LEAVE THEM BE

It’s definitely baby season! Over the past number of days, we’ve noticed various ages of birds ready to leave their nests or already fledged. Just a reminder that most will start their new venture on or near the ground. Their parent(s) will hear their squawks and bring them the food that they require. They will also be learning how to fend for themselves. So, unless it appears that they have fallen from a nest & need to be returned because they aren’t developed, please leave them be! Parents are almost always close & are taking care of them. Below are photos we captured - today - of various ages of American Robins…all different families!

American Robins considering their leap of faith

American Robins ‘learning’ but also old enough to fly!

American Robin parent & fledgling

HEAT & HUMIDITY ~ TIME FOR A PLACE IN THE SHADE ALONG WITH COOL, FRESH WATER!

We have arrived at the last two days of May….and with it, some heat & humidity. Reminder to wash & replace nectar in nectar feeders often while also hanging them in the shade, if possible. We never totally fill ours so as not to waste the nectar in them.

Also note that seeds are oil based (think sunflower, safflower, peanuts, etc.) so we suggest buying in smaller quantities while also storing in the coolest place possible outdoors. It’s also a good idea to hang seed feeders in the shade while also not totally filling them. As always, wash them often! (Additional info from a previous post - click here.)

As well, bird baths should be cleaned & refilled often with fresh cool water.

MAKE SURE YOUR PETS HAVE A COOL PLACE TO STAY ALONG WITH PLENTY OF FRESH, COOL WATER! Everyone needs a place in the shade when the heat & humidity are rising - take care! Check on your neighbours too!

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK M IN THE SHADE

FEATHERING THEIR NEST!

While one may be figuring that the Orioles just arrived and it’s too soon for them to think about nesting….it isn’t! We have seen photos of these masters of nest-building at work and in just the last couple of days, one was spotted gathering some alpaca fibre from our suet cage. They will use the fibre to line their nests.

We have the cage positioned in the area where our feeders are….they just seem to know where to find it! When we put the fibre out for them, we pull apart small pieces and place them in the cage. Note: We don’t stuff it full, only very tiny amounts, some of which protrude through the spaces in the suet cage. We prefer to continue adding more rather than putting a large amount out. If you’re looking for some fibre for your backyard birds, we have some available now!

WINTER TO SUMMER TO SPRING!

Doesn’t it seem like we have gone from winter to summer and back to what we would expect at this time of the year in one fell swoop? So are the realities of the season! At any rate, the migrating birds are here to thrill and entertain us! While there may have been earlier arrivals for some folks, others were waiting longer to welcome their favourites like Orioles & Hummingbirds. One thing to remember when those temperatures rise ~ clean your feeders often & change the nectar often….the warmer the temps, the more often one should do this for the health of the birds!

MOTHER'S DAY IS THIS SUNDAY!

Mother’s Day is this weekend and if flowers aren’t on your list, then stop by here for all one needs for the feathered friends in the garden! Orioles & Hummingbirds have arrived or are arriving…we have some great feeders for them! Otherwise, check out our gift area for beautiful mugs, tea towels, puzzles, beeswax candles, soy candles, local soaps, door mats and so very much more! Thanks for supporting local!

OUR FIRST BALTIMORE ORIOLE SIGHTING....HAPPY MAY!

While we often hear an Oriole before we see one, today we happened to glance at our orange feeder and there he was! They are such beautiful birds! H A P P Y M A Y!

ADDITIONAL SIGHTINGS - ORIOLES & MORE HUMMINGBIRDS!

While the current weather may not be the best for the migrating birds, some have been reported in & around our area! With these cooler temperatures, if you haven’t put your feeders and/or fruit out, please consider doing so as these beauties will be looking for easily accessible food sources!. Thanks for giving them a hand in these unusually cold temperatures!

Our photo of an Orchard Oriole from a previous season - they’re in the area!

HUMMINGBIRD REPORTED IN THE LONDON AREA!

Feeders up….A customer reported today that a Hummingbird was reported in North London, On! If there’s Hummingbirds in the area, there’s a good chance of Orioles also being around. Reminder to report your sightings to Hummingbirds Canada and/or Journey North! It’s a most wonderful time of the year - migration season!

Our photo of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird from a previous year

ENJOY YOUR EASTER WEEKEND!

Just a reminder that we will be closed on April 15/22 - Good Friday.

PEANUTS...HERE COME THE BLUE JAYS!

If you offer peanuts in your garden, you know. If you’ve never offered peanuts for the birds it certainly doesn’t take long for the Blue Jays to find them! When they do, they usually tell all their friends!

ORIOLES OBSERVED IN S. ONTARIO!

It’s often hard to believe but it does happen…some birds arrive to their breeding grounds much earlier than expected. Such was the case in the past week or so when Orioles were spotted in an area of Southern Ontario! Follow Journey North for migration updates & be sure to report your sightings!

HAPPY APRIL!

The swings in temperature & weather continue as we welcome a new month! One thing to be excited about…Orioles are about a month away! (Don’t be surprised to hear that some have arrived earlier than that as wind direction & weather conditions may change their path.) As well, house hunting by some species will be continuing or happening!

SPRING, WINTER, SPRING, WINTER....IT'S ALWAYS A ROLLERCOASTER!

One knows it’s spring when the roller coaster of weather in S.W. Ontario puts on a show! We have gone from spring-like conditions to blizzard conditions…at times. The cold temperatures, wind and snow over the past couple of days have been interesting to say the least. Today started with some freezing rain but we must remember it is still only March; we know things will improve weather-wise. Photo below of a beauty Northern Cardinal from a couple of days ago.

HELLO SPRING!

We have reached the official first day of spring which usually seems to mean more winter! In other news, some birds are nesting while others (like Eastern Bluebirds) are checking out places to nest….a most wonderful time of the year!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

We love these greens….note that these beauties are on their way! For more information, check out Journey North or Hummingbirds Canada. Remember to place your feeders mid-April or about 2 to 3 weeks before their expected arrival….You never know if there might be some early arrivals who could be passing through! (The same goes for Orioles) Enjoy a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day and think of the beautiful greens that will grace us soon!

PILEATED WOODPECKER

Lately, we’ve been observing more Pileated Woodpeckers which has been much fun! Did you know that these beauties mostly prey on carpenter ants, looking for them in dead trees or fallen logs? If you see a large, often rectangular hole in a dead or rotting tree, chances are it was made by a Pileated Woodpecker.

ABOUT TWO MONTHS AWAY!

It’s hard to believe that we are only about two months away from the arrival of some of everyone’s favourite feeder birds - Orioles & Hummingbirds! You’ll want to make sure that your feeders are in good repair, clean and ready to fill as we usually recommend placing feeders about 2 - 3 weeks prior to their expected arrival. (Orange halves are also a great way to start.)

We’ve been stocking our shelves with everything you’ll need to welcome these beauties so if your feeders need to be replaced, check out our selection while you’re here!

MARCH 2022 HAS ARRIVED!

Sometimes one wonders where certain birds have been all winter. For us, it was the White-breasted Nuthatch! In the past, they have visited our feeders more often than the Red-breasted Nuthatches…not this winter! Yesterday one finally showed up at our feeders…such fun to watch & listen to these cuties!

OUR HEARTS ARE WITH UKRAINE

Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine. When you see a sunflower, you will think of them all. The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine; you can Read here why the sunflower connects us all.

FAMILY DAY IS A HOLIDAY FOR US!

Just a reminder that we will be closed on Monday, February 21/22 for Family Day. If it is a holiday for you, enjoy!