BirdLodges.com

Attention birdhouse builders!

2012-02-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

Quoted from "Cadillac Desert" by Marc Reisner...the subject is the expansion of development in the west: "One of the unforeseen results of the homestead legislature was a high rate of employment among builders of birdhouses. In most instances, you were required to display an "erected domicile" on your land."

Milo Seed Edible Garland

2012-02-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

And a milo seed edible garland!!

New edible birdhouse: Tractor!

2012-02-10T09:24:00.001-08:00

Here's the latest edible birdhouse in the BirdLodges.com collection: a tractor!

2012-01-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a very cool way to use birdhouses as decoration. Our customer made dining room table and sideboard centerpieces out of the Hansel and Gretel edible birdhouses before shipping them as holiday gifts.

BirdLodges.com goes bird watching

2011-11-28T06:11:00.000-08:00

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!

"The Big Year" movie

2011-10-24T16:45:00.001-07:00

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

Something is killing our bats...

2011-06-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

White-nose syndrome: Something is killing our bats...

http://www.fws.gov/whitenosesyndrome/http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

California Condors need protection from lead items

2011-06-05T17:59:00.001-07:00

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

First Robin of Spring

2011-05-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

It's mockingbirds vs. crows here, and today we saw the first robin of spring. Finally!

Convertible Roosting Box / Birdhouse

2011-05-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

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!

John James Audubon's birthday

2011-04-26T12:12:00.001-07:00

Check out today's Google logo, in honor of John James Audubon's birthday!

Earth Day Savings!

2011-04-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

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

Fun videos of wildlife!

2011-04-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

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

New products!

2011-04-06T17:57:00.001-07:00

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!

Screech Owl on David Letterman - March 28, 2011

2011-03-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Screech owl on David Letterman last night - adorable.

Birdlodges.com Nature Walk Sightings

2011-03-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

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.

Peanuts cartoon strip

2011-03-09T00:33:00.000-08:00

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!

BirdLodges Nature Walk Wild Bird Sightings

2011-03-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we saw an American Pipit. Maybe. Should probably check with the resident expert - the park ranger.

BirdLodges.com and Berkeley Rustic Birdhouses

2011-02-25T22:51:00.000-08:00

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.

Screech Owl on Jeopardy

2011-02-22T05:42:00.000-08:00

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?"

BirdLodges Nature Walk Wildlife Sightings

2011-02-21T17:42:00.000-08:00

Today, a great blue heron!

BirdLodges.com and February Activities

2011-02-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

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

BirdLodges Nature Walk Wildlife Sightings

2011-02-19T19:15:00.000-08:00

Today - a robin, the first robin of spring. High in a tree checking out the scenery.

BirdLodges.com Eastern White Pine Products

2011-02-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

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.

BirdLodges Nature Walk Wildlife Sightings

2011-02-14T09:54:00.000-08:00

Today - a wild rabbit. I would call it a jackrabbit but the ears were not terribly large. Only saw it for a few seconds.

BirdLodges Nature Walk Wildlife Sightings

2011-02-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

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.

BirdLodges.com and Robbins Lumber

2011-02-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

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.

National Bird Feeding Month

2011-02-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

February is National Bird Feeding Month!

Is it spring yet?

2011-02-01T16:14:00.001-08:00

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.

Woodpecker

2011-01-27T16:37:00.000-08:00

Heard a woodpecker today but couldn't find it.

Facebook Fan for www.BirdLodges.com

2011-01-20T11:52:00.000-08:00

Become a Facebook fan of BirdLodges.com and be in the loop for special coupon offers!

Bluebirds need love too! Bluebird houses and feeders at BirdLodges.com

2011-01-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

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!"

Bird Roosting Boxes

2011-01-10T10:51:00.001-08:00

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!

Terrible Hairy Fly

2010-12-13T08:10:00.001-08:00

Looking for an interesting nature story? Search for "Terrible Hairy Fly." It's found in only one place on earth.

Bird Roosting Boxes

2010-12-09T18:15:00.000-08:00

Great prices on winter roost boxes and birdhouse shelters.

www.BirdLodges.com

See-through Bird Feeders

2010-12-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

Watch feeding birds through our in-window bird feeder.

www.BirdLodges.com

In-window Bird Feeders

2010-12-09T18:09:00.001-08:00

Watch wild birds eat with our quality in-window bird feeders.

www.BirdLodges.com

Bluebirds: Making a Comeback

2010-11-17T19:49:00.000-08:00

The bluebird has long been a favorite bird in North America. It is loved for its beautiful coloring, as well as its gentle disposition and its pleasing voice. The bluebird is the symbol of love and happiness in many of our songs.

A common bird at one time, the bluebird was once numerous even in urban residential areas. It has sadly seen much decline in numbers, with the eastern bluebird population declining up to 90% since the early 1900s. A number of factors, including insecticides, habitat destruction, predators and competition from non-native species have contributed to this decline.

Bluebirds are primarily insectivores and eat many insects considered to be pests by humans: cutworms, grasshoppers and flying insects. They supplement this diet in fall and winter with wild berries and may starve if snow covers the ground and berries are unavailable. They may be attracted to a winter feeder with peanut butter mix, chopped dry fruit and peanut kernels.

Bluebirds inhabit fields and open woodlands. Their hunting strategy is to wait on a low perch and then attack, so an area with suitable perches is preferred. Bluebirds are strict cavity nesters. In the absence of natural nesting cavities (standing dead trees or rotting fence posts), man made nesting boxes are required. Those who love the bluebird have begun a massive effort to save it by erecting thousands of nesting boxes that are specifically designed for bluebirds and are predator and competitor proof.

There are three species of bluebird: eastern, western and mountain. They are all members of the thrush family. The eastern bluebird breeds in every state east of the Rocky Mountains. It is bright blue with a rusty red breast. The western bluebird breeds in western states from Canada to Mexico and east to Colorado. It has a blue throat and the red color extends to its upper back. The mountain bluebird breeds in the Northwest east to the Dakotas and north into Alaska. It is entirely blue with a white underbelly.

The spring courtship rites of the bluebird are among the most enjoyable to witness. The male selects a nesting cavity and devotes all of his energy to luring a female to it with his song. He sings and sings, as the female sits passively by, enjoying his effort. When she inspects the nesting place, he interprets her interest as acceptance and his song becomes even more passionate. The final selection of the nesting place however, is hers. If she finds his choice unacceptable, he must search for something better.

The female builds a nest of dry grass or pine needles and other plant material. The nest is typically about three or four inches deep. Here the eastern bluebird lays an average of three to five clear blue eggs (though occasionally they may be white). The western and mountain species are apt to lay one or two more than the eastern. The eggs hatch in two weeks and the young are ready to leave the nest in 15 to 20 days, ready to fly and soon able to feed themselves.

If given a clean nest box after each brood has fledged, by fall a pair may well have raised two or three broods. They will then migrate south when the food supply runs out or it gets too cold.

The bluebird's chief competitors are the English house sparrow (introduced to the US in 1851) and the European starling (introduced to the US in 1890). House sparrows nest early and often take the best bluebird nesting sites first. Sparrows will break the bluebird's eggs in a nest or even peck baby or adult bluebirds to death. Sparrows may take over a bluebird nest in winter when the bluebirds have migrated south. Starlings nest later in the season, but are quite aggressive and, being larger than bluebirds, can easily take over any bluebird nest cavity they wish to. Starlings may drive bluebirds out of an entire area and occupy every available nesting cavity, unless people intervene. Nests of sparrows, starlings and other competing species must be cleaned out of your bluebird house on a regular basis.

Tree swallows often find bluebird houses to their liking as well. This problem can be lessened by hanging two houses close to each other or even back to back on a post. Two bluebirds will not nest close to each other, so this gives the swallows one house and the bluebirds the other. Swallows will even help protect the bluebirds from other competing birds.

What can we do to assist the return of this lovely bird? We can provide suitable habitat, food, water, nesting cavities and winter shelter. Plants that carry berries through the winter (holly, privet, honeysuckle, bayberry, sumac, bittersweet, hackberry, dogwood and others) will provide food for bluebirds and many other species. Winter roosting boxes provide important shelter for many birds in winter. Bluebirds may stay all year in areas where they can find sufficient food and a roosting box will help them maintain warmth on the coldest nights. Specifically designed nesting boxes, with features that favor the bluebird and discourage both predators and competitors, are required in order to give the bluebird a safe place to rear its young.

What is a "Bluebird Trail?" A bluebird trail can be created by hanging many bluebird houses in an area, about 100 yards apart, to give the bluebirds an abundance of housing. They are often placed on fence posts, giving the appearance of a "trail."

For best success with your bluebird nesting box, place it in an open area with scattered trees, particularly with low branches for bluebirds to perch on and watch for insects. Pastures, parks, large lawns and golf courses are good locations for bluebirds. Heavy ground cover will interfere with their ability to find insects. Place nesting boxes where insecticides are not used.

The best height for a bluebird nest box is three to five feet above the ground. Lower makes predation easier. Higher tends to attract more sparrows. The nest box should face a tree or shrub within about 50 feet, so that young may find a perch safe from predators when they leave the nest. It should also face away from prevailing winds to prevent rain from driving through the entrance hole. An east facing is generally best.

Fence posts make convenient locations, so do utility poles and even mail boxes (facing away from the road). A predator guard on the post will help discourage predators.

The construction of your Coveside bluebird house is based on years of research into the habits and preferences of bluebirds as well as the hazards that threaten their existence. Coveside makes ten different models of bluebird house: Eastern Bluebird House, Western/Mountain Bluebird House, Sparrow-resistant Bluebird House, Observation Bluebird House, Horizontal Bluebird House, Slant-front Bluebird House, Open-top Bluebird House, Open 2-side Bluebird House, Economy Trail Box and Eastern Bluebird House Kit.

Coveside's nesting boxes are constructed of one-inch thick sustainably grown eastern white pine in order to provide adequate insulation from heat. Most young birds that die in the nest do so because of heat and inadequate insulation from it. Our lumber is custom milled with a "rougher head" finish, which allows fledglings a foothold when they are ready to climb out of the nest.

Ventilation is provided for at the top of each side panel. The slanted roof overhangs the entrance hole to provide appropriate drainage. The floor has drainage at all four corners and is recessed to keep it dry.

Coveside's nesting boxes are neither painted or stained. Over time they will weather, darken, turn gray and eventually blend right in with their environment. Birds prefer an inconspicuous nest box. The most important thing you can do to preserve the long life of this nesting box is to clean it out after each nesting cycle. The side panel tilts out from the bottom for easy cleaning after the young have left the nest. A latch at the bottom secures the panel in place.

Should you wish to paint or stain, it is critical to use water-based stain or paint only. Oil-based paints and stains are toxic to birds. A light seasonal external coating of boiled linseed oil is a highly effective non-toxic preservative.

Mounting instructions: Put a screw or nail into a tree or post at a height of three to five feet, leaving about 1/4" sticking out. Place the metal hanger at the top/rear of the nest box over the screw or nail. (A few of our models do not include hanger brackets and are mounted directly through the rear wall of the nest box.) Place a second nail or screw at the bottom of the back panel of the nest box to hold it securely.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and learning more about our beautiful bluebirds.

Major League Baseball and Bird Names

2010-11-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

Blue Jays, Cardinals, Orioles...that's all fine and dandy but the biggest and the best team and name today is the San Francisco Giants!!!!!!!!!!!

Sparrows

2010-11-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

LBJ - "little brown jobs"...clever name for sparrows of many shades.

Be Nice to Bats on Halloween

2010-10-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

A highly valuable but misconstrued mammal, bats are essential for a healthy environment. Most species of North American bats are insectivores, eating from 3,000 – 7,000 insects nightly.

BirdLodges.com sells bat houses!

How to convert a roosting box to a birdhouse, and back!

2010-10-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

Converting to a Birdhouse – The Convertible Winter Roosting Box - Coveside 10097

The winter roost converts to a birdhouse by inverting the front panel. First, open the front from the bottom and slide the perches out through the sides of the box. Then remove a screw on each side of the house. The front can then be inverted with the bottom aligned with the base of the house. The screws can be reinserted into the original holes on the sides. After conversion there should be a slot at the top of the front to allow for ventilation during the nesting season.

Linus and Lucy the parakeets

2010-10-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

Linus and Lucy the parakeets went nuts over chirping birds in the background of one of the HGTV real estate shows.

Tarantula Mating Season

2010-10-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

Love is in the air in the world of tarantulas. You may notice more tarantulas on the trails and roads, especially at elevations of 1000-2500 feet during the late afternoon and early evening. The months of September and October are prime time for the tarantula mating season. Don't be afraid - they really are very docile creatures! But they are on a mission so it's best to just let them be.

October is Squirrel Awareness Month

2010-10-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

Sharing a blog regarding Squirrel Awareness Month!

http://squirrelawareness.blogspot.com/2007/10/squirrel-awareness-month.html

Butterflies need Milkweed

2010-09-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Butterflies need Milkweed

Narrowleaf milkweed is a beautiful spreading perennial that reaches a height of 3 feet. It has buds that look like little pink pearls that open to pale pinkish-white flowers. The flowers are umbel-shaped, meaning they are a flat-topped or rounded flower cluster in which the individual flower stalks arise from the same point. Umbel-shaped flowers are perfect landing pads for pollinators.

The “milk” of the milkweed has alkaloids and latex as well as other chemicals that can be toxic. Monarch butterflies, however, can safely eat this chemical, which then protects them from being eaten by birds. The chemical they ingest makes them taste horrible.

Milkweed can be considered weedy because it likes to travel within the garden, but it is quite easy to pull out any plants that have invaded.

Milkweed grows in dry, open fields below 7000 feet from Southeast Washington through Oregon and California, all the way down to Baja California. It is an easy plant to grow; it likes clay soil, can tolerate little water and it dies back each winter.

If more homeowners grew milkweed in suburban and urban gardens, maybe a new pathway could be created for migrating Monarch butterflies.

Patrice Hanlon
ANG Newspapers

http://www.birdlodges.com/butterfly-vivarium.html
http://www.birdlodges.com/butterfly-blue.html
http://www.birdlodges.com/butterfly-orange.html

Bat Disease Treatment

2010-09-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

From ANG newspapers, September 20, 2010:

Bat disease hope

New treatments are being proposed to help combat a fatal bat disease that has decimated the flying mammals’ population in the eastern United States. The so-called white-nose syndrome is a fungal infection that emerged in 2006. Scientists don’t know exactly how it has wiped out 97 percent of the bat population in some areas, but researchers think they can fight it. Addressing a meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, Jeremy Coleman, head of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s response to the problem, says that the use of antifungal drugs might be successful in treating infected bats, and antiseptics could be used to decontaminate bat caves. But Coleman warns that further study is necessary to make sure the treatments don’t harm other wildlife or cause their own set of problems.

Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology

2010-09-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

Many of the bird feeders on www.BirdLodges.com were developed with the help of experts from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and are constructed of durable, weather-resistant materials. The seed feeders hold a large quantity of seed and allow you to enjoy a wide variety of songbirds. The hummingbird feeders are colorful and just what the hummers are looking for.

September shipping special! Free shipping for any total sales of $100 or more!

2010-09-07T12:52:00.001-07:00

Unique Birdhouses | Quality Bird Feeders | Build Your Own Birdhouse Kits http://ping.fm/t2duv

What Birds Eat

2010-08-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

Backyard birds come in all shapes and sizes. They eat nuts, seeds, berries, fruit, and insects. They welcome wintertime sprinklings of seeds in the snow. You may think that birds are light eaters, but it is quite the opposite. They are actually big eaters. Birds need plenty of food to produce the energy their bodies require to maintain a fast metabolism. This fast metabolic rate allows them to fly. They spend much of their time looking for, and eating, food. Seeds can be purchased at your local supermarket. Coming soon: bird seed available for purchase on BirdLodges.com. The ready-made mixes usually contain a lot of wheat, buckwheat, milo and other filler seeds and grains. Sunflower seeds are very easy to find. They come in two varieties: striped and smaller black oil seeds. Even though some of the smaller birds have trouble cracking the sunflower seed's shell, most birds love it! Plus it provides the birds with more fat and therefore more energy. If you make you own mix, check your feeder for leftovers and adjust the proportions to the birds' preferences.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are 54 million people across North America participating in bird-feeding and wildlife watching in their own backyards, Backyard bird feeding is a convenient way to enjoy wildlife and feel good.

Resource: PetZone Pet Products

All About Finch Thistle Feed

2010-08-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

Thistles are a finch's favorite plant. They feed their young on the immature fruit and the "floss" they produce. This floss comes from the flowers that have gone to seed and left their fluffy seed heads behind. Finches often select thistles' floss for structural and lining materials for their nests. Many times the thistles will mature before the finches nest, thus providing them with fresh new floss. Some thistle heads never open completely, which traps last year's floss, making the product readily available for an energetic finch. An imported thistle "niger" seed, from Africa and Asia, is high in protein and fat. It has an added bonus value of not attracting squirrels or blackbirds.

BirdLodges.com Pop-Up Finch Thistle Feeder

Unique Birdhouses | Quality Bird Feeders | Build Your Own Birdhouse Kits

2010-08-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

Unique Birdhouses | Quality Bird Feeders | Build Your Own Birdhouse Kits

Excellent Information - Check it out!

2010-08-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

Learn the Secrets to Living a Recession-Proof Life

Every day I hear of more layoffs or businesses going under. It makes me sad to know that thousands of families all across the country are having their lives turned upside down. Out of work and with very little training what are these people supposed to do?

Whether your nearing retirement or just starting out in the working place, this recession is affecting most everyone. The reason I say most everyone is that for a select few, we are living a Recession-Proof life.

What do I mean by that? Well, did you know that in spite of these market conditions, online businesses and e-tailers have actually increased their sales? We're not talking about just surviving the current economy but, actually thriving in it! How are these businesses prospering at such terrific levels of success you ask?

They have Recession-proofed their life!

Why is the Internet so promising, well for one thing, in a "recession" where the rest of the world's markets are in a decline, sales on the Internet are projected to grow over 130 billion over the next four years.

Why the Internet is the Key to living a Recession-Proof Life

Once again in order to understand this you have to remember some key facts:

- There's no such thing as employer loyalty anymore - they look at employees as a necessary evil, not as a long-term asset
- You're on your own to provide security and wealth for your family
- Look to others for help, but don't rely on anyone but yourself
- Develop one or more additional sources of income besides your current job
- Ideally, look for ways to multiply your efforts (don't just trade time for money)
- Find a market that will continue growing no matter what the economy is

http://recessionprooflife.com/?lessons=132

Backyard Bird Feeding

2010-08-13T12:44:00.001-07:00

"According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are 54 million people across North America participating in bird-feeding and wildlife watching in their own backyards. Backyard bird feeding is a convenient way to enjoy wildlife and feel good."

Hearing the Outdoor Birds

2010-08-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

The parakeets are sure enjoying the new screen door. There's a whole world of different birds on that side of the building.

Parakeets in the Yard

2010-08-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

Some days the parakeets are stiff as a statue when I put them in the backyard (in their cage, of course). Today they were very aware of the wild birds around them. While the wild birds were not very close, they were close enough for the parakeets to look around at them, and chirp a couple of times.

Volunteering...

2010-08-08T16:47:00.001-07:00

Volunteered at the local military "Stand Down" today. Very enlightening and educational.

Robin

2010-08-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

Sitting in a park downtown on a summer day and who comes along? A robin, hopping along looking for worms. This is in a park next to a busy street! Great to see...

In Search of Owls

2010-08-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

In Search of Owls

On Sunday evening, August 1, 2010, the Livermore Area Parks and Recreation Department sponsored an “In Search of Owls” event in Veterans Park. Ranger Patti Cole began the presentation with a detailed explanation of the unique features of owls.

The belief that owls can turn their heads 360 degrees is almost true. Having twice the number of cervical vertebrae as humans allows them to turn 270 degrees.

Owls have eyes that are proportionally larger than other birds when compared to body size. Being nocturnal, this assists with night vision.

Hearing is enhanced by having offset ears on either side of the head. An owl can tilt its head just slightly to hear within a larger range. The shape of the owl’s face also assists in hearing; the rounded shape funnels sounds to the ears.

The talons on an owl lock in place after grasping prey, allowing for a more secure hold on the next meal while flying to a safe place.

One of the most fascinating features of owls is their ability to fly silently. The top feather of an owl’s wings is covered with a very fine row of feathers which muffles any swishing sound made while flying.

After the presentation we ventured out to attract owls using modern technology – an amplified ipod with recorded screech owl and barn owls calls. We watched and waited for over an hour until we spotted a barn owl off in the distance, possibly close enough to have heard our recorded call. This barn owl was to represent all of the local owl population as it was the only one seen.

"How to Attract Birds and Butterflies"

2010-07-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

Today I attended the "How to Attract Birds and Butterflies" presentation at the local nursery. Come to find out it was for their "Kid's Club"! I had no kids with me and it's been a long time since I passed for a kid, so I just sat down and enjoyed the nursery scenery and bought some local honey.

Bird Stories: USA and the Bald Eagle

2010-07-24T16:02:00.000-07:00

USA and the Bald Eagle

Fun facts about the USA and the bald eagle:

1. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson served on the committee that picked the bald eagle for the national seal. Franklin preferred the turkey.

2. Bald eagles have few natural enemies and live only in North America.

3. Bald eagles get their white head and tail feathers at about 4 - 5 years of age.

4. Bald eagles are not and never were bald. The term comes from when "bald" meant "white-headed."

5. Their maximum speed is 40 miles per hour and over 100 miles per hour while in a dive.

6. They can lift roughly half their body weight.

7. The bald eagle is no longer considered endangered and is now considered threatened.

8. The only other kind of eagle in North America is the golden eagle.

9. Bald eagles mate for life, but if one dies, the survivor will accept a new mate.

10. In the USA it is a felony to shoot an eagle.

Gray Jay Bird in Rocky Mountain National Park

2010-07-22T22:57:00.000-07:00

We were visited by a very friendly white and gray bird in the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Referencing the bird book it appears to be a gray jay. I think it wanted some human food and of course we did not oblige!

BirdLodges videos on YouTube!!

2010-07-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

Check out the new BirdLodges videos on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/BirdLodges

Parakeet birds at the County Fair

2010-07-06T00:29:00.000-07:00

Today I was watching the parakeet birds at the small animals exhibit at the Alameda County Fair. I was enjoying watching one bird obsess over the colored rings with a bell at the end. Last time I visited this display two birds were fighting over a ladder. Only one bird was playing with the ladder today. There must have been over 100 birds in the cage. A little girl wearing a straw hat and sunglasses walked up to the cage wall and all of the birds immediately stopped moving and went silent. It was as if they were playing freeze tag. They stayed this way for a couple of minutes and did not resume their activity until she walked away. Fascinating!

Bird and Butterfly Festival at Coyote Hills Regional Park

2010-07-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

Bird and Butterfly Festival at Coyote Hills Regional Park

On Sunday, June 13, the Coyote Hills Regional Park hosted their annual "Bird and Butterfly Festival." A regional park located near the San Francisco Bay, the park is punctuated by a prominent hill along with marshlands and rolling grassland hills. The warm and sunny spring day added to the enjoyment of the park and exhibits.

A slide show of local wildlife, a butterfly collection including live caterpillars, worm composting demonstrations, and mellow musical entertainment were some of the featured events. The Nectar Garden showed examples of plants and flowers to grow to attract birds and butterflies. This garden is open whenever the park is open and is a great resource for researching future plantings.

One of the vendors present explained the difficulties monarch butterflies are having in our area with a lack of milkweed plants at their disposal. Douglas-Michel Butterfly Plants offered plants for sale and explained how to best care for milkweed in well-draining soil.

Coyote Hills Regional Park, located on the outskirts of Fremont/Newark, CA, is a beautiful location and worth a visit. Bring your binoculars as there are an abundance of birds, butterflies, and wildlife nearby.

Birds at the Alameda County Fair

2010-06-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

Alameda County Fair small animals exhibit includes the following: ducks, peacocks, parakeets, doves, chickens, geese, parrolets, love birds, quail, finches, and swans. Wild owls live in the palm trees on the grounds.

My favorite was the parakeet exhibit with two green parakeets fighting over positioning on a ladder!

Birds at Alameda County Fair

2010-06-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

Looking for the bird display at the Alameda County Fair...I will check it out and post information here. They usually have parakeets, finches, canaries, chickens, and maybe some parrots.

One of the themes is "Pick Up Chicks" http://www.alamedacountyfair.com/2010fair/home/index.php

Bird Watching on Sunday June 20 - Veterans Park in Livermore

2010-06-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hosted by the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District ranger Patti Cole, we spent the evening viewing birds and a few mammals, too.

When the wild turkeys' calls changed abruptly we looked around for what might be causing the disturbance. Walking slowly near a barbeque pit was a beautiful bobcat. The cat crossed the open patio area, stopped to look at us all staring at him through binoculars, and slowly walked away. He was approximately 30 yards from the group.

When we returned to this same area from our walk, three turkeys were quietly roosting in the trees protecting their young under their wings.

Looking for summer birds in the evening, we found:

Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Wild Turkeys
American Kestrel
Anna's Hummingbird
Black Phoebe
American Crow
Scrub Jay
Brown Creeper
Bewick's Wren
House Wren
Dark-eyed Junco
Spotted Towhee

Along with the excitement of seeing the bobcat and the roosting turkeys, viewing a huge Great Blue Heron nest, complete with chicks was a highlight of the evening.

Future bird watching events will soon be posted on this blog. Until then, enjoy!

The Bat House Sale Continues at BirdLodges.com

2010-06-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand....low prices on Bat Houses at http://www.birdlodges.com/bat-houses.html

Bats love to eat insects and help keep the mosquito population under control.

Bats Love Insects! Great prices at BirdLodges.com on Bat Houses

2010-06-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

It's almost summer and the bugs are here. Did you know bats can eat thousands of insects per night? Check out www.BirdLodges.com for great prices on Bat Houses.

Interesting interview with a bat: http://www.nps.gov/bibe/naturescience/interview_bat.htm

Sunday June 20 Bird Watching Walk

2010-06-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Return of the Summer Birds
Sunday, June 20 6:00 p.m.

It's summertime and the summer birds have returned. Join us for a walk in Veterans Park as we look for flycatchers, tanagers and any other wild birds in the park. For a change of pace we will be meeting at 6:00 p.m. instead of the usual early morning time. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them, and some are available to lend for the program.

www.larpd.dst.ca.us LARPD is sponsoring this program
Livermore Area Park & Recreation District in California

Bat Mansion Bat House Sale

2010-06-14T11:58:00.001-07:00

A great sale on Bat Mansion Bat Houses! Regularly priced at $70.00, on special for $64.50.

Father's Day Sale

2010-06-08T16:07:00.001-07:00

$10.00 off on Bread Box Window Bird Feeders!! These make a great Father's day gift for dad, or mom!

2010-06-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

BirdLodges.com and Eco-Friendly Products

In addition to the sustainably grown eastern white pine products, BirdLodges.com also offers birdhouses made from “scraps.”

The “Unique Natural Bark Birdhouses” are made in Northern Michigan from items found in the forest. Formerly part of the living forest protecting woodland creatures, these tree branches, twigs and bark now have a new life as birdhouses.

No two of the birdhouses are alike because the building materials, while similar, give each birdhouse a unique look. Comical names, such as “Mother-In-Law” and “Condominium” also create a distinct personality when decorating your yard with birdhouses.

The Sunday Duckling Count

2010-06-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

This week there were only three very young ducklings in the Arroyo Las Positas. Lots of adult ducks, one jackrabbit and two very vocal and close flying black-necked stilts. With the sun setting in the background the ducks were in silhouette on the water.

Piedmont Bird Callers on David Letterman 2010

2010-06-03T08:48:00.001-07:00

A link from YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL7WO2_6JY4

Piedmont High Bird Callers

2010-05-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the Piedmont High School Bird Callers on Late Night with David Letterman, Wednesday May 26 at 11:30 PM on CBS.

This contest began in 1963. Here's a link to their web site:

http://www.piedmont.k12.ca.us/phs/campus-life/bird-calling.php

BirdLodges.com and the Environment

2010-05-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

BirdLodges.com and the Environment

The majority of www.BirdLodges.com products are made from Eastern White Pine. This wood is considered sustainably grown because it is grown in plantation farms in its native Eastern North America.

This pine is the state tree of Michigan and also Maine, where the products are hand made. Eastern White Pine is considered a soft pine which makes it easy to work with.

From the smallest birdhouse (Wren House) to the largest bird feeder (Breadbox Window Feeder), you will enjoy using your Eastern White Pine BirdLodges.com product knowing its “green” environmentally friendly origin.

Resource: www.Wikipedia.org

BirdLodges.com Bird Watching

2010-05-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

I wonder what that hawk, possibly a Red-Shouldered Hawk, was thinking as it sat on a fence post overlooking eight lanes of interstate freeway traffic.

Speaking of hawks, if you are looking for a Kestrel House be sure to check out BirdLodges.com for this and many more wild bird and animal products.

BirdLodges.com bird watching on Mother's Day

2010-05-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

BirdLodges.com goes bird watching on Mother's Day:

And a beautiful morning it was. Cloudy with sprinkles and no wind. Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore, CA is home to a variety of wildlife. Along the Arroyo Del Valle you might see frogs, pond turtles, dragonflies, ducks or even muskrats. In addition to this riparian area there are grassland and oak woodland habitats. Deer, ground squirrels, butterflies, lizards and birds such as red-tail hawks, white-tail kites, scrub jays, magpies and meadowlarks are just few of the animals you might spot in these areas. www.larpd.dst.ca.us/open_space/sycamore.html

Birds observed:

Wood Duck
Turkey Vulture
White Tailed Kite
Red-Shouldered Hawk
American Kestrel
Acorn Woodpecker
Ash-Throated Flycatcher
Scrub Jay
Plain Titmouse
White-Breasted Nuthatch
Wren
European Starling
Lesser Goldfinch

This park is full of oak, eucalyptus and sycamore trees with many snags and holes for birds to use for nests. For those who would like to provide habitat for wild birds, BirdLodges.com offers birdhouses for wood ducks, kestrels, woodpeckers, flycatchers, titmouse, nuthatches, wrens and many more.

The next bird watching trip is Sunday, May 16 at 2:00 in Veteran's Park, Livermore, CA.

Bird watching, to catch a meadowlark

2010-05-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

I'm hoping to catch a glimpse of the meadowlark living in the tree across the street. This bird is singing its heart out!

Wild Bird Watching May 2, 2010

2010-05-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning was the first of three bird watching opportunities in Livermore, California. This event was held in the northern part of town in what is commonly known as Springtown. The weather was beautiful as we walked and watched for over two and a half hours.

Birds spotted:

Ducks and Geese - Mallard and Cinnamon Teal

Ducklike Swimmers - American Coot

Seabirds - Gull

Long-legged waders - Black-crowned Night Heron and Green Heron

Smaller Waders - Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Wilson's Snipe, Long-billed Dowitcher

Game Birds - Ring-necked Pheasant

Diurnal Raptors - Red-tailed hawk, Cooper's Hawk, American Kestrel

Vultures - Turkey Vulture

Pigeons and Doves - Mourning Dove

Hummingbirds - Anna's Hummingbird

Flycatcher - Black Phoebe

Swallows - Barn Swallow

Corvids - American Crow, Common Raven

Chickadees & Titmice - Bushtit

Mockingbirds - Northern Mockingbird

Thrushes - American Robin

Starlings - European Starlings

Blackbirds - Red-winged Blackbird

Sparrows - Song Sparrow

Finches - Lesser Goldfinch and House Finch

Weaver Finches - House Sparrow

The terrain of this area is flat, open, and grassy with an arroyo with relatively still water. There were several ducklings of all different stages of development. One highlight of the day was to see the Cooper's Hawk quickly chased away by several Red-winged Blackbirds.

We are looking forward to the next events on May 9 and 16.

Product Info

2010-04-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

More product info in the works.

Bird Watching

2010-04-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

There are three opportunities to bird watch in May, thanks to the Livermore (CA) Area Recreation and Park District:

Birds of North Livermore
Sunday, May 2 8:00 p.m.
It’s time again for our spring pilgrimage to the north side of town. We’ll be looking for birds in breeding plumage, breeding activity, and any signs of nests or young. This is an easy walk, appropriate for all ages and levels of birding experience. We will travel along a wheelchair accessible paved path. This program will last about 2 hours. For more information or directions, please call (925) 960-2400.
Ranger Patti Cole Marlin Pound Park
2010 Bluebell Drive
(across from Buckskin

Mother’s Day Birds
Sunday, May 9 8:00 a.m.
At this time of year mother (and father) birds are busy defending their territories, protecting their brood from nest robbers, cleaning out the nest, feeding their young’uns and teaching them the finer points of flying. We’ll take a long, in-depth look at the domestic life of these wild creatures on this birdwalk, which will last about two hours. Beginners are encouraged to attend. Don’t forget your binoculars and field guides; we’ll have a few to lend.
Ranger Pat Sotelo Sycamore Grove Park
Nature Area Entrance

Birds
Sunday, May 16 2:00 p.m.
Birds are one of the most diverse and, some would say, the most beautiful, groups of animals on earth. There is a wide variety in color, shape, size and habit. How did they get that color? How come they can fly? What exactly makes a bird a bird anyway? Join us to answer these questions and more about these wonderful animals.
Ranger Dawn Soles Veterans Park

It's Spring!

2010-04-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

Hello spring! Now is the time to welcome purple martins and orioles.

2010-02-14T08:58:00.000-08:00

Follow me on Facebook too!

My profile name is Bird Lodges.

New products from Pleasant Valley Birdhouse Company

2010-02-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

Check out the new products from Pleasant Valley Birdhouse Company. You will find them listed as "Unique Natural Bark Birdhouses."

2010-01-23T09:19:00.000-08:00

The rain has stopped, for a few days at least. My hanging screen feeder is so popular I have to fill it every few hours. The neighborhood squirrel is frustrated because I've moved it where he can not get to it!! I hung it from my eaves and there's no way he can jump onto it.

2010-01-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

Enjoyed watching the front yard bird sit at the top of the tree and bathe in the morning rain showers. He stayed there for at least ten minutes.