Tag Archive | Backyard Secrets

BACKYARD SECRET – HOW MUCH NECTAR DOES AN ADULT E. TIGER SWALLOW EAT IN A DAY?

Aug19

         The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is one of the largest butterflies commonly seen in Georgia yards.  In spite of its relatively large size (wingspan -3.5 – 5.5 inches), this colorful butterfly consumes only 0.0014 – 0.0105 ounces of nectar daily.  To put this in perspective, a standard-sized paperclip weighs only 0.04 ounces.

BACKYARD SECRET – THE BIRD THAT MAKES THE SOUND OF A SQUEAKY FAN BELT

Jul12

       From time to time, we hear sounds that sound like they are made by human devices.  For example, several years ago a mockingbird learned to imitate the ring call of my flip phone. When you hear such noises, it seems impossible that birds can make them.

       For example, I recently received a text from a friend that asked what bird makes the sound of a squeaky fan belt.  My first impression was it might have been uttered by a mockingbird.  When I told her this, she wrote back and said she did not think so.

       This prompted me to do a little research on the odd sounds made by blue jays.  To make a long story short, I discovered that blue jays often make sounds that mimic a variety of devices such as rusty pump handles, and gates, as well as squeaky fan belts.  I am now convinced that the sound my friend heard was probably vocalized by a blue jay.

       Whenever we hear unusual sounds such as these, we can never be sure what makes them unless we actually see the bird calling. Since she never saw the bird, it may have actually been produced by a vehicle with a squeaky fan belt.    

       My friend told me she is going to try to get to the bottom of this mystery.  I cannot wait to hear what she learns. In the meantime, I know it is a sound she will never forget.

BACKYARD SECRET – YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOOS RELISH TENT CATERPILLARS

Jul8

      Tent caterpillar nests built on tree limbs are common sights in yards and trees lining highways throughout Georgia at this time of the year. Each nest contains scores of hairy caterpillars.  While most birds shy away from dining on what appears to be an easy source of food, the yellow-billed cuckoo relishes them.  In fact, it is one of the few bird species that eat them.   They can consume 100 or more tent-building caterpillars during one attack on a tent caterpillar nest.

       The reason why most birds stay clear of the juicy caterpillars that reside in the web-like nests is the caterpillars that live there are covered with stiff spines. The yellow-bellied cuckoo, on the other hand, it is able to eat them because it is able to do so is periodically the bird sheds the lining of its stomach and hairs found there. When the bird expels its stomach lining and stiff caterpillar hairs form a mass that looks much like an owl pellet.  

      

BACKYARD SECRET – FOWLER’S TOAD OFTEN TRAVEL SOME DISTANCE TO REACH YOUR YARD

Jun29

       Fowler’s toads (Bufo fowleri) commonly inhabit backyards throughout much of the state. They are, however, rather scarce below the Fall Line. 

       In order to reach our yards, Fowler’s toads often have to travel great distances reach water to reproduce. Consequently, often Fowler’s toads make a hazardous journey to reach our yards.  Researchers have found some of these toads make a perilous trek from 1,000 feet to upwards of 6 miles across fields, forests and highways to reach the place where they set up their home range. If Fowler’s toads are not among your backyard neighbors, it could be because you live too far away from a suitable breeding site. 

       They breed in a variety of places such as farm ponds, along the edges of lakes, temporary pools, and roadside ditches.  The do best, however, in waters that are not inhabited by fish.

BACKYARD SECRET – WHAT ARE THE TOP POLLINATORS OF BACKYARD FLOWERS IN GEORGIA?

Jun24

       There are many animals that pollinate flowers in our backyards. The list of the most important critters that perform this critical task, includes European honeybees, native solitary bees,  ruby-throated hummingbirds, bumblebees, butterflies and moths.

       You might be surprised to learn the most important pollinators are our native bees.  It seems there are 500+ species of these valuable insects in Georgia.  Some 90% are solitary bees.

      

BACKYARD SECRET – MOCKINGBIRDS NEST MORE THAN ONCE PER YEAR

Jun11

       It is commonly believed that northern mockingbirds nest once a year in the Peach State. Actually they nest 2-3 times of year during a breeding season that extends from February through August.

       Interestingly, it has been reported that mockers have been known to nest up to 7 times in a single year.

BACKYARD SECRET – HOW MANY BIRDS VISIT OUR FEEDERS?

May24

                   If you have ever wondered how many species of birds visit our feeders, here are some figures you might find interesting.

       Across the country, some 350 species of birds feed at our feeders.  Ninety of these species are either regular or casual diners. The remaining 260 species are rare visitors.

       Here in the Peach State, those of us that feed birds in our yards can attract as many as 25-35 species to our bird cafes.

       How many species of birds do you feed in your backyard?

BACKYARD SECRET – CHIPMUNKS CAN RUN FASTER THAN GRAY SQUIRRELS AND HUMANS

May21

       I guess it is just human nature to wonder what is the largest, smallest, oldest, or most beautiful. With that in mind, when you see an eastern chipmunk scurry across you yard, have you ever wondered if you could out run it?  I know that I have.

       Remarkably, the eastern chipmunk can run at speeds of up to 21 miles per hour.  This might not seem like a lot until it can you realize that they can out pace most of us. 

       The average running speed for humans it 15-20 miles per hour.  In my case, it would be difficult for me to run 15 miles per hour, however, the best sprinters can race down a track at 23-25 miles per hour. 

       In comparison, the gray squirrel can keep pace with the tiny eastern chipmunk running at upwards of 20 miles per hour.

 

BACKYARD SECRET – GRAY SQUIRRELS EAT BONES

May17

       One the wonderful things about wildlife watching is every day when you walk outside you have a chance of spotting an animal you have never seen before, or observing wildlife engaged in a behavior you have never witnessed.  A few days ago, my daughter, Angela, saw a gray squirrel do something that she had never seen.

       As far was my daughter is concerned, she sees squirrels in her backyard far too often.  While she doesn’t have anything against the agile tree inhabitants, her major complaint is they eat more than their share of the seeds and suet she offers her bird neighbors. Then on top of that, they destroy her feeders.  That being said, they engage in some fascinating behaviors.  A few days ago, she witnessed a gray squirrel do something she had never seen before.

       As she idly watched a squirrel scampering down the top of the 6-foot wood fence that stands along the backside of her yard, she noticed it was carrying a bone about four inches long and about the width of a nickel.  It looked to be one of the bones left by her dog.

       When she told me about the experience, I told her that she was probably correct since gray squirrels do eat bones. While gray squirrels devour a variety bones, they are particularly fond of those that are sun-bleached.

       Gray squirrels dine bones for a couple of reasons.  First of all, the bones help wear down their front teeth. This is necessary because these teeth continually grow throughout their lives.  If the squirrels do not gnaw on hard bones the teeth will continue to grow and eventually curl and prevent the animals from eating.

The second reason is bones are an excellent source of much-needed calcium and phosphorus.

       If you happen to see gray squirrels carrying or eating bones in your yard, you will know why they are engaged in this bizarre behavior. 

Isn’t it amazing what you can see taking place just outside your backdoor?

BACKYARD SECRET – IT IS TIME TO PREPARE FOR ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS

Apr29

        Now is a great time to be on the lookout for rose-breasted grosbeaks migrating home for the nesting season.  During the past several days, I have received reports of rose-breasted grosbeaks visiting backyards scattered across the state.  If you want to stand the best chance of seeing the handsome birds in your backyard, here are a few suggestions.

       To begin with, fill your feeders with their favorite seeds.  I have always provided the migrants with black oil sunflower seeds. They are also fond of safflower seeds and raw peanuts.  While I have never served up either seed to northbound migrants, my daughter fills her feeders with both sunflower and safflower seeds.  This year, the birds visiting her yard have shown a preference for safflower seeds. On the other hand, I have not seen a grosbeak in my yards this spring.

       You can also enhance your chances of attracting the birds by offering seeds on platform and tray feeders; they will also use large hopper feeders.

       The location of your feeders can also affect whether or not the birds dine at your backyard diner.  While they will visit feeders in any number of locations, they seem to prefer feeders placed near large deciduous trees and thick shrubs.

       Finally, offer the migrants plenty of clean water.

       I hope you will hosting rose-breasted grosbeaks in your yard very soon.