Wednesday, December 12, 2018

A Guide to CANARIES and the Bird's History, Characteristics, and Breeding Practices

busy birds
Photo by erix!
Canaries are beautiful songbirds that have become a common pet in today's world. For centuries, people have appreciated this bird for its singing ability. A wild bird at its beginnings, they belonged to areas of the Canary Islands, Azores and Madeira. Thus, the bird gained its name as the canary. Because of its amazing singing abilities, they were domesticated beginning in the 1600s. Breeding these birds became a hobby for some and a profession for others. People are bewitched by their melodies, especially in male birds, who are the ones that can carry a beautiful tune. Started first as a high society hobby, canaries eventually became popular to the common man as well.


Canaries come in a variety of different colors such as orange, brown, white, black, yellow and red. They can be bred to be in different colors and sometimes they are even bred based on their sound patterns. Sometimes finding a canary that can sing the most beautiful complex melodies became something of a contest. Even today, there are much bird shows in the world where canary owners let their birds compete in a singing competition.

Breeding canaries tend to be a tough challenge because it is hard to determine the sex of the Canaries, which is a crucial part to see whether the bird can sing or not. The breeding conditions have to be optimal as well. They are best to be bred with one pair per cage. Bird cages such as double breeder cages or aviary cages, along with nesting boxes and nesting materials, tend to be an ideal environment for breeding. Initially, they require to get introduced to each other. Once they are seen the male is trying to breed with the female, then it is ideal to put them together in one cage.

During the breeding period, make sure that the Canaries are getting the best nutrition as they can get. Things such as cuttlefish bones, broccoli, apple, hard boiled eggs and bread are great to help replenish any nutritional deficiencies the mother might have during this period. With good nutrition and environment, the entire process should go smoothly.

The mother typically lays four to five eggs and spends four to five weeks to incubate the nest. The father's role is to bring the food and feed the mother. This time, again, good nutrition is ideal for the bird. Be sure to leave a lot of food in your double breeder cage or aviary cage. After the first round of breeding, the pair may go for a second round. The young birds should be separated by the partition on double breeder cages or even separate them to another cage so that they can safely grow.



As they grow up, the tunes they carry intrigue everyone all around. Always tend carefully to canaries because they are not birds who like to be handled much. If they are standing on your hand, then you can be sure they trust you a lot. Ultimately, canaries are the best pet to have if you enjoy beautiful music and breeding them can also be a wonderful experience.

    By Mika Harimoto
    Mika Harimoto is an expert when it comes with animals because she has been living around them for many years.
    Article Source: EzineArticles


Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Choosing a PET BIRD - Proper Bird Care and Right Bird Cages

Nymphensittichpaar links= wildfarbig gescheckt...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Many of us might have noticed that birds are most active in the morning and evenings. They are either searching for or eating food, or are talking to each other. Their daily routine is very similar to that of humans and other creatures, and that's precisely the reason why birds are very popular as pets. Since most of us are living in urban areas, we have lost touch with nature and animals, unlike our forefathers who had a very strong connection with nature.

Parrots: Excellent as Pets

Parrots have always been excellent as pets since they are loving and affectionate by their very nature. They are also capable of imitating our speech, which attracts humans towards them even more. The pet birds and bird cages industry has been comprehensively changed due to hand-rearing techniques, thus making the local pet bird supplier a very good source of knowledge during the process of change of pet bird ownership.

If you are looking to buy peach faces, canaries and budgerigars, pet shops are an extremely good place to go to and be equally selective while buying bird cages. If you want hand reared pet birds, you should go to specialized bird shops. Make sure that you select only clean shops having healthy birds, and which come with a squeaky clean reputation.

Hand Reared Birds are Excellent Pets

Hand reared Parrots have proved to be extremely good pets. Larger birds create more noise and are more demanding compared to smaller birds. At the same time, they are more talkative and become better lifelong pets.

Intelligent, Quiet and Don't Bite

Most people like birds, which are intelligent, quiet, and don't bite. Just make sure you provide them with a lot of space in bird cages. The popular pet birds include Grass Parrot, King Parrot, Regent, Princes Parrot, Kakariki and Budgerigar among others. Specialized bird shops will provide you with most varieties of pet birds and bird cages.

Budgies as Pets

If you are more than six years of age, you would love a Budgie as a pet bird, because they are superb as talkers and may turn out to be lifelong companions. If you have selected a young weaned Budgie, you will find they are easier to tame. A young Budgie can be easily identified due to the presence of black horizontal lines on their body from forehead towards the beak. There are no such horizontal bars in the older Budgerigars. Male Budgies are more popular as pets. But, when they are young, it is difficult to find out their sex. If the bird shop owner or staff is experienced, he or she will be able to choose the right male Budgie and right bird cages for the pets.

Cockatiel: Friendly and Relaxed

Cockatiels are also very popular as pet birds amongst youngsters. It is well renowned for its friendly and relaxed nature. It can start imitating speech very quickly. Again you need to select a young male bird. Male cockatiels can be easily identified due to their orange cheek patch. The tail patterns of male and female birds are different, so we can easily distinguish between the two. A female Cockatiel is not a popular pet bird due to egg laying activity and egg binding. You need to take great care till a young Cockatiel starts eating independently. These birds are known to be healthy, but they still require a regular health plan and spacious bird cages.



Monday, December 10, 2018

Why Build A BIRD AVIARY

A Budgerigar in the aviary in Clissold Park, S...
A Budgerigar in the aviary in Clissold Park,
Stoke Newington, Greater London.
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
Keeping birds as pets or to rear for breeding comes with a certain amount of responsibility and basic knowledge. It is important to keep pets well feed and above all comfortable in their environment. 

When it comes to birds, it is important to provide a comfortable living area, where they can feel as close to their natural habitat as possible.

Many might consider investing in an extra large cage in order to provide a larger area for flight but it is the option of an aviary which is by far the more ideal option when it comes to housing birds. Cages, without doubt, limit a bird’s movement whereas an aviary creates a far more natural environment and allows them to explore.

However, aviaries do take up a larger amount of space and can come at a price, so it is always a good idea to shop around and do some research beforehand. The last thing you would want is to build an aviary that may completely overwhelm you with an amount of floor space it requires. Aviary plans can be found online and most come with easy DIY instructions and even all the essential tools needed for its construction. 

Do make sure though that the materials you use are of quality and are robust enough to withstand all weather conditions, particularly if the aviary is to be placed outdoors.

Building an aviary will increase not only your ability to breed or keep birds but also improve on the quality of care you give them.



Saturday, December 8, 2018

Hawk Headed (Red-Fan) PARROT - Deroptyus accipitrinus

Hawk-Headed (Red-Fan) Parrot - Photo Wikipedia



Friday, December 7, 2018

BIRD WATCHING in Arizona

Photo: Flickr
Bird watching in Arizona indefinitely a must for those who are into this kind of hobby. This is because the place offers a wide variety of birds perfect for observation such as the common ones including black and gray hawks, owls of different species such as whiskered screeches and elves, various species of hummingbirds, nightjars, trogons, flickers, woodpeckers, flycatchers, and pewees.

The place is also perfect if you want to see rare kinds of birds such as seasonal species of kingbirds, chickadees, becards, gnatcatchers, titmice, sparrows, tanagers, and warblers. 

If you are planning to go bird watching in Arizona, always make sure that you visit the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve which houses almost 300 different species of birds. If you want, you can make a schedule online and avail of the guided tours on Saturday mornings. The preserve has an almost 3-mile long trail that gives you a breathtaking beauty of nature along with various species of birds nearby. 

Things you need before you go bird watching in Arizona

In the United States, Arizona is one of the best places for bird watching because it has a hot type of climate, which invites a vast species of birds. Because of the number of birds seen in the place, birding has become a source for recreation and tourism. 

Before you get captivated its wonderful bird life and its breathtaking landscape in this side of the state, make sure that you prepare very well the things that you might need. If you are planning to conduct bird watching in Arizona, make sure that you bring:

- Bring a bird watching guide. This is very important especially for first-time watchers because this will serve as a reference for you. The guide usually contains basic information about the place or the preserve, list of birds that are usually seen in the area, brief characteristic of common birds that can be seen in the area and tips for the first-time watchers. 

- A good pair of bird watching binoculars. Although some centers provide binoculars for the viewers, it is best if you bring your own pair. This is to ensure that you will use a good pair of binoculars when coming to Arizona for bird watching. If you're planning to buy a pair of binoculars before going there, make sure that you buy a pair that has good magnification, clear lens and focus, and good exit diameter. 

- High SPF bottle of sunscreen. Since Arizona has hot weather, it is best to protect your skin, especially from sunburns. In Preservation centers, you are usually asked to go on a trail that has no shade. If you want to protect your skin against too much ultraviolet rays, it is quite important to apply lots of sunscreen with high SPF. 



- A notebook with a pen. This is a good option especially if you want to record your observations about the birds. When you have a handy notebook and pen, you can easily jot down the characteristics of the bird and other notes about the Center easily. (TIP: Choose a notebook with a plastic cover so you can protect your notes from getting wet.)

- A big bottle of water. To keep you well hydrated during bird watching in Arizona, it is best to keep a bottle of water with you at all times. Having a handy source of liquid at hand is very crucial especially if stay out in the sun for a long time in a place with hot weather. 



Thursday, December 6, 2018

What You Should Know Before Buying A Pet PARROT

English: A pair of wild Senegal Parrots in a t...
A pair of wild Senegal Parrots in a tree in Africa,
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
Parrots are great animals. In fact, as a pet, parrots can be pretty entertaining especially with children who just love their mimicry. But like other kinds of pets, parrots are not all sweetness and light. They can also be a bother especially when you are not really much into pets. 

Here are some things that you have to take into consideration before buying a parrot for a pet. Read on and think long and hard about each item. Remember that parrots are not exactly cheap. Once you buy them, you won’t have any choice but to take care of them. 

1. Parrots are noisy

Mimicries may seem cute for a while but after several weeks of non-stop noise, it would eventually become a bother. If you are the kind of person who values your peace and quiet at home, parrots are not the pets for you. Their songs are not the same as the musical sounds that some birds make. The larger the parrot bird that you have, the louder the sound that they will produce. 

Do you know that they can even scream so loud, you’d be running for cover? Your neighbors will even hear it. A normal parrot will probably scream at least two times a day. A screaming match will probably last for about five to fifteen minutes. 

2. Parrots love to play with things

Remember that parrots cannot tell the difference between a wooden toy that they are allowed to play with and a priceless wooden furniture that your great great grandparents bequeath you. They can chew at it and you won’t be able to do anything about it. 

And sometimes, they won’t even be content with furniture. They can also chew computer and electric cords, books, papers and virtually everything that they can get their claws on. Wallpapers, clothes can also be clawed on. So, be very careful.    



3. Parrots can bite

They may seem docile creatures but they are actually not. Parrots can bite and they can claw. Even small birds can do this like the parakeet. And this is not just the ordinary bite that will not result in a big wound. They can actually draw blood and rip the skin. 

Some who bite really hard can even break the small bones. This is not to say that parrots are mean creatures. They are just scared of people they do not yet know. Their defense mechanism is of course to bite.



Wednesday, December 5, 2018

How To Make Champions Out Of RACING PIGEONS

English: Racing pigeon photographed near Barkb...
Racing pigeon
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
They are fondly called the 'racehorses' of the sky. Racing pigeons are still being raced, and batches and batches of these birds are still seen circling the skylines.

The days of pigeon racing they say is not over, even though some reminisce about the old days where racing these birds are very popular. In fact in some suburbs, you can still notice some fanciers that raise these birds and they maintain lofts on their rooftops. And during early mornings and late afternoons, you will notice these winged creatures still flapping their wings desperate to reach the finish line first. The action on the skyline is intense. 

But the intensity of the action is more felt on the ground where fanciers and raisers of these birds await with bated breath if their winged creatures will be the first ones to cross the imagined finished line. And as soon the birds cross the designated borderline, fanciers and the enthusiasts would erupt in claps and cheers the loudest, of course, belong to the winning fancier. This goes on and on as long as there are competitions involving these pigeons. And so is the list of fanciers wanting to be the next toast of the racing community.

For every scream of joys, there is also that group of fanciers who silently applaud and hope that they can bring the fastest pigeons the next time around. Are you one of them? If you then remember that success in this form of racing is simple and easy; it's about teaching those winged creatures in the art of navigation and endurance. You need navigation so birds can fly on their own and return to their loft and endurance so that the birds can withstand long travels.

Add up the 'care' ingredient and you have the perfect recipe for racing pigeon champs. You will also need to incorporate care and understanding because these birds are living creatures as well. It's because in their daily forays in the skyline they will have to contend with strong winds and even other larger birds.

More than these three rules, dedication is also important for fanciers wanting to raise champions. Remember that there is an ocean of difference between a pigeon racer and the keeper. The keeper simply raises these birds. The racer is the one that breeds, trains and cares for these birds. You will need dedication because it takes many years to properly understand the needs and wants of these birds. Once you have these ingredients, then it's a lot easier shaping future champion birds. Here are some other factors in order to come up with champs in your loft.



• Look for the finest bloodline of these birds.
• Systematic training of these winged creatures should come next and finally;
• Treat these birds as an 'athlete' by taking into account training strategies.
These may be tough to follow, but the experience will tell you that it works. Remember, whatever you do for these racing pigeons they notice. Just try releasing them, and signal them to come back and for sure these birds will come back- just another reason why it pays to extend the best training and dedication for the birds.


Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Caring for Your Pet FINCH Made Easy

Camera Finch
Photo  by Navicore 
Your Pet Finch Information made exciting and entertaining!

Finches make excellent pets and it's no wonder! They are very easy to take care of, enjoy being around people and have bright and beautiful colors to admire. They make an excellent pet for many different people such as apartment dwellers, families with children and pet owners who have other birds or pets already. A pet finch is active, personable and social which makes them very entertaining as well as being a terrific companion. Are you still not sure whether a finch is the right pet for you? Here is what you need to know before making your final decision.

Finches are very diverse, with different personalities, colors and patterns which contributes to their individualism as a pet. Some of the most popular variations of finches include the Zebra Finch, the Society Finch and the Gouldian Finch, all of which are slightly different from one another. The Zebra Finch, for example, is very social although it is recommended no matter what finch you have that you don't pair them in the same cage with another species of bird such as the parrot, lovebirds or parakeet. 


Unlike the finch, many other bird species are likely to be more aggressive and can harm your pet finch. It is best to house your pet finch by itself or with another pet finch, although be aware of bullying or fighting with more than two pet finches in one cage at any given time. Finches, for the most part, are kind and social although active as they enjoy spreading their wings and flying from side to side of its cage!

Unlike a parrot that tends to squawk when it's not being given the attention it craves, the finch is content playing by itself. This makes it a wonderful pet for those pet owners living in small spaces like an apartment or those who don't have the time to play with their bird constantly. Some finches are very tame and will allow perching on your finger, while others may not. Finches require its nails to be trimmed, so if you choose to trim them yourself, make sure to use your palm against their back to scoop them up. Finches that bite are very rare, although if they do snip your finger, it shouldn't hurt or won't be dangerous.

Since finches are an active bird species, they thrive in a spacious environment where they can fly from side to side and really exercise their muscles. Although having a couple of perches available for your pet finch is important, make sure that their cage isn't too crowded so they have plenty of space to roam. The right cage is very important. By investing in a mirror, ball or branch you can give your finch all of the entertainment it needs. Finches enjoy taking baths as well, so help your finch along by bathing it a few times a week to help him stay clean and healthy. Also, by supplying your pet finch with damp grass alongside the bottom of its cage, he will enjoy the effect of rolling around in it for hours!


Some people who are interested in purchasing finches as pets, they may be concerned with how noisy of a bird they are. Pet finches are a quieter bird species and more affordable than lovebirds or a parrot. Running anywhere from $15-$30, you can easily purchase a pet finch that meets your budget and taste.

Many pet owners enjoy their pet finch for their social personality, lovely song and their active lifestyle!

I hope this helps you better care for your pet finch!



Monday, December 3, 2018

The Best BIRD WATCHING Optics

English: View of rocks from bird watching hide.
View of rocks from bird watching hide. - (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The passion for bird watching starts with a simple idea of mere observation of the different kinds of such species. But as years progress and technology develop, more and more bird watching optics become available in the market and your aim is to find which one is the best.

The Idea
If you are interested to know how a person starts to become an avid bird watcher, first, they have the love for nature and curiosity about birds that they would go out of their way to be able to see some and then see some more until the hobby becomes a passion.

A person can start on his own backyard, observing the birds that fly through their vicinity. Then they could start feeding the birds so that the latter would stay longer within near distance. The idea of bird feeders and bird baths start from this same cycle. To protect the welfare of the birds, trees are planted as well as shrubs and also provide for nesting areas.

Not hooked yet? You can also watch the birds near you, whether on the road or a busy street. Just be mindful of your own safety when performing such a task.

The Optics
Now that you already have the habit, you can look into the available optics in the market to see the birds more clearly and to make your observation gearing towards the scientific route.

Binoculars are usually the first gear that birders invest on. The more expensive ones, of course, are better. Usually, those come with thicker glass, better vision, coatings, precise configuration and alignment and easy to navigate controls.

Although with so many types available in the market these days, you might find yourself confused about what can be a good purchase. If trapped in this dilemma, all you got to do is ask. Ask the people who've already been doing the hobby for longer periods than you do or if you can't find somebody, search the Web. The Web actually has all the information you need to know about birding and bird watching and the gears and optics that you must have in order to become successful with the venture.

Look closely at the features of the binocular before purchasing one. Choose the right weight by holding such. Remember that when you already have to such it, you have to hold it most of the time for it to serve its function. Also, try to see through it when you are still in the store to know if it is the perfect fit for your eyes. Look at the lenses closely, navigate through the control. You could also ask what are the accessories available to see your options. This way, birding would be much easier and fun now that you have a gadget with you.



The scopes are for the advanced users. This is bought along with a tripod. The idea for the proper placing of such develops the more frequent you use it. The lenses would be your utmost concern when it comes to this. Inspect those before you buy one. 

There's a lot of other optics available that you could try once you've mastered the use of binoculars and scopes. It varies from night vision, infrared, illuminating appeal, tools to photograph or record the observation on video among many other choices.

The best bird watching optics is there to help you find the right view, the right angle. When you are already geared up with such, all you need to be mindful about is where you could find the right spot.



Saturday, December 1, 2018

Healthy Diet For ECLECTUS Parrots - 6 Essentials For the Eclectus Parrot Diet

July 23 - 31, 2009
Photo  by osseous 
Eclectus Parrots have an unusually long digestive track that gives them the ability to efficiently extract nutrients from their food.  As a result, they must have a very balanced and specific diet to help them stay well. In general organic foods are tastier, and healthier because they avoid the use of pesticides and chemicals. Here are 6 components necessary to keep your Eclectus properly fed and healthy.

Fiber - Because their digestive tracks are unusually long, fiber is necessary to keep the track clear and food properly moving through it. This can be fed to them in the form of legumes such as slightly softened garbanzo, fava, lentils, and soybeans as well as whole grains.

Fruits - They also enjoys and benefit greatly from fresh organic fruits such as apples, bananas, mangos, grapes, pomegranate seeds, watermelon, papaya, and oranges. Rotate new fruits as they come in season, and use thawed frozen fruits when fresh are not available.

Dark Leafy Green Vegetables - The darker the leaf, the more nutrients it contains. So kale, mustard and dandelion greens, Swiss chard, spinach, beet and carrot tops are excellent sources of nutrients and should be chopped into small pieces to make them easier to eat.

Other vegetables should include corn on the cob, broccoli, green beans and peas, and okra. Prone to have a Vitamin A deficiency, foods high in Beta Carotene should also be fed regularly as they are excellent natural sources of Vitamin A.  Cooked carrots, yams, and sweet potatoes should be staples in their diet.

Seeds and Nuts - Sprouted seeds are best because they are living plants, low in fat, and provide different nutrients daily as they continue to grow. Sprouts are one of the healthiest foods you can feed your bird. There are kits available that allow you to do it yourself, or you can buy seeds that are already sprouted. Be sure to provide them daily.  As for nuts, young birds still need some fat to develop properly,  but nuts should be fed sparingly to mature birds as they contain large amounts of fat that can cause health problems stemming from obesity.  However, an occasional nut (one) for a mature bird can serve as a tasty treat.

Pellets - Theoretically pellets are a great concept. Having all the nutrients packed into each tiny piece would seem to be a great way to ensure a healthy diet. However, some pellet mixes contain excessive sugar which can lead to kidney problems; and artificial coloring, preservatives, and flavoring that many pellet mixes contain can cause toxicity. Even the organic pellets which do not contain preservatives can make it easier for bacteria and fungus to grow-- which can pose serious health issues to your bird if ingested. So fresh foods always trump pellets.  And if you decide to use them, they should be of a very high quality and comprise a minute portion of the total diet. Avoid colored pellets at all costs as they prevent the Eclectus from producing properly colored feathers and beaks.


Table Food - Scrambled eggs that are thoroughly cooked, cooked rice and beans, and a cracker are all fine on occasion. Birds are lactose intolerant so dairy products should be avoided unless they are lactose-free. Foods with high salt content should also be avoided. Chocolate, avocado, alcohol, rhubarb and foods with caffeine are toxic and can lead to the swift demise of your Eclectus or any bird.

The Eclectus Parrot is an enthusiastic eater and will thank you for providing a healthy diet with many years of love and devotion.



Friday, November 30, 2018

Healthy Sun CONURE Diet For These Fabulous Parrots

Tingo the Sun Conure
Photo  by Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i 
Sun Conures are an affectionate and easy to train little birds which are about 12 inches in length and comprise of a bright yellow overall with an orange face and underparts. Green accents in the feather are noticeable along with a mixture of green and blue bringing in a vibrancy and brilliant plumage making it one of the most desired pets around the world. Preparing a Sun Conure diet is what this article reflects upon.

The lifetime of a Conure parrot can be between 25 to 30 years if they are in good health and they are an enjoyable pet to have around. During the initial stages they develop into a muted olive green color which is a defense mechanism in the wild, but when they mature at one year old they turn into this brilliant rainbow color of red, yellow, orange, green and blue. These birds are said to be one of the most beautiful of all Conure.

The Best Sun Conure Diet
Preparing the best Sun Conure diet does need to have attention to good nutrition which contributions to its happiness, health and quality of life. Poor nutrition is a major cause of health concern in these companion birds. Preparing the best Sun Conure diet should comprise a lot of fruits, seeds, vegetables, and nuts. These birds become bored with the same food every day so you need to make sure that you give them interesting treats which will keep them interested and active.


Seeds:
Birds are very picky when it comes to eating and no matter what type of combination of seeds you give them, they will eat only the one they find enjoyable leaving the others altogether. Unfortunately, though, this can lead to malnutrition. Occasional seeds make a good exciting treat though, as birds enjoy cracking them open and discovering each layer of the seed and exploring their various textures.

Pellets:
Pellets are an excellent source of a well-rounded nutrient diet which is easy to maintain and is best for birds. Every pellet has the same number of nutrients so you do not have to worry if your bird is a bit choosy with them. But don't be fooled into only giving them pellets as this is not good for their diet.

Fresh fruits and vegetables:
Fresh vegetables are a must for birds and should be provided to them daily. These birds will love this diet because it is more than just nutritional, but a sight of vibrant colors and exciting taste. Giving a variety of food to your bird will build up their interest in trying out new items and becoming alert every day.


Water:
While preparing the best Sun Conure diet, fresh water should be replaced twice a day. These birds are messy eaters and will drop their food into the water all the time, making the water contaminated.

While preparing the best Sun Conure diet, it is always important to bring in change and include various foods. This will keep the bird's brain alert and exercised in knowing different tastes and different color combinations. Sun conure parrots are quite intelligent and an easy pet to keep and what endears this bird to many people are their different temperaments and active lifestyle



Thursday, November 29, 2018

BIRD WATCHING - Caring for Birds in the Winter

English: Birds around a bird feeder made from ...
Birds around a bird feeder made from a Coke bottle in Johannesburg, South Africa. From left to right, a male Southern Masked Weaver, a male Cape Sparrow, a female Cape Sparrows, and two male Cape Sparrows. It is midwinter, so the birds are in on-breeding plumage.
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
The needs of wild birds in the winter are different than their needs in warmer weather. Also, in the winter, birds may be arriving at feeders individually or in flocks. Consequently, their human friends need to provide birds with options.

Feeders should be placed near cover but in such a way that would allow birds to watch for danger. For ground feeding, one should find an area near cover but with a clear view of the surroundings so that danger can be spotted easily by the feeding birds. Feeders should be placed out of the wind. The east or southeast of the house is an ideal spot away from the wind. A perching spot such as a bush or tree should be found near the feeder. Trees and bushes provide safe refuge from the elements and predators.

To entice birds such as juncos, sparrows, brown thrashers and pheasants seeds can be put into a ground feeder. Even tree dwellers such as red=bellied woodpeckers will eat from ground feeders. Cardinals, chickadees, wrens, jays, and titmice prefer platform and hopper feeders. Because hanging feeders blow in the wind they are, generally, used by birds able to hang on while feeding such as finches, nuthatches, titmice and chickadees.

A great seed to offer during the winter is the sunflower seed. It has a high calorie per ounce. It, also, has a high fat and protein content and is thin shelled. The thin shell makes less of a mess when discarded by the birds.

Suet is great for feeding birds in the winter. It is a high-energy food with a pure fat substance which is invaluable for birds in the winter when insects are scarce and birds need more calories to keep their bodies warm. Suet can be fed in a variety of feeders ranging from suet cages to wooden feeders that offer protection from the elements.

Peanuts are another food that is good for birds in the winter. Peanuts have a high-fat level and are often used in suet products. Peanuts provide a good source of protein for birds.

As at any other time, birds need to have a source of water. Bird baths are a great source for water and should be heated to prevent the whole bath from freezing. If bird bath de-icers are used, the bird baths should be able to stay out all winter with no problems.



Lastly, birds need some form of shelter in the winter to protect them from the elements and natural predators. Roosting boxes or natural covers are ideal. It is imperative to clean birdhouses to help reduce the possibility of parasitic bugs that are able to survive the winter.

By following these simple, common-sense rules, anyone can see how rewarding bird watching can be, even in the winter.




Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Want a TALKING BIRD? Learn Which Birds Love to Talk

Sun Conure - Photo: Pixabay
Spending a few minutes chatting with a talking bird can brighten your day, and adding a bird to your family will provide a fun opportunity to enjoy the bonds that form when your feathered companion can talk. Many types of birds love to talk and their styles can vary according to their species as well as their temperament. While some birds may be able to memorize a few words, others can carry on full conversations. Here are the top pet bird types that have the ability to learn to talk along with their defining characteristics to help you decide which one will best fit your lifestyle.

Converse With a Conure
Conures are known for having the smallest vocabulary out of the parrot family. However, what they lack in words, they make up for in personality. Conures have a loud, attention-getting voice, and they sound more like a bird than other species. Although they can reproduce the human voice to some degree, you may also hear them chatter in bird talk while maintaining a human-like rhythm. They also have a surprisingly strong ability to mimic many different kinds of sounds, and your conure can keep you in giggles as they sneeze, chortle and chuckle.

Query a Quaker
Quakers have tons of personality and many bird lovers claim that their quaker can respond as if they understand the entire conversation. Perhaps this is due to their impeccable timing, which indicates that they may have some understanding of the intricacies of human language. For example, you may find your quaker telling you "good night" as you turn off a light, or they may say "thank you" when you give them some food. Quakers are full of surprises and this is one talking bird that can keep the one-liners coming.

Babble with a Budgie
Wiki CC
Budgies often get overlooked when it comes to talking birds, but according to the Guinness Book of World records, a budgie has earned the distinction of being "The Most Talking Bird" with a vocabulary of more than 1700 words. If you are considering getting a budgie, then be sure it is a male since females do not talk. Additionally, budgies pick up new words from their environment and are constantly adding to their vocabulary. Try leaving the radio or television on during quiet periods of the day and you will be amazed at how much your budgie can learn to say.

Gab with an African Grey
African greys are quieter than a conure, yet they also have the ability to reproduce different voices depending upon whom they are mimicking. For example, your African grey may sing a song in the voice of your favorite musical artist, or they could squawk "hello" in your kid's voice so well that you think they are in the room. As you teach your grey to talk, keep in mind that they learn words faster when emotions are attached to them. So, get excited when you tell them hello or call them a pretty bird.

Talking birds are a great addition to any home, and you can spend hours training your bird to communicate effectively. Whether you prefer a chatterbox or an occasional bit of birdie wisdom, there is a type of talking bird that will fit your preferences. Just remember that talking to your bird frequently is the best way to expand their vocabulary which means that you can get started from the moment you bring your new bird home.



Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Green ROSELLA - Platycercus caledonicus

Green Rosella - Platycercus caledonicus



Monday, November 26, 2018

Things to Consider when Building a BIRD DECK HOUSE

A bird house, taken at the Peabody Mansion Est...
A birdhouse, taken at the Peabody Mansion Estate in Oak Brook, Illinois
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
Bird deck houses are one way of making your home feel brighter and livelier every day. It is the first thing that you can look at in the morning and the thing to see once you want to relieve some of the stress of your day. Believe it. Birds and birdhouses in your home can make a lot of difference not only to your home but also to your life. 

Building a bird deckhouse can be easy if you know what you are doing. There are some guidelines that you can learn from those who have done it. Bird experts have also some things to say about how to properly make your own bird deckhouse.

Overall, below are some of the things you have to consider when building a bird deckhouse.

1. Ventilation.

You probably would not want to suffocate the birds inside your house. And you probably would not want to make them feel like they are your prisoners too.

What you need to do is to provide proper ventilation in your bird deckhouse. If you have one that is fully covered, consider putting on holes on the top, bottom and the sides. You do not need to do this if the bird deckhouse has an open space where birds can move out and about.

If you have a pet bird that you do not want to fly away from you, consider having birdhouses that let the air in naturally.

2. Roof. 

Having a roof on your bird deckhouse is a means of protecting the birds from wind and rain. It is also one way of preventing bigger animals from playing and eating the birds inside.

In addition, the roof can prevent moisture from seeping inside the birdhouse. This serves the same purpose as the walls that you need to have in the birdhouse.

3. Space. 

If you have more than one bird deckhouse in your house or garden, keep them some feet apart from each other. Having the appropriate space between bird deckhouses is a way of reducing conflicts that might arise between the birds.

Birds are also like a human in terms of protecting their territory. They also do not want other birds to trespass into their space. It is better to give them the appropriate space that they can have for their own.



4. Material.

The best material to make your bird deckhouse from is wood. They are more durable than metal that can rust and cartons that rot.  Avoid using paint as much as possible. They tend to secrete vapors that can harmful for the birds.

Check out for unwanted visitors in your bird deckhouse. They can be insects or mice capable of causing harm and injury to the birds. Regular checking and cleaning can prevent these things from taking advantage of what you consider as pets.

The main purpose for putting up a deck in your birdhouse is to attract more birds. Your bird deckhouse will be a waste if birds are not visiting and coming back to it. An exception is when you already have the birds to put into your birdhouse. But for those who do not have, then the birdhouse should be a point of attraction and a regular safe place where birds can stay.



Sunday, November 25, 2018

The Australian ROSELLA - Parrots Belonging to the Eight Species of Rosella

Rosella Woodland Park Zoo
Photo  by symonty 
Rosella (Platycercus Vigors) Parrots belonging to this genus are collectively known as the rosella and all show two plumage characteristics; well-defined cheek-patches and a pronounced "mottling" on the back. The rosella is a medium-sized bird with long, graduated tails. There is a notch in the upper mandible. The male has noticeably wider, heavier upper mandibles than the female. In all but one species (icterotis) the rosella sexes are alike in plumage. The white, under wing-stripe, is present but is variable according to the species. 

There are eight species of rosella:

o Crimson Rosella
o Eastern Rosella
o Green Rosella
o Yellow Rosella
o Adelaide Rosella
o Pale-headed Rosella
o Northern Rosella
o Western Rosella

Crimson Rosella:
The adult Crimson Rosella has a general rich crimson plumage; cheek patches violet blue; feathers of nape, back and wings black broadly margined with crimson. The bill is greyish-white; iris dark brown; legs grey.

The Crimson Rosella occurs in eastern and south-eastern Australia

In eastern Australia, the Crimson Rosella is a bird of the coastal and adjacent mountainous forests from sea level to the alpine woodlands above 1,900 meters. It is plentiful, even occurring in numbers in the outer suburbs of large towns and cities. The flight is more undulating and noticeably slower than that of the Green Rosella and normally flies close to the ground and glides upward into a tree. The tail is fanned when alighting.

The diet of the Crimson Rosella is seeds, fruits, blossoms, and insects and their larvae.
Its call is a low pitched "kweek...kweek...kweek", with the middle note on a lower scale. When alarmed the Crimson Rosella has a series of shrill, metallic screeches. A soft chattering generally accompanies feeding.

The courtship display and general nesting behaviour of the Crimson Rosella closely resemble those of the Green Rosella.

Eastern Rosella:
The male Eastern Rosella has a red head and breast; white cheek-patches; lower breast yellow merging into the pale green on the abdomen. The bill is greyish-white; iris dark brown; legs grey.

The Eastern Rosella occurs in south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania.

The Eastern Rosella inhabits lightly timbered country up to about 1,250 meters and is a familiar bird in gardens and parklands on the outskirts of towns and cities.

The undulating flight of the Eastern Rosella is comparatively swift. The inverted arc path is usually followed, but on long flights, particularly over open grassland, the Eastern Rosella flies at a considerable height and does not drop to the ground.

The call of the Eastern Rosella is a loud "kwink...kwink...kwink" on an ascending scale or a metallic piping note repeated twice; when alarmed a shrill screech.

The courtship display of the Eastern Rosella is similar to that of the Green Rosella.

Green Rosella:
The male Green Rosella has a red frontal band; head and underparts are rich yellows, the latter sometimes washed with orange-red; cheek-patches are deep blue. The bill is horn coloured; iris brown; legs grey.

The female is a smaller size with a smaller bill; throat generally washed with orange-red; wing stripe usually absent.

The Green Rosella occurs in Tasmania and the larger islands in the Bass Strait. Because of the sombre colouration of their upperparts, it is inconspicuous when on the ground seeking seeds or when in the tall eucalypts feeding on blossoms. The flight is strong with less undulation than that of the other rosella species.

Its diet comprises seeds, blossoms, berries, nuts, fruits and insects and their larvae.

The call is a disyllabic "cussik-cussik" given regularly in flight; also a variety of flute-like whistles. When alarmed the Green Rosella emits a rapid succession of shrill piping notes.

The male, when displaying, droops his wings, squares his shoulders, fluffs up his breast and upper tail-coverts and moves his fanned tail from side to side.

Yellow Rosella:
The male Yellow Rosella has pale yellow head and entire under-parts. The throat and upper breast are often lightly marked with red. The bill is greyish-white; iris dark brown; legs grey.

It occurs in the interior of south-eastern Australia; a riparian species closely associated with the Murray - Murrumbidgee - Lachlan Rivers system in southern New South Wales, northern Victoria and eastern South Australia. It frequents eucalypts, especially where they form savannah woodland on flood plains extending some distance from the watercourses. It is less confining than the other rosella species and generally moves well ahead of an intruder.

Its flight is swifter and less undulating than that of the Crimson Rosella. The flight path is direct and lacks the inverted arc.

The diet comprises seeds, fruits, berries, blossoms, nectar, nuts, and insects and their larvae.
The call is similar to, but of a slightly higher pitch than that of the Crimson Rosella.

Courtship display and general nesting behaviour of the Yellow Rosella closely resemble those of the Green Rosella.

Adelaide Rosella:
The adult Adelaide Rosella has a red forehead and crown; nape and sides of the head are dull orange-yellow; cheek-patches are violet-blue. The bill is greyish white; iris dark brown; legs grey.

It occurs in southern South Australia from the southern Flinders Ranges to the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide. It is abundant within its restricted range, and inhabits all types of timbered country, and is often seen in suburban gardens and parklands in Adelaide.

Its flight is similar to that of the Crimson Rosella.


All call-notes of the Adelaide Rosella are similar to those of the Crimson Rosella.

The breeding season extends from September through to December. Nesting behaviour, including courtship display, closely resembles that of the Green Rosella.

Pale-Headed Rosella:
The male Pale-Headed Rosella has a white head with tinges of yellow; check-patches violet-blue below, white above. Its bill is horn-coloured; iris dark brown; legs grey.

The Pale-Headed Rosella is widely distributed from northern Queensland, south of Cairns and the Mitchell River, to northern New South Wales. It is a lowland bird inhabiting most types of the timbered country including clearings in a heavy forest or the forest itself where it adjoins open grassland. The flight resembles that of the Eastern Rosella.

Its call is similar to that of the Eastern Rosella.

The nesting behaviour resembles that of the Green Rosella.

Northern Rosella:
The forehead, crown and nape of the adult Northern Rosella are black, sometimes with red markings; cheek-patches white above, violet-blue below. The bill is greyish-white; iris dark brown; legs grey.

The Northern Rosella inhabits north-western and northern Australia from the Kimberley, Western Australia, and east to the Northern Territory - Queensland border; occurs on Bathurst, Melville and Milingimbi Islands.

It inhabits savannah woodland, timber bordering watercourses, littoral forests and occasionally coastal mangroves. The undulating flight of the Northern Rosella is surprisingly swift and somewhat erratic, normally flying close to the ground, gliding up into a tree and then fanning the tail before alighting. The diet of the Northern Rosella comprises seeds of grasses, shrubs and trees, principally eucalypts, melaleucas and acacias, and fruits, berries and blossoms.

The call is a disyllabic, high pitched note repeated three or four times. When feeding in the treetops a soft chattering is emitted.

The courtship display and general nesting behaviour are similar to the other rosella species.

Western Rosella:
The head and entire under parts of the Western Rosella is red; yellow cheek patches; feathers of back and wings black broadly margined with dark green. The bill is grey; iris dark brown; legs brownish grey.

The Western Rosella inhabits south-western Australia. In open forest trees surrounding croplands or lining roadways, timber bordering watercourses, grasslands and cultivated farmlands. It is a confiding bird and becomes very tame around farm buildings were feeding on spilt grain. Its buoyant, fluttering flight differs markedly from the heavy flight of the other rosella species. Between wing beats, there are only very brief periods of gliding.

It feeds on seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants, fruits, berries and insects and their larvae.
The call is soft and melodious, comprising a series of whistle-like notes repeated rapidly, and it lacks the harsh, metallic tones common to the calls of the other rosella species.

The breeding season extends from August through to December. Only the female broods and while she is sitting, the male remains in the immediate vicinity of the nest.

    I run a company, The Short Collection that specializes in handmade greeting cards with images of photos I've taken over the years of Australia's flora, fauna, landscapes, landmarks and Sydney's Opera House. Included are greeting cards with photo images of the Crimson Rosella and the Eastern
    Article Source: EzineArticles