We’re passionate about birds and nature. That’s why we opened a Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in our community.
20485 Mack Avenue
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
Phone: (313) 881-1410
Fax: (313) 881-2008
Email: Send Message
Store Hours:
Mon - Fri: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thurs: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sat: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Comments:
Free parking available at rear of store.
Spring is the perfect season to consider adding a new element to your yard – the excitement of colorful, singing birds!
With migration underway, this can be the best time to add new feeders to your yard. Goldfinches begin their migration within the United States, leaving the southerly states and appearing like golden sunshine. That’s why we can look out the window and the drab finches that we have had at our feeders in winter will look as if they miraculously changed feather coats overnight. In actuality, the finches that stayed with us in winter will look splotchy with bits of yellow here and there over their petite bodies as they develop their spring plumage. For those who fed finches in the winter, you will notice an increase in the amount of seed that is being consumed this time of year. Again, this is because we have the migrants in addition to the “regulars”. Adding a second feeder may result in full perches all around.
It’s always a joy to entice hummingbirds to stop in your yard and perhaps to consider it as a nesting place. In the case of hummingbirds, placing the feeder out early is best. In the case of Michigan, May 1st is suggested, as hummingbirds begin to pass through this area at that time. The feeder should be as visible as possible, not placed in shadows. There are a few tips that can heighten the visibility of the feeder – add a commercial sun shade made of bright red metal which hangs above the feeder, tie red ribbons in the area around the feeder, and/or place pots of bright red or orange flowers around the feeder. Artificial flowers will work as a beacon since we do not have a good selection of real flowers at this time. The one item that should not be red is the nectar solution. Red dye is harmful to hummingbirds and should be avoided as well as a nectar solution made with honey. Changing nectar often is necessary for the good health of the birds. Think of the nectar as sweet tea and ask yourself if you would drink it if it had been out all night. With cool nights, you may be able to leave nectar out for three or four days. In warmer weather, new nectar solution is needed more often.
Another bright star in our spring is the northern oriole. With electric orange trimmed in jet black, this bird is a most welcome visitor to our yards. Again, a target date of May 1st is best. Highly visible feeders will get sooner results. The feeders can be combinations that offer sliced oranges, grape jelly and nectar, or they can be feeders that offer these items individually. A sun shade made of bright orange is helpful in keeping the food offerings fresh as well as advertising to the birds. It is not unusual to have multiple orioles visit the feeders during migration with many pairs staying to nest in the area after the others have continued with their migration. As spring progresses, you can also offer mealworms to the orioles, which they will gladly feed to their young. An added benefit may be that the parents bring the fledglings to the feeders to feast on the bounty that you offer.
With all three of these colorful bird species, remember that water is an extremely important element to offer to them. A birdbath full of clean water is important not only for drinking but for bathing in as well. For feathers to function well, they must be kept clean. Since birds need to preen their feathers into place after bathing, placing the birdbath near a tree or shrubs is essential. With wet feathers, they cannot fly well and need the safety of these places to avoid predators as they preen. As they migrate, birds find water by sound. Using misters or drippers to add the sound of water to your yard is the best way to attract a bird’s attention.
The price of the feeders, seed and water that you offer is a great value when you consider the quality enjoyment that these bright birds will bring to you and your family.
Enjoy your birds!
Rosann Kovalcik is a Certified Birdfeeding Specialist
and the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited,
20485 Mack Ave in Grosse Pointe Woods
Questions or Comments – Mail to RosannKovalcik@comcast.net
www.wbu.com/grossepointewoods
