Help Wild Birds

A BIRD NOTE ~
This is a reminder to clean out those nest boxes and any p**p leftover from winter roosting birds. Cavity nesting birds will be looking for a place to build a home. Give them a fresh start! Here is a chart to help you make sure you have the right hole size to attract the bird(s) you would like to have as "neighbors."
One box works for two species if you put a metal hole reducer for only chickadees if you are using a bluebird box. Then remove it after the chickadees finish nesting so that bluebirds and tree swallows will have a home.
Remember chickadees (usually) only nest once a year and are early nesters so help them out.
If squirrels have somehow chewed the hole, add a metal hole guard to your box so its the right size and to keep them from making it bigger.
Keep your cats indoors and don't forget to use the proper poles and predator guards so you can have a successful nesting season.
Learn more on how to Help Wild Birds at www.helpwildbirds.org or message us or give us a call.
Hopefully you will have some successful nesting outcomes this year.
Feel free to share.

BIRD TIP - Extended cold temperatures can take a big toll on some species of birds.
Carolina wrens are one of them. They tend to be more cold sensitive and die off when we have extended cold snaps. You can help by placing nest boxes up for them to take cover in, or even a leftover Christmas wreath.
NOTE~ If you find any bird all fluffed out and barely moving, walk over to it and try to pick the bird up. If you can pick it up, it probably needs help.
Place the bird in a covered cardboard box lined with a paper towel and with a few air holes punched in it and call your local bird rehabber (or message me) for further instructions.
This time of year we have only adult birds around our homes and they should be able to fly away if they are ok when approached.
Use www.animalhelpnow.org. to find a rehabber near you.
Let's try to survive through these cold temperatures. Photo courtesy of Leonora who found this carolina wren trying to seek shelter on her deck. Find more bird tips and stories at Help Wild Birds .org or at Help Wild Birds on facebook, https://www.facebook.com/HELPWILDBIRDS/

LESSON FOR THE DAY~
Please do not put ice cubes in or freeze hummingbird nectar. Just change it out daily in (extremely) hot weather.
Birds have a higher body temperature than humans do. Hummingbirds have a faster metabolism than we do. They do not need ice cold water to drink to cool off like humans. Please stop treating them as if they are humans. They are birds and exist in the tropics where temperatures are hot and humid. Rain is even warm there.
Just remember the main thing is to not let the sugar solution get sour (cloudy) or get to concentrated by evaporation, so just put out what they would drink for the day.
BIRD TIP ~ Having 2 feeders and swapping them out daily and rinsing them when brought in keeps the mold down too. Especially in these hot temperatures. Give each a good cleaning at least once a week.
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Remember hummingbirds eat insects and flower nectar and wouldn't mind a fountain where it can take a drink of water or a bath.
A fermented fruit bucket with just tiny holes in the lid to let the bugs out and a water fountain or spray would be a nice addition now. You can also spray tree leaves with water and hummers (and some other species of birds) will take a "leaf bath."
And don't forget to create a pollinator garden full of flowers, (especially geared towards attracting hummingbirds) it is their favorite place to visit.
Please respect our birds and try to think like a bird not a human...
Learn more at www.helpwildbirds.org