Eating Like Crazy

I suppose it can only be expected that a diligent bird feeder will have regrets, one day.  And that comes in summer when the adult birds think it a fine idea to bring their broods to those feeders that were so dependable for them.  Which is happening now, here.  And the seed disappears quickly!  With all of the native foods that are out there---really??? I may have to let things settle down in the old fashioned way and let the feeders empty for a time.  Then the adults can teach more about natural forage!  

Strange Red-Bellied Behavior

In the course of recent weekends I have noticed a peculiar habit formed by one of the area Red Bellied Woodpeckers.  I expect to see these characters working suet and peanuts.  But this one has a serious fondness for sunflower seeds.  Or at least, it grabs seeds and makes a lot of trips.  It may be that the bird is caching seed someplace.  Strange stuff: I have never seen this sort of thing before.  I can't say the RBW is taking a lot of seed but it is having an impact during the times I have watched: seemingly dozens of trips.  I am going to need to research this new and interesting behavior!

Sunflower Update

It really was inevitable.  And I saw it coming.  As readers may recall I planted a sunflower in the sun garden, and let several volunteers grow near the feeders.  And all grew to blossom this summer.  My hope was to indulge the seed eating birds.  But my suspicion was that the squirrels would get there first and end up destroying the plants.  While I was away in Wilmington last week the tree rats did destroy two plants -- completely!  Two remain.  And I caught one of the monsters gnawing on this flower head today.  Notice the gnawing sign at 3-o-clock.  Indeed, the birds will likely get zip.  This is not a major concern and the whole business was an experiment.  They are attractive flowers.  They do attract bees.  But the birds will have to be content with the stuff I buy at Family Home and Garden.  Live and learn...

Going For Gold

This year will see a new experiment in the feeding of wild birds.  And that is that I am permitting some sunflowers to grow up and provide a real-world feeding experience to our seed-eaters like the American Goldfinch.  The blooms are now coming out and are being busily pollinated by bees.  And I must admit the flowers are cheery things.  I have not had one flower at home since I was a kid.  But we will see exactly what happens.  It may be that the squirrels maul the things once they sense ripened seeds are available.  I hope the birds get there first.  In any case, within two weeks there should be some fun.  I'll post an update once I see what takes place...