With the weather been as abnormal as it is- we are crossing our fingers for a better than average nesting season! 

Spring is in the air & our customers have been telling us they are seeing more and more of their favorite Spring birds around the area. They are already coming back to stake out their nesting grounds, molting, and moving back in for the summer months. Many of our customers have mentioned how they already have bluebirds, red-winged blackbirds, and finches turning gold. Therefore this year you might want to consider getting your yard ready for the nesting season a little sooner than normal. Stop in today for nesting boxes, nesting material, and food. Due to the weather been so mild we have live mealworms back in stock starting this week. Did you know several of the most popular songbirds live in our backyards! Below is a short shout out to some popular songbirds whose beautiful melodies you should start being able to hear soon if not already!

 

They are more prominent in Western areas of Rock county, WI however they have been seen around the area and even though they have 'Lark' in their name they are actually related to blackbirds. The Western Meadowlark has a pure melody followed by a short disorganized phrase. These birds were once abundant mirroring a decline in their natural habitat their numbers have decreased drastically since the 1980's.


Migration Early April through Mid-September - Early November.
Diet: Insects & Seeds (Bug Nut & Berry or No-Mess Cylinders, Nesting Blend)
Nesting Dates: late-April through mid-July

Still curious about Western Meadowlarks in WI click the following link: http://www.wisconsinbirds.org/plan/species/weme.htm

                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                            

Our customers are already seeing the Red-winged Blackbirds!
The Red-winged Males return first to stake out breeding territories before the females even arrive in WI. Males will actively defend their area from anything they deem a threat including people. As much as a quarter of a male's day is spent monitoring their nesting boundaries and thwarting intruders. Singing Red-wing Blackbirds will flash the red & yellow on their wings to attract mates and warn rivals. So if you hear the unique call of a Red-winged Blackbird look out for their flashing colors!

Image: CornellLab
Migration: Arrives Early March & Leaves September
Diet: Insects (Mealworms, Bug Nut & Berry Cylinder)
Nesting: March - May


From info on the Red-winged Black Bird: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird/id


This bird usually is expected in large, unbroken (not divided by major roads or developments) forest, which are becoming increasingly scarce in southern Wisconsin. Due to agricultural and urban development the Wood Thrush habitat in Southern WI has drastically decreased. Thrushes are actually able to sing 2 notes simultaneously due to a 2-branched vocal organ called a syrinx. So the next time you're walking in Sheiffer Park, Carver-Roehl Park, or the Robert Cook Arboretum listen for the spirally flute-like "ee-oh-lay" which is the middle phrase of a 3-part song which is made up of 2 to 10 loud clear notes.

Nesting Dates: mid-May to late July
Diet: Insects and berries (Bug Nut & Berry Cylinder)
Migration: Late April/May - Mid-August to early October

Still curious about Wood Thrushes in WI click the link: http://www.wisconsinbirds.org/plan/species/woth.htm

 

 

The final Song bird we are highlighting happens to be our state bird! The American Robin is actually part of the Thrush family and thus related to the Wood Thrush. Their familiar tune of "cheery up, cheery oh" consists of repeated rising & falling notes. The saying the "early bird gets the worm" defines this bird because few species are up as early as the Robin, they are known to belt out a sunrise serenade even before the first rays light up the sky. Robins don't favor feeders but you might get some, especially now with the ground still hard as these feathery friends can't resist mealworms & fruit. If you provide a simple nesting platform the Robin will transform your backyard into their stage for their morning serenade. Image curiosity of CornellLab 

Nest: April - July
Migration: March - October (some stay all year in Southern WI if food & water present)
Diet: Worms, insects, fruits & berries (Bug, Nut, & Berry cylinder, nesting blend, mealworms)


For more information on our State bird please visit: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/



 

Nesting: Bringing Bird Families Home

Think Spring!

What a great time of year! Longer days and warmer temperatures help to rapidly reawaken the natural world around us during this true season of renewal. Our fields and forests celebrate with splashes of amazing colors…from freshly blooming wildflowers to the return of migrant songbirds decked out in their finest breeding plumage.

Yes, nesting season is just around the corner. A new generation of birds will soon be entering the world.

Many of them will call your yard home. You might even say that their families will become part of your family. And you can make a significant difference in how well these extended families will thrive and survive in your own backyard.

Consider providing a little “pre-natal” boost for your birds. The need for protein and calcium increases substantially for birds as they prepare for nesting and during periods of egg-laying. Obtaining a sufficient amount of these nutrients determines the number of eggs a bird is able to produce and impacts the health of young birds. Wild Birds Unlimited’s Nesting SuperBlend™ is a great bird food to help you provide the essential protein and calcium needed by nesting families.

For birds that use nesting boxes (think bluebirds, wrens, titmice, etc.), it is important that they are made from high quality materials that will help insulate the youngsters from extreme cold or heat. Proper drainage and ventilation are a must and the box has to be easy to clean in preparation for the next tenant. Nesting boxes should also be specifically designed for the type of bird that is likely to make your yard its home and they should be placed in a location that is safe and enticing.

WBU has a complete line a high quality nest boxes to help get you started, including our environmentally-friendly EcoTough boxes that are made from recycled milk jugs. Using recycled materials is just one of the ways that WBU supports the 7 Simple Actions that scientist say we can all do to help birds.

And for a fun and entertaining look into the world of our nesting neighbors, be sure to check out the WBU Nature Centered Podcast episode, “Nesting: A Bird’s Eye View.” Hosts John and Brian will share the expert advice that will help you to attract, foster and enjoy more bird families around your own home.


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