• Woodpeckers supply services to various forest neighbors Nov 14, 2009
Old woodpecker holes are used by bluebirds, tree swallows, chickadees, and nuthatches, for example, as well as flying squirrels, red squirrels, and bats. In some parts of North America, large woodpeckers such as the pileated woodpecker can make cavities big enough for sizable creatures such as marten and raccoons. (Juneau Empire)
High cost of feral cats (7) Oct 29, 2009
Bluebirds used to raise families on our rural property but cats have killed so many fledglings that we stopped putting out the nesting boxes. Scientists estimate that free-roaming cats (owned, stray and feral) kill 500 million birds in the United States each year - song birds we all love, plus endangered birds we hardly ever see. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Bird sightings Oct 21, 2009
Birds seen at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary this week include 8 northern bobwhites, a merlin, 2 yellow-bellied sapsuckers, 5 eastern bluebirds, 25 cedar waxwings, a blue-headed vireo, a red-eyed vireo, a Nashville warbler, 5 palm warblers, 2 white-crowned sparrows, 2 indigo buntings, a rusty blackbird, and a Baltimore oriole. Birds netted over two days at the Wing Island banding station in Brewster this week included 2 brown creeper, a Swainson s thrush, a gray-cheeked thrush, a veery, 4... (Boston Globe)
Senior Subjects: Autumns bumper crop Oct 1, 2009
And overhead well, acorns are pleasant to see while they re on the trees, but as with the bluebirds of happiness, you don t want to be below when their bounty is bestowed. I spoke of gypsy moths. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
Condiment Column Sep 26, 2009
(Anyone writing to tell me cute li'l robins and bluebirds are edible will get it in the jimmies. The Internet is a great place to go mustard hunting, too. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Wildlife: Signs of the season Sep 19, 2009
Observers have reported hearing owls hooting and bluebirds calling overhead, and seeing red-tailed hawks and flocks of wild turkeys. A Virginia rail was flushed by a graduate student who was surveying bobolinks in a field at Drumlin Farm and a merlin (falcon) was seen trying, without success, to attack chickens in a flock. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
Read the story Sep 17, 2009
Lynn was known as the "Forces' Sweetheart," and her songs _ including "We'll Meet Again," and "(There'll be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover" _ were wartime anthems. "In a sense, it's comfort music," said music writer John Aizlewood. (CBS News -- Evening News)
Green Space: 109 bluebirds fledged through Master Gardener efforts Sep 11, 2009
Chippewa Valley Master Gardener Association s bluebird trails fledged 109 bluebirds and 94 tree swallows during the 2009 season ... Tree swallows nest once each season, and when the used nests are removed, bluebirds will use the nest boxes for second or third nesting attempts ... Next spring unsuccessful houses along the CVMGA trails will be moved to new locations that might better suit the needs of bluebirds. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Enjoy our wild places Sep 3, 2009
Mountain bluebirds flitted from tree to tree, dark-striped chipmunks, undisturbed by our presence, darted about, wagging their pert tails as flags. There is nothing silent about the wilderness. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Summer Birding at the Keystone Ski ... Aug 25, 2009
Berry bushes around the condominiums attract Mountain Bluebirds. Mountain Chickadees, Hairy Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, Dark-eyed Juncos and Steller's Jays can be seen in nearby pines, and brushy areas around the condominiums are home to Wilson's and Yellow Warblers and Cordilleran Flycatchers. (Suite101.com)
Controlling the jealousy monster Aug 21, 2009
Bluebirds are also jealous. In one experiment involving a breeding pair, evolutionary biologist David Barash waited until the cock was away, and then placed a stuffed male on a branch about three feet from the nest, where the female rested. (CNN)
MAKING OF: Go behind the scenes Aug 5, 2009
A marching band appears, a joyful Broadway-style dance begins, and animated bluebirds descend, all set to the bopping pop of Hall & Oates' You Make My Dreams. "It's about those times in real life when you want to be skipping down the street, but you can't be the weirdo skipping down the street. It's about the ecstasy over this event, and what's in your head when everything in the world comes together perfectly in this moment," Novick says. (USA Today)
What readers said Jul 21, 2009
The bluebirds and meadow-larks will not be singing with chemical mosquito control. The questions surrounding the health aspects of fogging human populations remain open as well. (Montana Standard, MT)
Airfield celebrates 40 years in Stow Jul 16, 2009
Glorioso said the airfield is home to red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds, swallows, Baltimore orioles and other birds whose populations have taken sharp hits because of the shrinking amount of open land available in the state. Don waits to cut the grass in some sections because he knows the fledglings need it there, he said. (Beacon Villager, MA)
Aretta Frances Yarbrough Mason Jul 15, 2009
She enjoyed flower gardening and bird watching, especially the bluebirds in her backyard. She greatly enjoyed her family and dear friends, and adored her cat Wylie. (Yanceyville Caswell Messenger, NC)
Match the kind of seed to the kind of bird Jul 11, 2009
Fruit: mockingbirds, cedar waxwings, tanagers, bluebirds, jays, cardinals, thrushes. Peanuts: woodpeckers, chickadees and titmice. (Florida Today)
Boston airport tests radar to avoid bird strikes Jul 10, 2009
Bluebirds, Songbirds, Chickadees. Great Prices and Selection. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
* Sport Soccer Shorts Jul 6, 2009
WALES Black Cat joins Bluebirds. Cardiff have completed the signing of striker Michael Chopra from Sunderland for a club-record fee. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Shrubs for Attracting Songbirds Jul 4, 2009
Over 30 bird species are known to visit viburnum shrubs, including bluebirds, pine grosbeaks, cedar waxwings, cardinals and flickers. The beautiful spring flowers become fruit in the later summer through winter. (Suite101.com)
No comments posted. Jun 27, 2009
Attract bluebirds with attractive housing ... "We're seeing more bluebirds around because of efforts like these to get more boxes out in the public," Berrien County Bluebird Society coordinator John Harville said ... Although they still have to compete for the boxes with sparrows and starlings, bluebirds will come to the boxes people put out in their yards. (The Herald-Palladium)
Duluth man turns old farmstead to wildlife haven Jun 22, 2009
A pair of eastern bluebirds floats from one fruit tree to another. Two kestrels hover over a small pond, fending off a belligerent red-winged blackbird. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Songbirds, pelicans are species of concern Jun 16, 2009
Rusert said a growing number of Valley vineyards are utilizing bird boxes, encouraging owls and bluebirds to nest in their fields and aid in pest management. While many species are on the decline, the report also details how conservation efforts have been immensely successful in aiding certain species. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE -- June 3 Jun 4, 2009
The column on bluebirds and hummingbirds answered a lot of my concerns. We all appreciate the informative, entertaining and uplifting column each week. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
Three projects for your next staycation May 27, 2009
Situate the birdhouse away from family pets (no one likes a big dog barking at their front door, even bluebirds. and in a quiet corner. (Burlington Union, MA)
Bluebird numbers take off on Waterworks Hill May 26, 2009
Efforts to restore the bluebird population in the area resulted in a record number of 92 fledged bluebirds last year ... This is a spring to celebrate if you love bluebirds ... If Mother Nature cooperates, and the birds have a second clutch, as they typically do, this season will be a banner year for bluebirds, said Heffernan, who with a handful of volunteers, has been helping the colorful birds thrive for the past several seasons. (Missoulian, MT)
8 health hazards in your own backyard May 26, 2009
Install a birdhouse designed for bluebirds, which feed on insects ($23; ). Or grow plants such as those in the parsley and sunflower families that attract predatory insects such as assassin bugs and parasitic wasps. (MSNBC -- Health)
Bird watchers test their wings at Drumlin Farm May 21, 2009
Though no kingfisher was spotted, various other species were, including Baltimore orioles, Eastern bluebirds, chickadees, cardinals, tree swallows, a variety of blackbirds, Cooper s and red-tailed hawks, blue jays, bobolinks, and more ... None could resist oohing and aahing as Verger held out a nest containing half a dozen baby bluebirds, before quickly and carefully putting the nest back as the mother bluebird circled anxiously overhead. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS May 15, 2009
Charity Poker Run, Live Music by the Bluebirds, Decorated Boat Parade/Contest, Land Lubbers Hat Contest. Win prizes. (KSLA.com, LA)
Weve been in need of spring May 14, 2009
The hummingbirds, orioles and bluebirds are back. A lot of feeding and nest building are going on around us. (Forest Republican, WI)
Hike your way to bluebird of happiness May 10, 2009
Here are five places to seek out western bluebirds, our local bluebird of happiness ... If you could use some good cheer, bluebirds are not difficult to find here ... To see bluebirds at Filoli, sign up for a docent-led nature or orchard hike. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Get Out Events, Hunting & Fishing Calendar: 5/10/09 May 10, 2009
May 17 Bluebirds of Raccoon Creek. 2-3 p.m. Raccoon Creek State Park, Wildflower Reserve. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Katie Buck: Be more protective of Latch’s legacy May 5, 2009
Bluebirds were back though some hardy bluebird souls spent the winter here I m told. Spring always seems such a miracle when the dead, brown vegetation turns green, sometimes after a night of soft rains. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Hytrek: Ponca man spreads the bluebird fun May 2, 2009
garage for people who want to attract bluebirds to their property, and he'll even put the boxes up for them ... Little did he know that a new fascination with bluebirds would take wing by helping young Andrew Knerl ... Drive around Ponca and you'll see a lot of bluebird boxes, birdhouses designed specifically for bluebirds so that they're safe from predators. (Sioux City Journal)
Sights from a late-April Audubon bird walk May 2, 2009
We were hoping for mountain bluebirds and sandhill cranes, both of which had been seen here recently, but no luck ... We were hoping for mountain bluebirds and sandhill cranes, both of which had been seen here recently, but no luck ... We were hoping for mountain bluebirds and sandhill cranes, both of which had been seen here recently, but no luck. (Juneau Empire)
Bird song fills the air in Hiles Apr 28, 2009
There are still more birds to come, like bluebirds and the little hummingbirds, which should be arriving in a couple more weeks. And Frogs, Too. (Forest Republican, WI)
Nebraskan helps bluebirds thrive in the Midwest Apr 19, 2009
He's particularly nutty about bluebirds ... Fuchs shares his enthusiasm for bluebirds with other members of Bluebirds Across Nebraska, a group dedicated to seeing that the birds thrive in a state ripe with natural habitat, but also predators and other birds that will crowd them out ... Bluebirds were threatened in the late '70s; the National Bluebird Society was formed in 1978. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Woods alive with song again Apr 18, 2009
Finally, I am thankful that my year-round bluebirds and their babies in my Decatur yard survived the recent cold snap and violent weather. In the sky. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
More on Backyard Habitats Apr 18, 2009
Nesting boxes can be provided for bluebirds, chickadees, wrens and martins as well as butterflies. Don t be surprised if caterpillars eat some of your plants. (Suite101.com)
Keep it simple: Bird nerd Apr 15, 2009
Mostly Ill see goldfinches, jays, bluebirds, hummingbirds, the occasional waxwing. Your basic Northern Michigan birds. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Escape Without Leaving Apr 13, 2009
And be sure to look for the flock of bluebirds in the small residential cluster just before you reach the "5-Minute Tunnel.". If you go. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Bird Feathers Produce Color Through Structure Similar To Beer Foam Apr 6, 2009
But the bright blue feathers found in many birds, such as Bluebirds and Blue Jays, are instead produced by nanostructures. Under an electron microscope, these structures look like sponges with air bubbles. (Science Daily)
Annual crane count a way to get involved Apr 5, 2009
When the robins and bluebirds are pipin their song. And theres hope in the heart like the blue in the sky. (Forest Republican, WI)
What's going on Apr 3, 2009
During rainy months Crumly motivates vineyard workers to build bluebird boxes to attract bluebirds, which eat harmful insects and reduce the need for pesticides. Crumly's bright idea was to have WillMar children paint the bluebird houses, which helps the kids feel they are nurturing another living being. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Oscoda students build for the birds Apr 1, 2009
The bluebirds came back with the first south wind we experienced a few weeks ago, said Peggy Ridgway, an Audubon member who has encouraged students in making the nest boxes, along with the help of the local Audubon, for more than 20 years. RMS students prepared for the activity by viewing the video, Bring Back the Bluebirds, and by Ridgway instructing the classes on how to monitor the boxes this spring ... Mated bluebirds take approximately one week to build a nest. (Oscoda Press, MI)
Obituaries - (3.18.2009) Mar 19, 2009
A member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Loretta was known for her love of birds (especially wrens, hummingbirds, robins and bluebirds), her beautiful needlework and her love for her family. She was also known as a hardworking, loveable, caring mother that took care of all family members. (Forest Republican, WI)
Dolores E. Towner JackieMay 11, 1934 - March 12, 2009 Mar 16, 2009
When they were young, she led Bluebirds and Campfire Girls for her daughter and was the den mother of her sons Cub Scout Troop. The pull of country life brought the family back to the Treasure Valley where they settled in the Ontario/Nyssa area for their remaining years. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Spring is here in many ways Mar 8, 2009
Bluebirds, probably on everybody s list of favorite harbingers of spring. February, in fact, is known as Bluebird Month in Georgia, when the lovable birds begin checking out nest boxes to raise new broods. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Linda Fort: Waiting for spring Feb 28, 2009
I will hear a killdeer down in the pasture and I hope the bluebirds come back to nest near the house again this coming summer. So I wait for summer reading several good books, playing lots of texas hold em poker with friends, sledding with children and knowing warm days will return. (Winona Daily News, MN)
City bill would require spaying, neutering for some pets Feb 18, 2009
boxergal wrote on Feb 17, 2009 10:48 AM:" I have bluebirds also. My neighbors cat never approaches them. I guess because the killer "pitbull" would chew it up. Like I said, give me an animal over a human any day. ". boxergal wrote on Feb 17, 2009 10:46 AM:" The problem is ferrel animals are a health risk. And isn't it interesting how it offends someone else when others have a passion. Personal agenda? I believe its called caring, which is more than I see on these forums everyday. "Go hug a... (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
SCHRADER: This lady is a 'Faivre-ite' of our feathered friends Feb 18, 2009
She has wren houses and houses with larger holes for bluebirds. The problem with the larger holes is sparrows can also nest there and sometimes drive away the favored bluebirds. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Beech Mountain's Land of Oz theme park Feb 17, 2009
A framed print of bluebirds hangs on the wall. In Dorothy s room, a portrait of Judy Garland as Dorothy welcomes guests. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Nearly 60% of birds spend winter farther north, study finds Feb 16, 2009
Many Hoosiers delight in spying increasing numbers of robins and bluebirds braving Indiana winters, but researchers fear the wintering birds could be the canary in the coal mine signaling climate change ... Butcher said former Indiana species such as the northern goshawk and the hairy woodpecker are staying in Canada for the winter, while the black vulture, snow goose, northern shoveler, ring-necked duck and ruddy duck are increasing in Indiana, as are bluebirds, robins and several species of... (Indianapolis Star)
Piedmont Park a year-round natural haven Feb 15, 2009
Equally radiant is a small flock of Eastern bluebirds that light in some trees along the lake, just in front of us. No doubt, some of the birds shortly will be taking advantage of the bluebird nesting boxes that the Piedmont Park Conservancy has erected throughout the park. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
The Great Backyard Bird Count Feb 12, 2009
Rusty Moran, of the Audubon Society Northern Virginia s Conservation Committee, explains some of the trends: Not surprisingly, species such as warblers, [northern bobwhite] quail, bluebirds, meadowlarks and wood ducks have declined as forests, fields and wetlands have been eliminated by development. Northern bobwhites, for example, are rapidly disappearing from our area. (Chronicle Newspapers, VA)
Wolves might have killed two foxes near Pahaska (3) Feb 11, 2009
Frank N wrote on Feb 10, 2009 3:57 PM:" Shane! Come back, Shane! Back to your senses! This is just another story to get folks riled about wolves. All that was seen is large canid prints (some domestic dogs have prints as large or larger than wolves), and the kits are no where to be found for a couple of days, soooo, put two and two together and come up with six. Then make a big deal out of it. Animals die in Nature every day. Wolves kill to eat. So what? People kill to eat, even bluebirds kill... (Cody Enterprise, WY)
In flocks, songbirds in tune with needs Feb 8, 2009
Other folks write to ask why robins, bluebirds, blue jays and other birds gather in flocks of 10 to 50 individuals or more during winter. Some think it strange that the birds would form groups so compatible - especially since individual songbirds are very combative in spring when they vie for mates and territory. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
A primer on maintaining a box for nesting bluebirds Feb 8, 2009
Type bluebirds in the search box ... Bluebirds in Georgia raise as many as three broods a year ... Bluebirds seem to be quite tolerant of human monitoring. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Sports Spasms Feb 8, 2009
Seems, according to wildlife diversity biologist Melynda Hickman of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, that very soon (perhaps even right now) male bluebirds will be arriving and searching for nesting cavities so that they can start their mating songs ... House sparrows are fond of cavity sites for nesting also, and these non-native and unwelcome birds have crowded bluebirds out of many of their traditional nesting sites. (Alva Review Courier, OK)
Oregon Recreation Report Feb 8, 2009
Winter songbirds including Western Bluebirds can be seen at Stewart Park and Stewart Park trail in Roseburg. Viewing is best in the late morning to early afternoon. (Lebanon Express, OR)
