Random Sightings

Website Features

Orphaned Birds: What To Do?
Written by Bill Thompson, III, Jun 24, 2020 Comments »
At this time of year, the bird population seems to boom, with our woods, marshes, fields, and backyards teeming with abundant birdlife. This is because throngs of newly hatched birds are taking to the streets—or, trees, rather—and they are showing up at a backyard or birding spot near you. But what should you do if you find an orphan hopping around? Read this article for tips.
Continue reading »
Ask Birdsquatch: Bird Nests and Fur?
Written by Birdsquatch, May 20, 2020 Comments »

Dear Birdsquatch:

My girlfriend and I have been saving our cats' fur from their brush so we can put it out for birds who are building nests. What's the best way to attract birds to our balcony so that they can find and use it? What's the best receptacle for the fur?

—David F.,
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Continue reading »
Ask Birdsquatch: Wood Duck Boxes
Written by Birdsquatch, Mar 18, 2020 Comments »

Dear Birdsquatch: I want to put up some wood duck boxes in my large, wooded backyard. However the nearest body of water (a wooded pond in a county park) is more than a half-mile away from my property. Am I being foolish? Do I need to ask permission to put the boxes on the park property where the pond is?

—Dawn, Who is Desirous of Ducks
Lawton, Oklahoma

Continue reading »
Ask Birdsquatch: Furry Enlightenment
Written by Birdsquatch, Mar 04, 2020 Comments »

Hey Furball:

I want to give the birds some natural nesting material this spring. Can I put out the long gray hairs that were just cut from my head? I decided it was time to lose the mullet. I’m looking for enlightenment here. You’re so hairy I figured you’d know.

—Dandy Dan
Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Continue reading »
Dear Birdsquatch: Is It OK to Check Bird Nests?
Written by Birdsquatch, Jul 18, 2018 Comments »
Dear Birdsquatch: I want to be a good landlord to my nesting birds. Is it OK to check on the progress of the nests or will I disturb the birds?
Continue reading »
Top Ten Nest Box Tips
Written by Bill Thompson, III, Apr 11, 2018 Comments »
So you want to be a landlord to the birds, eh? Well, it's not as easy as falling off a log. It's no accident that the most diligent landlords often have the highest rates for fledging healthy young birds. The good news is that diligence as a bird landlord need not be painful or overly difficult. Below are my Top Ten Nest Box Tips for backyard landlords.
Continue reading »
Dear Birdsquatch: Nest Box Dilemma!
Written by Birdsquatch, Feb 28, 2018 Comments »
Dear Birdsquatch: I have put up nearly a dozen bluebird boxes along my rural road over the past five years. I've seen bluebirds on them and even going in, but I have yet to see any baby bluebirds, despite watching the boxes on a regular basis. I haven't looked inside them because I don't want to scare them away. Am I doing something wrong?
Continue reading »
Birdsquatch: Bird Feeding and Housing
Written by Birdsquatch, May 01, 2017 Comments »
WBB's very own bigfoot, who knows what birds want more than any mere human, addresses housing and feeding: Is it OK to feed birds in the summer? And when is the right time to put out a birdhouse? Good timing on both answers, big guy!
Continue reading »
Ask Birdsquatch: Backyard Murder Mystery—Who Poked Holes in These Birds' Eggs?
Written by Birdsquatch, Apr 17, 2017 Comments »
A reader finds an empty chickadee nest and six eggs pierced through, lying on the ground. Could another bird be the culprit? Birdsquatch offers his insight on this backyard murder mystery.
Continue reading »
Help Birds in Spring: Supply Nest-building Necessities
Posted on Mar 04, 2016 Comments »
Spring is the start of the breeding season for most of our North American birds. They pair up with mates, build nests, lay eggs, raise young, and then some of them repeat the cycle—as many as three times. There are things you can do to help!
Continue reading »
House Wren Nesting Material
Posted on Sep 08, 2015 Comments »
Have you ever looked at house wren nesting material? After a pair of house wrens left his backyard nesting box, contributor Greg C. Greer had an opportunity to study the materials they used. What he found surprised him.
Continue reading »
Weird Nests
Posted on May 21, 2015 Comments »
Not all birds make neat, cup-shaped nests, or carve out hollows in trees. Some use unusual materials and make truly odd creations.
Continue reading »

New On This Site

The Latest Comments

  • Re: HOME IMPROVEMENT: Simple Steps to Make Your Backyard Habitat a More Welcoming Place for Feathered Friends
    Thank you for sharing some things to take into consideration when it comes to backyard renovation, this is very timely as I'm planning to turn a portion of my backyard into some sort of patio while maintaining a nice open lawn area as well. I saw some outdoor furniture and outdoor decor on this website and after reading this article, I checked them out again and I found more stuff that I would love to buy for my new patio.
    by Eleonor Baker, Thu, 15 Apr 2021
  • Re: These Holiday Gift Ideas Are for the Backyard Birds
    Something is wrong with the Goldfinches in April 2021. I had to stop putting seed in our feeder because the birds seem to have a hard time flying. That attracts our cats, and I do not want to feed the cats. I have actually picked up two birds that seemed to be struggling to fly and tossed one into the air and another on a large pile of leaves. They took off, but they are very lethargic.
    by Beasleyhillman, Sat, 03 Apr 2021
  • Re: Jays: At the Table and in the Trees » Watching Backyard Birds.com
    How does one attract Calif Scrub Jays?? Due to neighbors outdoor cats most of birds are gone except a fee hummingbirds.
    by Dee Opde, Sun, 21 Mar 2021
  • Re: How Much Seed in a Pound of Seed? » Watching Backyard Birds.com
    You are talking about "black oil sunflower seeds" but showing regular striped sunflower seeds. There is a BIG difference! There is MUCH less waste with the black oil seeds. Plus they are easier for small birds to eat. They are both shown here: https://www.horsefeedblog.c...
    by Carolyn King, Sat, 20 Mar 2021
  • Re: These Holiday Gift Ideas Are for the Backyard Birds
    How long do other seeds stay fresk? Sunflower seeds? Millet? Safflower?
    by Sue, Sat, 06 Feb 2021
Exit

Already registered? Log in here.

Not registered yet? Sign in here!

To use all of the features of this site, please create a user account with your e-mail address below. Your account allows you to read full articles, comment on website content, and use the interactive features of this website only. We will never send you "spam" or sell your e-mail address to any third party.