June Newsletter

If you’ve been around bird feeding for any length of time, you’ve likely heard the old expression, “I don’t feed the birds in summer because they don’t need it!”

Well, even if they don’t “need it,” they sure do seem to love it!

Summer is actually the most heavily bird populated season in most of North America, and contrary to the old expression, recent research shows summer to be the most abundant season for birds to visit feeders. Feeding birds in the summer actually provides numerous perks for them…and for you, too.

If they could read the research, birds would agree that having access to a reliable source of supplemental foods, rich in protein, fats and calcium has been documented to facilitate higher nesting success rates. And yes, many birds nest well into late-summer…think bluebirds, goldfinches, cardinals, robins and others.

Summer bird feeding brings a wealth of new birds to your yard, with interesting behaviors for you to observe and enjoy. This large cast of avian characters at your summer feeders will be dressed in their finest breeding plumage, ready to provide you with hours of bird feeding fun.

So, let’s put the old expression to bed!

 

Downy Woodpecker

Father-of-the-Year Award goes to the Downy Woodpecker. He provides for the family by sharing daytime nest duties with Mom; but, he is the one that incubates the eggs at night. Once the babies hatch, he roosts at night in the nest-cavity with the young until they fledge. And then, he teaches the young where to find food. Now that is a dedicated provider!

 

Avoid Using Pesticides

More than 1 billion pounds of pesticides are applied in the United States each year. Pesticides can harm birds directly through contact, or if they eat contaminated seeds or prey. Pesticides can also harm birds indirectly by reducing the number of insects that birds need to survive.

Upcoming Events

Nature Walks

Glacier Ridge Metro Park

• Saturday, June 13
• 10:00am - 11:30am
• Glacier Ridge Metro Park is home to some of the most diverse habitats, all right in our backyard. We will be birding Glacier Ridge Honda Wetlands for herons, shorebirds, bluebirds, and many other exciting species that can pop up in the wetlands. If there are drought conditions, we may move walk to Glacier Ridge North, so be sure to RSVP for exact details closer to the event.
• RSVP Here 

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