The Backyard Birdman

White-Breasted Nuthatch at bird feeder by Kenn

Even though natural foods such as fruits and insects are abundant in the fall, this is also a season of great food demand.  Bird populations are at high levels due to their new crop of fledglings.  A protein rich diet of insects is important as most birds replace all of their feathers before migrating.  These migratory birds must also put on ample fat to power their long migrations.  Sunflower seed and Nyjer seed are both oil-rich seeds that will help birds increase their body fat.  Also by feeding birds in early fall you may have a better chance of seeing fall migrants. (more…)

Photo of Downy Woodpecker at feeder by Old Pirate from NC

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approximately 54 million residents of the United States feed wild birds at backyard feeders. This is important due to the fact that our environment has changed drastically over the last fifty years. Not only do our wild birds have to deal with loss of habitat, they must also compete with birds like starlings and house sparrows that are not native to North America. (more…)