Archives

BACKYARD SECRET – BUTTERFLIES ARE SOMETIMES SMALLER IN THE SPRING

Mar23

       Recently my wife and I were walking about our backyard on a recent March after noon we noticed that one of our native azaleas was in full bloom.  When we stopped to admire the beautiful blossoms displayed by the large native azalea, an eastern tiger swallowtail flew in and began nectaring at the shrub’s stunning blooms.  As we watched the butterfly feed, we both noticed that it was much smaller than the tigers we normally encounter.  This begged the question, “Why is this individual so small?”

       One possible reason for this is eastern tiger swallowtails overwinter as pupae in a chrysalis.  If a butterfly emerges earlier than normal due to unseasonably warm weather, it may be smaller because it pupated before reaching its normal size.

BACKYARD SECRET – BLUE-GRAY GNATCATERS ARE NOT FEEDER BIRDS

Mar18

      Regardless how hard we try, we cannot entice all of the birds that visit our yards to dine at our bird feeders.  One such bird is the blue-gray gnatcatcher.

      This past week my wife spotted a blue-gray gnatcatcher feeding among the green leaves of a coral honeysuckle that grows beside our driveway. Today, while walking to the mailbox I spotted a blue-gray gnatcatcher in the same place.  The bird did not flush until I was about 10 feet away.

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER

      This provided with a great view of the bird’s clean blue-gray plumage that almost seemed to shine in the morning sunlight as it flew to the bare branches of a nearby tree. Once there, it did not remain motionless for long before it began flitting about in search in spiders and small insects.

    Since these birds do not visit feeders, if you want to attract them to your yard, you must offer the feathered sprites native trees and shrubs where they will be able to forage on caterpillars, spider and tiny insects.

CAN COLD WEATHER HARM BLUEBIRD NESTLINGS?

Feb25

      Recently a bluebird landlord told me that when he recently checked his bluebird nesting boxes, he found three dead bluebird hatchlings.  Since there were no apparent clues that revealed the cause of their deaths, he wanted to know that since the birds he found the young birds during a stretch of unseasonable cold weather, could the frigid temperatures inside the box could be responsible for the birds’ untimely deaths. He also wanted to know if plugging the ventilation holes found on each box would help preventing this from happening again.

       The answer to both questions is yes; extremely cold weather can cause the death of bluebird hatchlings.  In Georgia, bluebirds typically begin nesting in late February and early March.  This means that bluebirds are nesting in the latter stages of winter. As such, there is a good chance that we will experience cold weather before spring arrives on March 20.  For example, just two nights ago, after a weekend when temperatures soared to 80ºF, the temperature dropped to 22ºF.

       The North American Bluebird Society recommends that temporarily plugging ventilation holes during both cold and wet weather can benefit the hatchlings.

       Keep in mind, that the ventilation holes are designed to prevent overheating.  As such, once there is little chance that exceptionally cold weather will return, uncover the ventilation holes.

THE 5-7-9 RULE DOESN’T WORK FOR BLOGGER

Jan4

      In my last blog for 2025, I wrote about the 5-7-9 rule.  These recommendations relate to the ideal location for a bird feeder.  The rule simply states that feeders should placed 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet away from structures such as fences, shrubs and trees, and in a spot 9 feet below an overhanging limb.  In the posting, I asked for feedback from anyone that has erected a feeder following these parameters.

       To date, only one individual has been kind enough to share his experiences.  Here is what John Kelly says about what happened when he place a feeder in his yard following the rule, “I have a feeder that met all of those criteria, but squirrels didn’t have any problem dropping 10 feet from an overhanging limb and landing on the feeder.  They could easily grab onto the rough wood top.  So, I covered the top with smooth metal, painted it with slippery paint, and waxed it.  It was hilarious to watch them hit the top and slide right off.”

       I want to thank John for sharing his experiences with us.  If you have experimented with placing feeder in your yard using the 5-7-9 rule, please share your findings with us.

BACKYARD SECRET – GLYCERIN SHOULD NOT BE ADDED TO BIRDBATH WATER TO KEEP IT FROM FREEEZING

Dec7

       Over the years, people have tried a number of ways to keep the water in birdbaths from freezing.  One the such technique is to use glycerin as an antifreeze; this practice should be avoided.  If a bird drinks water treated with glycerin, the chemical can raise the amount of blood sugar in its body to dangerous levels.  In addition, glycerin can mat the birds’ feathers together.  This can be harmful as the matting can adversely reduce a bird’s feathers ability to insulate its body against the cold.

 

NORTHERN FLICKER ROOSTING SITES

Oct22

        It is very difficult to attract northern flickers to Georgia backyards; however, it can be done. One of the best ways is provide roost sites for these large birds. For example, leave dead trees in which large holes have been excavated or enlarged by squirrels and cavity nesting birds.

       Flickers also roost in barred owl nest boxes. If you see a flicker enter an owl-nesting box, do not be discouraged if it does not return the next evening.  It seems that male northern flickers tend to roost in different location each night.  These roosting sites are usually located within a half-mile square area.  If roosting cavities are scarce in your neighborhood, the bird may return sooner than later.

       Friends of mine find flickers roosting in wood duck boxes during the winter.  They have noted that flickers tend to enter the boxes earlier in the afternoon than do the other birds that also roost in boxes.  The flickers that show up at their wood duck boxes often arrive well before the sun drops below the horizon.

       Northern flickers will also roost in variety of odd locations such as under bridges. They will also use our homes as roosting sites.  For example, they will sometimes roost on the sides and eaves of buildings, and even inside chimneys.

       If you have seen northern flickers in your, I would love to hear about it.

 

BACKYARD SECRET – WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE MONARCHS IN GEORGIA DURING THEIR FALL MIGRATION?

Oct15

  

     

 

        The best time to catch a glimpse of fall migrating monarch butterflies is during the months of September and October.    Records, however, suggest the greatest number of these butterflies pass through the state in mid-October.       

       With that in mind, if you want to see these large orange and black butterflies, spend some time outside during the next few days.

       Good luck!

 

WHERE ARE THE FEEDER BIRDS?

Oct12

       Every year when early October rolls around, people tell me that the number and variety of birds visiting their feeders and birdbaths has dropped off significantly.  That always leads to question, “Where are they?”  Depending on where you live, and whether not the habitat near your home has changed, and other factors, the reasons for a decline can vary from yard to yard.  That being the case, I attribute the drop-in activity around most bird feeders to three things. 

       Many of the common migratory birds that inhabit our will shortly reach their winter homes.  That alone can make a big dent in your backyard bird population.  While many of these birds do not often visit seed feeders, they do frequently bathe and drink at birdbaths.

       In late summer and early fall, the abundance of seeds produced by native plants is greater than it is at any other time of the year.  As such they birds have an abundance of places where they can feed this provides them with lots of spots where they can dine elsewhere.

       Another reason your backyard bird population is low is that for folks in most parts of Georgia, southbound migrants have not yet reached the Peach State. This is the case for white-throated sparrows, dark-eyed juncos, blackbirds, and others.

       Another thing to consider is some of our permanent residents, such as the chipping sparrows have yet to form winter flocks. Consequently, if your yard is not in a chipping sparrow breeding territory, chances are you will have to wait awhile to see them in your yard.

       The bottom line is be patient, if your feeding area is safe, feeders are stocked with variety of foods, and clean water is close by, I promise they will come; just be patient.

BACKYARD SECRET: MOTHS VISIT HUMMIMNGBIRD FEEDERS

Oct1

       Until a few nights ago I had never seen a moth visit a hummingbird feeder at night. Although I have spotted a few butterflies such as cloudless sulphurs and even a monarch briefly dining a hummingbird feeder but I have never spotted a moth engaged in this activity; here is what I saw.

       A few nights ago, I took our family dog out.  Just beyond our deck four hummingbirds hang from Shepard’s hooks.  As I stood on the deck waiting to come back, a large fuzzy moth flew in and visited one of the feeders.  It hovered above two of the feeding portals on one of the feeders; it remained there for several seconds. Since the moth visited the portal on the back side of the feeder, I did not actually see the moth extend its long proboscis into the feeder.

       Supposedly, the moths that are most often reported visiting feeders are various sphinx moths.  After watching these large moths feeding at late-blooming flowers it easy to see why they are sometimes mistaken for hummingbirds.

       This surprising experience has left me wondering why I have never seen moths feeding at hummingbird feeders before. Perhaps it is because I rarely watch the feeders at night.  This may be the reason why other folks also rarely see this fascinating behavior.

       If you have been lucky enough to spot moths visiting your hummingbird feeders, please let me know.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO ATTRACT HERMIT THRUSHES TO YOUR YARD IN WINTER

Sep25

       One of the most difficult birds to attract to Georgia bird feeders during the winter is the hermit thrush.  I have been trying to do so for years.  In comparison, I have a good friend that hosts this handsome thrush most winters.  Let’s explore some of the reasons why hermit thrushes avoid most of our yards.

       Limited information suggests that hermit thrushes wintering in residential areas inhabit yards that have an abundance of vegetation and are adjacent to wooded areas.  Berries are the hermit thrush’s primary winter food, consequently yards and nearby woodlands that have trees and shrubs that bear fruits and berries that persist in the winter, are more likely to be used by hermit thrushes than those without them.

       Some the best sources of the thrush’s winter food include cedars, junipers, pokeberry, native hollies, hackberries, grapes, and mistletoe.   While fruits and berries are the hermit thrush’s favorite foods, they will eat insects found in leaf litter.  Consequently, leave dried leaves beneath your trees and shrubs.     

Blog follower, Ron Lee attracts Hermit Thrush

       Hermit thrushes will feed at elevated feeders. However, they prefer to eat food found on the ground.  The birds will dine on dried fruits, mixed seeds, suet, and bird puddings.

      Ron Lee has attracted more hermit thrushes than anybody I know. He is convinced that his success attracting these secretive birds is his wife Jennie’s cornbread. The birds love it so much they will appear out of nowhere whenever he goes outside to feed them.  Some hermit thrushes like it so much, they will feed at his feed while he is scattering food.

     Hermit thrushes will often visit bird baths and avoid food.

    Hermit thrushes will join roaming flock’s kinglets, chickadees, and other birds.  With that in mind, closely study any of these flocks that pass through your yard.

    With a little good fortune, perhaps a hermit thrush will find its way to your backyard this winter.