American Goldfinch Are Still Nesting
Why does the American Goldfinch wait so late in the year before nesting? Thistle plants, a major nesting material for the American Goldfinch, blooms in July. It’s thought that the blooming period of the Thistle plant may play a part in the timing of their nesting season. As late summer approaches, these Thistle plants set […]
Keeping Hummingbirds Happy and Healthy: The Importance of Fresh Nectar, Especially in Summer Heat
Hummingbirds are captivating creatures with a sugar-centric lifestyle. They fuel their incredible flight and energy needs by consuming flower nectar, tree sap, and even the occasional insect for protein. In many backyards, birders attract these tiny marvels with a simple homemade nectar recipe that mimics the natural sucrose content of flowers. This recipe, combining sugar […]
Hummingbirds have arrived in North Carolina
According to North Carolina State University, only the ruby-throated hummingbird lives throughout the eastern half of the U.S. and southern Canada. Hummingbirds migrate away from North Carolina during colder months and come back when it’s warmer. Migration Hummingbirds generally leave North Carolina when winter comes around, according to North Carolina State University. They spend the […]
Baby Hummingbirds Have Left the Nest
Hummingbird fledglings are out and visiting the feeders. When they leave the nest, the chicks are considerably larger than their mothers: they may weigh 4.5 grams, while Mom is down to only 2.5 g after the stress of raising her young. Since the mother starts incubating the first egg as soon as it’s laid, that chick […]
February is National Bird-Feeding Month
National Bird-Feeding Month is celebrated in the United States during the month of February. This special month was established to educate the public about the wild bird feeding and watching hobby. It serves as a reminder to take extra care of our feathered friends during the harsh winter months, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive. Here are some ways […]
Birdbaths in Freezing Cold Winters
Drinking water entices birds year-round, but keeping it ice free in winter can be a challenge. Birds have several physiological mechanisms for conserving water, but in our area we do not get the snow that birds can use. Providing a source of water when everything around is frozen offers a huge benefit for the birds. On […]
Providing Food for Birds in the Winter
Most birds that visit backyards in cold weather thrive on seeds, since insects and fruit are harder to find naturally during the winter. The best foods to offer birds in colder weather have a high fat or oil content that will provide abundant energy for winter survival. Providing high calorie and high fat foods can […]
Preparing Your Natural Wildlife Habitat for Winter
Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market this Saturday morning. Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on […]
Making the Winter Transition to Keep Your Backyard Birds Safe
The abrupt arrival of freezing temperatures is a clear sign that the vibrant fall season has swiftly given way to winter’s chill. With this shift in seasons and weather, our avian companions are also undergoing a significant transition to cope with the cold days and nights ahead.
Where Are The Birds? Find Out At Backyard Birds.
Our customers have been calling in and asking, “Where are all of the birds?” Birds routinely change their feeding behavior. Temperature, weather, time of year, and time of day all influence feeding habits. In mild weather, when wild food is plentiful, birds will use your feeder less. When they are under more pressure to find […]