Our Robins are back.

[Tallen]

Robins are our state bird, and they are now back in Michigan. Never understood why a Robin was picked when they are part time Michiganders. Seems like we would want a bird that lives here year around. And our state animal, a Wolverine, I don't think there ever was a Wolverine in Michigan, at least not in the last 100-150 years. But so it goes with governmental thinking. We have a part time bird and an animal that doesn't even exist in the state as our representitives. No wonder Michigan is in so much trouble. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_33_2.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYYYUS)


Around the 4th of April we start seeing the Humming Birds. I think I will put out a feeder this year and start attracting them early. They are entertaining and fun to watch, and when they get use to you, you can stand inches away from them.

And for a new attraction, I am going to put out a feeder for the Orioles. We have several families that nest around the house in tall trees. I don't think it would take much to get them to start feeding.

Any suggestions?

[Joe S]

I found this: http://www.shawcreekbirdsupply.com/attracting_orioles.htm

Seems the Oriole has a sweet tooth. I've only seen a couple of them in my lifetime around here- they must not be too common in Virginia.

Some other rare sightings for me have been several bald eagles at once roosting, an osprey, a meadowlark, two red-winged blackbirds. I'm outdoors a lot, so I think it's safe to say these guys are rare round here, just passing through I suppose.

On the other hand, the piliated woodpecker is supposed to be kind of rare and shy as a rule, but we are lousy with them. Papa called them "indian chickens". There are several that breed in the hollow near my house. They are so used to me that I get a lot of close-up looks at them.

[Tallen]

I found this: http://www.shawcreekbirdsupply.com/attracting_orioles.htm

Seems the Oriole has a sweet tooth. I've only seen a couple of them in my lifetime around here- they must not be too common in Virginia.

Some other rare sightings for me have been several bald eagles at once roosting, an osprey, a meadowlark, two red-winged blackbirds. I'm outdoors a lot, so I think it's safe to say these guys are rare round here, just passing through I suppose.

On the other hand, the piliated woodpecker is supposed to be kind of rare and shy as a rule, but we are lousy with them. Papa called them "indian chickens". There are several that breed in the hollow near my house. They are so used to me that I get a lot of close-up looks at them.

Those are all common birds around here Joe. Redwinged Blackbirds are very common around lakes and marshes. We counted five different species of Woodpeckers on the birdfeeder also. They seem to like the suet we put out. I never heard of them being call "indian chickens" though, I wonder if the indains ate their eggs or something?

They say Orioles are attracked by Lemons and Oranges, and a sweet mixture of liquid in the feeders. We'll find out this spring.

Blessings.