Wild Bird Centers of America

Questions Archive

Whose Eggs Are These?
Lorene - Anna, TX: A bird has built a nest on my side porch on top of small a flower pot. The nest is small and has a slight tunnel to enter into the main nest area. I just found it yesterday and it had two small white eggs with brown specks and today there are three eggs. I recently moved here from NC and am not familiar with all the birds, so I was interested to know what kind of bird this would be. Could you help me?

Dr. Horn: To identify the bird, I recommend that you visit the link "What Bird?" on the Wild Bird Centers of America website. This identification tool allows you to identify the bird by entering characteristics such as your state, habitat, size of bird, and color of the bird. Another good resource is the book Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American Birds, Second edition by Paul J. Baicich and Colin J. O. Harrison. There are pictures of nests and eggs, and nice descriptions of the nesting habits of each species.

Starlings Take Over
Kathi - Owensboro, KY: I have a wild bird feeder, but the starlings are eating up all of the food. I used to have various species of birds, but now they have taken over. What kind of bird food can I use that they don't like?

Dr. Horn: I first wanted to mention that your question is being addressed by an ongoing study called PROJECT WILDBIRD. PROJECT WILDBIRD is examining seed and feeder preferences of birds by season of the year and geographic region. You can learn more about PROJECT WILDBIRD and sign up to participate by visiting the website at www.projectwildbird.org . Starlings are a medium-sized bird, and thus, one way to discourage them would be through a feeder that does not allow medium-sized birds to perch. For example, the largest to smallest birds can perch on a platform feeder. Medium and small birds can normally perch on hopper feeders, and generally only smaller birds use tube feeders (although clinging birds such as woodpeckers can be quite adept at using tubular feeders). Thus, rather than switching seeds, you might consider switching to a tube feeder with black-oil sunflower that provides limited access to starlings.

Caring For Baby Robin
Samantha - Hatley, WI: Today we saw a baby Robin in the middle of the road. He was hungry, helpless, and needed his parents, so I picked him up and we took him home. We tryed to put him in a nest with three other babies on our porch. One of these babies had fallen out of the nest last week so we put him back in. Well, then all three babies from that nest fell out and died. So we went out in the front to another nest and put him in but he hopped out!!! What do we do? We feed him some mashed duck food with water. Please help!

Dr. Horn: I recommend that you visit the website of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (http://www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp). The link "Need Help?" contains information on how to care for baby birds, and has a directory of wildlife rehabilitators in your area. Enjoy the backyard birds.

Unusual Visitors At My Hummer Feeder
Mary - Waldorf, MD: How do I keep purple finches from messing with my hummingbird feeders?

Dr. Horn: Thank you very much for your message about the unusual visitors to your hummingbird feeder: purple finches! To reduce the use of the hummingbird feeder by purple finches consider adding bee guards to the feed ports. These guards will still allow hummingbirds to insert their bill into the port, but prevent finches from doing so. Enjoy the hummingbirds.

Baby Robin's Food
Melissa - Hyannis, MA: I have found a baby robin that fell out of its nest during a very, very windy day. It's not injured at all and seems to move pretty well. It cannot be more than 2 days old. I am feeding it baby cereal. Any suggestions?

Dr. Horn: I recommend that you visit the website of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (http://www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp). The link "Need Help?" contains information on how to care for baby birds, and has a directory of wildlife rehabilitators in your area.

Seed-eating Robin
Linda - Fairfax, VA: Daily, I see a male red-breasted robin standing at my bird feeder eating the backyard seed mix that I buy at my local Wild Bird Center. I thought robins only ate bugs and worms. Is it unusual to see a robin eating seeds?

Dr. Horn: Thank you for your message about this unusual observation - an American robin eating from your seed feeder. This is a rather uncommon behavior. Robins are more likely to visit a birdbath or feed on mealworms than to visit a seed feeder. However, some species that were unusual at feeders previously are becoming regular visitors. For example, if your home is in the right habitat, indigo buntings and rose-breasted grosbeaks are becoming regular visitors to feeders during migration or the nesting season.

A Baby To Protect
Cassie - Wentzville, MO: I found a baby bird that has fallen out of its nest and can kinda fly. What sould I do? If I let it go in my yard my dog will eat it.

Dr. Horn: I recommend that you visit the website of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp). The link "Need Help?" contains information on how to care for baby birds, and has a directory of wildlife rehabilitators in your area.

Hummers' Living
Patricia - O'Fallon, MO: Do hummingbirds use houses? When and how do they reproduce?

Dr. Horn: Unlike species such as house wrens and bluebirds, hummingbirds do not use nest boxes; rather hummingbirds, such as the ruby-throated hummingbird found in Missouri, construct their nests on a limb using bud scales, plant down, lichens, and spider's silk. Breeding occurs during late spring and early summer. Ruby-throated hummingbirds typically lay 2 eggs, incubation lasts for approximately two weeks, and fledging from the nest may take an additional two to four weeks.

Wild Turkey Breeding Habits
Terri - Alpharetta, GA: My Dad lives in Blairstown, NJ and has wild turkey that come to feed in his yard. He wants to know about their breeding habits. When do they breed/produce? Do males and females both care for the young? Any suggestions on where to find more information?

Dr. Horn: In addition to being a bird identification tool, the "What Bird" link at the Wild Bird Centers homepage contains information about the natural history of each species. For example, after reading the species account for the Wild Turkey you would learn that the female is the sole incubator of eggs. Each species description also contains links to other sources so that you can learn more about the species.

Protecting Our Bluebirds
Kathi - Phoenixville, PA: We have a pair of house sparrows who are aggressively harrassing our bluebirds in order to take over their nest box. My husband and I have tried shooing the sparrows but they are so darn fast! Is there a more effective way to eliminate these pests so our bluebirds can nest in peace? (We are both fully aware of how malicious house sparrows are and have seen what they can do to other native cavity-nesting birds.) Please help us so we can protect our bluebirds!

Dr. Horn: It was great to hear of your interest in encouraging bluebirds to nest in your yard. Bluebirds face tremendous competition from other cavity nesting birds including house sparrows, European starlings, house wrens, and tree swallows. For additional information on how to prevent house sparrows from using bluebird boxes, I recommend the fact sheet on sparrow control from the North American Bluebird Society http://nabluebirdsociety.org/sparrow.htm.

Drying Up My Hummer Feeder
Mary - Waldorf, MD: I've been putting up hummingbird feeders for 10 years and could just spend hours watching them! But this year the purple finches have been somehow drinking one of the feeders dry. What can be done to keep them away?

Dr. Horn: To reduce the use of the hummingbird feeder by purple finches consider adding bee guards to the feed ports. These guards will still allow hummingbirds to insert their bill into the port, but prevent finches from doing so.

Feeding In The Summer
Richard - Summerville, GA: Does it make sense to feed birds seed, suet, etc. through the summer months? It seems that their natural ability would take them to the natural sources of nurishment without the feeders.

Dr. Horn: I find summer bird feeding to be extremely enjoyable, and it is wonderful to see baby birds being fed seeds by their parents, and young birds coming to the feeders for the first time. During the summer months, many species of birds are less abundant at feeders than others. For example, chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches switch their diet from a primarily seed-based one to one that is insect based. Other species, such as House Finches and goldfinches, continue to get a large portion of their diet from seeds. Thus, late spring-early summer may be an important time for feeding these species as natural food sources may be in low supply. Most importantly, birds are well adapted to make food choice decisions. This will of course include both natural foods, and a small percentage of supplemental foods, in the form of birdseed, suet, etc.

Dropping From The Sky
Lisa Garrett - Bowie, MD: On the news last night they stated that a large flock of blackbirds flew over Northern Virginia and dropped many ticks and mites onto people and their pets. They wanted the flock to be moved away by wildlife officials. Is this really a valid concern? I had not heard of such a problem before.

Dr. Horn: I have not heard of large flocks of blackbirds dropping ticks and mites onto people and their pets while in flight. Like other animals, birds can get tick and mite infections and will preen their feathers to remove insect pests. However, this behavior occurs while the bird is stationary. Moreover, many parasites such as ticks and mites are host specific, and those parasites that infect birds do not necessarily affect humans.

Suet Raiders
Karen - Mystic, CT: I am grateful that there is a reliable source of information on birding, and I thank you Dr. Horn. Could you advise me regarding starlings/grackles that are raiding the suet baskets? I do have several woodpecker species which are regular visitors to the suet - Northern Flickers, and Downy/Hairy woodpeckers. Smaller birds often take an occasional bite as well. I have observed that at times, the woodpeckers are successful in discouraging hovering starlings by snapping at them. Yet, I wonder how often they cannot reach the suet at all due to the noisy and aggressive marauders. Any suggestions?

Dr. Horn: Woodpecker species are highly adapted to clinging. Thus, you might consider offering suet in such a manner that the suet, and associated wire cage, is facing the ground. This will force birds to perch underneath the feeder to gain access to the suet. This is no easy task for species such as grackles, but is readily achieved by woodpeckers.

Wasted Seed
Karen - Mystic, CT: Dr. Horn, I am so relieved to find someone who may be able to answer my question. I have a NWF certified backyard habitat, which contains 6 regular seed feeders, four oiled sunflower seed feeders, three suet baskets, a corncob stand (for the squirrels), and several small metal baskets in which I put shelled peanuts. As you can imagine, I have quite a few bird and wildlife visitors, including flocks of grackles/starlings that, thankfully, come twice a year then leave. My problem is: the sparrows are consistently emptying their feeders, seemingly not eating but instead swiping the seed from the feeders onto the ground. This creates a tremendous waste problem. Also, because it is a challenge to pick up this seed on a regular basis, the seed decays and produces a swampy, sprouting, mushy, very smelly mess. One suggestion I received was to simply take down all feeders for "several months", which seems like a drastic course of action, especially during spring-summer feeding of the young. However, the continual waste and ensuing mess has become a burden. Can you determine why the sparrows are emptying their feeders, and what my response should be? Thank you so much - I have been faithfully feeding these creatures for at least ten years.

Dr. Horn: There are several possible solutions to this problem. First, consider putting a large seed tray below the feeder (these can be mounted on poles). Seed that is swiped by the sparrows will in turn land on the tray and lessen the seed that makes it to the ground. You can also consider using hulled seeds. These seeds do not have the shells that produce much of the debris that is left under a feeder, and the hulled seed that falls to the ground is readily consumed. Finally, different mixes of birdseed have different types of seeds in them. Take a look at the seed on the ground. Is it only of a couple of types? If so, consider obtaining mixes that do not contain the seed types the birds in your neighborhood are not eating. It sounds like you have a wonderful backyard habitat.

Copper Birdbath Care
Vivian - Escondido, CA: I have a new birdbath made out of copper. Do I need to do something to it before pouring water into it or is it OK for the birds to drink out of? Is there a special way to care for it?

Dr. Horn: When you first put out the bird bath, consider washing the birdbath out with water. I also recommend changing the water in the birdbath on a frequent basis (daily if possible). Copper is an inorganic element that is required by birds in trace amounts. Other trace elements include Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Iron, Selenium, Iodide, Molybdenum, Cobalt, and Chromium. These and other minerals are involved in the formation and maintenance of bone, maintain homeostasis, are components of hormones, activate enzymes, and assist in cellular metabolism. Some copper may leach into the water of the birdbath. However, the amount of copper that is leached is unlikely to cause harm to the birds.

How To Identify Birds
Donald - Independence, MO: I recently got into bird watching and set up feeders in the backyard. I have seen a bird that matches the wood thrush but now I am not sure because the bird I am seeing has much longer tail feathers than the pictures. It has light brown on the back and cap with a white underneath and dark brown spots. Do you think it is the wood thrush? Thanks, from a Rookie in Missouri.

Dr. Horn: When identifying birds, it is important to note features of the head (e.g., length and shape of bill, eye ring or eye stripe), back and wings (e.g., wing bars or patches on wings, color relative to rest of body), chest (e.g., stripes or spots), tail (e.g., length relative to rest of body, color patterns), and feet (e.g., length and shape). Collectively, these features are referred to as field marks. When you see a bird that you don't know record the field marks on a piece of paper before referring to a guide. After you have observed the bird, recorded as many field marks as you can recall, and documented any interesting behaviors (e.g., it flicks it tail, it catches insects in mid-air, etc.) look for the bird in a field guide. Field guides provide other information that will be valuable in assisting you in identifying birds including the geographic range, habitat that the bird is normally found in, and season of the year that a bird is in a particular geographic region. Each species can be highly variable from one individual to the next (think about differences between humans); thus, when identifying birds look for the species that most resembles that which is depicted in the guide and matches the geographic region, habitat, and season that you observed the bird in. I would also recommend visiting the "What Bird?" link on the Wild Bird Centers of America homepage. This will give you the opportunity to identify birds by entering key characteristics, and once you have identified the birds, to learn more about their natural history.

Wild Bird Seed Sales In The US
Steve - Ortage, MI: What is the estimated amount (tonange and or dollar value) of wild bird feed purchased in the U.S. per year?

Dr. Horn: In 2001, it was estimated that $2 billion was spent on bird seed. In 2005, 4.5 billion pounds of birdseed was sold in the U.S. The most common types of bird seed sold include black-oil sunflower, cracked corn, nyjer, red milo, safflower, striped sunflower, sunflower chips (fine and medium), white proso millet, and whole peanuts.

Undesirable Species At Feeder
Debbie - Oakmont, PA: I love feeding the birds and enjoy many species at my feeders. Lately, however, I have been attracting flocks of pigeons. I live in the suburbs and have never had a pigeon problem before. I have tried feeding only sunflower seeds, putting trays under my feeders and even taking the feeders down for a couple of months in the summer. None of these things has worked. I don't want to do anything that will keep the other birds away. Do you have any solutions?

Dr. Horn: Occasionally, while feeding birds we attract wildlife to our feeders that we would prefer not to feed. One of the things that you can do to dissuade these undesirable species is to offer food in a manner that is inaccessible to them. For example, pigeons are a large-bodied bird. They will readily perch on platform feeders and hopper feeders, but will have trouble accessing a tubular feeder. Thus, one option you might consider is using a tubular feeder filled with black-oil sunflower as a way to attract smaller, perching birds while discouraging larger birds such as pigeons from using the feeder.

Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
Josephine - Collierville, TN: How do you make your own nectar to feed hummingbirds?

Dr. Horn: I would recommend one part sugar to four parts water. No food coloring is necessary to add to the solution. Enjoy feeding these incredible birds.

On Feeding Hummingbirds
Erin - Wichita, KS: I am trying to find a hummingbird feeder for my dad for Father's day, but I don't know what kind of feeder hummingbirds require. Is a tube one, or the mesh better? I don't really know where to start. I look forward to visiting our local store here.

Dr. Horn: Hummingbirds feed on insects and flower nectar, and do not visit traditional seed feeders. Instead, hummingbirds visit feeders filled with sugar water. There are a wide variety of hummingbird feeders. Some characteristics you might consider in a hummingbird feeder include the number of ports the feeder has, its ability to ward off ants and bees, the capacity to hold sugar water, ease of refilling the feeder, and feeder aesthetics. In addition, creating a garden filled with flowers (particularly red and orange tubular flowers) is another wonderful way to attract these marvels of nature.

Protecting A Bluebird House
Susan - Port Jefferson, NY: I am just starting out with Bluebird houses. Do I need to put up a guard or baffle to keep out squirrels, racoons, and other predators?

Dr. Horn: Putting a raccoon baffle around your nest box should do a great deal to ward off mammalian predators. The North American Bluebird Society has a nice fact sheet on predator control that you might consider reviewing (http://nabluebirdsociety.org/predator.htm). The sheet includes appropriate dimensions for a raccoon baffle. Enjoy watching the bluebirds.

Vibrant Colors
Kim - South Windsor, CT: This past week I spotted two birds with the vibrant colors of black, red, green, and yellow. They looked like parakeets. Could you tell me what these birds are? They are beautiful!

Dr. Horn: The birds may have been an exotic species that was either accidentally or purposely released into the environment. Some species have been able to establish permanent colonies. One such example, are Monk Parakeets that have established themselves in and around Chicago, Illinois. One of the reasons these tropical birds are thought to persist is because of winter bird feeding. As for the exact species that you saw, consider going to the "What Bird?" link on the Wild Bird Centers of America website.

Waking Up To Bird Sounds
Adam and Molly - Pittsburgh, PA: My fiancé and I want to wake up to the sound of interesting bird sounds that may be unusual in the neighborhood. We both wake up around sunrise. We live near a nice forested park. I see bluebirds, robins, cardinals, and occasionally some hummingbirds. What is a nice bird noise to wake up to, and how can I attract the bird that produces these noises to my house? We\'d like to have this all in place before the spring, when we are to be married.

Dr. Horn: One of the best ways to attract beautiful bird sounds to your yard is through a birdhouse, and being near a forested park is a perfect location for a birdhouse. One of my favorite bird sounds comes from the house wren. While measuring less than 5 inches, the house wren gives off a boisterous sound. Once a house wren is attracted to your yard, it will provide you with many weeks of pleasure. Another nestbox you could consider putting up would be for a screech owl. Owls might be the perfect guests in a yard for an early, early riser.

A Heron At My Fish Pond
Patricia - Fort Worth, TX: I live in Fort Worth, TX and have a small fish pond. A heron is flying into the yard in the early morning. I had 7 gold fish and now only 2 remain and they are in hiding. I didn't realize a heron would be here and flying into a neighborhood yard - the color is gray and stands about 4 feet - any idea what kind it could be?

Dr. Horn: The most likely culprit is the great blue heron. To see a picture of the bird and a description of its natural history, please click on the " What Bird" link of the Wild Bird Centers of America website (www.wildbird.com ).

Feeding Doves
Tere - Santa Barbara, CA: Is there any way to discourage Ringneck Doves without driving away the Mourning Doves? The Ringnecks are agressive, chasing away the Mourning Doves. Until these Ringneck Doves moved in a few weeks ago everything was fine with such a lovely mix of Mourning Dove, Hooded Oriole, Finches, Song Sparrows, Spotted Towhee and many others. I hope you have some ideas. When I removed the tray under the seed tube, the Ringnecks left and the Mourning Doves became very agitated and then left. After feeding here for seven years and experiencing a large growth in population, I'd hate to lose them. When I put out seed for them in a bowl, the Ringnecks return. Removing any flat feeding surface to discourage Ringnecks also discourages the Mourning Doves. Here is what I am feeding: tube feeder with wild bird seed mix (tray removed) bowl with black oil sunflower seeds (I've changed to tube) hanging Oriole feeder hanging Hummingbird feeder large bird bath

Dr. Horn: This could be a challenging endeavour as the dove species are all of similar size, and have similar feeding habits. Thus, if a mourning dove feeds on the seed, other doves will most likely feed on the seed. If a Mourning Dove can perch on the feeder, so might other dove species. With that said, mourning doves are relatively agile, and somewhat smaller. Thus, you might see if there is a platform that mourning doves will perch on that the other species will not. In addition, you might consider expanding platform feeding opportunities. With increased opportunities, mourning doves and others may have the opportunity to feed. In an analogous manner, many individuals who are not able to keep squirrels off of their feeders provide squirrels with a supplemental source that then allows birds to feed. Similarly, providing food for the aggressive doves, may allow the Mourning Doves the opportunity to feed at another feeder. It sounds like a wonderful feeding set-up that you have, enjoy feeding the birds.

Nesting Mother Duck
Linda - Omaha, NE: Please inform us what to do when a mother duck builds a nest with eggs on our office building grounds. Do we do what 9 news Denver did when their duck hatched and took them to water? We were informed by Nebraska Wildlife to leave her alone which we did. They hatched and she waddled away with them, but there was no water close by. Now she is back and sitting on a nest in the same spot. What is happening?

Dr. Horn: Several species of upland-nesting ducks including mallard and northern pintail will build there nests over 1 mile from water. While this may seem like a long distance, the hen is able to safely lead the ducklings to the feeding grounds. Given that a hen has successfully nested at the site previously, the location is most likely a safe place to have a nest. It will take approximately 4 weeks for the ducklings to hatch. In the meantime, enjoy watching the nesting duck.

Quail Eggs Hatched
Charlotte - Kaysville, UT: I am a kindegarten teacher and I have an incubator in which I have raised chicken eggs. My daughter was clearing out growth from her yard and found a nest of quail eggs. She brought them to my incubator to see if they would hatch. They just hatched and I'm not sure what to feed them, etc. Do you think they could be successfully re-introduced into her yard, their natural habitat after being fed and cared for by us?

Dr. Horn: Thank you very much for your e-mail about caring for newly hatched quails. I recommend that you visit the website of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp). The "Need Help?" link provides information on how to care for birds, as well as gives you contact information for rehabilitators in your area. Given that the nest was located in your daughter's yard, and quail are regularly found in the area, it may be an appropriate place to release them.

Food For Baby Dove
Fran - Wister, OK: My son brought in a baby dove. it is not able to fly although it has its feathers, and was out of its nest. I assume it is still relying upon its parents to feed it until it can fly on its own. What I need to know is what I should feed it. Doves regurgitate to feed if I am not mistaken. What can I use to replace this type of Mothers milk?

Dr. Horn: Doves are one of the few groups of birds that produce a crop milk which consists of fluid-filled cells from the crop. This fluid is rich in proteins and fats. I recommend that you visit the website of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp). The "Need Help?" link provides information on how to care for birds, as well as gives you contact information for rehabilitators in your area.

Dove Fledglings
Connie - Lexington, KY: We had a dove's nest in our garage overhang and they had two babies. That was at least 6-8 weeks ago. The babies sit our front porch or our patio and never seem to be bothered by us (humans) being around. After not seeing the birds for an hour or so, we think they have taken off, but no, they come back every night and are now here during the day. They can fly now, right? Will they always be around our house? Isn't this unusual?

Dr. Horn: It is not unusual for recently fledged birds to remain near their natal area. One reason nest sites are selected is because of their food resources, and the area around your home contains the appropriate food, as well as protection from predators and shelter. The doves can fly, and usually fledge from the nest two weeks after hatch.

Wrens Nesting In My Mailbox
Jeanne - Charlottesville, VA: Wrens built a nest in my open mailbox while I was at work. I am wrestling with how to get my mail - there are a couple of options. I am wondering if there are babies to be hatched or if they are just living there. I see a lot of babies - robins, mocking birds, woodpeckers ...and thought that was over by June. What do you think?

Dr. Horn: It always amazes me how quickly birds can build a nest in the most unsuspecting places. Wren species, such as house wrens, are doubled brooded, and after the first clutch has successfully fledged, the male will help feed the young while the female begins a second nesting attempt. In addition, wrens will build dummy nests filling nest materials in any cavity that is possible to do so. The first thing I would do is determine whether there is active nest building occurring or eggs in the nest. If there are, you may consider finding an alternative place for your mail for the next 4 weeks.

Nesting Everywhere
Diana - Eaton, OH: How can I keep birds off my porches & stop them from building a nest? They have turned my porches into such a mess we cannot even enjoy them. I can't even hang a wreath on my door without them building a nest in it. We really need some help on this matter.

Dr. Horn: Thank you very much for your question about persistent birds that are trying to build a nest on your porch. Typically, birds that nest on and around buildings seek a cavity to nest in or a protected ledge to place their nest on top of. It sounds like you are a little overwhelmed by the amount of nesting activity. To reduce the number of attempts you might consider covering up potential cavities that birds could nest in, and reducing the number of covered ledges that are present.

Strange Birds
Patricia - Fallon, NE: My husband works in a gravel pit and they have some strange birds there. The other guys call them Chuckers. They kind of look like a small turkey or a dove with very long and skinny legs. I don't know if they can or do fly but they sure can run fast. Sorry I don't have a picture of one to show you but could you let me know what kind of bird they are for sure?

Dr. Horn: The Chuckar is an old world species that was introduced as a game bird in North America. Chuckars are found in mountainous, arid regions, and are established throughout the western United States. Chukars can fly, but many game birds will run from danger before flying.

Baby Bird On The Move
Ann - Akron, OH: Please help! There has been a baby bird in our yard for the last couple of days. It has been fine with the mom taking care of it. It ventured out of our yard a couple doors in an area that was not as safe. I brought it back to my yard which was right under its nest; however, the bird hopped the opposite way of its nest and now we can't find it. I am so afraid the mom will not be able to find where the bird is. I feel terrible that we moved it back to its original place. I understand we should have left it but we didn't. So now what? My husband says that the mom will chirp looking for it and the baby will chirp till they find each other. Can the mom find the baby if it is moved a couple of houses down? I hope you can make me feel better but I am afraid due to my trying to help, it will not be fed, etc. I am going to look for it in the morning. If we find it I guess I will try to put it back by the nest area.

Dr. Horn: Thank you very much for your question about a baby bird that left its nest early, and is now being cared for by its parents. Occasionally, baby birds will leave the nest prematurely. In such cases, the parents will often care for the bird on the ground. Parents are able to find birds both visually, as well as through the begging call of the chick. Given that the bird was not moved very far, the parent birds should not have a problem relocating the chick. Songbirds fledge in approximately 2 weeks, and I suspect that the baby bird you found will be ready to fly soon.

Any Hummers Around Here?
Debbie - New Westminster, B.C.: I used to live in Port Moody, B.C. and had lots of hummingbirds. I just moved to New Westminster, B.C. and face a City Park I put up a gorgeous hanging basket and made my hummingbird mix with sugar and water and put up my feeder 2 weeks ago. So far I have seen no hummingbirds. How can I find out if there are Hummingbirds here or if I will get any here?

Dr. Horn: There are a couple of species of hummingbirds in your geographic region: Anna's Hummingbird, and Rufous Hummingbird. One reason why you might not see hummingbirds during the early breeding season is a result of hummingbird behavior. Males are defending territories, and spending less time feeding. Females are incubating the eggs. Thus, activity at the feeder may be slower than normal. In addition, it is not uncommon for it to take several days before a new food source is found by the hummingbirds.

These Loud Cardinals
Amanda - Louisville, KY: My house is surrounded by cardinals. I love these birds but they sit on my porches or fences and chirp ALL day...from 5am to 9pm. I know this is their territory, but what can I do to keep them in the yard and not on my porch? They are not messy but they are LOUD and are driving me crazy!! Is this a lost cause and I should just live in peace? Or is there something I can do?

Dr. Horn: During the breeding season, males establish nesting territories. The first line of territorial defense is vocalization, and often times males will find a prominent perch to sing from. It sounds like this prominent perch is your porch, and the male cardinal is quite the dedicated singer. Keep in mind that the breeding season is temporary, and as nestlings fledge the amount of singing will decrease. Thus, while I don't have any recommendations for attracting cardinals to other perches, I can say that the amount of singing will begin to decline over the next several weeks.

Robin Fledglings
Jacob - Orlando, FL: I have baby robins in a nest. When I walked outside near the nest one came out. I tried putting it back in the nest but it wouldn’t stay..........so I let it go. It went into the neighbor’s yard. Then I witnessed another baby come out because it was disturbed (the babies are 16 days after hatching and have full feathers and it looks like they are ready to fledge) so the mama saw and the baby followed but there was a cat nearby so I moved it in my backyard and it went the same way the first one went and I'm scared that the mama wont find the babies or the babies will go out of their territory. Will other robins feed the babies? Will they come back? I know they were ready to fledge because one of three babies fledged without human disturbance. Now the mom has three babies around my house and in neighbor’s yards. I don’t think the mama will find all the babies and feed them, because they fledged at different times. What do I expect?

Dr. Horn: Robins typically leave the nest 14-16 days after the nest has hatched. Often young fledglings are found in the general vicinity of the nest site, and adults will be able to readily find the young through their continued begging calls, and visually. In addition, young robins will often follow the adults while the adults search for food. It is always a wonderful experience to see birds fledge from nests that you have been monitoring.

Feeding Bluebirds, Not Blackbirds
George - Crown City, OH: What is the best feed for Bluebird's? I know there are Bluebirds in my area but I can't draw them to my feeder. What bird food is disliked by Blackbirds?

Dr. Horn: In regards to your question about ways to attract bluebirds to feed, I suggest that you get a mealworm feeder from your local Wild Bird Center store. Mealworms are a beetle larvae that can attract bluebirds, and many other species of birds that do not come to seed feeders. In addition, you may consider putting up a bluebird nest box during the breeding season. Blackbirds, on the other hand, will consume a large diversity of food. One way to dissuade blackbirds from eating your bird food is to have a bird feeder that makes it difficult for blackbirds to perch. Tubular feeders with short perches, for example, will be challanging for blackbirds to feed at.

Birds Inside My Building
Bruce - Cherry Hill, NJ: I have a large building that wild birds get into. Is there a solution to humanely get them to the outside?

Dr. Horn: Your success in keeping birds out of the building is dependent on the type of building you have. Larger home improvement stores may have large doors opened constantly, and birds may take advantage of that to not only enter the store, but also to nest and roost. On the other hand, if this is an office building, it may be best to determine how the birds are entering the building. This may be through an unsealed hole or crack. For example, birds will nest inside a home's dryer duct if it is not screened. If you let me know a few more details of the building, I can provide you with some additional suggestons.

A Failed Relocation Attempt
Wade - Fort Mill, SC: Very sad to admit but we attempted to move a birds nest with hatchlings yesterday and failed. The mother and father House Finch have left the babies and we don't know what to do! Is it possible to feed/care for the babies now? If so, how? They're 5 days old now and haven't been fed since yesterday at 1PM. Any help would be appreciated.

Dr. Horn: To learn more about how to care for baby birds, please visit the website of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (http://www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp). The "Need Help?" link provides information on how to care for birds and lists contact information for local rehabilitators. Early in the nesting process, birds will abandon nests that have been disturbed. As the nestlings develop over an approximate two week period, the parents are more likely to provide parental care at a disturbed nest.

To Feed Or Not To Feed?
Wendy - Middlebury, VT: As a child (years ago now!) I learned that you should stop feeding birds in the summer when natural food is plentiful so they would not become dependent on getting food too easily. What is the thinking on this now?

Dr. Horn: The short answer to your question is that there is no evidence that birds develop a dependency on bird feeders, and other studies have found that only a small percentage of a bird's diet comes from bird feeders. Many species actually change their diet from the winter to summer months. For example, chickadees are less likely to be at feeders as naturally abundant insects emerge. Other species may benefit from late spring - early summer feeding. For example, house finch and goldfinches may visit feeders more often in the summer months as natural seed abundance may be low until late summer. Summer feeding should provide you with many hours of enjoyment as robins visit bird baths, indigo buntings visit Nyjer feeders, and hummingbirds dart through your yard. In addition, it is always wonderful to see parent birds taking seeds to the new fledglings.

Ducklings In My Pool
Bernadette - Albuquerque, NM: There are six grey cup-sized ducklings that I found in my pool. I then put them in a kiddie pool with some rocks to sit on. My question is this: what do I feed them? I heard bread isn't good for them and there are duck food pellets that may be OK but I can't seem to find any. What are your suggestions?

Dr. Horn: What a wonderful surprise it must have been to find six ducklings in your pool. Perhaps the hen led the ducklings through your backyard on their way to a different location. If the hen has not already led the ducklings away, I suggest that you visit the website of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (http://www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp). Click on the "Need Help?" link and you will find information on finding a rehabilitator in your area. In addition, there are suggested steps for you to take to care for a baby bird.

Baby Bird Care
Jacquelee - Shippensburg, PA: My daughter found an extremely young wild bird baby that was laying in our yard, in the middle of nowhere (no trees nearby). I don't know what kind it is. How do we care for it? What and how often do we feed it?

Dr. Horn: I suggest that you visit the website of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (http://www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp). Click on the "Need Help?" link and you will find information on finding a rehabilitator in your area. In addition, there are suggested steps for you to take to care for a baby bird.

No Traps!
Kathy - Kearny, NJ: I am within walkin distance to the NJ meadowlands and we have numerous little creatures. My neighbor however is using 'Have a heart' traps to rid her yard of squirrels, racoons, etc. I am very upset as I fed the squirrels. No problem with rodents. What can I do to stop her from trapping?

Dr. Horn: Thank you very much for your question about a neighbor who is trapping squirrels and raccoons. I would consider talking to your neighbor about why they are trapping. Perhaps through further conversation a solution will be derived that is mutually acceptable. Also, you could consider looking into the local ordinances regarding the trapping of wild animals.

More Birds Please!
Kathy - Kearny, NJ: Since I live near the NJ meadowlands I have numerous red winged blackbirds, golfinches, starlings, sparrows and cardinals. I would like to attact more birds. I offer a platform feeder, two tube feeders, suet holder and a dish of peanuts, safflower, millet, corn & thistle. What else can I add and are there any other birds in my area of NJ?

Dr. Horn: It sounds like you already have a wonderful variety of birds that are visiting your yard, and there are a few other options that you can consider to increase the number of visitors. Different birds visit different combinations of feeders and seeds. Offering seed in platform feeders and tube feeders allows you to feed larger birds such as grackles and smaller birds such as the house finch. Offering black-oil sunflower, whole peanuts, and white proso millet are appropriate for the species that are coming to yard. One additional possibility would be a hummingbird feeder near a flower bed. In addition, you might consider providing water year-round. Bird baths are used by many species of birds that do not go to seed feeders such as the American Robin.

Raising Baby Birds
Dawn - Laurence Harbor, NJ: My daughter found two baby birds that fell out of their nest two days ago. I placed them in a box on a table underneath where we found them but the parents wouldn't feed them so we took on the challenge. I have no knowledge regarding wild birds. They are new-borne, one baby has its eyes partially open, the other does not. I have been feeding them worms and bread soaked in water. One of the babies I think has a broken hip but I'm not sure. It can move its little feet and bend its legs but it can't seem to stand upward on them like the other baby. What should I do? I called a local vet and they told me I'd have to seek help from a wild animal hospital and would be very expensive. I am a single parent and cannot afford expensive vet bills. What should I do or where can I take the bird where I would be able to pay for services within reason or bring the poor thing to someone that can raise them to adulthood. So far they are both eating and drinking constantly and I just want to do what's best for the birds. I'm not looking to keep them, I just want to raise them until they can take care of themselves.

Dr. Horn: There are two major groups of baby birds and they are referred to as altricial and precocial. Altricial species include songbirds such as robins. These birds are born helpless, featherless, and blind, and require extensive parental care. Precocial species include waterfowl such as ducks and are born with their eyes open, down feathers, and the ability to walk. The birds that you found are of an altricial species and this may be the reason they look injured. I recommend that you visit the website of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (http://www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp). At this website, you can learn more about how to care for birds, and find a wildlife rehabilitator in your area. Many wildlife rehabilitators do not charge you to care for, and subsequently release the bird.

Flying Takes Practice
Eiko - New York, NY: I recently found a baby European Starling just outside my apartment being unable to fly or walk. The baby has been kept in cat carrier in the fire escape outside during the day. The parents found him and have been coming several times a day to feed him. So he's been growing strong and everything looked so promising. I was thinking when to release him to the wild and let him practice to fly in my room several times during his stay. Today, he was flying like a real bird and I was almost convinced that I can release him in a day or two, however, he hit himself at the door and fell, and seemed as if his wing got strained as he fell. Now he is unable to fly which stubs my heart. Eating still fine as Mom comes to feed him, but his left wing looks slightly sticking out. Please would you help me to help him? I'm not going to take him out until I'm absolutely sure that he can leave my care and fly safely with his flocks.

Dr. Horn: It sounds like your solution for care has worked very well. The first flights of birds are usually awkward (as an analogy think of training wheels on a bicycle), and can end with a crash. With several practice runs, however, the bird will be ready for full flight. If the bird is injured, I recommend that you visit the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association website (www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp) for information on bird care, and to locate rehabilitators in the area.

Flying Into The Window
Connie - Clinton, MD: I just moved into a new (to me) house 2 weeks ago. Since that time a persistent male cardinal has been trying to fly into a casement window several times a day, every day, starting at 6 AM. He starts from a tree branch and flies right into the window. I have been afraid he would hurt himself, but he appears to be very "hearty." I tried hanging alum. foil in front of the window or covering the window with a pillow inside. He just moves to the next windows around the corner. I thought about a window feeder, but I'm afraid he'll resume the behavior if the feed runs out. What do I do to dissuade this behavior before he finally does himself in?

Dr. Horn: Window-bird collisions are a significant cause of avian mortality. It is estimated that between 1 - 10 birds die per building per year through collisions with windows. One of the reasons that birds collide with windows is that they do not recognize glass as a reflective barrier. In the case that you describe, the male cardinal may view its reflection as a territorial intruder, and in turn, tries to drive the intruder away. This behavior should subside as the breeding season comes to an end. Your suggestion of purchasing a window-mounted bird feeder is an excellent one. Research studies have shown that placing bird feeders within 1 meter of a window substantially reduces the number of fatal collisions compared to feeders located several meters from windows. Wild Bird Centers of America is currently sponsoring research on window-bird collisions and factors influencing their frequency, and hope to distribute a continent-wide survey for homeowners early next year. I hope that you will consider participating so that we can all learn more about this problem, and how to prevent it. More information about the study is posted at www.wildbird.com/window_bird_collisins.

A Baby Bird In My Yard
Ali - Kamloops, B.C.: I came home one day and there was a baby bird in my yard. Something was wron so I went to place him in a safe place when all of a sudden he flew over the fence and my dog tried to eat him. I feel like a bad person and I believe the baby hurt or broke his wing. He ran into my naighbors bush and the parents were watching, too. What are the odds of a baby bird with a broken wing to live?

Dr. Horn: At this time of year, many birds fall from the nest prematurely. The ackward flight that you observed may not have been a result of a broken wing, rather as a result of flight skills that have not yet been mastered, and flight feathers that have not been fully developed. If you do find the bird, and indeed it is injured, consider visiting the website of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp) to learn more about steps to take for proper care.

A House For The Bluebirds
Charles - Fallston, MD: I have just this week put up a bluebird house. Will the bluebirds still come this late? I have the house nailed to a maple tree. What kind of a feeder do you use to put mealworms and wet raisins? I have seen one bluebird on two different occasins since spring.

Dr. Horn: Eastern bluebirds can have multiple broods during a single year. In many parts of the country, bluebirds are now completing their first brood, and thus, it is not too late to put up a bluebird box. Another way to attract bluebirds is by offering mealworms. There are specific feeders designed to feed mealworms that you should consider acquiring. Mealworms are not only attractive to bluebirds, but other species such as Carolina wrens also will eat mealworms.

Nesting Attempts
Richard - Wild Bird Center of Norwalk, CT: A customer just found out that all the hatchling blue birds in her bird house have died. All five of them were found in the nest with no apparent cause of death. The house that they are in is made of stone and the past week the temps here have been going below 50'. That was my first guess, especially when she mentioned the stone house. What is your idea on what may be the cause? I have another customer who has a pair of house wrens that nest in her shed every year. She walked into the shed one morning and all the hatchlings were apparently thrown out of the nest and were dead on a shelf. Any idea on that case?

Dr. Horn: Thank you very much for your question about the cause of two failed nesting attempts. In the case of the bluebirds, I wonder if the parents were killed, possibly by a predator. Given that the chick's appearance seemed normal, it suggests that the loss of parental care may have been the cause. The temperatures do not seem low enough that a bluebird adult would not be able to brood their young. In regards to the failed wren nest, given that the wren young were not consumed and instead thrown out of the nest, it suggests that a competitor rather than a predator is the culprit. Wrens are highly aggressive during the nesting season and will destroy nests and nestlings. I wonder whether the nestlings were forced out of the nest by another wren nesting nearby. Cowbird young will also push host nestlings out of the nest. However, this scenario is unlikely in this case, given that cowbirds typically parasitize nests in open areas (i.e., not cavities) and there would be a cowbird nestling in the nest.

Nestlings In Need Of Care
Michael - Wilkes-Barre, PA: A tree got knocked down leaving the nest destroyed and 4 baby birds whimpering on the sidewalk. Mother was found a short distance from there dead. I took in the baby birds and started feeding them baby food. My question is how do I clean the birds since feeding them they are getting messy and covered in the food leaving them crusty. What can I use to clean them or should I leave it alone?

Dr. Horn: Unfortunately, this time of year we find nestlings in need of care as a result of falling out of a tree or their parents have been killed. To learn more about the proper care of nestlings or adult birds, I recommend that you visit the website of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association. There website address is www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp and there is a link on the left called "Need Help?" This link will allow you to find a rehabilitator, and also describes the steps to take when you find a baby bird.

Two Very Different Babies
Helga - Bethesda, MD: I have a Carolina Wren nesting right beside our main entrance door of our house. I had put a small basket on a nail about 7 feet high underneath the awning. I know there are at least 2 baby birds. My question is that one of the chicks seems very big. Could it be that another bigger bird (cowbird) has laid an egg in this small basket?

Dr. Horn: Cowbirds parasitize nests in more open areas, as opposed to cavities. The description of the nest that you provide suggests that the nest is in the open, and could be parasitized by a cowbird. Moreover, cowbird young will develop more rapidly than the host nestlings until the larger cowbird young will push the host nestling out of the nest. The size difference that you describe again points to a cowbird. There are some birds that have asynchronous hatching (e.g., brown pelican) whereby young hatch at different times and therefore are different sizes. Carolina Wrens, however, have synchronous hatching and should be of similar size.

About Crows
Tricia - Waldport, OR: I live beside a golf course where perhaps 40-50 (sometimes more) crows congregate. It seems I spend a great deal of time "shooing" them out of my small back yard and a nearby tree. A neighbor continually threatens to "get a gun" and blast them away. (Whether he'd actually do so is debateable.) Is there a way to discourage the crows in the area before my neighbor carries through on his threat? I'm not fond of crows, but don't want to see them hurt, either.

Dr. Horn: First, you might consider informing your neighbor that to harm migratory birds is a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act . This includes any part, nest or egg of the bird. Thus, the killing of a bird could result in federal prosecution, and there may be state laws and local ordinances against the killing of birds as well. There are very few non-invasive methods for discouraging crows from roosting in a given area. However, sometimes the crow roosts are temporary, only lasting several weeks. While the crows are present, you might enjoy watching their behavior. Crow make a wide assortment of calls, and are one of the few animals in the world that have the ability to create and use tools for food acquisition.

Flocks Of Blackbirds
Angela - Front Royal, VA: I have flocks and flocks of blackbirds. They are destroying my plants, sunflowers, droppings everywhere, etc. Would you please give any advice you may have of getting rid of these nasty flocks.

Dr. Horn: At the end of the breeding season many species of blackbirds form large flocks that search for food together. For these species, large foraging flocks may afford greater protection from predators such as hawks. The flock has found your yard to be a good spot to find food including your sunflower plants. Once the food has been depleted, the flock will move on to a different spot. To discourage the blackbirds you might consider covering some of their food sources such as the sunflowers and other plants until the flocks are no longer present.

Nyjer & Thistle
John - Huntington Beach, CA: Is Nyjer and Thistle seed the same product, while researching bird seed products on the internet they combine the products as one item. If the seeds are different which seed is better for my area?

Dr. Horn: Thanks for your question about whether thistle and nyjer are the same product. The answer to the question is yes. Nyjer and thistle sold as birdseed are the same product. Nyjer seed is imported from countries such as India and Ethiopia and is from a very different plant than the thistle common along roadsides. Nyjer is considered to be attractive to species such as goldfinches, finches, siskins, and redpolls.

Birds Are Like Therapy
Hope - Jenks, OK: My mother has several bird feeders out and has primarily seen mostly goldfinches, barn finches, small woodpeckers and chickadees at them. One of her neighbors has complained to the landlord about the "increase in bird droppings" that he has seen due to an "increase of birds". She read somewhere that the smaller birds like the ones listed above don't create the messy droppings as bad as the ground feeders (doves, robins, etc.). Is this true? If it is, do you know of a source I can copy to give the landlord and the neighbor to prove to them that her feeders are not the problem? I enjoy watching her finches come to the feeders as much as she does, and with her mother's death last year, I think the birds have been therapeutic for her!

Dr. Horn: During the late spring - late summer, the number of birds increases as young birds are successfully fledging from their nests. While neotropical migrant songbirds are continuing their migration in some areas now, residential species such as house finches may have already completed their first brood. In addition, with the onset of warmer weather individuals are more likely to be outside, and notice the droppings. Finally, if the neighbor has noticed a cluster of droppings, it could be a sign that a bird nest is nearby.

Where Are The Hummers
Dick - Apex, NC: The hummingbirds arrived in this area in April when the weather was getting very warm, stayed for a couple of weeks and all of sudden seem to have disappeared. Any ideas what happened? Customers to my store are asking the same thing. As the weather transitions to more summer-like temperatures, will that cause the birds to possibly return?

Dr. Horn: There are many possible reasons for why hummingbirds are not visiting feeders in your area. First, local climate which in turn influences food abundance could be a factor. If favorable weather patterns produce abundant natural food resources, birds may be less likely to spend time at supplemental feeding stations. As an analogy, many individuals observe fewer goldfinches during the middle of summer, perhaps because more seeds are available during this time. Another reason hummingbirds are less abundant may be the behavior of the species. In the early breeding season, hummingbirds are establishing territories. Males spend large amounts of time and energy defending these territories, and may lose 20% of their body weight during this period. Females are incubating eggs, and spending less time feeding. Similarly, many people observe fewer chickadees and titmice at feeders during the summer. These species switch from seeds to insects during the summer months, and thus, are less likely to visit feeders. There are other possibilities such as habitat changes on the wintering grounds or poor breeding success the previous year.

A Nest In My Fern
Jenny - Franklin, TN: I just bought two beautiful ferns to hang on our shady front porch. Two days ago I noticed a bird had built her nest in one of them. Yesterday, I guess she laid her eggs and she's not left the nest for a moment? Now how do I take care of my fern and is my front porch off limits as momma bird may feel her baby birds threatened. My porch is not big at all.

Dr. Horn: I suggest you continue your activities on the porch, particularly to see if the birds continue to incubate while you are on the porch. Keep in mind that the birds built a nest, and laid eggs with you present, and still found the fern to be an appropriate place to nest. As for caring for your fern, water as necessary, but try not to get the nest wet or the soil below the nest wet in order to keep the nest and eggs dry. Typically, nesting for a small bird lasts approximately 4 weeks. Enjoy watching the birds raise the nestlings, it is a wonderful sight to see.

About Corvids
Mary - Whitehall, , MD: What is the other specis of crow that has the white vest? Crows are so interesting to me there so intelligent but I've never seen one out east with the white under belly/chest.

Dr. Horn: Thanks for your question about corvids. Closely related to crows are magpies. There are two species of magpies, American magpie and Yellow-billed magpie. Magpies have blue wings and tail with a white belly and white on their wings. Both species are found in the western U.S. Crows are considered one of the most intelligent groups of birds. For example, crows are one of only a few animal species that are known to use tools in food acquisition.

Unusual Nesting Location
Rene - Chicago, IL: A robin is trying to build a nest on my motion sensor light on my back porch. My backyard has feeders and water and bushes and small trees. I don't know why they have decided to nest on my light. How do I discourage this. I have knocked down the twigs and others nesting material for the past three days, and they keep coming back. Since the nest would be right over my back door, this is not ideal for me.

Dr. Horn: Birds find the most unusual spots to nest. If the robins have not already built their nest, consider putting an object on the motion sensor that would inhibit the ability of the robin to nest. (Destroying a nest is a violation of the National Migratory Bird Treat Act). In addition, you might also consider putting a small nesting platform in a nearby location that would be more appealing to you. This way, you could enjoy the use of your motion sensor light, and entice the robins to nest in a nearby location.

Cleaning Up Their Nest
Joy - Nashville, TN: While discussing wild birds this morning where I work, one of the ladies said her whole deck is filled with white droppings but it came from the mouths of the starlings as a big bubble! What are they doing?

Dr. Horn: The phenomenon that your friend is witnessing is common during the nesting season. The feces of nestling birds are enclosed in a mucous membrane, and is referred to as a fecal sac. The fecal sacs are carried off from the nest by the adult birds, and dropped at a distant location from the nest.

What Do Bluebirds Eat?
Lori - Watervliet, MI: What do Bluebirds prefer to eat?

Dr. Horn: There are many ways to attract Eastern Bluebirds to your yard. First, I would consider providing mealworms in a mealworm feeder. Mealworms are not only attractive to bluebirds, but are also readily consumed by other species such as Carolina Wrens and American Robins. Second, consider putting out water in a birdbath. Like mealworms, water is very attractive to a wide range of birds, including bluebirds, that are not attracted to seed feeders. Finally, I would suggest putting out a bluebird nestbox. The nesting season has already begun, but bluebirds often have two broods a season so you may be able to attract a nesting pair this season.

Messing Up My Pond
Gale - Enola, PA: How can I stop grackles from dropping their babies fecal sacs in my garden pond? It's really "fowling" things up!

Dr. Horn: Many birds instinctually carry their fecal sacs from the nest (other species have feces that line the nest, and still others consume them). This behavior may be beneficial in helping to conceal the nest from predators, and in your case, the grackles have selected a pond as a place to deposit them. This is a temporary situation, however, as grackles take 16-20 days to fledge. Thus, in a couple of weeks your pond should have clean water again.

Taking Care Of Mockingbird Babies
Marion - North Las Vegas, NV: I have three mockingbirds that have fallen out of nests around the Las Vegas Valley... they are starting to get tail and wing feathers. I have been feeding them mealworms (without heads) and blended cat food (with a dropper). Since they are satrting to get older, how do I transition them to other insects and teach them how/where to find them? I have a backyard with lots of crickets and other bugs. Also, how old before they can be released in the back yard? They might be half the size of a full grown adult.

Dr. Horn: I am sorry to hear that the three mockingbird chicks have fallen out of their nest. Mockingbirds are able to fledge in approximately 11-13 days. During the later stages of development, I recommend that you contact a local wildlife rehabilitator about how best to care for the young mockingbirds.

My New Birdbath
Nancy - Locust Grove, VA: My husband recently bought me a bird bath at the Wild Bird Center and it appears that the water is being absorbed by the concrete and we can't fill it over a certain level. Is there a waterproofing that we can apply that will be safe for the birds?

Dr. Horn: One of the reasons that you may not be able to fill the bath up as far as would like is a result the surface tension of the water. In addition, as the weather continues to get warmer, the rate of evaporation will increase. Thus, you will find yourself having to clean the bath more frequently. Enjoy watching the birds at the bath.

Whip-poor-wills Are Gone
Tabetha - Scioto Furnace, OH: I love to listen to Whip-poor-wills at night, but I haven't heard any for a long time and I live out in the country. When I was a kid I used to hear them all the time. Could you please tell me what I could do or put in my tree to attract them again.

Dr. Horn: Unfortunately, Whip-poor-wills are not attracted to yards by feeders and baths. In addition, their nocturnal nature makes them a challenge to see; however, their beautiful sound lets you know they are present. The best way to attract whip-poor-wills is the habitat that is around you. This species prefers open and dry woodlands and is highly sensitive to the loss and subsequent regeneration of forest. It has been in decline in the central part of its range in recent years. I wonder if there has been a loss in the habitat around you, and that is why you haven't heard any lately.

The Ruthless Wren
Jacob - Orlando, FL: I had tufted titmouse eggs in my nesting box. I saw a house wren go in and thought the tufted titmice will chase him away, but he kept going in. I opened the box and there were no eggs in it this time. The house wren put twigs on top of the titmice nest. Is it a dummy nest? Do I take the box down? I found three dead titmice babies nearby. Can I place another box for the wren close to the first one. Will the tufted titmice try to nest in it again or will the house wrens kill the titmice babies. Do those wren guards work? I also have chickadees a few meters away from the titmice box. They are my favorite bird so please help.

Dr. Horn: Wrens are one group of species that will build their nest on top of other bird's nest and destroy eggs. This behavior may reduce competition that it has for resources with other birds (i.e., food) and reduce the risk of predation (i.e., if a large number of birds are present the area may be more attractive to predators). In addition, wrens will build dummy nests in available cavities to reduce the likelihood that other cavities nesters will build their nest. It is most likely that the Tufted Titmice will abandon their nesting attempt after the wren has built the nest over it. The nesting attempt is less likely to be abandoned by the parents, the longer the bird's have invested in raising the young. Thus, if the chickadees that are nesting nearby to the wren have nestlings, it is less likely that they will abandon their nestlings if a house wren attempts to disrupt the attempt. House wrens can be difficult to discourage, for as small birds, they are able to enter almost any sized box that would be occupied by the larger tufted titmice.

Painting Bird Products
Pamela - Lincolnwood, IL: We just bought a concrete bird bath. I would like to paint it and seal it for many years of use; possibilty purchasing another. Is there something I can paint it with to seal the concrete. Also, for the bowl, what can I paint and seal it with that is not toxic to the birds.

Dr. Horn: When painting bird products such as bird houses or bird baths, consider using a non-lead based paint. You might consider avoiding painting the inner portion of the product (i.e., the bowl of a bath or the inner portion of the house), and instead paint the exterior only.

Robins And Windows
Robert - Williamsburg, VA: The past week we have had a pair of robins trying to fly into our house through one of the wndows. What could cause this and how do we prevent them from doing so?

Dr. Horn: As the breeding season approaches, territories are being formed, and defense of territories ensues. Unfortunately, the reflective surface of glass gives territory holders the impression that an intruder has entered the territory. Often times, the bird responds by attacking its reflection in the window including repeated flights and pecks at the window. This behavior appears to be most frequently observed in robins and cardinals, and is typically restricted to the breeding season. The first thing to do is to cover the reflective surface that the bird is attacking. Alternatively, using interior lighting in a manner that eliminates the outside reflection can also be effective. Often times after the reflection is eliminated, the birds will take on the task of guarding against the "real" intruders. If the bird moves to another reflective surface, it may require covering that surface as well. To learn more about window-bird collisions, and to participate in an international study on how to prevent window-bird collisions, PROJECT PREVENT COLLISION, please visit the Wild Bird Centers of America website at: http://www.wildbirdcenter.com/content/project_prevent_collision

A Bird Moved In
Robin - Newtown Square, PA: I have 4' overhanging soffets, and have an opening left by moving the location of an out door light. Before I could get the opening repaired, what looks to be a brown headed cowbird has moved in. Although literature indicates the cowbird to be a parasitic bird relative to nests and caring for their young, this cowbird is caring something into the opening with him. I would like to have the opening repaired in the near future, and need to know what to do about this situation that has developed. You advice please.

Dr. Horn: I suspect that you have a European Starling that has moved in (as opposed to a Brown-headed Cowbird). European Starlings are of similar size and have an iridescent plumage, but with longer bills, and comparatively shorter wings. You can verify the identity of the bird using the "What Bird" link on the Wild Bird Centers of America website. Starlings have clutches of 4-6 eggs, incubation takes 12-14 days, and it takes 18-21 days for the young to fledge.

Unlikely Bird Droppings
Nancy - Maybee, MI: I found some large bird droppings on our driveway and recently on our deck rail. The dropping was similar in size and shape as to a small/med dog. It was consisted of multiple strands tightly swirled together to make a large tube shape (3/4" x 2 1/2"). There was also some white area on one end. I live in the country and there are farm fields around. I have never seen anything like this and cannot find any information as to what kind of bird would produce this. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Dr. Horn: The source of the feces that you describe may not have been made by a bird. What you describe sounds like scat from a mammal. Skunk and fox seem like the most likely choices. You might consider putting up a digital camera with a motion sensor (i.e., trail camera) to identify the culprit.

Nesting Box Occupancy Dispute
Jacob - Orlando, FL: I have titmice nesting and there are eggs. This morning i saw a starling trying to get in the box what can i do. I think the box is 10 or 12 inches high.

Dr. Horn: Starlings, like titmice, are cavity nesters and therefore will attempt to enter boxes to determine if they are suitable. Smaller birds, like Tufted Titmice, Black-capped Chickadees, and House Wrens require smaller size holes than larger birds such as Eastern Bluebirds and starlings. Thus, one way to prevent starlings from using nestboxes is to put out nest boxes with smaller entrance holes than they can fit in.

An Empty Bald Eagle's Nest
Kathy - Levittwon, NY: Many of us are watching the eagle's nest at Hornby Island BC. Today the last egg has been destroyed. Many are sad. Many are wondering what the eagles are feeling at this time. Are they sad, mournful? Are they confused or are they protecting their territory? I surmise this is the actions they are taking - they have become restless, leaving the nest now for longer periods of time as long as 30 minutes, coming back and rearranging the nest, over and over again. Any research done on the behavior of Eagles and raptors after a non-productive nesting?

Dr. Horn: I was saddened to hear of the unsuccessful Bald Eagle nest on Hornby Island. Most of the actions that you are currently seeing from the eagles have a genetic basis. It is also possible that the eagles are displaying displacement behavior. Displacement behavior occurs when an animal performs certain behaviors in situations where the behavior would not usually take place (i.e., the bald eagles tending to the nest even after the nesting attempt has failed). Hopefully, the eagles will try again next breeding season.

Feeding California Quail
Janice - Kelowna, B.C., Canada: Firstly, how do I feed my beloved California Quail (I have wooden ground feeders) without being bothered by a overabundance of Brewer's Blackbirds and Starlings? Also, what ground cover could be planted in this area that would withstand the incredible scratching by the Quail? We're down to bare dirt/sand now.

Dr. Horn: There are two major factors that influence whether a bird will visit a feeder: the type of feeder (e.g., hopper, tube, or platform) and the type of food (e.g., black-oil sunflower, whole peanuts, or white proso millet). When food is placed on the ground, almost all species of birds that visit feeders will feed. Thus, your feeding of California Quail will also attract other species including starlings and blackbirds. In addition, starlings will eat a large variety of seeds. However, it has been reported that California Quail eat wheat. The preference of wheat by starlings is less known. Thus, you could consider putting putting wheat out for the quail.

Moving My Nesting Box
April - Calgary, AB, Canada: I just found out that my landlord sold the house I am living in, I have a small birdhouse with birds in it, this birdhouse was made by my son for Mother's day and I don't want to leave it behind. Is there any way to get the birds out without physically doing so? I feel so bad but I don't have a choice in the matter. I have a couple of months to get them out or take them with me, lol. Please if you have any suggestions I would really appreciate this. I think the birds are some sort of finch.

Dr. Horn: Typically, the nesting season consists of nest building (couple of days in duration), egg laying (one egg per day with clutch sizes for small birds being approximately 5), incubation (approximately 2 weeks for small birds), and fledging (approximately 2 weeks for small birds). Given that you have a couple of months before you have to leave, the nestlings will fledge thereby vacating the nest box before you have to leave. Once the birds have left, I would recommend taking down your nest box until you are able to place it at your new location.

Wake Up At Sunrise!
Kevin - Monroe , NC: We have a problem with birds waking us up every morning before sunrise. After listening to many bird sounds on the internet, we think they are cardinals. How can we get rid of them without chasing off all birds and wildlife?

Dr. Horn: The cardinals have found your house to be an appropriate location to establish a territory and nest site, and each morning the male cardinal will sing to let other birds know that the territory is being occupied. I can't recommend any steps to get rid of the cardinals (destroying of nests, eggs, nestlings, and adults is prohibited under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act). However, I should point out that the cardinals singing will be reduced as the nesting season comes to an end.

Fallen Off Of Their Nest
Elsie - Annapolis, MD: I got two cardinal babies in my back yard. They don't fly yet but mom and dad have been taking care of them. They have been sleeping on the ground and have been trying to fly. Do I need to worry about other animals?

Dr. Horn: Thank you very much for your e-mail regarding two baby cardinals that have fallen from there nest. I am glad to hear that the adults have found the nestlings and they are caring for them. Provided that there are no outdoor cats in your neighborhood, the cardinals should be able to successfully care for the young until they are able to fly.

Cardinal Attacks
Lisa - Mount Holly Springs, PA: I have been in my house for 12 years and this is the first spring that I've had a male cardinal "attacking" my windows. He even goes to windows with screens, hangs on and shakes them. I've tried decals, stuffed animals and pictures of owls and hawks. What else can I do? I understand why he's doing it, just would prefer he go elsewhere to do it! Thanks for your input.

Dr. Horn: Anything that you can do to eliminate the reflective properties of the windows can be considered with remedies on the outside of the window being the most effective. Alternatively, using interior lighting in a manner that eliminates the outside reflection can also be effective. Some birds seem to be persistent no matter what efforts you take. In these cases, we can take some comfort in the fact that the behavior is normally restricted to the breeding season. To learn more about window-bird collisions, and to participate in an international study on how to prevent window-bird collisions, please visit PROJECT PREVENT COLLISION on the Wild Bird Centers of America website at: http://www.wildbirdcenter.com/content/project_prevent_collision

A Hard One To Identify
Donna - Patchogue, NY: I have been birdwatching for 30 years, and I recently saw a bird that I have been unable to identify. The shape and size are exactly that of a cardinal. The head is bright red, with a red crest. The beak is just like that of a cardinal, and peachy beige in color. It's back is dark solid grey (catbird color) and it's belly is a lighter grey (tufted titmouse color). There is no black on it anywhere, (as on a cardinal's face), and it has a thin white stripe on it's face, separating the red on the head from the grey. I have been unable to hear it's call. Can you help? I have been on just about every website already.

Dr. Horn: The species that most matches your description (although the face is not completely red and lacks a stripe) is the pyrrhuloxia. However, this species is limited to the southwest United States including Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. I recommend that you take a picture of the bird if you can, and then submit the picture to the state ornithological organization for New York. This way if it is a rare bird, it can be formally documented. Good luck!

Did They Abandon Their Nest?
Jacob - Orlando, FL: Tufted titmice are nesting, but I haven't seen them since there were people in the yard. Have they abandoned the nest? I saw the couple flying out of our yard and I haven’t seen them come back. There are eggs in the nest too.

Dr. Horn: How wonderful it is that you have tufted titmice nesting in your yard. Typically, during the nesting season, you will see a flurry of activity as the bird's build their nest. Nest building takes a few days. During egg-laying and incubation the activity is much more limited. Reduced activity may in turn keep the undetected by potential predators. Thus, I would not expect you to see the titmice, as they are tending to the eggs. After a couple of weeks, the eggs will hatch and then you will see the titmice tending to their young. Enjoy watching the tufted titmice.

A Robin At The Window
Marty - Mineral City, OH: Help! We are being held hostage by a robin! He/she insists that she MUST come into our house. She will sit by one window for hours, pecking and trying to fly into the window. If this does not work, she will fly to another window and do the same thing! We live on a lake in the woods where there are zillions of trees to nest in, what is she doing? Thanks for any assistance you can give!

Dr. Horn: As the breeding season approaches, territories are being formed, and defense of territories ensues. Unfortunately, the reflective surface of glass gives territory holders the impression that an intruder has entered the territory. Often times, the bird responds by attacking its reflection in the window including repeated flights and pecks at the window. This behavior appears to be most frequently observed in robins and cardinals, and is typically restricted to the breeding season. The first thing to do is to cover the reflective surface that the bird is attacking. Alternatively, using interior lighting in a manner that eliminates the outside reflection can also be effective. Often times after the reflection is eliminated, the birds will take on the task of guarding against the "real" intruders. If the bird moves to another reflective surface, it may require covering that surface as well. To learn more about window-bird collisions, and to participate in an international study on how to prevent window-bird collisions, PROJECT PREVENT COLLISION, please visit the Wild Bird Centers of America website at: http://www.wildbirdcenter.com/content/project_prevent_collision

Egg Shells Identification
Cory - Mesa, AZ: I cannot seem to find information on the distinguishing colors and markings of wild bird eggs. Your site might be a great place to include this information since often the existence of a certain bird near one's yard is confirmed only by egg shells. I haven't seen a robin in the Phoenix area for 25 years yet I found a pale blue egg shell in my yard. What bird could this be? I have the usual finches, sparrows, grackles and pigeons, but I also have a wonderful pair of towhees, a family of mockingbirds, an occasional verdin, and a curved bill thrasher. Who is my visitor with the solid color pale blue egg?

Dr. Horn: Thank you very much for your e-mail about how to identify eggs of nesting birds. In addition to robins, I know catbirds also have pale blue eggs. I recommend the following book to aid in your search: "A Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American Birds" by Paul J. Baicich. It is published by Princeton. Not only will it help you identify your mystery egg, but will also help you identify future nests and nestlings that you observe.

Robins Attacking Windows
Judi - Union, IL: There has been very odd behavior by robins this spring. I have heard from two different friends that they have had problems with lone robins consistently flying up and hitting their house window. These people live towns apart. In one case it started about the beginning of April. He was awakened at 5:30 am by a rhythmic bang only to discover it was a robin outside the window that was flying into it every 30 seconds. This went on till around 9:00 a.m., and then was repeated again each following day staying on the same time schedule. I haven't spoken to him to ask if the robin has finally stopped its odd behavior. About 2 weeks ago I received a call from another friend seeking advice on her robin problem. The same odd behavior... This bird sits in the tree just outside the window and flies up to the window and hits it. It did this all day long. As of the 19th it was still doing it everyday. The things they have tried that have not worked to deter it were closing the drapes and taping two sets of big eyes to the window. They then tried putting a pole by the window as they thought it looked as if it was trying to fly up and perch. That worked for a while but now the robin sits on the pole and pecks at the window all day long. Why are these birds displaying such odd behavior? I also have a short video clip of the second robin's behavior should you wish to view it. You help would be greatly appreciated.

Dr. Horn: As the breeding season approaches, territories are being formed, and defense of territories ensues. Unfortunately, the reflective surface of glass gives territory holders the impression that an intruder has entered the territory. Often times, the bird responds by attacking its reflection in the window including repeated flights and pecks at the window. This behavior appears to be most frequently observed in robins and cardinals, and is typically restricted to the breeding season. The first thing to do is to cover the reflective surface that the bird is attacking. Alternatively, using interior lighting in a manner that eliminates the outside reflection can also be effective. Often times after the reflection is eliminated, the birds will take on the task of guarding against the "real" intruders. If the bird moves to another reflective surface, it may require covering that surface as well. To learn more about window-bird collisions, and to participate in an international study on how to prevent window-bird collisions, PROJECT PREVENT COLLISION, please visit the Wild Bird Centers of America website at: http://www.wildbirdcenter.com/content/project_prevent_collision

What Bird?
Tulika - Greater Noida, ON: What bird is almost wingless, flightless and big, and is similar to ostrich?

Dr. Horn: Large flightless birds are collectively referred to as ratites. These birds lack a keeled sternum (the sternum is where many of the flight muscles attach) and have symmetrical feathers that primarily serve in insulation (flight feathers of birds are typically asymmetrical). Some common ratites include the rheas and emus.

Bird Song Identification
John - Harrisburg, PA: I am trying to identify a bird that has a song that sounds like "whinny". Every now and then I hear it in the distant woods where I live, but can never locate it.

Dr. Horn: I recommend that you visit the Wild Bird Centers of America home page and click on the link for "What Bird?". "What Bird?" provides you with songs of many of the common birds found inyards, and would provide you a means to identify not only the song in question, but many of the songs that you are hearing in your yard. After you click on "What Bird?", select the location attribute, in your case, Pennsylvania. Next select the attribute "Backyard Feeder." You will now have a list of the common birds in Pennsylvania, and can learn their songs. Enjoy the melody of spring.

How To Store Seed
Alice - Raytown, MO: I got carried away purchasing bird seed and now that birds are not coming to my feeders, need advice as to how to keep seed until next season. I don't think I can SEAL cans. Can the seed be frozen?

Dr. Horn: First of all, I wanted to let you know that you don't have to stop feeding during the spring and summer. Many birds such as chickadees will switch from a seed-based to an insect-based diet in the spring and summer. However, other species such as finches and goldfinches continue to feed on seeds. Seeds are in short supply naturally during the spring and summer, and therefore, your feeders may be visited year round. If you do store your seed, consider storing in a cool, dry, metal container.

Hummingbirds In Louisiana
Gary - St. Amant, LA: I would like to know about species of hummingbirds native to southern Louisiana.

Dr. Horn: The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a species that you will find during the summer. In the winter, other species such as Rufous Hummingbird are possible. To learn more about each of these species, I recommend that you visit the Wild Bird Centers of America home page and click on the "What Bird?" link. There you can find a great deal of information about the natural history of the hummingbirds of Louisiana. Enjoy watching the hummingbirds.

A Bird Of Prey
Steven - St. James, NY: There is a bird of prey diving at my bird feeding station, I would like to know what kind of bird? It is a little larger than a blue jay and much smaller than a red tail witch are all over my area, very plain grayish color like a kestrel.

Dr. Horn: Given your description, I suspect that you are being visited by a male sharp-shinned or Cooper's hawk. Both look similar, but the sharp-shinned hawk is smaller. Both of these species frequent suburban neighborhoods and will commonly hunt birds at feeders. I also recommend that you visit the "What Bird?" link located on the home page of this site. This search engine allows you to identify species by entering characteristics such as size and color.

Positioning Of A Bluebird Nesting Box
Linley - Hollidaysburg, PA: What direction should the birdhouse opening for the Eastern bluebird be facing?

Dr. Horn: I recommend that you consider two factors. First, have the box facing away from the prevailing winds. This should help prevent rain from coming in the box during storms. In addition, consider having the box face away from direct sunlight. This should reduce the probability of overheating. Enjoy observing your nesting birds.

Who's Visiting My Feeder?
Brian - Old Saybrook, CT: Would like an identification of a bird that has been coming to our feeders in the last week. It has the look of a White throated sparrow somewhat but it is double the size and the back is much darker brown very heavy barring on chest and a patch of orangeish or whiteish throat. It also walks more like a Grackle. There are 6 that come to the feeders. Do you know what they are?

Dr. Horn: I recommend that you visit the Wild Bird Centers of America home page and click on the "What Bird?" link. "What Bird?" allows you to identify birds that you are seen in your yard. Specifically, select the location attribute, in your case, Connecticut. Next select the attribute "Backyard Feeder." You will now have a list of frequent feeder birds in Connecticut.

Incubation Of The American Robin
Meghan - Fort Wayne, IN: How long does it take for robins to be born?

Dr. Horn: Thank you very much for your question about how long the incubation period of the American Robin is. Incubation is typically 12-13 days with some clutches being incubated in 11 or 14 days.

Who's Singing?
Marc - Silver Spring, MD: We were wondering what sort of bird has been singing in the morning and evenings across the street from us in tall trees. It is a very simple, very resonant song. Three equally held notes, down a second, down a major third. In fact, he is singing C-B-G, repeatedly. We cannot spot the bird in the trees to give you a description. Can you tell what sort of bird this might be?

Dr. Horn: The sound that you are describing sounds similar to the latter part of a Mourning Dove song. I recommend that you visit the Wild Bird Centers of America home page and click on the "What Bird?" link. "What Bird" provides you with a means to identify not only the song in question, but many of the songs that you are hearing in your yard. After you click on "What Bird," select the location attribute, in your case, Maryland. Next select the attribute "Backyard Feeder." You will now have a list of 66 possible feeder birds in Maryland, and can learn their songs. Enjoy the melody of spring.

Window Attacks
Janie - Annapolis, MD: How do we discourage a FEMALE cardinal who repeatedly attacks my car mirror? This is not an accidental bird strike. It is a daily struggle. Last year I spent all summer with bags over the rearview mirrors on my car. We are desperate for a solution since now she is moving to a window on the house with the same behavior. How can we discourage this?

Dr. Horn: I am sorry to hear about the cardinal attacking your windows. As the breeding season approaches, territories are being formed, and defense of territories ensues. Unfortunately, the reflective surface of glass gives territory holders the impression that an intruder has entered the territory. Often times, the bird responds by attacking its reflection in the window including repeated flights and pecks at the window. This behavior appears to be most frequently observed in cardinals and robins, and is typically restricted to the breeding season. The first thing to do is to cover the reflective surface that the bird is attacking. Alternatively, using interior lighting in a manner that eliminates the outside reflection can also be effective. Often times after the reflection is eliminated, the birds will take on the task of guarding against the "real" intruders. If the bird moves to another reflective surface, it may require covering that surface as well. To learn more about window-bird collisions, and to participate in an international study on how to prevent window-bird collisions, please go to: PROJECT PREVENT COLLISION

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker
Pat - Boston, MA: Is the Ivory-billed Woodpecker definitely not extinct?

Dr. Horn: In an article published in the journal Science on June 3, 2005, scientists reported the rediscovery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Evidence for the presence of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker include video recordings, audio recordings, and eyewitness accounts. Combined, this evidence indicates the existence of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in the Big Woods region of eastern Arkansas. There have been scientists who have rejected the evidence for the return of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Some have suggested that the audio tapes containing the double-knock call of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker need to be further analyzed; others have expressed the view that the bird in the video is a Pileated Woodpecker. Thus, additional evidence is being collected to confirm the sighting. It is a truly an exciting time in the field of avian conservation.

About Great Blue Herons
Brenda - Annapolis, MD: Does the presence of a lawn sculpture, a Great Blue Heron, next to my koi pond increase or decrease the pond's attractiveness to actual live herons that will eat my fish?

Dr. Horn: Thank you very much for your e-mail about the influence sculptures may have in attracting or discouraging birds from visiting a freshwater pond. The answer depends on how well the heron sculpture resembles a great blue heron. For example, hunters put decoys out to attract waterfowl to an area. A sculpture could have a similar effect. However, the size of the pond will also be a factor, as smaller ponds are less likely to be visited by multiple herons simultaneously. With that said, I suspect the sculpture will not be perceived as another great blue heron and will not alter the frequency of visits you observe.

Birdhouse Location
Karl - Jacksonville, FL: Do I want to keep my birdhouse as far away from feeders as possible?

Dr. Horn: My recommendation is that you place your bird house away from bird feeders. Different species have different preferences for where a bird house is to be placed. Bluebirds prefer houses that are out in the open, purple martins prefer communal nest areas, and house wrens are known to build nests almost anywhere. With that said, bird houses that are placed farther from feeders may be more protected from both avian and mammalian predators that may come to feeders. Blue jays, crows, squirrels, and raccoons are all nest predators and having a house that is away from these species could be beneficial. Enjoy watching the backyard birds.

They Don't Use My Feeder!
Michelle Thompson - Minden, LA: I got a starling proof suet feeder and it works to stop starling, but the downy woodpecker and tufted titmouse cannot get under there or don't know it's suet.

Dr. Horn: Birds are highly visual, and their sense of smell is not as well developed. Thus, it is important that food is offered to be visible to the birds. Feeders that require birds to perch underneath to access the suet will require birds to find the suet. It may take a little longer than a typical feeder for birds to find the food. In the short term, consider placing a small piece of suet on top of the feeder. This might draw the attention of birds who may in turn further investigate the feeder.

Anna's Hummer
Katy - San Rafael, CA: We have an Anna's hummingbird who, it seems, has adopted us...We live in Marin County, California. How can we keep him interested in visiting us? We have a hummingbird feeder but he hasn't noticed it yet... We are in the process of planting new trees and landscaping and would like to select items that attract hummingbirds. Any suggestions?

Dr. Horn: What a wonderful visitor you have coming to your yard. Your hummingbird feeder should be spotted by the hummingbird soon. In the meantime, it is important that you keep fresh sugar water in the feeder. In terms of landscaping, select plants with red or orange flowers, as these are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Your local landscaper can provide you with recommendations for native plants in the area. Enjoy the hummingbirds.

Whose Eggs Are These?

Starlings Take Over

Caring For Baby Robin

Unusual Visitors At My Hummer Feeder

Baby Robin's Food

Seed-eating Robin

A Baby To Protect

Hummers' Living

Wild Turkey Breeding Habits

Protecting Our Bluebirds

Drying Up My Hummer Feeder

Feeding In The Summer

Dropping From The Sky

Suet Raiders

Wasted Seed

Copper Birdbath Care

How To Identify Birds

Wild Bird Seed Sales In The US

Undesirable Species At Feeder

Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

On Feeding Hummingbirds

Protecting A Bluebird House

Vibrant Colors

Waking Up To Bird Sounds

A Heron At My Fish Pond

Feeding Doves

Nesting Mother Duck

Quail Eggs Hatched

Food For Baby Dove

Dove Fledglings

Wrens Nesting In My Mailbox

Nesting Everywhere

Strange Birds

Baby Bird On The Move

Any Hummers Around Here?

These Loud Cardinals

Robin Fledglings

Feeding Bluebirds, Not Blackbirds

Birds Inside My Building

A Failed Relocation Attempt

To Feed Or Not To Feed?

Ducklings In My Pool

Baby Bird Care

No Traps!

More Birds Please!

Raising Baby Birds

Flying Takes Practice

Flying Into The Window

A Baby Bird In My Yard

A House For The Bluebirds

Nesting Attempts

Nestlings In Need Of Care

Two Very Different Babies

About Crows

Flocks Of Blackbirds

Nyjer & Thistle

Birds Are Like Therapy

Where Are The Hummers

A Nest In My Fern

About Corvids

Unusual Nesting Location

Cleaning Up Their Nest

What Do Bluebirds Eat?

Messing Up My Pond

Taking Care Of Mockingbird Babies

My New Birdbath

Whip-poor-wills Are Gone

The Ruthless Wren

Painting Bird Products

Robins And Windows

A Bird Moved In

Unlikely Bird Droppings

Nesting Box Occupancy Dispute

An Empty Bald Eagle's Nest

Feeding California Quail

Moving My Nesting Box

Wake Up At Sunrise!

Fallen Off Of Their Nest

Cardinal Attacks

A Hard One To Identify

Did They Abandon Their Nest?

A Robin At The Window

Egg Shells Identification

Robins Attacking Windows

What Bird?

Bird Song Identification

How To Store Seed

Hummingbirds In Louisiana

A Bird Of Prey

Positioning Of A Bluebird Nesting Box

Who's Visiting My Feeder?

Incubation Of The American Robin

Who's Singing?

Window Attacks

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker

About Great Blue Herons

Birdhouse Location

They Don't Use My Feeder!

Anna's Hummer

Franchise Services