Monday, November 28, 2011
BirdLodges.com goes bird watching
Birdwatching yesterday...in one hour and 20 minutes and in an area no larger than a football field, we saw coots, wigeons, snowy egret, bufflehead, hooded merganser, mallard, turkey vulture, Cooper's hawk, kestrel, seagull, acorn woodpecker, flicker, and a flock of robins!
Monday, October 24, 2011
"The Big Year" movie
Don't miss out on this movie! For anyone who loves the outdoors and especially birds it's a must see movie, and great for the whole family, too!
The Big Yearhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
The Big Yearhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Something is killing our bats...
White-nose syndrome: Something is killing our bats...
http://www.fws.gov/whitenosesyndrome/http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
http://www.fws.gov/whitenosesyndrome/http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
California Condors need protection from lead items
Did you know?...Coins tossed over the rim of the Grand Canyon and lead ammunition are dangerous to California Condors. Check out this link for more information.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
http://www.hitthetrail.com/condors.php
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
http://www.hitthetrail.com/condors.php
Thursday, May 19, 2011
First Robin of Spring
It's mockingbirds vs. crows here, and today we saw the first robin of spring. Finally!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Convertible Roosting Box / Birdhouse
Today a bird was checking out the Convertible Roosting Box so I knew it was time to get outside and convert it to a birdhouse. I removed the front panel and the three perches and installed the front panel with the entrance hole towards the top of the house.
Within minutes the bird was inside checking out the new home!
Within minutes the bird was inside checking out the new home!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Earth Day Savings!
In honor of Earth Day, save 10% on all products through midnight Friday, April 22, 2011. Just enter the promo code april22 when prompted at checkout (step 7).
BirdLodges.com
BirdLodges.com
Monday, April 18, 2011
Fun videos of wildlife!
Check out these fun videos of wildlife captured in their natural state, with the help of a camera from http://www.birdlodges.com/bird-house-camera.html
Video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWKq9CQ_bOs
Video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWKq9CQ_bOs
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
New products!
New products! Berkeley Rustic Birdhouses are our newest product! Not sold in stores, check them out on BirdLodges.com. For those of you who like to give gifts on Easter check out our Edible Birdhouses - very colorful and a treat for your neighborhood wild birds!
Update August 2013: the Berkeley Rustic Birdhouse artist retired, but we still have plenty of fun and rustic birdhouses for you to choose from. Check out our New York Barn Birdhouses!
Update August 2013: the Berkeley Rustic Birdhouse artist retired, but we still have plenty of fun and rustic birdhouses for you to choose from. Check out our New York Barn Birdhouses!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Screech Owl on David Letterman - March 28, 2011
Screech owl on David Letterman last night - adorable.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Birdlodges.com Nature Walk Sightings
Yesterday we checked out the local creek and saw several pairs of Mallards and Cinnamon Teals. Heard lots of commotion behind us and overheard some birdwatchers say a crow had taken an egg from a nest. Well, everyone needs to eat, I guess.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Peanuts cartoon strip
Yesterday's Peanuts cartoon strip showed Snoopy accompanying Woodstock to shop for birdhouses. Very cute.
I've had parakeets named Snoopy, Linus, and Lucy and maybe the next one will be Woodstock!
I've had parakeets named Snoopy, Linus, and Lucy and maybe the next one will be Woodstock!
Monday, March 7, 2011
BirdLodges Nature Walk Wild Bird Sightings
On Saturday we saw an American Pipit. Maybe. Should probably check with the resident expert - the park ranger.
Friday, February 25, 2011
BirdLodges.com and Berkeley Rustic Birdhouses
Introducing Berkeley Rustic Birdhouses directly from none other than Berkeley, California.
Made from recycled lumber, metal, and miscellaneous building materials, these birdhouses are truly one-of-a-kind.
Your house might look just a little bit different from the sample or maybe have a slightly different stain of wood, but that's what makes them unique.
Hand made in Berkeley and sold from the back of a truck, BirdLodges.com is honored to offer Berkeley Rustic Birdhouses on our website.
This house is named "Funky Berzerkeley Birdhouses" / "Berkeley Birkenstocks Basic Bungalow Birdhouse."
We chose to use it's much shorter name "Swiss Chalet." More birdhouse styles will be added soon.
And now, a message from Berkeley Rustic Birdhouses:
International Standard of Ornithology(ISO) 2009 Approved
We have met the approval of the International Standard of Ornithology of 2009. Make sure your birdhouses are ISO 2010. Check your birdhouses to make sure they have proper hole sizes, venting, drainage, and clean-outs. Failure to meet ISO 2009 will result in the City of Berkeley (liberals with fascists tendencies) citing you for birdhousing violations. (That's a joke...BL). How to check to make sure your birdhouses are ISO 2010:
BIRD HOUSING
Ten Features Of A Good Birdhouse
There are lots of cutesy birdhouses at your local stores and garden nurseries. They don't work for birds to nest in. In fact, don't use them since they will kill the bird's young since most use toxic paint, glue, and do not have venting and cleanouts. Birds prefer rustic and natural looking birdhouses to simulate nature and camouflage as they nest.
Below is a checklist of the ten most important features of a good working birdhouse. Before you put a house out for wild birds, be sure it has these ten features. If it is decorative and still has these features, then it is fine to put it out for the birds.
1. No Perch (door knobs are okay): Tree holes in the wild have no perches, so the birds that use nest boxes do not need them. They can be a disadvantage in that they may attract House Sparrows, an invasive species that often takes over nests from our native hole-nesting birds.
2. Entrance Hole Size: Most of our common hole-nesting birds can use an entrance hole 1 1/2 inches in diameter. This size also keeps out Starlings, another invasive species that takes over nest boxes from native species.
3. Floor Dimensions: The inside dimensions of the box are important and should be at least 4 inches by 4 inches so that there is room for the young to develop.
4. Box Height: The distance from the bottom of the entrance hole to the floor of the box should be at least 5 inches. This keeps the developing young well down in the box and away from predators that might approach the entrance hole.
5. Be Able to Open: You must be able to open the box, either on the side, front, or top. This helps in two ways: to monitor the progress and health of the young; and to clean out the box at the end of the season.
6. Ventilation: There must be holes or slits at the top of the box sides or along the top of the front of the box to let hot air out when the sun beats down on the box in summer.
7. Drainage Holes: The bottom of the box needs to have holes or cut off corners to allow any water to drain out of the box.
8. A Way to Attach the Box: Check to see if there is some way that you can attach the box to a pole, such as holes or a bracket.
9. Should Be Wood: Be sure that the materials the box is made of are 3/4 inch thick wood or a similar material that will insulate the birds from cold and heat.
10. Roof Overhang: The roof should overhang the entrance hole by 1 to 2 inches. This both shades the entrance hole and keeps the rain out.
Made from recycled lumber, metal, and miscellaneous building materials, these birdhouses are truly one-of-a-kind.
Your house might look just a little bit different from the sample or maybe have a slightly different stain of wood, but that's what makes them unique.
Hand made in Berkeley and sold from the back of a truck, BirdLodges.com is honored to offer Berkeley Rustic Birdhouses on our website.
This house is named "Funky Berzerkeley Birdhouses" / "Berkeley Birkenstocks Basic Bungalow Birdhouse."
We chose to use it's much shorter name "Swiss Chalet." More birdhouse styles will be added soon.
And now, a message from Berkeley Rustic Birdhouses:
International Standard of Ornithology(ISO) 2009 Approved
We have met the approval of the International Standard of Ornithology of 2009. Make sure your birdhouses are ISO 2010. Check your birdhouses to make sure they have proper hole sizes, venting, drainage, and clean-outs. Failure to meet ISO 2009 will result in the City of Berkeley (liberals with fascists tendencies) citing you for birdhousing violations. (That's a joke...BL). How to check to make sure your birdhouses are ISO 2010:
BIRD HOUSING
Ten Features Of A Good Birdhouse
There are lots of cutesy birdhouses at your local stores and garden nurseries. They don't work for birds to nest in. In fact, don't use them since they will kill the bird's young since most use toxic paint, glue, and do not have venting and cleanouts. Birds prefer rustic and natural looking birdhouses to simulate nature and camouflage as they nest.
Below is a checklist of the ten most important features of a good working birdhouse. Before you put a house out for wild birds, be sure it has these ten features. If it is decorative and still has these features, then it is fine to put it out for the birds.
1. No Perch (door knobs are okay): Tree holes in the wild have no perches, so the birds that use nest boxes do not need them. They can be a disadvantage in that they may attract House Sparrows, an invasive species that often takes over nests from our native hole-nesting birds.
2. Entrance Hole Size: Most of our common hole-nesting birds can use an entrance hole 1 1/2 inches in diameter. This size also keeps out Starlings, another invasive species that takes over nest boxes from native species.
3. Floor Dimensions: The inside dimensions of the box are important and should be at least 4 inches by 4 inches so that there is room for the young to develop.
4. Box Height: The distance from the bottom of the entrance hole to the floor of the box should be at least 5 inches. This keeps the developing young well down in the box and away from predators that might approach the entrance hole.
5. Be Able to Open: You must be able to open the box, either on the side, front, or top. This helps in two ways: to monitor the progress and health of the young; and to clean out the box at the end of the season.
6. Ventilation: There must be holes or slits at the top of the box sides or along the top of the front of the box to let hot air out when the sun beats down on the box in summer.
7. Drainage Holes: The bottom of the box needs to have holes or cut off corners to allow any water to drain out of the box.
8. A Way to Attach the Box: Check to see if there is some way that you can attach the box to a pole, such as holes or a bracket.
9. Should Be Wood: Be sure that the materials the box is made of are 3/4 inch thick wood or a similar material that will insulate the birds from cold and heat.
10. Roof Overhang: The roof should overhang the entrance hole by 1 to 2 inches. This both shades the entrance hole and keeps the rain out.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Screech Owl on Jeopardy
A few days ago the Screech Owl was an item on the television show "Jeopardy."
"After listening to its piercing cry, you'll know why this west Peruvian owl is so named."
"What is a Screech Owl?"
"After listening to its piercing cry, you'll know why this west Peruvian owl is so named."
"What is a Screech Owl?"
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
BirdLodges.com and February Activities
I once heard someone say there was nothing going on in February. They felt it was a short and boring month.
I could not believe that because February is not only National Bird Feeding month, there's Groundhog Day, Lincoln's birthday, Valentine's Day, Washington's birthday, a three-day weekend or two depending on your local school district, Leap Year day and also the Great Backyard Bird Count. I'd say February is one of the most active months of the year!
For more info about the Great Backyard Bird Count please visit the Audubon Society's page at http://birds.audubon.org/great-backyard-bird-count
I could not believe that because February is not only National Bird Feeding month, there's Groundhog Day, Lincoln's birthday, Valentine's Day, Washington's birthday, a three-day weekend or two depending on your local school district, Leap Year day and also the Great Backyard Bird Count. I'd say February is one of the most active months of the year!
For more info about the Great Backyard Bird Count please visit the Audubon Society's page at http://birds.audubon.org/great-backyard-bird-count
Saturday, February 19, 2011
BirdLodges Nature Walk Wildlife Sightings
Today - a robin, the first robin of spring. High in a tree checking out the scenery.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
BirdLodges.com Eastern White Pine Products
BirdLodges.com Eastern White Pine Products
Coveside manufactures a habitat for every species of cavity nesting bird in North America, plus a complete assortment of bat houses, feeders and other wildlife products. The dimensions and details of our habitats are correct in all details for each species, easy to clean, well insulated and provide for proper drainage. Each Coveside nesting box comes with a species specific educational brochure.
Coveside was founded in 1991. Our products represent 17 years of evolution, as well as the insights and experience of a wide range of wildlife experts. All of our wildlife habitats and the majority of our feeders are made of sustainably grown wood.
* Handcrafted in Maine
* Product Quality: Our customers tell us again and again that our products are "the best on the market" with the unique rougher-head finish and secure construction.
* Environmental Concern: The dimensions are correct for each species and care is given to ventilation and drainage for the well being of the inhabitants.
* Conservationists Prefer: Our products are manufactured from eastern white pine which is preferable because it is a second-growth tree which rejuvenates quickly.
* Educational Materials: Each product comes with a brochure and a point-of-purchase card telling about the wildlife inhabitant that will use it, recommending ideas for location and suggestions for maintenance procedures.
* Experts Select: Our habitats were selected to be on permanent display in the United States Arboretums Buchheister National Bird Garden in Washington, D.C and the Wildlife Garden at River Farm Gardens of the American Horticultural Society in Alexandria, Virginia.
Coveside manufactures a habitat for every species of cavity nesting bird in North America, plus a complete assortment of bat houses, feeders and other wildlife products. The dimensions and details of our habitats are correct in all details for each species, easy to clean, well insulated and provide for proper drainage. Each Coveside nesting box comes with a species specific educational brochure.
Coveside was founded in 1991. Our products represent 17 years of evolution, as well as the insights and experience of a wide range of wildlife experts. All of our wildlife habitats and the majority of our feeders are made of sustainably grown wood.
* Handcrafted in Maine
* Product Quality: Our customers tell us again and again that our products are "the best on the market" with the unique rougher-head finish and secure construction.
* Environmental Concern: The dimensions are correct for each species and care is given to ventilation and drainage for the well being of the inhabitants.
* Conservationists Prefer: Our products are manufactured from eastern white pine which is preferable because it is a second-growth tree which rejuvenates quickly.
* Educational Materials: Each product comes with a brochure and a point-of-purchase card telling about the wildlife inhabitant that will use it, recommending ideas for location and suggestions for maintenance procedures.
* Experts Select: Our habitats were selected to be on permanent display in the United States Arboretums Buchheister National Bird Garden in Washington, D.C and the Wildlife Garden at River Farm Gardens of the American Horticultural Society in Alexandria, Virginia.
Monday, February 14, 2011
BirdLodges Nature Walk Wildlife Sightings
Today - a wild rabbit. I would call it a jackrabbit but the ears were not terribly large. Only saw it for a few seconds.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
BirdLodges Nature Walk Wildlife Sightings
Today we hit the jackpot. Found a 100-year-old almond orchard with male bluebirds fighting over territory. There were a few bluebird boxes in the area and I saw one female checking it out.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
BirdLodges.com and Robbins Lumber
The lumber used to make the BirdLodges pine products are from Robbins Lumber of Searsmont, Maine. The following information was provided by Robbins to describe their product:
Robbins Lumber is a vertically integrated forest products firm producing Eastern white pine lumber and byproducts in its mill, while at the same time caring for and growing forest products on superbly managed woodlands. For over one hundred and twenty-one years, the Robbins family has been working in the Maine woods and producing quality white pine lumber products. The lessons of wood milling, business finance, distribution and forest management have been accumulated over six generations of the family. The one lesson taught to each generation has been that there's always a better way, some way to be more efficient...to deliver a better product...to be the first with an idea that will benefit our customers.
Robbins Lumber, Inc. is a leader in responsible forestry management practices. We continually replant where we harvest. We secure the soil from erosion, preserve wildlife habitats and ensure that a sixth generation of Robbins can depend on a healthy and productive forest of quality Eastern pine.
We are proud to have received the National Arbor Day Foundation Award for outstanding forestry practices. We're committed to the future in everything we do.
Robbins Lumber is a vertically integrated forest products firm producing Eastern white pine lumber and byproducts in its mill, while at the same time caring for and growing forest products on superbly managed woodlands. For over one hundred and twenty-one years, the Robbins family has been working in the Maine woods and producing quality white pine lumber products. The lessons of wood milling, business finance, distribution and forest management have been accumulated over six generations of the family. The one lesson taught to each generation has been that there's always a better way, some way to be more efficient...to deliver a better product...to be the first with an idea that will benefit our customers.
Robbins Lumber, Inc. is a leader in responsible forestry management practices. We continually replant where we harvest. We secure the soil from erosion, preserve wildlife habitats and ensure that a sixth generation of Robbins can depend on a healthy and productive forest of quality Eastern pine.
We are proud to have received the National Arbor Day Foundation Award for outstanding forestry practices. We're committed to the future in everything we do.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Is it spring yet?
Is it spring yet?
Spring is on the way, we promise! Humans, birds, and wildlife are all looking forward to warm, sunny weather.
BirdLodges.com would like to introduce a new feature on the website. Look for the "Click here to learn" section found on the left panel.
Learn all about which birds will use a house or platform to nest and lots of information about bird feeders and food, too.
Spring is on the way, we promise! Humans, birds, and wildlife are all looking forward to warm, sunny weather.
BirdLodges.com would like to introduce a new feature on the website. Look for the "Click here to learn" section found on the left panel.
Learn all about which birds will use a house or platform to nest and lots of information about bird feeders and food, too.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Facebook Fan for www.BirdLodges.com
Become a Facebook fan of BirdLodges.com and be in the loop for special coupon offers!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Bluebirds need love too! Bluebird houses and feeders at BirdLodges.com
BirdLodges.com has ten different Bluebird Houses, built for many different reasons and styles. Some bluebirds prefer an Open-top Bluebird House and others are thankful for a Sparrow-resistant Bluebird Birdhouse.
Our Bluebird Feeders feature space for fruits and red cups for worms, a bluebird's favorite.
The bluebird population has declined in the last century and our products are specifically designed with the features bluebirds need.
To aid in the recovery of bluebirds you may want to consider putting up a bluebird trail. Our Economy Bluebird Box is built and priced just right for this. For a bluebird trail, the birdhouses should be placed at least 100 yards apart.
The bluebirds say "Thank you!"
Our Bluebird Feeders feature space for fruits and red cups for worms, a bluebird's favorite.
The bluebird population has declined in the last century and our products are specifically designed with the features bluebirds need.
To aid in the recovery of bluebirds you may want to consider putting up a bluebird trail. Our Economy Bluebird Box is built and priced just right for this. For a bluebird trail, the birdhouses should be placed at least 100 yards apart.
The bluebirds say "Thank you!"
Monday, January 10, 2011
Bird Roosting Boxes
Did you know that Bird Roosting Boxes are specially designed to hold the bird's body heat? They are built large enough to house several birds and while the common phrase is "the more, the merrier" we like to think of "the more, the warmer!"
Roost boxes are built with the entrance hole at the bottom of the front panel so the bird's body heat rises and remains in the box.
Our Convertible Winter Roost Box converts to a regular birdhouse for springtime use.
We also have a roomy Horizontal Winter Roost, built with 3/4 inch pine for excellent insulation.
Our Winter Shelter is an open platform which provides shelter in cold weather and also a nesting area for those birds who prefer a platform (robins, phoebes, song sparrows, barn swallows).
Now is the perfect time to treat your local birds to a warm place to roost during these cold winter months!
Roost boxes are built with the entrance hole at the bottom of the front panel so the bird's body heat rises and remains in the box.
Our Convertible Winter Roost Box converts to a regular birdhouse for springtime use.
We also have a roomy Horizontal Winter Roost, built with 3/4 inch pine for excellent insulation.
Our Winter Shelter is an open platform which provides shelter in cold weather and also a nesting area for those birds who prefer a platform (robins, phoebes, song sparrows, barn swallows).
Now is the perfect time to treat your local birds to a warm place to roost during these cold winter months!
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