Bird Help

General Bird Questions

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 10:48:00 GMT

Do you have a question that BirdHelp.com can help with? Ask it here! Click 'Comments' below to submit your question and we will post it and the answer promptly!

I saw a bright red bird with black wings- what kind of bird could it be?

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:18:00 GMT

You most likely saw a beautiful male Scarlet Tanager. These medium-sized American birds tend to build their homes across eastern North America from May to October, when they migrate south. Tanagers have a unique song, with some similarities to cardinals and robins.

If you want to see another Scarlet Tanager, making a second-story bird feeder will work best since they prefer heights. Fill feeders with their favorite foods, such as chopped coconuts and fruits. While adult Tanagers may visit your feeder alone at first, to eat and gather food for their young in a nest nearby, the baby tanagers usually start to accompany the adults when they get a little older.

How can I attract orioles to my yard?

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:14:00 GMT

Attracting orioles requires some trial and error, as they are not the most predictable species. While orioles prefer table feeders, hummingbird and oriole feeders with perches can also do the trick. Luckily, orioles are not picky eaters, and your kitchen cabinets probably contain some of their favorite foods without you even knowing it. Orioles have a sweet tooth; peanut butter mixes, doughnuts, pie crust, white bread soaked in milk and strawberry jelly are some of their favorites. Halved apples and oranges, as well as grapes and bananas, tempt these birds’ healthier appetites. Although orioles may seem difficult to attract, once these beautiful black and orange birds fly over to your yard, you will instantly know it was well worth the effort!

What’s the best type of food for clinging birds, like nuthatches and woodpeckers?

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:19:00 GMT

Clinging birds are most comfortable eating foods in hanging and tray feeders. Woodpeckers and nuthatches enjoy a variety of foods, from peanuts and cracked corn to cheeses, raisins and a variety of fruits including oranges and apples. Seeds are also a favorite for clinging birds, including sunflower, pumpkin and melon seeds. If you’re feeling extra generous, these birds won’t say no to a hamburger or doughnut.

As with all bird food, make sure yours is fresh and located near natural covers, such as trees and shrubs. While having patience is important when attracting birds, tying a small piece of tin foil on your feeder, so it glints in the sun, can help birds spot it faster.

When birds come to my feeder they only stay a moment before flying away- how can I get them to stay longer?

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:22:00 GMT

While it is in some birds’ nature to grab one or two seeds and fly away to store it for later, the location of your bird feeder may be the issue. If a bird doesn’t feel safe when eating, it won’t stay long. Make sure to place your feeders far from any potential dangers, such as cats or raccoons. Even the most delicious gourmet food won’t attract birds to your feeder if there are predators lurking nearby; birds don’t want to become the delicious gourmet food themselves.

Birds also like having natural cover such as trees and other foliage, which provide protection from predators and harsh weather, and a place to wait their turn for food. Also, when finding a good place for your feeders don’t forget about yourself. Make sure you have a good view to see the visiting birds, and easy access for changing the bird food.

How do I keep squirrels from eating all of my bird seed?

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:21:00 GMT

Keeping squirrels away from bird seed is an obstacle anyone with a bird feeder faces. Because squirrels will find your feeders no matter what you do, it’s best to work with them, and not against them. Try placing foods squirrels eat, such as corn or peanuts, away from your feeders. Also, make sure to invest in quality feeders, since squirrels will easily destroy flimsy plastic ones. Bird feeders with metal bindings work best at keeping the squirrels away and ensuring birds make return visits to your home.

I finally found the perfect foods for attracting a variety of birds- but should I provide water too?

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:24:00 GMT

Yes. Birds need water and are as equally attracted to it as they are to food. Water for drinking and bathing is essential, so placing a birdbath near your feeder is a great idea. This will also make it easy for you to view birds visiting both areas, and convenient for changing food and water at the same time.

Most birds prefer shallow birdbaths for drinking and bathing, so make sure to keep the water fresh and clean. Birds are extremely attracted to running water, so adding a fountain or water drip to your birdbath works wonders. If you live in colder temperatures, adding a water heater is suggested to keep water from freezing.

I’ve been reading about identifying birds and keep noticing male birds are brighter and more colorful than female birds. Why is this?

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:34:00 GMT

Male birds do tend to be brighter and more colorful than females, and even change colors during different seasons. This difference between genders isn’t random though, as it provides several practical functions for birds. Most ornithologists (scientists who study birds) agree the difference in color is related to evolution. Female birds show greater attraction to more colorful and brighter males. This means the most colorful and bright males have the most success in producing offspring. Being brighter also makes it easier for female birds to spot male birds.

Every year I enjoy seeing hummingbirds in my yard, but I didn’t see them this past summer. Why aren’t they coming back and what can I do to attract them again?

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:24:00 GMT

If you relocated your hummingbird feeder, you may want to return it to its original location. Hummingbirds like coming back to the same spot year after year, and may have a hard time finding your new feeder. Feeders best attract these birds when placed near red or orange tubular flowers, since hummingbirds can find insects and nectar in them. Also, make sure your feeder is in the shade, since the sun can make sugar and water nectar mixes go bad. With these quick fixes, the hummingbirds should return in no time.