels up to 17,000 miles between its breeding grounds in the north to its wintering area on the pampas of Argentina.

Primarily an insect eater, it follows hay harvesting and farm equipment through the fields.

Unfortunately, the survival of this bird is not solely up to the USA. It migrates in large flocks up to 10,000 and travels over land for its food and overnight roosting.

A decade ago, tens of thousands of these hawks died in Argentina when eating insects that had been treated with the pesticide, monocrotophos, used in alfalfa and sunflower fields.

In 1991, the USA banned this pesticide, but it is still being used in Argentina. In 1996, the American Bird Conservancy urged the manufacturer to halt the distribution of the pesticide to Argentina and also persuaded the Argentinean government to stop all uses.

Recently, Swainson’s Hawks numbers have begun to stabilize and may be increasing. This is an encouraging sign not just for this hawk, but for other migrant raptors and birds to South America.

7-2-07

Signs of summer may vary in the bird world. The flicker that drilled a racket on your metal chimney or the bird that kept flying at its reflection in your window this spring have no doubt stopped by now.

Each was busy establishing its territory, warning off intruders of the same species, and attracting a mate. So go the habits of spring.

Now, summer is upon us and we may see some other birds. Hummingbirds are perhaps visiting your feeders and showy red flowers.

Be alert for the Rufous Hummingbird in July as it migrates down from Canada along the Rockies. Some spill over into the Bighorns.

Most of the birds will have nested and are busy raising their young. Except for the Goldfinch. It doesn’t nest until August as it waits for the “down” of a thistle plant to line its nest, and also waits for the wildflowers to go to seed to feed its young.

Here’s a replacement for that melting suet in summer. Spread peanut butter on two slices of bread. Sprinkle wheat germ, raisins and seed on top of the peanut butter. Close your sandwich and put it in your suet feeder. It may be a favorite for woodpeckers, chickadees and others.

Remember to keep water available for your birds to drink and bathe.

6-25-07

Wyoming, Montana and other northwestern states are involved in coal-bed methane drilling along with other oil wells and natural gas drilling.

Where there are open oil pits and ponds maintained by oil drilling facilities along with ”drilling mud and cuttings” for both oil and natural gas wells, and ponds that hold brine and waste oil separated from crude oil, the danger for birds is critical.

The US Fish & Wildlife Service estimates that up to one million migratory birds die each year when they mistake the oil for water and become stuck in it. One hundred and seventy two species from ducks to hawks to owls have been collected from oil pits in 21 states.

Closed tanks or oil covered with netting could prevent birds’ deaths. Oil producers protest the extra expense.

The Bureau of Land Management has the authority to require adequate protective measures to prevent wildlife mortality, but has neglected to develop regulations to date.

Cleanup efforts begun in the 1970’s and 80’s by individual states, including California and New Mexico, combined with federal enforcement helped reduce the number of dead birds from two million to current levels.

This information is from American Bird Conservancy Bird Calls, October 2006.

True Oil (Casper, WY) has already been fined for the deaths and “taking” of migratory birds from oil pits.

6-18-07

The daily existence of eating can be very challenging to a bird. Finding the food and often catching it are only half the battle.

Kevin J. Cooke shared this information in the Summer 2004 Bird Watcher’s Digest.

Accipiters, such as the Northern Goshawk, often pluck their prey on the ground, leaving a ring of feathers or fur behind.

Owls, especially smaller species, often decapitate their prey before swallowing it whole or before caching.

Many birds, such as shrikes and kingfishers, will thrash their prey to not only kill it, but to crush the skeleton for easier swallowing.

Several songbirds debristle fuzzy caterpillars by repeated thrashing. Bristles can be rigid and dangerous when swallowed, and some bristles are poisonous.

Thrushes and robins thrash snails so they can extricate the edible snail from the shell.

Jays and crows visit feeders to carry food away, where they cache it for later eating. This explains why blue jays carry off so many peanuts.

Chickadees, because they are so small, snatch and flee, allowing them to eat without coping with more aggressive birds.

6-11-07

Many birds, including pheasants, quail, birds of prey, sparrows and even the American robin, can be seen taking vigorous dust baths. Some will flutter in a dust bath after water bathing.

A dust bath can help rid the bird of parasites and feather lice. Next to feeding, bathing and feather maintenance is the second most important activity in a bird’s life.

A dust bath is another way you might attract birds to an open space in your yard. An area 3 feet square is enough for several birds to bathe together.

Dig out enough soil to make your area about 6 inches deep. Line the edges with bricks or rocks. For the dust mix, combine 1/3 each of sand, loam and sifted ash.

Select a spot safe from cats for two reasons. First, for the safety of the birds, and the second, so the dust bath doesn’t become an outdoor kitty litter box.

You’ll still want the bath not too far from trees and shrubs for, like water bathing, the birds usually preen following body-dusting.

You’ll still want your standard birdbath available. One on a pedestal is attractive or just an inverted trashcan lid on the ground will serve. Be sure it's no more than 3 inches deep. A rock in the middle of the larger lid will provide a spot to hop in or out.

6-4-07

An article in the Sept./Oct. 2006 issue of "Bird Watcher's Digest" dealt with "Wildfires and Feeder Birds".

When forest fires occur, what does happen to the many birds dependent upon that ecosystem? Most birds are able to escape easily through flight.

But, turkeys and quail and others that only fly short distances more frequently try to walk or run, making escape from fire more difficult.

Following a forest fire, some fresh shrubby undergrowth returns quickly and again provides habitat for these birds. But, prior to that growth taking place, many of these birds were frequenting areas under bird feeders for spilled feed.

Several of the small songbirds, however, may leave the area completely. As many of the trees had provided shelter and food, these birds were compelled to distribute elsewhere.

Birds that spend summer in the North and breed here, may find their winter habitat in California charred and barren and move on to other areas.

Thus, a larger number of these birds are coming to feeders. This is a reminder to us of the importance of our bird feedeing and to give additional attention to it following a wildfire. We may see some new visitors.

5-29-07

Dear Readers, We take a break from Deck's weekly articles to bring you two recent publications by NWF. We hope you find them useful! ~MHFJ staff

Gardeners Can Play an Important Role in Reducing Global Warming
Trade-in the SUV, use florescent light bulbs, turn down your thermostat. These are just some of the things we’re being told we can do to reduce our impact on global warming. But according to a new report from the National Wildlife Federation, “A Gardeners Guide to Global Warming,” there are also many things you can do in the garden that will help combat this serious and potentially devastating environmental problem.
While many of these conservation practices aren’t new to gardeners, they are made ever more important now given the threat of global warming.
REDUCE THE THREAT OF INVASIVE SPECIES AND INCORPORATE A DIVERSITY OF NATIVE PLANTS INTO YOUR LANDSCAPE.
Global warming will contribute to a dramatic expansion of invasive, non-native plants and animals, which are able to take advantage of weakened ecosystems and out-compete native species. Higher average temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns will enable some of the most problematic species, including kudzu, garlic mustard, purple loosestrife and Japanese honeysuckle, to move into new areas.
Gardeners Can Play an Important Role in Reducing Global Warming Gardeners can play an important role in minimizing the threat of invasive species expansion by removing invasive plants from the garden and choosing an array of native alternatives.
In addition, global warming will contribute to more severe infestations and habitat damage from both native and exotic insect pests, including black vine weevil, gypsy moth, bagworm and mountain pine beetle.
Contact your local/state native plant society to find out what plants are native to your area or check out NWF’s web site for a listing at www.nwf.org/backyard/food
LIMIT WATER CONSUMPTION.
In many parts of the country, more severe heat waves, droughts and declining snowpack due to global warming will cause a considerable reduction in available water resources.
There are a number of ways to reduce water consumption in your garden including mulching, installing rain barrels, watering only in the morning and evening to avoid mid-day evaporation and using drip irrigation.
COMPOST KITCHEN AND GARDENWASTE.
Composting kitchen and garden waste can significantly reduce your contribution to global warming pollution, especially methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas. It also provides an excellent source of nutrients for your garden, which reduces the need for chemical fertilizers that pollute water supplies and take a considerable amount of energy to produce.
ESTABLISH A “GREEN ROOF” AND PLANT TREES AROUND YOUR HOUSE.
Planting rooftop gardens and planting trees near your home can significantly shield your home from the elements, reducing energy use for air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter. One study showed that shade trees can reduce energy use for air conditioning by up to seventy percent. Trees also absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the gas primarily responsible for global warming. Over an average life-span for a tree, it can remove a ton of CO2 from the atmosphere.
DEVELOP A RAIN GARDEN.
Gardeners can reduce water pollution associated with heavy downpours by developing rain gardens, which capture storm water runoff and help prevent it from entering local lakes, streams and coastal waters.
REDUCE THE USE OF GASOLINE-POWEREDYARD TOOLS.
Avoid using gasoline-powered tools such as lawn mowers, weed eaters and leaf blowers. Instead, use electric-powered or, better yet, human powered tools such as push mowers, hand clippers and rakes. If this seems daunting, you might consider replacing some of your lawn with low maintenance shrubs, bushes or a native wildflower patch.
IMPROVE YOUR ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
Use more energy-efficient products. Replace regular outdoor light bulbs with compact fluorescents, install outdoor automatic light timers and purchase solar-powered garden products. You can increase the availability of energy efficient garden products as well as native plants by encouraging local home and garden retailers to carry these items.
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS.
Gardeners can voice their concerns about global warming to their local, state and federal government representatives urging them to implement strong action plans to combat global warming. These actions can include: placing mandatory limits on global warming pollution, raising fuel economy standards for cars and SUVs, and investing in clean and efficient energy technologies.
Solutions to global warming are readily at hand and gardeners can make a major contribution to implementing those solutions so that the beauty and utility of our gardens will endure for future generations.
The complete Gardeners Guide to Global Warming can be found at www.nwf.org/gardenersguide

5-21-07

Canada Geese primarily breed in Canada during the summer and migrate south for the winter. But, in recent years, more and more of these geese are becoming permanent resident geese in the United States.

In many areas, increased numbers are getting out of control and food supplies a problem. As a result, the US Fish and Wildlife Service recently released a Record of Decision giving states more flexibility in controlling their resident Canada Goose populations.

The new program allows take of resident Canada Geese without a federal permit, increases sport harvest, and authorizes a control program in August prior to the arrival of migrant geese.

The Environmental Protection Agency has also approved the use of OvoControl, a chemical that can be fed to geese in bait format to reduce the hatchability of eggs, thus reducing greater goose populations.

Those of us who usually just see the beautiful formation of flying geese, don't realize the havoc caused on farmlands when these birds don't migrate.

More information may be seen on this website: www.fws.gov/southeast/news/2006/images/gooseqanda.final.pdf

5-14-07

If you've limited yard and garden space, here's a great hummingbird garden. It can be done along a garage wall or side of a patio.

Create a multilevel garden by using a trellis. Plant a trumpet vine or one of the colorful climbing honeysuckles, and train the plant to grow up and over the wooden trellis. Place a selection of small shrubs such as bush fuchsia and four o'clock closest to the base. Finally, low-flowering phlox, bugle or columbine are planted below and in front of the trellis.

Bee balm, coral bells and red salvia are other choices to use.

These tubular flowers in brilliant colors will attrct hummingbirds and provide a wider area for more than one bird yet still not take up a whole garden of space.

The above plants were all perennials, but you can do a similar planting in a whiskey barrel with a trellis using annual plants such as morning glories, petunias and zinnias. Select different varieties for a multilevel arrangement. Some can trail out of the barrel.

So, for those of you in apartments or even limited to a deck, this is a possible solution to bringing the hummingbird to you.

5-07-07

I’m venturing beyond your backyard in this article to the area where you fish and which might also be inhabited by waterfowl and fish-eating birds. Some of those ducks do wander into some backyards and also inhabit local ponds and streams.

Discarded lead fishing sinkers in lakes and streams have been linked with 17%-50% of deaths in some waterfowl. Lead tackle poisoning has also been recorded in raptors such as the bald eagle.

Canada has banned small lead weights in all its national parks and refuges. Great Britain has banned small lead weights nationally. Although the United States lags behind other countries, four states in the Northeast have banned small lead fishing weights.

The National Park Service banned lead sinkers in Yellowstone National Park to prevent Trumpeter Swan poisonings.

What can you do to help? Use a non-toxic tackle made from alternative materials such as tungsten, tin, stainless steel, or densified plastic. These are widely available at only a slightly higher cost than that of lead.

Why not consider these non-toxic tackle items for a birthday gift to a fisherman? It could be the first step in lead-free waters.

4-30-07

Looking for a tree/shrub half way between a large tree and a low shrub? Try a Red-osier Dogwood. Its height is 6-8 feet and it branches out to 10-15 feet.

Dogwoods are especially beneficial to birds. They provide flavorful fruits and shelter as well as places to nest.

The Red-osier Dogwood (C. Sericea) is suitable for zone 2 and grows naturally in wet sunny or shady habitats, but well-drained soils are equally okay.

It is relatively disease and pest-free, and maintenance is limited to the removal of unwanted stems that root or occasional pruning to control size.

The Red-osier dogwood has creamy-white clusters of tiny flowers in the spring. These attract many nectar gatherers as well as insect loving birds.

Fleshy berries are white tinged with blue and invite a variety of birds depending on where you live.

In the fall, its leaves turn glowing shades of yellow, red and orange. When leafless in winter, the Red-osier shows off colorful red shoots and branches.

Last fall, I suggested the Russian Olive as a good tree for wildlife. Now, the Wyoming Board of Agriculture has designated it as an invasive, non-native “weed”. So cross it off your list. It’s sale may be restricted.

4-23-07

Last week, I highlighted the House Finch. How can you be sure it’s not a Purple Finch or a Cassin’s Finch? In areas of the West, it’s possible to have all three.

All are about the same size and shape. The males vary in shades of red or purple with brown and white coloring, while females are all brown and white.

The male House Finch has its richest red color on the forehead and chest. It also has a bright red rump. The male Purple Finch has deep reddish purple on most of the head, back and chest with the richest color on the head and chest.

Male Cassin’s Finches have a bright red crown that contrasts with the pinkish red found on the face and chin. The crown is the brightest part.

The tail of the House Finch is long and only slightly notched. Feathers under the tail have broad dark streaks. The Purple Finch’s tail is short and deeply notched. The feathers under the tail are white with no streaks. Feathers under the Cassin’s Finch’s tail are well defined dark streaks.

Because females are all brown and white with white streaks, I must refer you to a guide book to seek the individual markings to help with identification.

Comparison of these birds came from “Winter Bird Highlights” from Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Volume 2.

4-16-07

The House Finch has become a regular at our feeders all year. The male’s red head and chest make him stand out, while the female’s broad brown streaking of chest and belly help with disguise in the brush.

Originally a native of the southwestern United States, it was introduced to the East when pet dealers, after being arrested for selling House Finches as “Hollywood Finches”, released the birds.

This was 1940, and during the past 60 years, the birds have spread throughout the United States and southern Canada.

It forages on the ground and in trees, eating weed seeds, blossoms, fruits and buds. It can also monopolize feeders, where it prefers the sunflower seed. This is where backyard bird watchers often find it a nuisance for they can arrive in large numbers and drive other songbirds away.

The House Finch builds its nest from twigs, grasses, leaves and other debris. The nest appears in a variety of places such as tree cavities, vines, hanging planters, and door wreathes. Occasionally it will occupy bluebird houses.

During its expansion across the United States, it has adapted to cities, suburbs, farms, and canyons, as well as the backyard feeder. So, you’ll likely encounter this bird no matter where you live.

4-9-07

By now you have probably noticed not as many birds using your feeders. Natural foods are beginning to sprout and insects are stirring. You may discontinue the suet feeding but continue your seed feeding through the end of April.

The first of May brings the nesting season and birds no longer depend on man for food supplies by month’s end.

Entice them to your yard with appropriate birdhouses and nesting materials. Hang 3” lengths of twine, wool and string from shrubs and tree branches. Clumps of these can be put into empty suet feeders.

If you wish to continue feeding for robins and some migrants, here’s a “Granola Treat” from Irene Cosgrove’s “My recipes Are For The Birds”.

Mix 1 cup each of peanut hearts, white millet, wheat germ, crushed dog biscuits, raisins and sunflower seeds. Heat separately ½ cup honey and ½ cup corn oil. Add to dry mixture. Mix well and bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Refrigerate to keep. Granola may be fed in your ground feeder.

For woodpeckers, you can put 1 cup of granola in an 8”x8” pan; pour 1 cup of liquid suet/bacon fat over the granola; sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of grit. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into pieces to fit the woodpecker feeder.

4-2-07

Many of us look forward to the arrival of the American Robin as a sure sign of spring. But, in many parts of the country, the robin never migrates south.

Milder winters and better winter food sources have made the winter range of the robin farther north.

Even locally, I have received calls from many who have seen the robins here in our area in midwinter. During cold weather, they feed on berries and fruits. But, if food isn’t ample, they migrate south.

The biggest threat to robins is ice storms which can make winter food inaccessible. Offering raisins, suet and cracked sunflower seeds can tide them over during these storms.

However, don’t worry about keeping robins from migrating by your feeding. If conditions require, they will move farther south.

So, the robin you see in early spring could be the one that was really here in the area all the time.

Woodpeckers drumming on trees or other surfaces may be a good sign of spring; and the changing of bright spring plumage on the male species of goldfinches is another.

But, if you really want a guarantee of a sign of spring, the arrival of the Red-winged Blackbird is a much safer bet.

3-26-07

More about these migrant hummingbirds finding their way East instead of South in winter.

According to the article, “Tiny Trailblazers” in the Dec/Jan 2007 issue of National Wildlife, “Migration is largely a matter of genetics, and a bird is ‘programmed’ by its genes to travel in a certain direction at a certain time of year.

“Some birds, born with a hiccup in their software, head the wrong way. In the past this might have been fatal, but those heading east now find a land of milk and honey, where the ancient forests have been replaced by fields and homes (many with feeders) and where the climate is milder than it was just a generation ago. These birds, in turn, head back to the breeding ground in spring and spread their ‘faulty’ genes among the population.”

Hummingbirds are not delicate hothouse flowers. They are cold-hardy and capable of handling below zero temperatures for a few nights. They can drop into a profound torpor at night to conserve energy.

They also possess a keen talent for finding nectar or tree sap, and tiny insects that make up much of their year-round diet.

Once again global warming may be affecting changes in bird migration.

3-19-07

Everyone knows that Hummingbirds are birds of summer and that they winter in Mexico and other southern areas. Right? Not so.

An article, “Tiny Trailblazers” in the Dec./Jan. 2007 issue of National Wildlife, shares the following.

“A growing number of hummingbirds ordinarily found in the West are turning up in eastern states during the winter. Rufous hummers from the Pacific Northwest are the most common, but birders are also seeing Calliope hummingbirds from the northern Rockies, Black-chinned hummingbirds from throughout the West…Birders even in states as far north as Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are finding dozens.”

To detect such changes, ornithologists began banding these new migrants. One female rufous hummer, banded in Richmond, VA, in November 2001, was caught at a banding station in southern Montana in August 2002. Four months later, this little bird was back in the same Virginia backyard, having completed a round-trip migration of 2400 miles.

New migratory routes may be evolving. For unexplained reasons, some hummers are moving part of the way south, and then move northeast instead of southwest.

More next week.

3-12-07

Who uses a birdhouse? In our part of the country, its chickadees, nuthatches, house wrens, house finches, bluebirds, tree swallows, northern flickers, downy and hairy woodpeckers, and the merlin and American kestrel.

American robins, and cliff and barn swallows will use platform style houses.

First, wait to see which birds inhabit your area. Then, build or purchase a box suited to their size.

The site of a box is of primary importance. It must be at least 5’ above ground, placed out of direct sunlight and heavy rain, and facing away from prevailing wind. Check to see which birds like forested areas, meadow areas or borderline areas.

Other birds will choose their preferred shrubs, trees or ground sites. Some want large meadows while others are happy with a tuft of tall grasses in the corner of an unmowed section of your yard.

Most houses should be in place by early March as early migrants arrive and year-round residents look over territory.

If you’re not sure which birds are in your area, wait until you see them arrive and then hurry to put up the house. I did this last year after the Tree Swallow arrived and was successful in watching them nest.

3-5-07

You may wish to contain ground feeding instead of just spreading it on the ground. Here are a couple of ideas which permit you to move the feeder as you chose so grass isn’t destroyed.

Get either a wooden box or plastic container about 3” deep. Either add a screened bottom or drill some holes through the bottom for drainage. An inverted plastic trash can lid would be good.

This enables you to put mixed seed along with some parakeet gravel and egg shells and confine it to a specific area. Do NOT place it under another hanging feeder as the droppings can contaminate the ground feeder.

You may wish to move it to another location and can do so with ease. You may want to place one kind of seed in one feeder and another kind of seed separately for specific birds.

Here’s a simple recipe for all birds. Combine 1 cup yellow cornmeal, ½ cup cracked corn, 1 ground eggshell, 1 cup flour, 4 tsp. baking powder; add 1 cup milk, 1 beaten egg, ¼ cup bacon drippings or other fat. Mix and pour into 8”x8” pan; bake 20-25 minutes in a 400º oven. Cool, and cut into cubes and serve on any ground feeder or feeder tray.

These movable ground feeders are especially helpful for small yards or muddy areas. Place them where you can see from a window.

2-26-07

Last winter, 802 sites of Cornell Lab of Ornithology FeederWatch program in the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regions reported the following birds as the top ten to visit feeders: Dark-eyed Junco, Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Flicker, House Finch, American Robin, Downy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Song Sparrow, European Starling, and Spotted Towhee.

Following a particularly high year in 2004-05, the Pine Siskin dropped to 18th, while the American Goldfinch moved to 14th. The Goldfinch was reported at 41% of the sites, the second highest percentage in 19 years.

The Mourning Dove continues on the increase with twice as many sites reporting the species last winter than in winters as recent as 1999.

These regions include the two western provinces of Canada along with Washington, Oregon, Utah, Montana and Wyoming.

I frequently receive calls asking about the number of robins seen in our area. And, I have been asked about the Evening Grosbeaks. Grosbeaks were the 5th most common bird seen at our feeders in 1991, but they have dropped off the chart this year to number 37. This decline could be due to lack of abundance of the spruce budworm.

More studies and reports are needed for the answers.

2-19-07

Where have the birds gone? "Winter Bird Highlights" Volume 2, from the Cornell Lab of Orinthology gives us some insight in an article titled, "Climate Change and Feeder Birds of the North".

"In 2005-06, Canada experienced its warmest winter since modern recordkeeping began, with temperatures averaging 3.9 degrees Celcius above normal. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories were particularly warm, with temperatures 6-8 degrees Celcius above normal."

As a result, more natural foods were available and fewer birds visited feeders. At the same time, birds that normally went "south" to the northern United States, stayed in Canada and visited more feeders or ate naturally. For example, the Gray Jay instead of flying south to warmer climates, now stays put, surviving on tiny bits of food it stored in an estimated 100,00 places, usually under bark of trees.

The Black-capped Chickadee and the Blue Jay are among the top three on the list of common feeder birds in every region except British Columbia.

So, if you wonder where the chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers and other winter visitors have gone, global warming may be the answer.

2-12-07

Have you noticed Canada geese flying back and forth overhead? I have seen them nearly daily flying over the fairgrounds. I imagine they are flying to grain fields during the day and back to a water source for the night.

But, why haven't they gone south? No doubt it's because their needs are still being met here in the north. With our relatively open winter, they have been able to find food and water and shelter.

The migration pattern of many birds is being affected by the milder winters of global warming.

Birds that breed in Canada and come "south" to Montana, Idaho and Wyoming are now staying in southern Canada. Others are spending the winter in New England or eastern states. Some seek the Pacific coastal states, as did the pine siskin last year.

I have also noticed that fewer birds are making use of my feeders. There are days when I don't see a house finch at all. I haven't seen a downy woodpecker this winter, and the flickers are no longer daily visitors.

I haven't seen a single junco this winter, even when it snowed.

2-5-07

Consider participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count February 16-19 for as little as 15 minutes. Take part one, two, three or four days for as long as you wish or for only 15 minutes of one day.

The GBBC is a national count sponsored by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. No fee or registration is required.

For full information and detailed instructions, go to www.birdsource.org/gbbc.

Count the birds in your backyard, park or wherever you choose. For each kind of bird, write down the highest number of that species you see at any ONE time.

Don't add a bied of that species every time you see one as you may be counting the same bird many times.

You can report your tally at the same web site mentioned. For those not on the internet, contact me for more information.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the GBBC. Last year, participants submitted more than 60,000 checklists reporting over 7.5 million birds including 623 different species.

This count helps chronicle early migratory routes, tells of lingering migrants, shows range expansion of species, and records declining numbers of others. Your help is a vital contribution.

1-29-07

One of our favorite winter birds is the Dark-eyed Junco. It spends the summers and breeds in Canada and Alaska, but comes "south" to us in the winter. We often think of them as our "snowbirds" for they seem to arrive with snow.

About 6 inches long, its colors may vary. Males have a grey head and breast with a white belly, while the female is brownish-gray overall. The white outer tail feathers in flight are the most conspicuous and identifying mark. Juveniles are streaked.

Fifty percent of the junco's diet is insects, and it spends a great deal of time scratching on the ground and among leaves seeking them.

As for your backyard feeder, juncos still prefer to eat on the ground and will forage beneath the feeder rather than go to an elevated platform. Millet is choice over the sunflower seed since the millet is easier to handle and consume. So, toss some millet on the ground for these little birds.

The overall population of juncos has been estimated at approximately 630 billion. But, like most songbirds, the junco has its enemies. Nests are raided, and both fledglings and adults fall prey to hawks.

Juncos are nocturnal migrants and often collide with TV towers, windows and other structures. Most male juncos that reach breeding age have only 2.3 years to produce young.

1-22-07

The Merlin is a small, powerful falcon that stays with us year-round. Just a bit bigger than the kestrel, it is a bit bulkier and heavier.

Adult males are slate blue-grey on the back and females are muted brown. Both are boldly streked on the underside. Immatures resemble the female. Like most birds of prey, the female is larger than the male.

Through most of its history in the U.S., it was known as the "Pigeon Hawk" as it is near the pigeon in size and resembles it in flight. It was in 1973 the American Ornithologist's Union changed the name to "Merlin".

Merlins eat birds, small mammals and insects. They usually take their prey on the wing. They always decapitate their victim, and, depending on the size of the animal, it may be eaten in flight or taken to a perch.

This falcon often follows larger hawks as well as trains to catch birds flushed from large fields and wetlands.

Merlins nest in fairly open areas but do not construct a nest of their own. They use old crow or magpie nests, or whatever is available. They'll even nest on the ground if no suitable nest is found.

The five young take about two weeks to stand and a full 30 days before their first flight.

1-15-07

Last Fall, I gave you some suggestions for trees for your yard. These were deciduous ones that bore fruits.

As much as birds need food, they are truly in need of shelter throughout the year. This is where the evergreen enters your yard.

The evergreen tree offers shelter from storms in the winter, from wind throughout the year, from heat in the summer, and protection from predators.

The upright juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) is ideal in providing food, cover and nesting. Juncos, finches and chickadees will hunker on the east side of the tree on cold winter mornings.

In late winter, a variety of birds will feed on the berry-like cones. This juniper is a good starter. Plant a group of three.

Larger evergreens in the pine and fir families attract owls also. Again, plant more than one tree in a group.

For shrubs, consider mid-sized junipers that can form a thicket where birds take cover as well as scratch for food on the ground.

So, if you can afford only one or two trees, start with the evergreens as they provide year-round benefit to your feathered visitors.

Then, continue to add trees each year to your habitat and you'll enjoy the many birds attracted to your yard.

1-08-07

Though we don't see as many types of birds during the winter months as we do in warmer weather, those that spend this seaso with us will still appreciate some fruit.

A simple fruit feeder you can build yourself requires a scrap of 2" x 4" wood and a couple 4-inch nails.

Hammer the nails 3-4 inches apart all the way through the wood so they stick out the other side about 2 1/2". You can place these in one half of the board.

Place the board with nails upward and now spear orange and apple halves on them.

Glue a small plastic shallow bowl to the other half of the board. Serve up diced fruits, cherries, berries, grapes, raisins, and other dried fruits that have been pre-soaked to soften them. Add grape jelly as a treat in this dish.

Place the board where birds can feed safely and where you can watch them. You could tie the board to a deck railing with long shoelaces.

There are lots of special fruit feeders in stores and catlogs, but this is a simple one you can make yourself.

Woodpeckers, flickers, finches, chickadees, and grosbeaks are among those who would enjoy this special winter treat along with the migrant waxwing.

1-01-07

I thought a bit of trivia would be fun to start off the new year. Birds have no teeth and cannot chew their food.

Humingbirds are the smallest birds in the world and the only birds that can fly backwards. They have about 1500 feathers, while swans have more than 25,000.

Nuthatches are known for stashing sunflower seeds in the crevices of tree bark. Besides nuthatches, black and white warblers are the oly other birds that move headfirst down a tree trunk.

An owl's hearing is so acute, it can hunt in complete darkness. It can hear a mouse squeak from 50 yards away.

The red-winged blackbird is perhaps the most numerous of all birds in North America.

Barn Swallows often travel more than 500 miles in a day gathering food for their young.

Only 10% of bald eagles survive until adulthood.

Female Sharp-shinned hawks are nearly twice as heavy as males.

About 800 species of birds have been recorded in North America. More than 350 species of birds migrate from North America to the tropics.

In cold weather, squirrels may stay in their dens for 2 weeks. One chipmunk can store as much as a bushel of nuts in one day.

Blue Jays are known to recover hidden nuts, even those buried under snowfall.

12-26-06

Many years ago, while backpacking the high country of northwestern mountains, I became fascinated by the little mammal, the Pika or Coney.

In the mid-1980's, as a wilderness ranger for the Forest Service Buffalo District, I saw many of these tiny rabbit-like animals in the Cloud Peak Wilderness.

About 6" in length, tailless and with short rounded ears, the pika is a high alpine resident found above 10,000 feet. It lives there summer and winter in colonies among boulder fields with nearby alpine meadows.

The pika does not hibernate, but, in summer, harvests hay, which is dried in small piles and then tucked away deep under the boulders. Here, among the boulders, the pika survives actively all winter under the snow.

But, now this tiny creature's habitat is slowly being threatened by changes in nature. Global warming is lessening the deep snow cover and drought conditions are affecting the alpine meadows.

Pikas are already disappearing in the Rocky Mountains, the Sierras, and Montana's Bridger Range. Unlike other mammals that can come to lower elevations to survive, the pika is dependent upon the mountaintop ecosystem and has nowhere else to go.

Though not a part of your backyard, I thought you might find the pika interesting. It's my favorite mountain animal.

12-18-06

With shorter daylight, we often hear and see more owls in the winter season.

Owls live on every continent except Antartica. Of the180 species in the world, North America has but 17. The smallest is the North American Elf Owl at only 5-6 inches long. The Great Grey Owl is the latgest with a wingspan of 54-60 inches. The Great Horned Owl is the heaviest.

With eyes set in the front of their heads, owls cannot move their eyes from side to side. But, flexible necks allow them to rotate their heads over their backs and up to 270 degrees.

Many owls have horn-like tufts of feathers that are often mistaken for ears. Instead of ears, most owls have openings on the sides of their heads covered by feathers.

Owls are carnivorous and eat mostly rodents or small mammals. Small owls feast on insects, while large Great Horned Owls can enjoy a domestic cat or small dog that weighs less than 15 pounds. In one year, a Barn Owl can catch 2000 rats and mice. Most owls eat at night.

Owls' bones are hollow and this makes their skeletons light for easier flying. The edges of their wing feathers look like a comb, helping to muffle or quiet their flight.

12-11-06

A snag is a dead or dying standing tree. Did you know more than 1,200 wildlife species in the U.S. depend on snags for food, cover and places to raise their young?

Insects living in dead wood feast on a multitude of forest pests that can harm living trees. Birds, inturn, such as woodpeckers, nuthatches and creepers, prey on the wood-eating insects.

Many animals, including deer mice and squirrels cache food under loose bark and in tree cavities.

Woodpeckers, flickers and nuthatches are among those nesting in natural cavities of snags or who make theri own cavities.

Downed trees that fall into streams provide hiding places for fish and amphibians.

As snags decompose, they become part of the woody debris that replentish the soil and often prevent runoff.

When a tree dies in our yard, our first reaction is to cut it down and get rid of it. Keep the snags in your yard!

If they pose a safety hazard, consider topping the snag to make a tall stump at least six feet or higher. Watch the number of birds that visit this snag.

This information came from Vicki Seastrom of the National Wildlife Federation. To learn more, visit: www.fs.fed.us/r6/nr/wildlife/animalinn/

12-04-06

I wish to do a follow-up to my article on November 13 regarding the woodpeckers damaging wood houses.

A reder called to suggest a rather simple remedy. He suggested the use of an insecticide. Since the insects usually lay their larva in the corners or cracks around the house, simply spray these ares with the insecticide. The woodpecker has already helped you find the affected sites.

This will not only kill the larva, but the wood peckers do not like the smell of the insectcide and will leave the area alone. The gentleman said it was a sure remedy and that such insecticides are available in many stores.

Since starting this column, I have had many calls from various readers who live in the Sheridan area as well as the outlying county towns. I even had a call from Kaycee.

This column is on the internet via the courtesy of Sue Scaggs of the National Wildlife Federation's Northern Rockies Natural Resource Center in Missoula, Montana. The website is www.huntingandfishingjournal.org and the column is posted every Monday.

As a result of this, I have heard from persons in Boise, ID and Jackson, WY who have read the article.

But, most of all, I am pleased with the local response. Thank you all.

11-27-06

Here are some additional tips for landscaping your yard. Much as your house is divided into living, dining and sleeping areas, consider the same in your yard.

Segregate birds' needs in your yard. Put fruit-bearing trees and shrubs for dining on one side of the house and your shelter or bedrooms on the other side.

Locate bird feeders and water in the dining area. Keep in mind, your neighbors trees and shrubs as well.

We often confine our thinking to trees and shrubs and some traditional flower beds. How about creating a small "prairie" in your yard?

Select an area about 10 feet by 10 feet. Prepare the soil and plant a prairie seed mix from a local nursery. Or choose a variety of native prairie plants from your nursery.

Soon you'll be treated to butterflies, small songbirds and hummingbirds depending on the plants you choose.

Be patient for some of these plants take a couple of years to mature. Migrating birds and winter residents will pay a visit so leave seed heads on the plants.

Providing such habitat is one answer to the blacktop world around us.

Check out your local extension office for a listing of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses.

11-20-06

A word about bird flu. It is presently limited to Asia, Africa and Europe.However, ther is concern about the many migratory birds that come into the United States.

This past summer, a team of biologists from the u.s. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services Division collected up to 100,00 samples of various dead and living migratory birds with particular emphasis in Alaska.

Their study showed the avian flu to be primarily a disease among birds and not humans. Humans can become infected from handling diseased poultry but domesticated birds can be destroyed quickly. Wild birds are those not controlled so easily.

Wild birds usually pick up the flu through contaminated food or water or form respiratory secretions and fecal droppings.

This is where good sanitary practices in the backyard habitat are necessary. Change and clean birdbaths daily if possible.

Dip and rinse bird feeders in a bucket of water mixed with clorox every few weeks. A mixture of 9 parts water to 1 part bleach will disinfect your feeder and birdbath.

Wash your hands well after handling feeders and any dead birds. Avoid contact with sick birds by ceasing fedding for a few weeks and clean feeders.

11-13-06

A recent call that woodpeckers were destroying some of the wood siding on their house has prompted this article.

Woodpeckers "drum" steadily in the spring to establish territory and attract mates. In late summer and fall, they peck at wood places either to gain access to insects or are looking for a winter roosting hole.

Damage to a house can be minor or severe. Many beetles or insects lay eggs in small cracks around windows or doors, and the woodpeckers are now enjoying this buffet. But, destroying part of the wood may be necessary to reach the larvae. What to do?

If noticed at the start, a good hose squirting may be a deterent. But, this requires diligent pursuit. The rubber snakes, baloons, dummy owls, and silver streamers are all temporary in success.

The best choice is to cover the area with a barrier such as mesh hardware cloth or a piece of heavy plastic, If the area is large, use plastic crop netting that comes in large rolls. Tack it firmly form the eaves to the bottom of the siding at an anglr that keeps the bird away from the house.

If a persistent bird is head strong in damaging your entire siding, call U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Denver to secure permission to destroy this protected bird.

11-06-06

Take part in the annual Thanksgiving Bird Count on Thanksgiving Day. The counter chooses the time that best fits his/her holiday schedule. The Count lasts for only ONE HOUR, and is made in a count circle only 15 FEET in diameter.

The location of the circle is determined by the counter. Actually, the circle can be considered a cylinder, since all birds seen on the ground (or water), in vegetation or flying over or through the circle can be counted.
Individual birds are to be counted only once during the hour, even if they continue to pay visits. Flocks should be estimated or counted and just the highest number at any one time used.

Count circles are usually located around whatever attracts birds--feeders, baths, cover, etc. Most participants establish a count area visible from a comfortable spot near a window. Some participants select water areas or choose a favorite birding area and make an outdoor count. The same count circles should be used each year.

This is one bird count which can be done in comfort (indoors) and won't take much time (one hour). Last year 431 counters in the eleven Western States and Alaska made 440 counts. They tallied 161 species of birds (plus a lot of mammals and other things, too).

The top five species counted in these states were House Sparrow (1), Dark-eyed Junco (2), House Finch (3), Black-capped Chickadee (4) and European Starling (5). As predicted, the Pine Siskin dropped out of the top five last season, but should be more numerous this year. Participants should send in a report even if no birds were seen during the hour.

Thanksgiving Bird Counts were begun in 1966 by Dr. Ernest Edwards and the Lynchburg Bird Club in Virginia. Counts slowly spread to the West. Thanksgiving Bird Count Form

10-30-06

It's that time of year again when birds migrate south. A variety of things can trigger this action: dwindling food, decreasing daylight, falling temperatures, and changing constellations.

Hummingbirds adults head south leaving their young to fatten up and migrate on their own. Insect-eaters must leave or perish as food disappears.

Birds' behavior in autumn often reflects that of spring. They squabble, flock, and defend territories, but this time, it's for food not breeding. Before migrating, some birds nearly double their weight.

Our year-round residents are happy with our feeders to supplement their food supply. In the late summer, they molted their spring colors and replaced them with winter coats of 10% more feathers and down. Goldfinches will produce more than 100 additional feathers for winter.

In colder temperatures, birds fluff these feathers to stay warm, often puffing up to twice their summer size.

They take advantage of tree cavities, ground holes and empty birdhouses for storm protection. Several birds will huddle together in these spots to conserve heat.

However, don't think that you might keep a bird from migrating by providing food. They go when their clock tells them it is time. Regional birding information for the Rocky Mountains October 2006.

10-23-06

Those despised by many as a nonnative tree, The Russian Olive has become widely established in the Northwest. Curried as a tree or shrub, its tolerence to some alkalinity and its hardiness to drought are desirable.

The Soil Conservation Service regards it as a good plant for soil cover in western areas.

It has a fleshy, silvery-yellow fruit that clings to the plant through most of the winter.. It's an important food for the waxwing, robin and evening grosbeak. Pheasants and quail also eat the fruit.

The Silverberry (E. commutata) is a related northern species which has some importance to wildlife. Records of its use are scant.

Among other trees, the silver leaves of both produce a nice variation to green cover and offer good nesting for smaller songbirds.

The Blue Elderberry (S. cerulea) is popular in the west. It's clusters of small blue berries are important sources of summer food for many songbirds, such as the bluebirds, orioles, finches, robins, sparrows, grosbeaks, flicker, tanager, kingbird and towhee.

Gamebirds, squirrels and other rodents, and some mammals feed here, too.

This tree is best in moist, fertile soil and mostly absent in arid areas.

10-16-06

This week let's take a look at the oak and hackberry trees for our wildlife habitat. The Oak can providegood shade for your yard, nesting sites for birds,and food during the winter.

The acorns are among the top of the wildlife food list as they are an abundant staple. The grouse, pheasant, flicker, mountain chickadee, Clark's nutcracker, spotted tohee, grosbeak, stellar jay, Lewis Woodpecker, wild turkeys and a variety of mammals enjoy this food.

The Bur Oak is the native of our northern area. Insects on the foliage and flowers invite tanagers, orioles and other small songbirds. This tree is a good choice for any yard.

The Hackberry is another native tree with its great importance to wildlife being here in the West.

Hackberry fruits are popular with many winter birds. Flocks of waxwings in late fall and winter stay as long as the fruit remains. Robins, too, thrive on the fruit early in spring and late in fall.

Quail, bluebirds, flickers, orioles, Townsend solitaire and fox sparrow are among some other birds along with many mammals that enjoy this fruit.

The hackberry is used commonly as a shade and ornament tree in the yard. Another good choice.

10-9-06

The Serviceberry is my choice for this week's tree. As a North American native, it thrives well in our area.

Its dainty, white, long-petaled flowers are among the first spring blooms, and its juicy, sweet blueberry-like fruit is sought after by many songbirds through the early summer period (June and July).

The bluebird, chickadee, grosbeak, oriole, tanager, robin,towhee, waxwing and woodpecker are but a few who seek its offering. Grouse and pheasants also frequent this banquet. Wren and warblers are attracted to the insects in the flowers.

You can't have too many Serviceberries. They can be planted as hedges, in groups or as trees.

Squirrels, chipmunks, fox, rabbits and even bears relish the Serviceberry fruits. Mule deer particularly, feed on the foliage and twigs of the western species (A. alinfolia). Beaver will also eat the bark of the Serviceberry.

I mention the latter mammals in case you live in their habitats and need to take precautions such as caging.

The Serviceberry grows in a variety of habitats ranging from swamps to dry, rocky hillsides. Only three of the species attain the stature of trees, so you'll want to check the species for tree or shrub.

10-2-06

With all the sudivisions being developed in our area, we need to be aware of the natural habitat being destroyed. Barren houses without tress and shrubs are naked.

I'd like to spend the next few weeks suggesting trees and shrubs that will benefit birds and fowl of our area. When planting, it's best to plant in groups of a tall tree, a medium-sized shrub and ground cover. This makes a variety of wildlife comfortable and offers a nice setting that is pleasing to our eyes.

I recall Russ Baker, the ag agent when we moved to Wyomung, saying,"A lone tree is like a single sentinel."

While some planting can still be done this fall, you may wish to plan over the winter months. Why not give someone a gift certificate for a tree from one of the local nurseries? Nice way to celebrate a birthday or Christmas.

This week, I'd like to suggest the Mountain Ash. Not only is this an attractive ornamental tree due to its bright reddish-orange fruit, but its fruit stays on the trees through winter.

This fruit offers valuable food to grosbeaks, waxwings and grouse especially. Robins may also partake when insects become scarce.

Start your planning now to replace that lost habitat.

9-25-06

Are you aware that 40 million acres of the lower 48 states are covered with lawns? As a result, turf grass is now considered the largest irrigated crop in the country. But, as far as wildlife is concerned, it might as well be concrete.

Lawns don't provide food or shelter, while a yard filled with trees, shrubs and native plants provides nectars, pollens, seeds, and cover for a wide range of creatures.

To those of you who are building new homes and just starting your landscaping or to those of you who might like to lessen the amount of mowing necessary, I urge you to consider more gardens and flower beds.

In addition, quality winter habitiat is also critical to migrant birds. Evergreens and junipers provide shelter, and berry producing deciduous trees and shrubs provide food sources for fall and winter.

Many of these plants can be planted in areas first covered with a mat to deter weeds and covered with attrctive rocks. These attrctive beds can become part of a yard and lessen the amount of grass to be watered, fertilized and mowed.

Why not cvonsider cutting off some corners in the yard or establishung a curved bed in the middle of the lawn? Call me for a helpful booklet.

9-18-06

I have difficulty identifying hawks and falcons when they are flying high in the sky. Unless one sees them up close, it's hard to pick out those distinguishing marks.

Recently, I purchased a book which is giving me the help I need. It's "Hawks in Flight" and is aimed primarily at identifying these birds of prey when flying.

A text, rather than a guide book, it's to be read. The detailed drawings which aid in identification in flight are in black and white, much as the bird would be seen high in the sky.

Comparison between hawks is also stressed to help with special markings and types of fllight patterns.

It covers 23 of the most common raptors of North America including those found in our area.

Actual black and white photographs of these birds in flight are also included and aid in your identification. I found this book most helpful.

The text is by Peter Dunne, drawings by David Sibley, and photographs by Clay Sutton. It's available through the American Birding Association sales catalog.

You may reach them at 1-800-634-7736 or on-line at www.abasales.com. Cost of the book is $14 with a discount for ABA members.

9-11-06

In the family of hawks, Accipters or "Bird Hawks", are the smaller ones. Unlike the stocky, large buteos, the accipters are long-tailed with rounded wings adapted for hunting among trees.

In our area, we have the Sharp-Shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, and the Northern Goshawk, all feeding chiefly on birds and small mammals.

The first two prefer the open woodlands and mixed forests while the Goshawk likes more coniferous forests of the mountains and winters in the lowlands.

The Northern Harrier is another member of the hawk family. Formerly called the "Marsh Hawk", it is a slim, long-winged, long-tailed raptor of the open country.

It has the ability to fly low and dart through trees in its chase of small birds. It inhabits marshes, fields and prairies.

Small, compact falcons of our area include the Merlin, American Kestrel, and Prairie Falcon. The frist two are about the size of a blue jay and the Prairie Falcon about the size of a crow.

Their food includes other small birds, rodents, and insects.

In the falcon family, there are 52 species worldwide with 7 found in the West.

9-5-06

Birds of prey are those with hooked beaks and hooked claws. Those active in the daylight fall into two groups: hawks and falcons. This time of year they are migrating south from Canada.

Hawks include eagles, buteos, accipiters, harriers and kites. There are 217 species in the world with 20 found in the West.

The largest of the hawks are the eagles.We have the