A suet log bird feeder is a great way to attract birds that are clinger feeders to your backyard, especially Red Bellied Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers, White Breasted Nuthatches or Black Capped Chickadees. Suet log feeders are commercially available, …
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newenglandbirdhouse.com/backyard-birding/diy-suet-log-bird-feeder/
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 29 to officially open the Byam Outdoor Learning Center in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Located in Byam Elementary School’s central courtyard, the Learning Center will be used as an outdoor classroom with an emphasis on ecology, biology, gardening, wildlife habitats, and recycling and reusing.
The Learning Center includes a variety of bird feeders, bird houses, a birdhouse video camera system, a wireless weather station, rain guage, butterfly garden and solar bird bath. In the future, the Learning Center will be expanded to include an herb garden and composting center.
The transformation from courtyard to Outdoor Learning Center was made possible by volunteer efforts, donations from local businesses, and a grant from the Chelmsford Arts and Technology Fund.
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newenglandbirdhouse.com/garden/ribbon-cutting-at-the-byam-outdoor-learning-center/
The Australian Rifle bird is one of four birds-of-paradise indigenous to Australia. Its diet is mainly fruit, insects and spiders, and it often searches bark or decaying wood with its long arched bill. Bird watchers primarily know the Rifle Bird for its enchanting, and almost “tango-like” mating dance.
In its breeding season from September to February, males attract females by raising up their rounded wings, swaying from side to side and bobbing up and down. While they do this, they flick their head from the edge of one wing to the edge of the other. They also make a loud single and explosive ‘yah’ call. When they open their bill, their brilliant yellow mouth interior can be seen.
This National Geographic video provides an up close view of the amazing mating dance of the Australian Rifle Bird.
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newenglandbirdhouse.com/backyard-birding/rifle-bird-mating-dance/
Professional wildlife photographer Andy Langley offers expert tips and advice for capturing photos of birds of prey in the wild. With wild barn owls as his subject, Langley suggests to pick the most predictable hunting times during the day and …
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newenglandbirdhouse.com/backyard-birding/photographing-birds-of-prey/
In the plains of northern Wyoming, a group of male Sharp Tailed Grouse dance to attract a mate. Extending their colorful eye combs, puffing out their purple air sacs, and spreading and dipping their wings the males all intently motor across the grassland then suddenly and intently freeze in place.
Their vibrant colors would seemingly expose them to prey from above. However, as if with a flip of a switch, their bold colors are deflated, broad tails are flattened and they seamlessly blend into the grassy floor.
A truly wonderful dance recorded by the Cornell Lab or Ornithology.
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newenglandbirdhouse.com/backyard-birding/dance-of-the-sharp-tailed-grouse/
Learn expert tips for photographing wild birds in your backyard or garden patio from professional photographer Andy Langley. A great resource for backyard bird watchers, Andy discusses different considerations and examples for staging a backyard photograph including a discussion of composition, lighting and backgrounds. Tricks and tips include using juicy live mealworms to attract wild birds, adding a flash to fill in dark spots, or disguising the camera with a scrim or piece of dark material.
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newenglandbirdhouse.com/backyard-birding/how-to-photograph-birds-in-your-backyard/
Two birds find miniature skateboards, and try to outdo each other with their stunts. No inappropriate language or themes – clean comedy.
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newenglandbirdhouse.com/backyard-birding/skate-birds-bird-bits-video-series-13/
A special live action edition of “Bird Bits,” featuring a seagull testing out his new GPS system. No inappropriate language or themes – clean comedy
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newenglandbirdhouse.com/backyard-birding/scavenger-hunt-bird-bits-video-series-12/
Bird Bits video series features the Amazing Mantis, who visits the neighborhood and birds ask some surprising political questions.
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newenglandbirdhouse.com/backyard-birding/mental-mantis-bird-bits-video-series-11/
In this tenth installment of the Bird Bits video series, Robin and Belinda Blue share a nice morning exploring a sand castle and going to a local Sushi cafe. No inappropriate language or themes – clean comedy.
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newenglandbirdhouse.com/backyard-birding/sand-and-sushi-bird-bits-video-series-10/
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