asked:


My front porch has a railing and mulberry bushes that every neighborhood songbird roosts on, and it creates a terrible mess. How can I prevent the birds from returning to the porch, save for following Mr. Twit’s example and gluing them to the roof?

EDDIE

Maria V asked:


I have been having lots of trouble with this game for iPod touch, is there a way to set up a scarecrow to stop the birds from eating your crop? Because my villagers keep dying due to there being no food to eat. The coconuts/fish are all used up, and the crops are the only consistent way to feed the villagers, but the stupid birds keep eating them!!!
What do I do??
Thanks in advance.

HERMAN

Country Girl asked:


Have you ever spotted any unusual birds that aren’t common to your area? What sort of food mixtures do you use if you do feed them? Thanks.. I love to watch and feed the birds and I wonder what sort of birds are out there in other parts of the country and world.

LESTER

Alex A. Kecskes asked:


A new 4,800-vehicle four-level parking structure, site work and a grand canopy entry area are currently under construction at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in the Grand Rapids area. The approximately $115-million project began in September 2007 and it is expected to be completed in October 2009.  The Grand Canopy is a glass structure attached to the parking garage covering the roadway and two skywalks to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport terminal.  Whether you are waling or driving, you will be protected from the elements. The $114 million budgeted for the project includes roadway changes and utilities. The infrastructure improvements include a new entrance plaza to the airport grounds and an exit plaza from the parking structure. 

 

Netting Under Canopy at Portland International Airport.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport is managed and operated by the Kent County Department of Aeronautics. Approximately 5,500 travelers pass through Gerald R. Ford International Airport each day. The airport covers nearly 3,200 acres (over five square miles), an area almost as large as the city of Grandville and a bit larger than East Grand Rapids.  The new parking structure is being built to accommodate future increased airport traffic.

Part of the planning for the project included providing some sort of bird control on the canopy.  This was deemed necessary because of the lessons learned at the Portland International Airport in Oregon.  A similar canopy was constructed there that soon became home to thousands of pigeons.  It order to get rid of the pigeons in Portland, over 18,000 sq. ft. of bird netting was installed.  To avoid this problem in Grand Rapids, bird control netting was included in the project specifications.  The job went to bid in July of 2007.  The bird control portion of the project was awarded in December of 2007.  The contractor was to hang approximately 180,000sq. ft. of bird control netting on the underside of the Grand Canopy to protect it from pest birds.  

 

 

Using 85’ lifts to install bird netting.

 

Bird Netting Under Canopy Infrastructure.

The bird netting system is to be installed under the infrastructure of the Grand Canopy.  Under the glass top is a network of beams that support the glass top; these beams make perfect landing, roosting and nesting areas for pest birds such as pigeons.  Installation of the netting in October of 2008.  An 8-man crew was used to install the netting in 12 different bays. The netting is attached to a cable system that is installed along the main trusses of the canopy.  The areas are reached using 85’ and in some cases 135’ lifts. It took 6 weeks to finish 6.5 bays, and then the bird control installers were caught up to the construction crew.  As soon as the construction is complete on the rest of the bays, the bird control installers will return and finish installing the bird netting.  Bird netting was specified for this job because it is an all inclusive products.  Installing it under girders of the canopy makes it impossible for birds to land on the infrastructure.  It is also virtually invisible once installed; this ensures that the visual aesthetics of the canopy’s architecture is not disturbed.  Bird netting also has a long guarantee, it should last up to if not longer than 10-years.

Besides the bird netting, bird spikes will be installed along the Welcome Wall to keep pigeons from landing and roosting there. Bird spikes are a great way to keep pest pigeons from landing on flat surfaces.  What kind of Welcome would it be if the wall was covered with bird *****?  Bird Spikes are available in polycarbonate plastic and stainless steel.  The stainless steel where chosen for this job.  Stainless Steel Bird Spikes are a long lasting, low visibility, economical bird control deterrent.   The bird spikes will be installed in the final phase of the project sometime in April of 2009.

All of the bird control products installed on the Gerald R. Ford Airport were purchased from Bird-B-Gone, Inc.. Bird-B-Gone is the largest manufacturer of bird deterrent products in North America.  Bird-B-Gone, Inc. offers over 100 products to deter pest birds.  For more information contact them at (800) 392-6915.  Bird-B-Gone, Inc. has a network of Authorized Installers available across the nation



JIMMIE

tarquinn j asked:


I want to start breeding at least 5 different kinds of birds including the African Grey. I know it takes commitment and time. Will someone tell me what kind of pairs I can breed that are worth buying, caring for, breeding, then selling for the ****** for a profit?

DELMAR

Bird Brain asked:


Want to enjoy nature more? Do you love the beauty of nature? Many, many people do. They enjoy going to an aquarium, the local zoo and even the pet store. Hiking, climbing or perhaps a car ride are wonderful ways to be a part of nature.

But is there a way to enjoy nature in ones own backyard? How about getting a bird house. A bird house is not only a great addition to ones yard but for very little money can bring the excitement of nature home. And if it’s in our own back yard we can enjoy it anytime; right?

How to Pick Out a Bird House

The size of the yard is a main consideration when picking out a bird house. Simply the larger the yard the larger the bird house can be (or the more bird houses can be used). Too large a bird house for the space can result in too much nature. Of course personal preference always reigns. For instance, it may or may not be your preference to have the bird house close to your patio. Many people enjoy them near the patio because the maid or gardener will clean up after the birds; but, on the other hand, others don’t seem to have this kind of help and depend on their cat. Something to think about.

Where you plan to put the bird house is another major consideration. If the spot is pre-existing, such as a tree, the spot may determine size. If it is to be free standing then the size can vary with taste.

The next consideration about size goes to the bird seed budget. Since part of the use for a bird house is to feed the birds the cost of the bird seed can become a factor. Chances are the bigger the bird house or the more bird houses you have the more bird seed used and the more expense involved.

After making a size decision, model comes next. The style of house can be determined by the kind of bird you want to attract. Of course, the type of bird seed you use will attract different birds. Most pet or bird stores have a wide variety of seed mixes that will attract different birds. But remember you will only attract first the birds that are common to your area so plan accordingly and remember that certain birds like certain types of houses and seed.

Now the fun part comes in. Once the bird house is installed and filled with seed it is time to watch and enjoy. The wide variety of species that are attracted by regular bird seed is always a surprise.

Some More Options

Build your own. Many people don’t like the commercial options available or think they are boring. Design your own or buy a set of plans? Elaborate or simple? Bird houses can be built to whatever size, style and design excites you. Not only is a bird house for the birds but it is also for the people who enjoy them. However you choose to go, once the bird house is done, nature and beauty brought close to home can be enjoyed by everyone.



TRACEY

Imran asked:


Now a day, large numbers of people from all over the world are involving in bird watching. Thousands of bird species are found in all over the world. People usually attract to the birds, as they don’t hurt to anyone, they are colorful, lively and interesting to listen. Over 1200 species of birds are found only in India. This is really an interesting work to do, as this activity doesn’t demand a lot of equipment. For bird watching, you must have only a pair of good binoculars and a field guide that may help you in identify the birds.

First of all try to observe birds in forest. There are two least methods to approach.

1. Whenever see any bird, walk along slowly and quietly, before the bird sense your presence.

2. Second method of watching the bird is to sit and wait patiently in a concealed position for birds to appear.



How to start Bird Watching

First of all it is better to know about the birds. You must have some knowledge about the birds and their species. It will help you during your tour to recognize the birds. It is very difficult to catch the birds as they disappear very quickly whenever they hear any sound around them. There are some tips, which I want to share with you which will help you during your bird watching tour.

The best way to start your bird watching tour with a person who knows better about birds and their species, as he can help you by providing the information about the bird.

If you don’t have any friend or person who is familiar with birds then don’t worry there are many good bookshops having a selection of books, magazines and tapes on bird watching. These can help you out.

If you can explore on net then you can also have lots of information about the birds and their species. Learn to identify common local species using your field guide.

Choosing a Bird Guide

Try to choose a good bird guide, which can provide exact knowledge about the birds. The guide includes information about habitats, maps showing range of different birds. It must also provide the knowledge about the birds that where and when they migrate and what their song or call sounds like. These guides also give information about the various birding sites. Bird guides will be useful to provide the knowledge about the water birds, birds of prey, and perching birds.

Checklist

A list of birds in any one particular area is called a Checklist. This checklist is found in most of the national parks and bird sanctuaries. These checklists tell about the bird species, which is found in that particular area. This is also very helpful resource to know about the birds and their species. Some of the websites on net also provide this type of checklists.

Equipment for Bird Watching



It is better to bring your binoculars with you to watch the birds from very close. Bird watching is not a simple game. Sometimes it is possible that you will walk for a long time and you will not see a single bird. And sometimes, unexpectedly you will see hundreds of birds. You should also put a cassette recorder with you which will be helpful to record the voice of the birds. If you have any pre-recorded cassette of bird voice with you then it may help you to attract the birds.

Clothing during Bird Watching



Whenever you go for Bird Watching, you must wear light in weight and dark in color clothes. Wear a hat of similar color so that your head is not so obvious when looking at a bird. Try to wear long trousers for some protection against thorns, insects, leeches and snakes. Jungle boots are ideal for protection and they can dry quickly after getting wet.

Birding Ethics



Ø      During bird watching, you must be quiet, avoid harassment and don’t disturb the birds.

Ø      You must be little bit of extra careful during the breeding season of the birds as it may disturb them.

Ø      First of all do not handle eggs or young birds in your hand and if you do this don’t do it too long at nests.

Ø      Try to follow all the rules of every national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Ø      Try not to go in large groups for bird watching. If you have a large group then divide larger groups of people into smaller.

Don’t leave any garbage or trash behind you, as if any bird eats it then it may be harmful.

To know more about Bird Watching in India, click Bird Watching in India



CHARLES

Bethany asked:


Many scientists think that present-day birds evolved from dinosaurs. What are some similarities between birds and dinosaurs that might have led them to this conclusion? What are some differences?

LANDON

rakkabye girl asked:


We live by a creek and have a zillion mosquitoes. Are there any certain type of birds in the Oklahoma area that eat mosquitoes? I now the purple martins do but, do they come to Oklahoma? Looking to put up birdhouses for whatever bird will get the job done. Thanks!

HOMER

Fran Prisco asked:


Birds can be considered a pest when they decide to roost or nest in areas where their ***** and debris can be considered a hazard.  Each year building owners and homeowners spend countless hours and money cleaning up after and repairing the damage caused by pest birds. Not only are these problems unsightly; pest birds and their ***** can spread 60 plus transmittable diseases. Safety, sanitation and health hazards caused by bird droppings can pose serious liability risks, and left untreated, can lead to accidents and lawsuits. Bird feces, bird nests and debris can also create a bad public image with tenants and patrons. Individuals, companies and government agencies are tired of cleaning up bird ***** or repairing the damage that is caused by pest birds and their droppings. Instead they have decided to invest in a Bird Control Solution, which is often as simple as installing bird netting.

Bird netting is used to exclude pest birds from areas such as rooftops, warehouses, airline hangars, overhangs, eaves of homes and other enclosed areas that pest birds are to be kept out of.  Netting will provide 100% exclusion of pest birds and is a long-term bird control solution.  Bird netting comes in several different mesh sizes ranging from ¾” mesh for use with all types of birds, to 2” mesh to use when larger birds like pest pigeons and seagulls are a problem.  Netting comes in several colors as well; white, stone and black.  Black bird netting is usually preferred because of its natural U.V. protection and lack of discoloration due to dirt and dust.  When installed properly, the netting will be virtually invisible, not interfering with the architectural features of a building.

Choosing the right bird netting:

There are several types of bird netting available.  There is knotted polyethylene netting that is considered long lasting and heavy duty.  You would use this type of netting where you want a permanent solution to your bird control issues.  Heavy-duty bird netting is usually manufactured using U.V. treated twine providing long life.  Strength of these nets can be greater than 40 lbs. burst.  The nets will also have a high melting point and flame resistant.  Heavy-duty bird netting is ideal for use in warehouses, airplane hangars, canopies, overhangs and other large areas where pest birds are to be excluded.

Another type of bird netting is Polypropylene extruded plastic netting.  This is a strong plastic bird netting used to exclude pest birds from homes and gardens.  It is strong yet lightweight, easy to use and install.  Plastic bird netting is often used to protect crops and orchards from pest birds.  It is ideal to protect blueberries, fruit trees and other garden plants.  Hanging plastic bird netting from the eaves of your home can protect it from such pest birds as swallows and woodpeckers. Plastic bird netting is not a long term netting product with about one year of usage.

Bird netting comes in different mesh sizes.  Choosing the correct mesh size is important.  You do not want the birds to be able to get into the netted off area and become stuck or trapped.  For larger birds such as pigeons and seagulls you can use a 1-1/8” to 2” mesh size.  For smaller birds such as sparrows and starlings use a ¾” to ½” mesh size.  When using plastic netting to protect berries and grapes, use a ¼” mesh size. 

Installing bird netting:

Commercial installations for bird netting can get complicated depending on the size of the area to be protected and the material that the netting will be attached to.  Netting off the infrastructure of an airplane hangar can require thousands of square feet of netting and special equipment such as lifts and power equipment to install the net.  It is often recommended to use a professional bird control installer to get the job done correctly.  There are bird control installers throughout the country that have experience in installing bird netting in large quantities and complicated jobs.

Installations of bird netting on your home or in your garden can easily be done yourself.  For use in the garden you will cover your favorite plants with the plastic bird netting.  Draping the ¼” mesh plastic bird netting over fruit trees will protect the fruit from pest birds.  It may be necessary to hire a professional to hang the netting from the eaves of our home, especially in multi-storied houses. 

For more information on bird netting and to find a professional bird net installer in your area contact Bird-B-Gone, Inc. at -800-392-6915 or visit www.birdbgone.com.



TRENTON