Looking Out For the Backyard Birds, etc.
Summer is here, and the backyard and just beyond truly comes alive... Some thoughts...
Nice little water feature for the deck, no? In the warmer months, Mrs. CCA likes to buy decorative ceramic pots, load them up with stones and water, and then embed a small water pump near the top. Not only is the gurgling sound pleasant, but it's supposed to attract birds as well. But it's so important to note that birds and other wee critters have an easy and shallow footing to exit the vessel. If you simply fill up a large pot with water, sooner or later a bird is going to drown. (Learned that lesson the rough way years ago.)
Also, when setting up feeders, etc. avoid "Shepherds' Hooks" like the one in the appallingly bad drawing below*.
The joint where the vertical ground support meets the curved hanger makes for a great animal trap. Once again, I learned this one the hard way.
Finally, don't lose sight of the stuff you already know...
- Bar-b-ques are a blast, but keep an eye open for those empty plastic six-pack holders.
- When you descend upon your favorite fishing hole or hike, take just a few minutes to look for lost monofilment line and other trash in the bushes... Birds try to use that junk to make nests with sometimes tragic results.
- For us, (we live near the ocean and the clam flats) an ideal sea-shore trip always includes a big, heavy-duty plastic bag. Unfortunately, it only takes us a few minutes to fill it with all sorts of refuse that's harmful to both man and beast... (The Resource Police love us though!)
Just my $.02...
See you by the feeders,
CapeCodAlan
* I can't even draw using something as simple as Google SketchUp. Back to crayons I guess... Sigh...
eBirdseed.com photo library
Comments
Actually, I almost NEVER buy pots and containers! You can usually get them for free at local recycle centers--I picked up the beautiful jardiniere pictured above at the Treasure Chest, the free recycle area associated with our town dump, where folks drop off perfectly good stuff they no longer want or need.
Posted by: Mrs. CapeCodAlan | July 17, 2008 7:41 AM