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4 reasons birdwatching is great for kids

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Did you know that birdwatching is actually a great hobby for kids? While many folks enjoy birding, there are many reasons why it’s a great hobby for kiddos as well!

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1. A hands-on learning experience

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Birding makes for a fun, hands-on learning experience. Kids will learn about different kinds of birds, what they look like, what they eat, where they live, and more.

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Whether kids are stocking the feeder or filling the birdbath dish, birding can be an interactive hobby. There are also plenty of bird-related crafts kids can do like DIY birdhouses and pinecone feeders.

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2. Growing their attention-to-detail skills

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If kids keep a notebook with all the birds they’ve seen, they’ll be able to grow their attention-to-detail skills. Helping kids notice the features of birds like colors, height, and bird calls will keep them excited about birding while also helping them grow their love for the outdoors. Plus, what kid doesn’t like binoculars?!

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3. Mental & physical health

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Did you know that birdwatching is really good for your mental and physical health? While this is true for adults, it’s also just as true for young kids! Watching birds has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression.

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Being outside in nature and getting some vitamin D from the sun is an instant mood booster. Plus, getting kids outside for a walk or short hike will get their bodies some good exercise.

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4. A fun activity for the whole family

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Whether your family is taking a short walk in the park or spending time in your own backyard, kids can watch birds for as long or as little as they want. This makes it an enjoyable hobby for the whole family with its flexibility.

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SOURCES:

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https://kidsandtheoutdoors.com/birdwatching-with-kids/
https://lawleypublishing.com/benefits-of-bird-watching-with-kids/

\r\n

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Benefits of birdwatching & the outdoors

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There’s nothing quite like the great outdoors. The fresh air, the foliage, and of course, the feathered friends. But did you know getting outside for birdwatching and other outdoor hobbies actually has benefits beyond the scenery

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1. Good for the mind

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Being in nature has many benefits for your mental health. Listening to the chirps of backyard birds, feeling the sun on your back, and enjoying the fresh air all create a calming effect. Studies have proven that just being outside in the sunlight can raise serotonin levels. It can also lower anxiety, depression, and stress levels. Taking a walk outside has also been proven to help folks re-focus, especially in the middle of a long workday.

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2. Good for spending time with friends

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The outdoors makes for a great place to meet with friends and family. There are plenty of local, state, and national parks to explore walking or birding trails. The great thing about parks and trails is that there are plenty of free options available! And of course, a lake, campfire, or starry night sky makes for a great way to catch up with those you love.

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3. Good for all ages

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Another benefit of outdoor hobbies is that they’re hobbies that all ages can enjoy. These days, kiddos are surrounded by phones, tablets, and TV screens. Playing outside gets them away from screen time and boosts their physical health, critical thinking skills, and excitement for learning more about nature.

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Seniors can also benefit from the outdoors by getting some needed fresh air and exercise with outdoor walks. If they enjoy watching avian pals, they may find some familiar faces to keep track of, boosting their memory muscles. No matter the age, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the great outdoors!

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Ready to learn about a new hobby? Give birding a try! Learn the basics of birdwatching, here.

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SOURCES:

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https://time.com/6231886/birdwatching-mental-health/

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https://www.provisionliving.com/blog/the-joys-of-bird-watching-for-seniors/

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https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-nature

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https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/power-of-play/Pages/playing-outside-why-its-important-for-kids.aspx

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So, what makes a good birdbath?

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Birdbaths are a fun way to attract birds to your yard. They provide a spot for birds to refresh their feathers and rehydrate. But what really makes a good birdbath and how do you know how to choose one over the other?

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1. Location & cleanliness

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Choosing the right spot to put your birdbath makes all the difference in how your avian pals use it. Keep your birdbath a good distance from your home so birds don’t fly into the windows. In colder months, move your birdbath into the sun to minimize the freeze effect. In warmer months, your feathered friends will appreciate a bath out of direct sunlight to keep cool.

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2. Height:

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Another factor to think about when choosing a birdbath is the height. You can choose the height of your birdbath based on the kinds of birds you’d like to see or the look you’re going for. Some birds, like the Mourning Dove, would rather visit a birdbath that’s closer to the ground. Other birds enjoy birdbaths that are higher off the ground, so they have a wider view of their surroundings.

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3. The right birdbath size:

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Determining the birdbath you want depends on the space you have and the number of birds you’re looking to draw to your yard. Some birds prefer a smaller dish since they know that they’ll have the whole place to themselves. Other birds would rather have more room to host a pool party with other backyard birds.

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4. Sturdy for birdies:

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It sure would be embarrassing to draw birds to your yard, only for them to find a dish doesn’t feel stable and secure. Look for a stand that doesn’t wobble to make sure your feathered friends keep coming back.

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5. Keep it shallow:

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In general, the most important thing about birdbath dishes is the depth of the water. Birds need a gentle transition from the shallow ends to the middle. Since there aren’t any lifeguards on deck, it’s important to not overfill your dish. The middle portion of the dish should be no more than 2 inches deep.

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6. FUN:

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Birdwatching is fun. That’s why the look of birdbaths should be just as fun! Colorful birdbath dishes and aesthetic stands give your feathered friends the perfect rest stop. Plus, having colorful birdbath dishes is a great way to attract a certain species you’ve been wanting to see. Check out what colors certain birds are attracted to here.

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With our Feather Spa birdbath dish, your backyard birds will feel like they’re living in luxury. It quenches their thirst, helps them cool off from the heat, and freshens their feathers from dirt and grime. Our Iron Pier docking stand utilizes a Busi-patented docking system that securely supports and locks all of our Feather Spa birdbath dishes into place. Check out all of our fun colors and styles to see for yourself! Need some help deciding which ones to get? We’re happy to help.

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How it’s made: The Feather Spa birdbath dish
& Iron Pier docking stand

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We’ve been in the birding and steel markets for over 30 years. Which means, we’ve had a lot of time to collect data to understand what folks want. We’ve found that customers are tired of dull colors and products that fall apart. They’re looking for something sturdy, functional, and colorful.

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That’s why we’ve created the Feather Spa birdbath dish and Iron Pier docking stand. These products will add endless enjoyment to your outdoor experience! With FUN colors and a patented docking system, your setup will be durable, customizable, AND stylish. Plus, your feathered friends will feel pampered and refreshed with each visit.

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The Feather Spa: Giving color & style

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Partnered with Holscher Powder Coating, our team has the unique opportunity to choose whatever colors our customers want. With colors like Clementine and Coppered Bluegrass, we keep the outdoors fun, like it should be. Our Feather Spas have a high-quality coating on them to make sure they’re long-lasting for your outdoor enjoyment. Different folks like different things. That’s why we offer metal and plastic options in round and square shapes so you can choose to your liking.

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The Iron Pier: Giving strength & functionality

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After addressing the look and style, we wanted to make sure that these dishes would do more than just look cool. Our Iron Piers have been engineered and tested to handle all that Mother Nature throws at them. With our patented docking technology, each Feather Spa birdbath dish seamlessly locks into place on our Iron Pier docking stands. This docking system also makes it super easy to swap out one dish for another at a moment’s notice.

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So, what do you say? Ready to give these products a try? You can browse our options here. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help! Just contact products@busioutdoor.com

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Breaking the Ice: Get to Know these Midwest Winter Birds

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Everyone knows a snowbird. As soon as the cooler weather starts rolling in, they hop on an airplane and fly south for the winter. While plenty of backyard birds follow this same migration, we want to make sure those who stick around aren’t forgotten.

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Birds of Winter

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Here are a few other birds we’ve seen around the Midwest during the winter:
*species may vary based on the time of the season and location

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Source: Bird Advisors

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American Tree Sparrow
Black-Capped Chickadee
Brown-Headed Cowbird
Carolina Wren
Common Yellowthroat
Brown-Headed Cowbird
Carolina Wren
Common Yellowthroat
Dark-Eyed Junco
Downy Woodpecker
European Starling
Hairy Woodpecker
European Starling
Hairy Woodpecker
House Finch
Pileated Woodpecker
Tufted Titmouse
White-Breasted Nuthatch

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Have a question about winter birds? We’re happy to help! Ask your question here.

\r\n

SOURCES:

\r\n

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Setting FUN birding goals for the new year

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When the new year rolls around, most folks like to set resolutions about eating, exercising, or changes to their routine. Those are great, but how about setting a goal that’s extra FUN? Setting birding goals can be a fun way for new and experienced birders alike to keep things fresh and exciting. Plus, it makes you feel good when you can check off something off your list. Here are a couple suggestions for setting a new birding goal this year.

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Grow your knowledge

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If you want to know more about a specific feathered friend or just know more about birding in general, a goal to learn more is a great choice! Jot down one or more things you’d like to learn and set a timeframe for each goal. Maybe you want to learn one new thing about birding a week, month, etc. Our blog has tons of helpful information and resources for you to grow your knowledge about a variety of topics!

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Start something new

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If you haven’t started birding, the new year is a great time to start! If you’ve only dabbled in feeding or setting out a birdbath, a fun goal might be to venture out to enjoy birding even more. If you’re ready to spot more birds beyond what you see in your own yard, plan a visit to a nearby park or birding trail to see what other birds you can find.

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Bird specific

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Have a specific bird you’ve always wanted to see? Make it a goal to learn more about the bird and where you might be able to spot one! Another fun idea is to start a journal of birds you’ve spotted. Keep track of them and jot what you notice about them. Field guides and bird identification apps are some great resources to make this goal reachable.

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Expand your collection

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Ready to spruce up your yard this year? You might think about expanding your birding product collection. Add some new pops of color and make extra room for more feathered friends to visit your yard. You can even start a wish list for what you’re looking to purchase this year!

\r\n

What’s a birding goal of yours this year? Let us know by tagging us on Facebook and Instagram!

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4 common birds of Summer

\r\n

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Do you have bird-friendly windows? 4 easy steps to get started

\r\n

Windows are dangerous for birds—especially when you keep them shiny and clean. Birds confuse the reflection they spot in your window for an extension of your yard. They usually spot a tree or food source in the reflection that they’re drawn to. Flying into the windows can injure backyard birds and vary in severity—even being the cause of around 1 billion bird fatalities a year. Take these quick steps to keep your feathered friends safe!

\r\n

1. Re-think your setup

\r\n

Your feeders and birdbaths should be between 3 feet and 30 feet from your home. If your feeders and birdbaths are 3 feet or less away from your home, it’s less likely they’ll be injured if they hit your window since they won’t be coming towards it at full speed. If it’s 30 feet away, they’ll have a good distance to recognize the difference between your home and your yard.

\r\n

2. Decals, tape, or paint

\r\n

Adding decals, tape, and other markings on the outside surface of your windows is a super easy and effective way to help out avian pals. There are lots of different materials you can use. Creating grid patterns with tempera paint or tape is one way to do this. Putting window decals or suncatchers on your windows is another common choice. Just know that most of these methods work best when the tape or decals are close together (2 inches apart vertically; 4 inches horizontally). Our friends at All About Birds have some great ways to add these patterns to your windows.

\r\n

3. Screens or netting

\r\n

Some folks would rather use window screens, like the ones used to prevent pesky bugs from coming inside your home. Screens are a great way to dim the reflection and glare on windows. Adding netting 2-3 inches from the outside of your windows is another alternative method to make your windows bird-friendly. It blocks birds as it gently bounces them away from your windows.

\r\n

4. Window blinds

\r\n

If you’re not looking to add anything to the exterior of your windows, vertical blinds make for a good alternative. You can keep the openings between the blinds narrower, which lets light into your home and creates a natural vertical pattern that makes it hard for birds to see a reflection in the window—making it less likely for them to fly straight into your window.

\r\n

Making these quick and easy changes is a great way to be mindful of our feathered friends—minimizing injuries and fatalities from flying into your windows. Have a question about bird-proofing your windows? We’re happy to help! Ask your question here.

\r\n

SOURCES:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/why-birds-hit-windows-and-how-you-can-help-prevent-it
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/make-your-windows-bird-safe
https://www.audubon.org/news/think-you-have-bird-friendly-backyard-think-again
https://www.nycaudubon.org/take-action/make-nyc-bird-friendly/make-your-windows-bird-friendly
https://abcbirds.org/blog/truth-about-birds-and-glass-collisions

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Spring has sprung: Look out for these 4 birds

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When spring rolls around, it’s a great time to look out for some feathered friends that are back in town. Meet these four common backyard birds that might be stopping by your yard! Note, while these birds are common springtime birds, where and when you’ll spot them may vary.

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Have a question about spring birding? We’re happy to help! Ask your question here.

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SOURCES:

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https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/overview

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https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/eastern-bluebird

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https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Baltimore_Oriole/overview

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https://www.audubon.org/news/how-orioles-build-those-incredible-hanging-nests

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https://cosleyzoo.org/eastern-bluebird/

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Baby birds on the way: Nesting season

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In the spring backyard birds are happy to find more food and natural resources after a long winter. During what’s known as nesting season, birds look for a mate, build nests, and lay their eggs to prepare for their little ones on the way. Typically, nesting season can happen anywhere from February to June (depending on where you live and what kind of backyard birds are in your area).

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The best place for a nest

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Ever spotted a nest in your tree, birdhouse, or yard? When it comes to finding a spot to build their nest, birds have different preferences of what they like. For example, Woodpeckers find a spot in hollow holes of trees, whereas Baltimore Orioles weave a basket-like nest that hangs from a tree branch.

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Should you move a nest that’s near your home?

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You might find that some birds build their nest by your home. One common place folks find bird nests is on top of a wreath on their door. If this happens, it’s best to leave the nest where it is. Otherwise, you run the risk of birds abandoning the eggs. If the nest is getting in the way too much, it’s a good rule of thumb to move it as little as possible.

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Nest building: Birds are pros at construction

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So, how does a nest get built? While the exact building method varies, avian pals scout out materials they can find to put together their nest. Most nests are built solely by the female bird. Although, some male birds gather twigs, grass, leaves, and other items to create a structure for their nest. The materials are then woven together to create a nest.

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How you can help

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Finding materials birds can use for their nests will be a big help! It takes a lot of energy for birds to go out and find all the materials they need. Creating a brush pile of leaves, twigs, and dry grass is a simple way to make birds’ lives easier during this season. You can also set out a small basket with these same materials. Also, make sure to set out a dish of water so birds can stay hydrated in this busy season!

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SOURCES:

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https://www.natureswaybirds.com/blogs/news/all-about-the-spring-nesting-cycle

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https://spartananimalandpestcontrol.com/what-to-do-if-there-is-a-bird-nest-near-your-home/

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https://www.reallywildbirdfood.co.uk/news/post/2020/03/10/how-do-birds-build-nests

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https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/providing-nest-material-for-birds-dos-donts

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https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/garden/a30748363/nesting-birds-season/

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Fine-feathered colors: What colors are birds attracted to?

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Did you know that our feathered friends have favorite colors? Some birds prefer bright and bold colors—others are more apt to choose darker colors that mimic nature.

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Finding out what color backyard birds like is a great way to draw in a variety of feathered friends and attract new species you've been wanting to see. Most birds are attracted to colors that are similar to their feathers or natural food sources.

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Fine-feathered colors:

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Below is a short list of color preferences from a few feathered friends.

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Blue- Bluebirds, Blue Jays, Sparrows, and Starlings
Red & Pink- Cardinals and Hummingbirds
Orange- Orioles, Warblers, and Goldfinches
Yellow- Goldfinches and Warblers
Violet- Chickadees and Woodpeckers
Green, gray, black- Mourning Doves, American Robins, and Thrushes

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The color that ruffles their feathers

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While our avian pals have different color preferences, the large majority of birds are in agreement about the color white. To birds, the color white is a sign of danger or anger. Avoid using white birdbaths, birdhouses, and feeders. If your house is white, try adding greenery and pops of color to make your yard feel like the perfect spot to hang out.

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How colors affect birding:

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Adding new colors to your yard is a great way to see new bird species. You can choose the colors of your birdbaths, feeders, vegetation, and flowers based on who you want to visit! Although, what species you’ll see depends on more than just color. The time of year, the region you’re in, and the food you set out are all important factors.

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Most folks recommend wearing muted-colored clothing when birdwatching outdoors. Softer shades of green, brown, blue, and purple are usually good choices. These colors help you blend in with a bird’s natural habitat, so you don’t spook them away.

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Have a question about how colors affect birding? We’re always happy to help! Ask Busi here.

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SOURCES:

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A Feathered Field Guide: 3 easy steps to identifying birds

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Can’t quite put your finger on what kind of bird you’ve spotted? With so many species of birds, it can be tricky to tell birds apart from each other. It’s not like you can ask the bird to show their proof of identification before stepping onto your property. That would be too easy. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to start identifying birds.

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1. Know the basics

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While there are many species of birds, it’s best to start with the basics. Here are a few helpful categories of types of birds to know.

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Songbirds: These avian pals are likely most of the birds you see in your backyard. Blue Jays, Goldfinches, American Robins, and Chickadees are just a few examples. While the word “song” is in their name, birds don’t have to be top-charting singers to make this category. Instead, all songbirds have an organ that allows them to make sounds or sing called.
Woodpeckers: Larger than other birds, these fellas have super strong beaks. Their beaks give them a unique ability to peck trees over and over, without injury, to find food. Woodpeckers usually have black, white, and red patterns.
Birds of prey: These fellas are the ones who hunt, catch, and eat prey. Think owls, falcons, eagles, and hawks. They might seem intimidating, but they’re impressive creatures!
Waterfowl & Wading Birds: Waterfowl and wading birds love the water. Ducks and geese, some of the most common waterfowl, enjoy staying close to the water and taking swims. Herons and Cranes, common wading birds, would much rather take it easy, dip their toes in the water, and find food in the shallow end. These birds have long bills and legs.

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2. Snag a field guide

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Field guides are a great resource for new and avid birders alike! These books have illustrations or photos, helpful maps, and descriptions for many species of birds. The Peterson, American Birding Association, Kaufman, and Sibley field guides are some of the most popular among fellow bird enthusiasts.

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If printed books don’t suit your fancy, e-books and apps may be a better option. The Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID app is recommended by many birders! You can input a bird’s information, submit a picture, and record a bird’s call, and it’ll help you identify the bird you spotted.

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3. Get to know your peeps

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Keeping track of what kinds of birds you see in your yard helps you to spot the difference between a bird you've seen before and a rare visitor.

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Keep a notebook and jot down a few details of a bird you spot in your yard. Observe their size, shape, color patterns, sounds, beaks, and behavior. These details make all the difference!
Snap a quick photo and keep it as a quick reference. It may be helpful to keep your bird photos in their own folder so you can reference them quicker.
Once you know the features of a bird, reference your field guide or do a quick search online to put a name to a face.

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All in all, birding should stay fun! If birding identification becomes too much, take it easy and just enjoy whichever feathered friends stop by your yard. Have a question about birding identification? We’re happy to help! Ask away here

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SOURCES:

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Creatures of habit: Guard your feeders

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Raccoons, squirrels, and mice are some of the most common critters that put a damper on your bird-feeding experience. While these critters will always try to snag a seed, you may notice them in the fall more frequently. Here’s what to know about these pesky critters and how to naturally deter them from the food meant for your backyard birds.

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Squirrels: Gymnasts at heart

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Squirrels are pro gymnasts. They’re skilled climbers and jumpers. Once they find a spot with food, they like to hang around. While they’re able to leap 10 feet across from thing to thing, they can only jump up about 3 feet off the ground. Set your feeders away from clothing lines, roofs, fences, and other jumping grounds to make it harder for them to reach your feeders.

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Raccoons: Thieves of the night

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Raccoons, on the other hand, take a different approach than squirrels. These fellas don’t just like to take food that’s not theirs— they take all of their frustration out on your feeder. You might find that they pulled down your feeder or knocked over your whole setup. One way to keep raccoons away from your feeders is to take them inside at night. Since raccoons are creatures of the night, take your feeders inside at the end of the day and put them in a secure spot. Once they realize there’s no food, they’ll be less likely to keep coming back.

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Mice: The unwanted cleanup crew

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While mice can’t ransack your feeders, they’re drawn to yards that have them. When your backyard birds spill seed around and beneath your feeder, mice take that as an invitation to eat their leftovers. Make sure to routinely pick up the seeds that have fallen on the ground. You can use a rake or broom to clean up what the birds left behind.

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Helpful reminders

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As you're taking steps to guard your yard, it may be a good time to go ahead and do the same to your house. Once critters recognize your yard as a food source, they may be interested to see if there’s more food inside your home. Keep your feeders at a distance from your home so critters are less likely to venture over. Store extra seed in a sealed and secure container that they can’t get to with their grubby paws. Lastly, it’s a good idea to make sure there are no easy entry points for these critters outside of your home. Seal any holes or cracks that they might be able to sneak their way through.

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Want to know more fall birding tips & tricks? Download our fall birding checklist to learn more.

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SOURCES:

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Birds Flock to Water Spots: Attract birds to your yard using water

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Sure, birds love visiting yards with feeders full of seed. But did you know you can draw a crowd of birds to your yard with just water? Water is a cheap alternative to seeds and a great way to get more birds stopping by your yard.

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Why Water Works

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Our avian pals use water to quench their thirst, freshen their feathers from dirt and bugs, and cool off during the hot summer. Unfortunately, clean water can be hard to come by—it’s not like they have a stash of extra water on hand. Instead, birds have to go out looking for streams, ponds, birdbaths, and puddles for their water. By adding a water source to your yard, birds can say goodbye to their days of winging it for water.

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3 Easy Steps to get Started:

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Set up your birdbath: Place your birdbath near a shrub or tree so your avian pals have a quick escape route in case of predators. If you’re not ready to purchase a birdbath, you can make a DIY one out of a circular-shaped lid, saucer, or pan. Just make sure to only fill the dish with 1-2 inches of water so birds can still touch the bottom!
Make a splash: Birds are like kids at a waterpark—they like to splish and splash. Moving water near your birdbath makes it easier for birds to spot, hear, and find your birdbath. Plus, the movement in the water is more like what birds would find out in nature. Most folks like to use a mister, small fountain, waterfall feature, or dripping hose to create a flow of water.
Keepin it Clean: Birds leave behind bugs, feathers, and grime after taking a bath. And, in the summer, mosquitos are looking for still water to lay their eggs. If that doesn’t sound gross enough, some birdies accidentally mistake your birdbath for the loo.

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As birds use the water to both drink and bathe, keeping it clean is super important. Make sure to dump out the dirty water and refill it will fresh water at least 2-3 times per week. Give it a deeper clean at least once a month. Our friends at the National Audubon Society recommend cleaning your dish with “nine parts water, one-part vinegar”.

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Our Feather Spa and Iron Pier Starter Sets are durable, colorful, AND stylish. They'll leave your backyard birds feeling pampered and refreshed.Have a question about using water to attract birds to your yard? We’re happy to help! Ask away here.

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SOURCES:

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Fine dining: Summer bird feeding ideas

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While a lot of birds choose to take advantage of natural food sources in the summer, you’ll still get a good crowd coming to your yard. Birds love stopping by your feeder to have a taste of fine dining. They know they’re going to get a good meal when they find your feeder is always full of the food they like. Check out what birds are hungry for and what foods to avoid giving them this season!

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Refreshments

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As for their choice of drink, water is always their go-to no matter the time of year. Water keeps birds from getting dehydrated and helps them cool off after a long day in the heat.

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Seeds of summer

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Seeds are a great option for year-round bird feeding. Sunflower and Nyjer seeds bring a variety of kinds of birds to your yard. For example, finches and buntings are big fans of Nyjer seeds and grosbeaks would rather have Black-oil sunflower seeds. When offering seed, make sure you keep the feeder clean and in a shaded spot to prevent spoilage and bacteria from growing.

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Fresh fruits

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Most folks love having fresh fruit in the summer—so do birds! Apples, cherries, oranges, grapes, and some berries are the most popular choices among backyard birds. Orioles, Northern Cardinals, American Robins, and Mockingbirds love eating fruit. If your area doesn’t have a lot of fruit-producing trees (or you just want to attract more species to your yard) setting out fruit is a great idea.

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Birds can eat smaller fruits, but you’ll need to give them a hand by slicing larger fruits like apples and oranges. Friendly reminder: some pits and seeds in fruits (apples, cherries, pears, peaches, and more) are dangerous for your avian pals. Remove these seeds before offering the fruit to keep birds safe.

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Plain ‘ol Jelly

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Grape jelly is a treat for birds with a sweet tooth. In small quantities, it can be a nice addition to the more nutritious part of their diet. While peanut butter and jelly go together, it’s best to offer plain ‘ol jelly by itself. In the summer, peanut butter will melt quickly before your backyard birds have the chance to enjoy it. Plus, it’ll get all over a bird’s feathers and they’ll have a very sticky situation to fix.

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No suet here

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Suet, or beef fat, is a tasty treat for nuthatches, woodpeckers, and starlings alike. While this is a great choice for the winter, it isn’t for the summer. Suet will melt and grow bacteria quickly in the heat of the summer. Save this treat for the winter and keep your feathered friends safe during the summer!

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Want to know more about summer birding? Download our summer birding guide to find out more.

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SOURCES:

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Wings by Spring: 4 things to know about Baby birds

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When spring has sprung, you’ll hear an increase in cheeps, tweets, and chirps all around. Here’s are a few key things you should know about baby birds and what to do if you spot one that looks like it could use some help.

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1. Hatchlings, nestlings, and fledglings

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Just like human infants, birds have stage-of-life markers that make it easy to identify how old they are.

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Hatchlings: These fellas are newborns—they’re new to the world and fully rely on their parents. They haven’t had time to pick out a coat of feathers or master the bird’s-eye view.

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Nestlings: Nestlings are just a ‘wee bit older. At this stage, they can keep their eyes & beaks open for the sight of food. But, they still need their mom and pop to keep them safe.

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Fledglings: With more feathers and energy, you’ll notice fledglings start looking more like your average bird. At just two weeks, they’re jumping, walking, and dreaming of flight school. It’s hard to believe, but it won’t be much longer before they leave the nest and start their own life.

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2. From the ground up

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If you find a bird on the ground, you can carefully help them back to their nest if they’re in the hatchling or nestling stage. If you can’t find or lift the bird back to its original nest, you can build a new one for it in no time. Just find a small container or basket and attach it to the same tree.

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3. Let them spread their wings

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When a bird is in the fledgling stage, it’s time to let them leave the nest. Trying to help these fellas actually interrupts the natural process of learning to fly. Just like infants learning to walk, they’re going to fall a few times, but practice makes perfect.

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4. A bird call of your own

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If you find a baby bird injured or sick, it’s best to call your local rehabilitation center. If it looks weak, wounded, or injured by another critter, it’s time to call for help. These experts will know how to best help your new backyard bird.

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Want to make sure you’ve checked all the boxes for spring birding? Subscribe to our seasonal list to make sure you’re ready.

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SOURCES:

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So, you want to be a backyard birdwatcher?

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Birding Basics

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Birdwatching, or birding, is an activity you can enjoy all year long. You can even watch birds right from your very own yard, deck, or patio!

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The best way to start birding is to simply observe your surroundings. Pay attention to which birds come to your yard. What do they look like? What sounds do you hear? Which birds are regular visitors? These are all good questions to ask yourself to become an observant birdwatcher.

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Pop quiz

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Do you know how many species of birds there are in the world? According to the folks at the American Museum of Natural History, there are over 18,000 different species of birds. This includes birds you’d see in your backyard and other types of birds.

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Identification

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If you’re interested in identifying certain kinds of birds, a field guide that lists common birds and their features is a great starting place. This will help you to compare colors, sizes, and other distinguishing features to the actual bird itself. Some birding enthusiasts find it helpful to have binoculars to see birds from a farther distance.

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Lastly, don’t forget to give your backyard birds a red-carpet experience. Having a camera to snap photos of your feathered friends is a fun way to enhance your birdwatching experience. You can even start a notebook to keep track of which birds you’ve seen.

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So, what do you say? Interested in becoming a backyard birdwatcher? We’re happy to help you get started! Have a question about birdwatching for Busi? Ask away here.

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SOURCES

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