Go Wild, Wisconsin....With Birds

Sign of Spring in Wisconsin

2010-01-30T14:29:00.005-06:00

I noticed the first sign of Spring for me here in Wisconsin. Look at the photo. Notice the Goldfinch at the forefront of the feeder? If you look closely there is a brighter patch of yellow coming through just above the black of the wing. See it? Yes, the Goldfinches are starting to turn color!

I encourage you to look closer at the Goldfinches visiting your yard in the next few months and notice the graduation of brighter color that arises from their feathers.

Stop in the shop and share with me your newly discovered signs of Spring. I know for sure Spring won't have arrived until I spy the Red-Winged Blackbird sitting atop the reeds along County CB. Enjoy the Birds!

Second Breeding for Some Migrating Birds....New Discovery!

2009-10-27T14:06:00.002-05:00

Follow this link for the latest discovery that some migrating birds have been found to have a second breeding. http://is.gd/4CUFH

Very seldom can we say that there has been a new discovery in this natural world of ours. So, when there is...it is very interesting to learn about.

Laughing at Blue Jays

2009-10-04T15:11:00.003-05:00

Happy Fall Day! I just love the coolness in the air these days. I don’t know about you and what you’ve been noticing in your yard lately, but for a while the birds seemed to have disappeared. I just read an article about how the birds currently have a wide variety of natural foods from plants and trees to eat from, that they are not at the feeders for spurts of time during the early Fall season because of this. They must be seizing the season, just like we do with the produce in our gardens or at the store!

I want to take this moment to share what I just spied this morning in my backyard. I have seen this in years past, but at that time didn’t have a large audience to share my bird observations with. I hope you don’t mind.

While at my kitchen sink this morning, I noticed the Blue Jays landing on the deck. When I see them, it reminds me to put out peanuts in the shell which makes a bunch of them come swooping down, while calling to all their friends. I just love the commotion it causes. It’s like my own “lumber party”!

So I put the peanuts out along the deck railing and one comes and picks up a peanut. It then flies down to the leaf littered lawn and attempts to “bury” it by picking up leaves and covering the peanut with them. It was so funny. Can you imagine? Like the leaves are going to stay there and keep the peanut safe for them to find another time? And as if there isn’t a squirrel watching from a tree branch and the minute that dumb Blue Jay flies away, it’s not going to steal it for it’s own cache?? It was just so amusing to see.

It’s that kind of backyard entertainment that enriches my life. Does it enrich yours, as well? If it does, do I have a deal for you.

For the next week I will give you a free 2# bag of peanuts in the shell to share with your backyard friends, just for stopping in the store and saying “Hi”.

I look forward to seeing you. Bring a friend and/or pass this offer on to another person. Let’s share the fun and the stories! It all enriches our lives….the sharing of birds, friends, and free food!

See you soon at......Go Wild With Birds, 192 Main St. Menasha, WI 54952 Phone: 920-751-3880 www.gowildwithbirds.com
Visit the website and check out our upcoming events, like Witches Night Out on October 15, "witch"happens to be the start of our Bye, Bye, Blackbird Sale!

Marie

P.S. If I’m not at the store, Krista, my assistant will be happy to serve up the peanuts!

Settled and Serene

2009-07-26T17:48:00.010-05:00

Yes, I realize it is end of July and I haven't posted anything since May. But I'm back to say there is life after opening a shop. Whew. It's been like having a baby. Everything is new and different with much to learn. Your life schedule totally changes.

Now that life has settled in at the shop and routine has taken hold somewhat, I am breathing easier and the birds in my yard have wooed me once again. Here are a few photo highlights of what has been happening at my feeders and in my yard the past week or so.

I apologize for the fuzziness of some of the photos. I am not very good with my awesome camera, but sure enjoy capturing these beauties anyway. The more I do, the better photographer I hope to become.

I hope you enjoy looking at them, too. Feel free to stop in the shop and chat about them with me and also what you're seeing out your windows at home these beautiful summer days in the Fox Cities.

Hummingbirds Have Arrived in the Fox Cities!

2009-05-04T21:16:00.007-05:00

I'm sorry, I tried to zoom in too close and my shakey excitement got the best of it, but it really is a Hummingbird at my feeder this evening around 8 p.m. Really, it is. I have had Orioles and Rose Breasted Grosbeaks at the feeders yesterday and today, too. THEY'RE HERE!!!! YIPPPEEE......my heart is lifted, my spirit high.

I was rewarded after getting home on Saturday from a full day's work at the shop with the Grand Opening and other nearby shops having special activities, too, making it a very busy, bustling, customer heaven day downtown....anyway, I digress.....I was rewarded after a busy day with a Rose Breasted Grosbeak at my window platform feeder on Saturday evening. It was a beautiful ending to a busy customer filled day at the store. So, these days the birds lighten my heart and lessen my burdens of busy-ness. They remind me of why I am in the business in the first place.....to help others experience the fascination and wonderment of birds in our home spaces. There's nothing like it....that constant reminder of the beautiful wonders of our world right in our own backyards.

They're here, and they're beautiful. My heart is singing with them, filled with happiness.

Grand Opening Celebration planned

2009-04-20T20:53:00.003-05:00

Well I'm finally getting around to scheduling a Grand Opening. I initially thought that I could forego such an event since I can be prone toinitial fear and shyness, but as I got more confidence in my new job and environment, I thought I might be able to handle it and go forward with getting a mailing list together and start incubating my own customer base instead of relying totally on Sandi and her NEST customers.

Her customers have provided me with some great contacts and buzz advertising. Plus whenever a customer enters Sandi's shop in the front, she never fails to tell them about "Marie's shop in the back, she has such wonderful stuff", and "isn't her shop cute?." ....when they come back to the front after visiting me. I am so very grateful for Sandi's support and flag waving for me and "Go Wild With Birds".

So anyway, here are the details of my Grand Opening Celebration. It's happening Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with refreshments and prize drawings throughout the day. I am offering 10% off all my store merchandise, and 20% off selected professional grade bird feeders on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of that weekend. My store is located at 192 Main St. in the lovely riverfront and historic downtown Menasha, Wisconsin. I need to let everyone know that on Sundays and any day NEST is not open, they must enter my store from the back of the building where the door enters directly into my shop. Hope to see many of you then!

One Bird and Many Shop Photos

2009-04-05T17:32:00.005-05:00

This novice birder thinks you are a Hermit Thrush. Picture isn't the best....but for me it's grand. Granted, I'm not a professional. But maybe someone can confirm?

This visitor arrived while I was relaxing at home after an afternoon at the shop. Just what I needed.

Here are some additional photos of the transition into Go Wild With Birds, 192 Main St., Menasha, WI

Finally Can Breathe

2009-04-05T08:27:00.002-05:00

Ok, I know it's been a while, but I've been just a bit busy. I feel like I delivered a baby, and in a way I have.

The shop, Go Wild With Birds, is now done. Details are being completed. Shoppers are discovering us. The front window is finished for the time being. Hours are posted in the windows. I just need to work some more on the website. I'm updating my blog. But overall, I feel I can breathe a little easier these days. I miss seeing my birds at home at my feeders in the yard....but I'm assisting others in attracting them to their yards and that is good. With daylight savings time, I am able to watch my birds for a bit before I go to work while having breakfast, and after I get home when I really need to relax. And the birds are always there. I am grateful for that. Be good to nature and nature will be good to us.

New Shop, New Name

2009-03-13T08:13:00.005-05:00

Here's a photo of the beginning of my office/shed. Things are coming together. I whitewashed the shed yesterday and painted the cedar trim. The old Habitat ReStore windows on the shed look great. I love them. Brian put the "shakes" on the roof. The shed looks awesome....what fun, what character! I'll take a photo of the windows so you can see them.

I'm off to pick up pickets and inside shed framing for the windows and door. Also need to figure out what color to paint the inside as well. Lots of details and lots of worry as the money just flies out the wallet. But then amidst all this stress and turmoil, I come back home and see the birds. It stops my mind and my body. I relax, smile, and remember why I'm doing this in the first place. Those beautiful beings calm me and remind me to slow down and enjoy my life. I want to help bring that to others and be able to share the experience with my customers and fellow birdwatchers.

And in the middle of all this process, I get a Certified Letter telling me that my business name is infringing on an already trademarked name. My heart sinks. The company with the Feathered Friend trademark is a Fortune 200 business. And because I had previously toyed with the idea of doing a name change for the business anyway, I decide this was the little push to go ahead and do it. The timing might be good and especially with the store being new, it is probably a good time to do it, anyway. So good-bye Feathered Friends Bird Feeding Service, LLC. Hello, Go Wild With Birds. A new shop, a new name, a new adventure.

Habitat ReStore Treasures

2009-02-26T19:08:00.010-06:00

I love the Habitat for Humanity ReStore! My decorator Julie and I have decided on going with a "Potting Shed Shabby Chic" theme for the bird feeding store. And it is just too much fun! I told her today after our second trip to the store for more stuff and ideas, that it was like "hunting through a grandpa's shed" experience. You never know what cool old stuff you'll come upon and what you can use it for as character decorating. Our imagination was out of control. Hopefully, it will all go together and be spectacular, but if some of it doesn't work.....oh well, that's okay, it wasn't very expensive to try, and it sure was fun.

Here is a picture of some of the stuff we found on the first trip. Old wooden trim windows and screens. A round metal and stainless steel topped rolling table, some metal screen fencing. The cart is not part of the purchases. It just wanted it's picture taken, I guess.

We had a meeting at the shop this morning to discuss the layout plan. I'll need Brian, the carpenter-husband-of-Sandi-who-I-lease-from, to build me an office structure for my bookeeping and supply ordering work, and then we need a checkout table and some task work areas. I also need an area to dispense bulk seed from for customers, so we went back and forth about two different areas for that. Overall it caused me to become excited about it all over again. Julie, too, oozed with excitement.

I shared with Julie that yesterday I had met with my marketing team who is working on designing me some tags for my custom bird feed. The tag colors Nina had chosen correllated very closely to colors Julie had picked out for the store. It was almost spooky scary how these kinds of things are happening throughout this new adventure. Because not only were the colors similar, but there were exactly the same NUMBER of colors chosen in these two separate areas of the project. Julie and "marketing team, Janice" both said out loud what I was thinking, that "you just know something is right when things like that happen". I told Julie that I feel like I'm in a dream and all of these things are all falling into place effortlessly, like it's happening TO ME, instead of me making it happen. Hmmm.....but then again, I am living my dream.

Watch the Transformation

2009-02-18T19:50:00.006-06:00

Hi All. I know, it's been quite a while since I posted anything. Let me tell you what's going on with me and my business.

Once upon a time a bird feeding business woman (that's me) decided to peddle her wares to a Downtown Menasha store in hopes they would be willing to purchase for sale her darling items. During the visit to the store's manager, he tells the friendly bird lady that if her wares don't fare well in favor with the upper management of his establishmentl, that he knows of another business woman who will be leasing a different space just down the block that might very well wish to talk to me about sub-leasing space to display my bird feeding merchandise.

The nice "bird wares lady" thanks the kind gentleman for his time, and referral tip, and heads across town to see the other business lady this fine man talked to her about. The business lady, who has a shop called "Nest" is very intrigued by the bird lady's particular wares she is showing her. Upon further discussion it is mentioned that the business lady has already offered the space to another acquaintance who has a dream of opening a bird feeding store and is thinking about the very space she has available to sub-lease. This particular bird lady, me, almost faints with fear that someone else just may open a bird feeding store right beneath her beak! Her heart (and stomach) continues to flutter until a day later she hears that the acquaintance is not in any current position to realistically open a shop at this time and so the space is mine to sub-lease if I would like it!

This was just the type of scenario I had thought could happen to me, that is, someone would open a bird feeding store right in my hometown area, and I would be sick with regret. So back in December, when I thought of that possibility, is when I determined that I would need to go into retail with my existing bird feeding service business sometime in the near future.

So it was during the time of me looking into commercial real estate and rentals that I thought I'd just see if this particular store, the original one I went to first, would be interested in selling my feed and cute container. The night before I walked into that store, I had torn out a newspaper ad announcing the moving of another store, and I tore the ad out because I thought if the first shop wasn't interested I would go to the one advertising it's move. It seemed like the kind of shop that my product may complement.

I had that advertisement in my car when I talked to the nice gentleman at the first store. As it turns out the woman he was referring me to is the very one who owns the store that had the advertisement about moving right down the street from him. Coincidence or Fate? You be the judge. I know what I believe.

So here, dear readers, is a photo of my new retail space in Downtown Menasha, Wisconsin. I offer you the opportunity to watch the transformation occur. I will post some ongoing photos so you can see the progress. I hope you enjoy the ride vicariously, as I enjoy the switch myself from home business to onsite retail.

Wish me well. I welcome your support.

Redpoll Vacuums

2009-02-02T11:54:00.007-06:00

Feeder discussion will just have to wait due to the arrival of these darling new yard vacuums!! The Redpolls arrival are just too fascinating to not share with you. Their chestnut colored caps are adorable. I'm in the process of learning to identify the two varieties - Common and Hoary.

I'm debating whether the close up is a Hoary Redpoll. I think it has too much striping on the breast area however, even though it is more white than the others. I have invited some of the Wisbird Network readers to aid in my education and give me comments on the identification.

And just above the Redpoll, is that a Pine Siskin? I'm going to go back to my trusty guide and learn about the markings of that bird now, too. Bird watching can be so much fun!

Redpoll Rejuvenation

2009-01-30T09:36:00.005-06:00

Good Day All. Was chastising myself for getting in a blog fog and not posting lately. I knew that I had promised to post some discussion on pros and cons of various wild bird feeders but couldn't kick myself hard enough to get going with it. Then something softer gets my attention.

Do you see them? Do you see those beautiful brown caps? Yes, Redpolls! Now I'm not the best at identifying juveniles and females of the bird species, but boy I sure can zone in on the men. So, if the birds along side the brown capped gentlemen are not female or juvenile Redpolls, would some of you please comment and let me know? Now, I was struggling with ID'ing some other birds that at the same time had been descending on the finch feeders with abandon. Those may have been pine siskins, and I'm hearing about those on the Wisconsin Bird Network, as well, these days. So I had gotten my trusty bird guide out and was studying that when these cute guys showed up. Now if that doesn't put a fire in a blog poster's posterior, at least this one's, I don't know what else will. So here you have it.....a blog post at last. Pushed by feathers.

I wish you plenty of surprise visitors in your yard to help your winter case of the drearies disappear! Ok, now time to bundle up and fill up...the feeders.

Sorry For Lapse in Postings

2009-01-22T17:10:00.004-06:00

Hi Friends. I must apologize for no recent postings. Upon my return from vacation I jumped right back into work with both feet! I've been working diligently on shopping for some attractive packaging for my bird feed mixes that I hope to peddle to some local stores. I've gone back and forth about using and not wanting to use plastic bags. I am committed to finding recyclable and reuseable packaging for a product that feeds wild birds. I think I've come up with some good options for my finished product.

So anyway, I'm back to share more thoughts and ideas with you, my patient pals.

I hope, in the next few postings, to start a discussion on bird feeders. I plan to take pictures of some of the feeders I've used and am using, with the pros and cons I have personally found in using them. Today I went out to my snow filled backyard to refill my feeders. I don't get to them as often as I compulsively did in years past, now that I actually have my own business and work long hours from home.

I fill my feeders with my own tested and loved mix, but I recently filled my under deck space and ground feeder with plain sunflower. Today when filling my feeders, I was thankful that I did start that practice because even though the feeders I usually put my beloved mix in were empty, the under deck and ground feeder still had black oil sunflower in that the birds were using as a "last resort". So, they are still getting fed, just not the caviar they seem to prefer.

So let me leave you with that idea today. That is, allow yourself to experiment and try different feeds or seeds in different feeders. Those of you that are also compulsive and collect feeders like I have, will have plenty of options to experiment with. And if you do experiment, please feel free to leave your findings or thoughts here and we can discuss them.

So until my next posting, I hope some wild birds find a well filled feeder out your window!

Bye, Bye, 'Bama

2009-01-08T08:42:00.005-06:00

The time has come for me to pack and prepare to leave this lovely scene behind. Tomorrow I will be back on the road again toward snow, ice, and cold temperatures. It has been a very relaxing and enjoyable time away from the normal routine and work tasks. Now, back to familiar. I do long to be back to familiar. This isn't home. It was a vacation. I have a longing to get back to what I'm familiar with....own bed, own space, own surroundings like rooms and furniture as well as stores, streets, and buildings.

It has to be good to get away and see new sights, though. It is refreshing to see new things and people. Yes, the people. I am definitely a people watcher, but one thing I discovered on this trip is that I am intrigued with people who live elsewhere. Do they like similar things as I? When I read local menus I can see they may offer some regional favorites that are foreign to me. Grits...I tried them at breakfast one morning. To me they were like Malt-O-Meal....a kind of oatmeal type dish. But I supposed people grow up with these regional favorites and it's like home and family. They have a certain meaning and comfort, I suppose.

I also learned about my own family. Where I come from. I had the pleasure of sharing this trip not only with my mother, but with two of her sisters. I haven't seen them very often for the past 30 years. This trip was a rare opportunity to spend time with them and see their unique personalities and understand that my own mother shares a life and history with them.

And I learned about myself. Will I be like them when I get older? What will I do for a vacation when I am retired? Is my body destined to look like their's? Can I fight it, or do genes have too much control?

Have any of you entertained any of these thoughts? What have you learned on your vacations or with your extended family? I would love to hear it.

MIA, Found in Alabama

2009-01-02T15:43:00.002-06:00

Hi Friends. I need to apologize for leaving without notice. I had so much to take care of with my bird feeding business before I left for my vacation, I didn't really take time to tell you I was leaving. Yep, it was my duty to bring my mother to her annual Snowbird trek down South. I was able to make my Internet connection from the condo finally, so I am here to tell you to call back the dogs, I am no longer missing.

I will be here at Gulf Shores, AL until next Friday when I will take the two day return trip back to Wisconsin. It is low 70's here currently with mostly cloudy skies. I understand back home it is single digit degrees. So, I guess I'm glad I had to do my duty and take care of my mom. I will be taking some time, not the usual amount though with the Gulf calling my name, to check in with all of you once again.

Bird Sign Cards: The Mockingbird

2008-12-23T18:31:00.006-06:00

After visiting Vickie Henderson's site (see my complete profile to link to her site), I was inspired to check my Bird Signs book and see what the Mockingbird's message might be. She stated it was the first bird to appear at her new bird bath which was part of her Winter Solstice celebration.

Whenever birds appear at odd or special moments in my life, it makes me curious about a possible message. I sometimes feel as though they are messengers.

Over a year ago I spotted a set of Bird Signs Cards, like Tarot Cards, in my local Bookstore. I pounced on it as something I might really enjoy. I have not found any particular way to share these cards with others before, but this blog might be a way. So, after learning about Vickie's Mockingbird appearance, I dug out my cards and here's what that particular Bird Sign Card has to say.

"The Mockingbird Card is associated with Adaptation. It's message is...Adaptation can help you accomplish your mission. It's Healing Colors are Gray and White. Here are some things to ponder from the ways of the Mockingbird: .....Have you always wanted to go on that Dream Vacation? If you have been pondering your vacation plans, entertain thoughts of a Southern climate, where Mockingbirds are numerous. If you prefer a Northern climate, consider Alaska, the northernmost range of Mockingbird. In either place , your body will adapt to the environment and you can have a great time, rather than feeling miserable and out of place.
.....Mockingbird's ability to learn new songs tells you that it is never too late to learn another language or relearn an old one. If a foreign language is beyond your time frame at the moment, then learn one lullabye in another language that you sing softly to your little ones."

......or to yourself as you go throughout your day or on a walk?

http://www.lullabies-of-europe.org/DK/DKFlash/DKSong.htm is an address to a cute one I found on YouTube.

The above is an excerpt from Bird Signs, Guidance and Wisdom From Our Feathered Friends Written by G.G.Carbone, Illustrated by Mary Ruzicka.

Christmas Bird Count

2008-12-22T18:54:00.006-06:00

Saturday, the 20th was my area's Christmas Bird Count. I promised I would watch my feeders that day and report on the number and species of birds that visited that day. It was the first day in many weeks that I spent so much time just watching like I used to. Those kind of days were "pre-bird business" days. Since my business started to "fly" back in June of this year, I haven't really allowed myself too much relaxation with my backyard birds. One was long overdue.

And because this was promised, I reveled in it. I started out with a leisurely cup of coffee with my honey. He asked what I actually had to do for the CBC. I told him that I had to count as many birds of a specific species that came at a time, to get as true a count of how many are actually in my groups in my area. So, once he knew he started to help me. Now, this is like the fourth year I've done the Count, but this is actually the first year he assisted me.

It was nice and companionable doing the count with him in the house with me. I would be in my sunroom/office while he was in the kitchen or living room doing tree decorating stuff. He would spot some birds and say his count, that would cause me to turn from my computer and look out my room's windows and start counting my view of that particular specie. Then we would compare notes or chat about what else we were seeing. It was a wonderful way to spend the day together. I will have fond memories of this year's Christmas Bird Count.

Now for what we actually tallied:
15 Mourning Doves, 1 Red Bellied Woodpecker, 2 Downy Woodpeckers, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 3 Blue Jays, 5 Black Capped Chickadees, 2 Tufted Titmice, 2 White Breasted Nuthatches, 1 Robin, 10 Cardinals, 14 Dark Eyed Juncos, 5 House Finches, 14 American Goldfinch, and 2 House
Sparrows.
Here's the Titmouse at the feeder, if you can find it. Sorry about my pix. I have a letter into Santa for a better camera to take bird pix with.

And a couple more shots I took on Saturday.
One Bird, One Bill.

Today's Blog Tunnel

2008-12-19T10:54:00.000-06:00

Went on a new adventure today. Went linking from other's blog sites. I dont' always know how I get to places on the web anymore because I just seem to wander with words (blog titles) that strike my fancy at the time. How freeing is that? So, back to my adventure, I found some neat jewels among the many, many blogs that are listed on sites I discover by links from other sites. A person could spend all day just wandering the web of blogs. I never knew. I'm sure there's plenty more I don't know about blogging and the web, but those things are for another wandering day.

So anyway, I was able to copy their blog addresses and put them on my blog page as blogs I'm following. I haven't had one person leave a comment on my new blog since I started. I'm afraid no one has found me yet. So I went exploring myself to maybe leave an imprint on their blog that maybe the blog author or one of their readers might also do some wandering of their own and discover me and my blog. Who knows?

And you know what? I just remembered that as I wandered I didn't once leave a comment on those blogs I read and enjoyed. Hmmm.....maybe I ought to do that next time.

It will happen if it's meant to. The important thing is that I've found lots of nature themed blogs. I've learned that I prefer the wonderment aspect, the art and poetry views to the more scientific slants. But what's cool is I went on an interesting trek and learned and discovered right here at my keyboard. I was lifted away to others' lives for a few moments this morning and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I encourage any blog newbies like myself to go explore and see what you can discover in the nature of blogs.

Mary Oliver's Wild Geese

2008-12-18T22:38:00.000-06:00

Wild Geese

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -over and over

announcing your place in the family of things.

Protected Bird Feeding Sites

2008-12-15T10:38:00.000-06:00

NE Wisconsin has been pounded with snow lately and now today it is frigid with single temps and a bitter wind. I'm glad I found the time to fill my feeders before this weather hit.

A couple tips I'd like to share regarding feeding birds in the Winter with weather such as we're having in Wisconsin right now. For those of you that have open platform feeders (which are very popular with the birds) you know that snow covers the feed. So let me recommend in addition to sweeping the feeders of snow with a whisk type hand broom, that you find a covered spot like a patio table, or deck where there is open space beneath, that birds will be able to access snow and rain protected feed. To the right here, you will see my version of a UK bird feeding table. I read about feeding tables in the many published bird feeding bits from the UK that I get from my Google Alerts to my e-mail. And actually, I believe their's are standing upright in the yard. But here in Wisconsin this is more what we may need in the Winter.

This is my patio table stored upside down underneath my backyard deck. It is a great place for me to throw some of my bird feed. It is a nice open spot that birds (and critters like deer, squirrels, and rabbits) feel comfortable feeding at. It is underneath the deck so it is protected from rain and snow. At this particular time that I took the picture, last week, we had just gotten about 6 inches of snow and you can see that the front edge of the table is only sparsely covered with a thin layer of snow and the back is entirely clear of it. Yet you can also see it is quite open, so this makes an ideal protected feeding spot for birds, and other animal yard visitors.

The orange cord is an extension cord Bill, my husband, set up for my heated bird bath that he attached to the top of the deck railing for us to view from inside our kitchen area. House finches were just bathing in it after the last snowfall! I don't see as much bathing from it, as I do drinking by the birds. In fact, woodpeckers have even visited lately to "wet their whistle".

Now to the second suggestion I have for winter feeding, and this is primarily for when the temperatures dip to bitter single degrees, and below, with windchill. I have taken to using Hulled Sunflower in my feed, especially during the Winter because I really dislike the black mess the Sunflower shells leave around my feeders on top of the white snow. Because their are no hulls on the sunflower, using it in hopper type feeders is best. Protecting it from the rain will deter it from spoiling. But the hulled Sunflower not only is a neater feed to give the birds, it also allows them to get the high oil and energy provision without having to take the time to shell it first. So when the birds are stressed with the cold temperatures, they can access the food quicker and don't have to take the time to get the shells off. So for me it is a win-win situation. It helps both me and the birds when I use the more expensive hulled sunflower this time of year. And that is in addition to the fact that I'm not paying for the shells, but for only sunflower meats.

That's all for now. Stay warm, and Midwest Feeders, find a protected spot for those bird friends, for you know how their visits can warm your heart!

Bird Feeding Ethics

2008-12-07T09:28:00.000-06:00

I recently read an article questioning the ethics of luring birds to feeders where they can easily become targets for predators. Yes, I have wondered about the ethical nature of this as well at times and it does concern me.

In my bird feeding business, Feathered Friends Bird Feeding Service, I often look for businesses that could benefit from my service. One such business is a fairly new building with very little landscaping and natural habitat near. That is one pet peeve of mine with commercial and residential building, but I digress and may expound on that another time. But, back to this particular business which happens to be a medical office. I go by it frequently and have not gone further in pursuing them for my service because of my concern for the wellbeing of the birds that may be attracted to feeders in the "middle of nowhere" with no place to hide.

So what is the answer then? Do we not put out feeders to attract beautiful creatures to our windows where we can admire and learn about them? I hope not. I love to watch them and marvel at those fascinating animals too much to stop begging them to come to my yard. In addition, I have experienced way too much euphoria at helping my customers also experience this great joy and passion of bird feeding.

Well, first of all, I believe before we even put the first feeder out, we as conscientous bird lovers need to provide a haven for birds so they will be safe and comfortable while eating the food we attract them with. That means we have as much natural cover as we can afford when we begin this endeavor. If that means that thosepeople with little financial resources need to scavenge as much littered branches, leaves, twigs, etc. that we can to make a brush pile near where we hope to put a feeder, then that is the least we can do. Yet, even that inexpensive gesture provides an excellent place for birds to hide from any predators that may come. Don't construct it too close to the feeder where a feral or roaming cat may hide to attack the very birds we wish to protect, either. Place it approximately 15 to 30 feet away where birds can quickly access it, but can't be pounced on by a cat while dining. And make it as large as you can to provide a good size haven for the birds, with lots of nooks and crannies to hide in should a hawk come swooping in for lunch.

For those that are fortunate enough to spend more on our natural plantings a suggestion in planning the design would include multiple height levels of plants from tall trees, to tall, medium, and small shrubs, and also different heights of types of wildflowers and grasses. The messier the landscape, the more protection it probably provides. That is, messy in the traditional landscaping mindset. Fortunately, our current tastes are becoming more naturalized as well, and the community in general is becoming more attuned to a newer idea of landscaping both in our yards as well as our area parks.

As more and more of us look to increase the "wildness" of our yards and communities, the more protection we can provide animals that enhance our homes and everyday lives. Go Wild....for birds!

How To Throw Wild Bird Party

2008-12-02T11:41:00.000-06:00

Ever hang up a bird feeder and wonder why the birds don't come to it? Well it could be for several reasons, but one of the reasons is because it isn't causing a stir. It's my philosophy that in order to attract birds you need to throw a bird party. That means just one dish of chips and dip isn't going to do it.

I believe you should have at least three feeding stations filled with quality bird feed in order to make a bird party. Keep 'em filled, have a water feature, and multiple levels of bird friendly plants, shrubs, and large trees, and you will have one serious bird party happening every day. But the feeding stations need to be made up of feeders in styles that birds like to eat from and feel comfortable at. They need to offer enough room for multiple birds to eat at from one time. Such as screen feeders where birds can cling all over, or a platform where they can feel safe landing. Perches are ok for smaller birds, but even they limit the number of birds that can eat at one time. Therefore, no party can happen, and if no party, no other birds will want to stop by.

I've seen people choose bird feeders because they like the way they look....to them. Sometimes the most darling looking feeder will have no birds come to it unless the neighbors ran out of the good stuff and the birds are desperate. That's why birds may come occasionally, but would rather eat from the one down the street and won't show up regularly at your feeder (or it's because you use the cheap feed and the man two doors down puts out the caviar). See how it's a combination of a few different things going on at the same time? Bird friendly feeders, quality feed, natural bird habitat, and fresh water. With birds enjoying all the atmosphere these elements provide, other birds want to get in on the fun, too. And they will.

But why multple feeders? Because a few of them within 50 - 100 feet of each other will cause a stir. Birds will fly by, see other birds stopping, this will peak their curiosity, they will stop by and check it out too. When you have good quality feed (high portion of Black Oil Sunflower and other seed mixed in depending on the birds in your area and what they prefer to eat as a first choice, or what birds you want to attract) they will return often and will attract more birds with them. Then you have a bird party every day!

And you get to enjoy the show. Hooray for you.

Winter Birds of Color

2008-11-26T10:55:00.000-06:00

I don't know. Whenever I see a male Cardinal, Blue Jay, or a pair of Chickadees on a bright sunny Winter day surrounded with snow, it's always a moment for me to stop and be in awe. It seems those male Cardinals get brighter and bolder in color during the cold of Winter. I just marvel.

One of my favorite things to do with Blue Jays is put out peanuts in the shell along my back deck railing. It is a sight to see when they come swooping in for a cache of those morsels. Bill, my husband, shakes his head when he observes them picking one up, and then a different one, to take the one that is heavier, or has maybe two vs. one peanuts inside. It brings a smile to my face as well. It is so much fun to observe and appreciate these wild visitors to my backyard.

That's why I am so thrilled to be able to bring that kind of joy to people in my newly discovered service work. I went out this morning to fill feeders of two customers of mine and I was loving every minute of it. 25 degree temperature, sunny, and no wind. It was gorgeous and I get paid to be out in it and bringing joy to the people inside (or who will be inside) during this coming Thanksgiving weekend. I love my job.

Birds of many colors and sizes just seem more beautiful when I get to feed them for a living. I'm happy and give thanks. Now I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving and a hope you can find something to be grateful for as well.

Go Wild Hello

2008-11-21T12:57:00.000-06:00

Hi All. My first attempt at a Blog here. Thought I'd join the flow and share some thoughts about wild birds, wildlife, and outdoors in general and get some conversation going with my fellow companions along the way.

I'm hoping this can be a place we can discuss bird feeders, bird feed, what works, what doesn't, and what we're all seeing in our Wisconsin Wonderland. Whoa...that's a lot of W's. I'll be whistling before too long......"Willlllllburrrrr!" Wasn't that from a tv show featuring a horse in the 60's or 70's? I forget the name.

So Welcome (oh no, another W), I'm glad you stopped by. Please post a note to me or others if you're Willing. Wahhhhlllleeee! (Leave it to Beaver?)

Apparently, this may also be a place to be silly. Marie