Now that many of us are spending more time at home, our bird feeders have become even more important for entertainment and our mental health. You may also have found that you put out more bird seed midday, especially if you are having an influx of new species. Just yesterday we were thrilled to see a flock of 20 Evening Grosbeaks
A stunning male Evening Grosbeak
swarming the platform feeder and the ground below. The male of this species has a gorgeous, deep yellow belly and back. Yellow is also found on its forehead and ‘eyebrow’. The female is a more subdued shade of
The more subtle but still beautiful female Evening Grosbeak
silver gray and grey-buff. Both genders have black wings with prominent white patches on the wing that can be seen when they fly. If we had not replenished the feeder with black sunflower seeds it is unlikely that these beautiful birds would have visited.
As you can imagine on-line sales have soared during this pandemic and deliveries are expected to increase drastically as we approach the holidays. Fed Ex, UPS and the US Postal service are gearing up for the increase in business, so now is the time to get your orders in – before November 25th if you want to be sure to have enough on supply in December or possibly to give as gifts to friends or family. Maybe there is someone you know that is housebound but doesn’t have any feeders set up. By giving them a bird feeder and supply of wild bird seeds you can open the beautiful world of birds for them. Prdseed uses Fed-Ex for fast shipping, because they go the extra mile to get your purchases to you. The company has put together some entertaining commercials for their ‘Shipathon’.
Because of the pandemic and its impact on products from overseas, some products have been hard to come by. Nyjer seed, which finches especially prefer has been held up because of covid restrictions, but happily Prdseed is well stocked.
No Mess Mix is a good choice if you don’t want lots of shells littering the ground beneath your feeders. This may be especially important if you live in an apartment with a balcony where you hang your feeders. Cardinal Crunch which is a mix of sunflower seeds is especially appealing to these magnificent red birds who can lift our spirits while they brighten up the winter scenery. Don’t forget the suet for the woodpeckers in the neighborhood. This is high energy food that will also help the Blue Jays and Black-capped Chickadees.
We know the Holiday season is going to be like no other and it will be difficult to isolate ourselves from our loved
A male and female Cardinal share a feeder with a Dark-eyed Junco, just 2 species you might find on your feeders
ones, but we also know that in the long run, it is the right choice. Now more than ever give thanks for the beauty of nature and the birds that bring song and beauty into our lives.
