Nov
17
Filed Under Nature | Comments Off
Prof.dr. Ibrahim Khalil asked:
The issues concerning the Birds in the Bible are:1) The Birds are Detestable and intolerable, 2) The Purification of man is achieved by the Birds’ blood, 3) Sparrow and swallow are symbols of the curse, 4) A new method for Education is to ask the birds, 5) Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom” because the birds are spying out on you, and 6) The Birds have four legs, a statement that contradicts with the science.
The issues concerning the Birds in the Quran are: 1)What are the Birds, 2)The Birds and the Famous Prophets (Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon and the Lord Jesus), 3) The Birds beat a Christian Army, 4) The Birds and the unbelievers and 5)The Birds and the believers in the afterlife.
Upon reading the Birds in Bible versus Quran, the smart just reader can easily answer this dogmatic question:” Is the Quran quoted or borrowed from the Bible?”
Before dealing with the topic of the Birds in Quran versus Bible versus sciences, it is essential to remember that the total words of the Bible are 788,280 while total words of the Quran are 77,473. It follows that, the Bible has the potential of more than 10 times the Quran to talk about the Birds word-wise.
The Birds mentioned 129 times in the Bible and 17 times in the Quran.
The Birds in the Bible:
The Detestable and intolerable Birds
Leviticus 11
13 ” ‘These are the birds you are to detest and not eat because they are detestable: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, 14 the red kite, any kind of black kite, 15 any kind of raven, 16 the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, 17 the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, 18 the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, 19 the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat.
21 There are, however, some winged creatures that walk on all fours that you may eat: those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground.
22 Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper.
23 But all other winged creatures that have four legs you are to detest.
24 ” ‘You will make yourselves unclean by these; whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean till evening.
25 Whoever picks up one of their carcasses must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean till evening.
Clean and unclean Birds:
Leviticus 11:46
” ‘These are the regulations concerning animals, birds, every living thing that moves in the water and every creature that moves about on the ground.
47 You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.’ “
Leviticus 20:25
” ‘You must therefore make a distinction between clean and unclean animals and between unclean and clean birds. Do not defile yourselves by any animal or bird or anything that moves along the ground—those which I have set apart as unclean for you.
The Purification of man is achieved by the Birds’ blood.
Leviticus 14:5
Then the priest shall order that one of the birds be killed over fresh water in a clay pot.
Leviticus 14:52
He shall purify the house with the bird’s blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop and the scarlet yarn.
Sparrow and swallow are symbols of the curse
Proverbs 26
1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
honor is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
A new method for Education is to ask the birds.
Job 12:7
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
Freedom of speech is “Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom”
Why? Because the birds are spying out on you…
What if the king or the rich is evil? Can not we criticize them?
Ecclesiastes 10:20
Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
Why the God love is going to do that?
Deuteronomy 28:26
Your carcasses will be food for all the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and there will be no one to frighten them away.
Jeremiah 15:3
“I will send four kinds of destroyers against them,” declares the LORD, “the sword to kill and the dogs to drag away and the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.
Jeremiah 7:33
Then the carcasses of this people will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and there will be no one to frighten them away.
Zephaniah 1:3
“I will sweep away both men and animals; I will sweep away the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. The wicked will have only heaps of rubble when I cut off man from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD.
Birds with four legs:
This statement is mentioned in Leviticus 11:20
Herein, I will give you the different translations of this verse:
New International Version
“All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you.”
King James Version
“All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you.”
New American Standard Bible
“All the winged insects that walk on all fours are detestable to you.”
Darby Translation
“Every winged crawling thing that goeth upon all four shall be an abomination unto you.”
The translation of my Arabic bible is:
“All the birds that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you”.
Can any one show me where in the earth we can find a single bird with four legs. The Bible says there are winged creatures (birds or insects) that go around on all fours. There are no birds that go around on four legs, and all insects have six legs.
This verse contradicts with the sciences.
The Birds in the Quran
Birds are mentioned 17 times in the Quran
The issues concerning the Birds in the Quran are:
1) What are the Birds
2) The Birds and the Famous Prophets (Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon and the Lord Jesus)
3) The Birds beat a Christian Army
4) The Birds and the unbelievers
5) The Birds in the afterlife.
What are the Birds?
Surah 6:38
“There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.”
Surah 16:79
“Do they not look at the birds, held poised in the midst of (the air and) the sky? Nothing holds them up but (the power of) Allah. Verily in this are Signs for those who believe.”
Surah 24:41
“Seest thou not that it is Allah Whose praises all beings in the heavens and on earth do celebrate, and the birds (of the air) with wings outspread? Each one knows its own (mode of) prayer and praise. And Allah knows well all that they do.”
Surah 67:19
“Do they not observe the birds above them, spreading their wings and folding them in? None can uphold them except (Allah) Most Gracious: truly it is He that watches over all things.”
These verses define the Birds and give the following statements:
- The Birds are communities like mankind.
- The flying birds of the air with wings outspreads are among the signs of Allah, The Almighty Creator
- The birds spreading their wings and folding them in are among the signs of Allah, The Almighty Creator.
- It should be emphasized that the Quran never said that there is a detestable bird(s).
Abraham and the Birds:
Surah 2:260
“Behold! Ibrahim said: “My Lord! Show me how Thou givest life to the dead.” He said: “Dost thou not then believe?” He said: “Yea! but to satisfy my own understanding.” He said: “Take four birds; tame them to turn to thee; put a portion of them on every hill, and call to them; they will come to thee, (flying) with speed. Then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.”
In this verse, Allah showed Abraham how to give life to the DEAD. This meaning is not found in the Bible.
Joseph (The Son of Jacob) and the Birds:
Surah 12:36
Now with him there came into the prison two young men. Said one of them: “I see myself (in a dream) pressing wine.” Said the other: “I see myself (in a dream) carrying bread on my head, and birds are eating thereof.” “Tell us” (they said) “the truth and meaning thereof: for we see thou art one that doth good (to all).”
Surah 12:41
“O my two companions of the prison! as to one of you, he will pour out the wine for his lord to drink: as for the other, he will hang from the cross, and the birds will eat from off his head. (So) hath been decreed that matter whereof ye twain do enquire.”
These are the dreams that have been seen by the two companions of the prison while Joseph was in jail. Joseph interpreted the dreams and told them that one of the two will be freed up to go back to be with the king and the other will hang from the cross, and the birds will eat from off his head.
A similar story is found in the Bible in Genesis 40:19
King David and the Birds:
Surah 34:10
We bestowed Grace aforetime on David from Ourselves: “O ye Mountains! sing ye back the Praises of Allah with him! and ye birds (also)! and We made the iron soft for him;
38:19
And the birds gathered (in assemblies): all with him did turn (to Allah).
The mountains and the Birds were singing back the Praises of Allah with David.
This implication is not found in the Bible.
King Solomon and the Birds:
Surah 21:79
To Solomon We inspired the (right) understanding of the matter: to each (of them) We gave Judgment and Knowledge; it was Our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David: it was We Who did (all these things).
Surah 27:16
And Solomon was David’s heir. He said: “O ye people! we have been taught the speech of birds and on us has been bestowed (a little) of all things: this is indeed Grace manifest (from Allah.)”
Surah 27:17
And before Solomon were marshaled his hosts, of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.
Surah 27:20
And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: “Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?
These verses indicate that:
- Allah made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David.
- Allah taught Solomon the speech of birds, and bestowed him of all things and his kingdom on the earth has no similar.
- Solomon had an interesting story with the Hoopoe
(Read my article about the Hoopoe in Bible and Quran).
All of these connotations are not found in the Bible.
The Lord Jesus and the Birds:
Surah 3:49
“And (appoint him) a Messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message): “I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave: and I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah’s leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;”
Surah 5:110
“Then will Allah say: “O ‘Jesus the son of Mary! recount My favour to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the holy spirit, so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold! thou makest out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and thou breathest into it, and it becometh a bird by My leave, and thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! thou bringest forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show them the Clear Signs, and the Unbelievers among them said: `This is nothing but evident magic”.
These two verses designate to two important miracles of the Lord Jesus that Allah gave him and both are not mentioned in the Bible.
The first is that he used to make out of clay the figure of a bird and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave
The second is that he talked to the Israelites while he was about one week old.
The Birds beat a Christian Army
Surah 105:1-5
[1] Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the Companions of the Elephant?
[2] Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray?
[3] And He sent against them flights of Birds,
[4] Striking them with stones of baked clay.
[5] Then did He make them like an empty field of stalks and straw, (of which the corn) has been eaten up.
At the year of the birth of the Prophet Mohammad, a strong Ethiopian Army went towards Makkah (the city of birth of Mohammad) in order to destroy the Holy Home of ALLAH (the place of pilgrim). The Arabs had no power to fight against that very big and strong army. The Arabs left Makka alone. Allah sent flights of Birds and defended His Holy House. Hundreds of birds which had never been seen before flew towards Makkah. Each bird had 3 little stones. These Birds beat the Ethiopian Army.
That year is called the year of “Elephant” because the Army brought a dozen of elephants in order to destroy the Holy House of Allah.
This story emphasizes the unlimited power of Allah Who can beat any big army with birds or microbes or viruses etc.
Of course, this story is not present in the Bible.
The Birds and the unbelievers
Surah 22:31
“Being true in faith to Allah, and never assigning partners to Him: if anyone assigns partners to Allah, he is as if he had fallen from heaven and been snatched up by birds, or the wind had swooped (like a bird on its prey) and thrown him into a far-distant place.
This is a parable of the unbeliever illustrating his loss.”
The Birds and the believers
The Birds in the afterlife
56:21
“And the flesh of fowls, any that they may desire.”
The believers in the Paradise will eat delicious flesh of fowls; cooked, presented and served according to their desire.
Now, I will let the smart fair reader to answer the dogmatic question:
Is the Quran quoted or borrowed from the Bible?
FRANK
The issues concerning the Birds in the Bible are:1) The Birds are Detestable and intolerable, 2) The Purification of man is achieved by the Birds’ blood, 3) Sparrow and swallow are symbols of the curse, 4) A new method for Education is to ask the birds, 5) Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom” because the birds are spying out on you, and 6) The Birds have four legs, a statement that contradicts with the science.
The issues concerning the Birds in the Quran are: 1)What are the Birds, 2)The Birds and the Famous Prophets (Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon and the Lord Jesus), 3) The Birds beat a Christian Army, 4) The Birds and the unbelievers and 5)The Birds and the believers in the afterlife.
Upon reading the Birds in Bible versus Quran, the smart just reader can easily answer this dogmatic question:” Is the Quran quoted or borrowed from the Bible?”
Before dealing with the topic of the Birds in Quran versus Bible versus sciences, it is essential to remember that the total words of the Bible are 788,280 while total words of the Quran are 77,473. It follows that, the Bible has the potential of more than 10 times the Quran to talk about the Birds word-wise.
The Birds mentioned 129 times in the Bible and 17 times in the Quran.
The Birds in the Bible:
The Detestable and intolerable Birds
Leviticus 11
13 ” ‘These are the birds you are to detest and not eat because they are detestable: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, 14 the red kite, any kind of black kite, 15 any kind of raven, 16 the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, 17 the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, 18 the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, 19 the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat.
21 There are, however, some winged creatures that walk on all fours that you may eat: those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground.
22 Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper.
23 But all other winged creatures that have four legs you are to detest.
24 ” ‘You will make yourselves unclean by these; whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean till evening.
25 Whoever picks up one of their carcasses must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean till evening.
Clean and unclean Birds:
Leviticus 11:46
” ‘These are the regulations concerning animals, birds, every living thing that moves in the water and every creature that moves about on the ground.
47 You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.’ “
Leviticus 20:25
” ‘You must therefore make a distinction between clean and unclean animals and between unclean and clean birds. Do not defile yourselves by any animal or bird or anything that moves along the ground—those which I have set apart as unclean for you.
The Purification of man is achieved by the Birds’ blood.
Leviticus 14:5
Then the priest shall order that one of the birds be killed over fresh water in a clay pot.
Leviticus 14:52
He shall purify the house with the bird’s blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop and the scarlet yarn.
Sparrow and swallow are symbols of the curse
Proverbs 26
1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
honor is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
A new method for Education is to ask the birds.
Job 12:7
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
Freedom of speech is “Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom”
Why? Because the birds are spying out on you…
What if the king or the rich is evil? Can not we criticize them?
Ecclesiastes 10:20
Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
Why the God love is going to do that?
Deuteronomy 28:26
Your carcasses will be food for all the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and there will be no one to frighten them away.
Jeremiah 15:3
“I will send four kinds of destroyers against them,” declares the LORD, “the sword to kill and the dogs to drag away and the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.
Jeremiah 7:33
Then the carcasses of this people will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and there will be no one to frighten them away.
Zephaniah 1:3
“I will sweep away both men and animals; I will sweep away the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. The wicked will have only heaps of rubble when I cut off man from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD.
Birds with four legs:
This statement is mentioned in Leviticus 11:20
Herein, I will give you the different translations of this verse:
New International Version
“All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you.”
King James Version
“All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you.”
New American Standard Bible
“All the winged insects that walk on all fours are detestable to you.”
Darby Translation
“Every winged crawling thing that goeth upon all four shall be an abomination unto you.”
The translation of my Arabic bible is:
“All the birds that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you”.
Can any one show me where in the earth we can find a single bird with four legs. The Bible says there are winged creatures (birds or insects) that go around on all fours. There are no birds that go around on four legs, and all insects have six legs.
This verse contradicts with the sciences.
The Birds in the Quran
Birds are mentioned 17 times in the Quran
The issues concerning the Birds in the Quran are:
1) What are the Birds
2) The Birds and the Famous Prophets (Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon and the Lord Jesus)
3) The Birds beat a Christian Army
4) The Birds and the unbelievers
5) The Birds in the afterlife.
What are the Birds?
Surah 6:38
“There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.”
Surah 16:79
“Do they not look at the birds, held poised in the midst of (the air and) the sky? Nothing holds them up but (the power of) Allah. Verily in this are Signs for those who believe.”
Surah 24:41
“Seest thou not that it is Allah Whose praises all beings in the heavens and on earth do celebrate, and the birds (of the air) with wings outspread? Each one knows its own (mode of) prayer and praise. And Allah knows well all that they do.”
Surah 67:19
“Do they not observe the birds above them, spreading their wings and folding them in? None can uphold them except (Allah) Most Gracious: truly it is He that watches over all things.”
These verses define the Birds and give the following statements:
- The Birds are communities like mankind.
- The flying birds of the air with wings outspreads are among the signs of Allah, The Almighty Creator
- The birds spreading their wings and folding them in are among the signs of Allah, The Almighty Creator.
- It should be emphasized that the Quran never said that there is a detestable bird(s).
Abraham and the Birds:
Surah 2:260
“Behold! Ibrahim said: “My Lord! Show me how Thou givest life to the dead.” He said: “Dost thou not then believe?” He said: “Yea! but to satisfy my own understanding.” He said: “Take four birds; tame them to turn to thee; put a portion of them on every hill, and call to them; they will come to thee, (flying) with speed. Then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.”
In this verse, Allah showed Abraham how to give life to the DEAD. This meaning is not found in the Bible.
Joseph (The Son of Jacob) and the Birds:
Surah 12:36
Now with him there came into the prison two young men. Said one of them: “I see myself (in a dream) pressing wine.” Said the other: “I see myself (in a dream) carrying bread on my head, and birds are eating thereof.” “Tell us” (they said) “the truth and meaning thereof: for we see thou art one that doth good (to all).”
Surah 12:41
“O my two companions of the prison! as to one of you, he will pour out the wine for his lord to drink: as for the other, he will hang from the cross, and the birds will eat from off his head. (So) hath been decreed that matter whereof ye twain do enquire.”
These are the dreams that have been seen by the two companions of the prison while Joseph was in jail. Joseph interpreted the dreams and told them that one of the two will be freed up to go back to be with the king and the other will hang from the cross, and the birds will eat from off his head.
A similar story is found in the Bible in Genesis 40:19
King David and the Birds:
Surah 34:10
We bestowed Grace aforetime on David from Ourselves: “O ye Mountains! sing ye back the Praises of Allah with him! and ye birds (also)! and We made the iron soft for him;
38:19
And the birds gathered (in assemblies): all with him did turn (to Allah).
The mountains and the Birds were singing back the Praises of Allah with David.
This implication is not found in the Bible.
King Solomon and the Birds:
Surah 21:79
To Solomon We inspired the (right) understanding of the matter: to each (of them) We gave Judgment and Knowledge; it was Our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David: it was We Who did (all these things).
Surah 27:16
And Solomon was David’s heir. He said: “O ye people! we have been taught the speech of birds and on us has been bestowed (a little) of all things: this is indeed Grace manifest (from Allah.)”
Surah 27:17
And before Solomon were marshaled his hosts, of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.
Surah 27:20
And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: “Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?
These verses indicate that:
- Allah made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David.
- Allah taught Solomon the speech of birds, and bestowed him of all things and his kingdom on the earth has no similar.
- Solomon had an interesting story with the Hoopoe
(Read my article about the Hoopoe in Bible and Quran).
All of these connotations are not found in the Bible.
The Lord Jesus and the Birds:
Surah 3:49
“And (appoint him) a Messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message): “I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave: and I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah’s leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;”
Surah 5:110
“Then will Allah say: “O ‘Jesus the son of Mary! recount My favour to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the holy spirit, so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold! thou makest out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and thou breathest into it, and it becometh a bird by My leave, and thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! thou bringest forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show them the Clear Signs, and the Unbelievers among them said: `This is nothing but evident magic”.
These two verses designate to two important miracles of the Lord Jesus that Allah gave him and both are not mentioned in the Bible.
The first is that he used to make out of clay the figure of a bird and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave
The second is that he talked to the Israelites while he was about one week old.
The Birds beat a Christian Army
Surah 105:1-5
[1] Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the Companions of the Elephant?
[2] Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray?
[3] And He sent against them flights of Birds,
[4] Striking them with stones of baked clay.
[5] Then did He make them like an empty field of stalks and straw, (of which the corn) has been eaten up.
At the year of the birth of the Prophet Mohammad, a strong Ethiopian Army went towards Makkah (the city of birth of Mohammad) in order to destroy the Holy Home of ALLAH (the place of pilgrim). The Arabs had no power to fight against that very big and strong army. The Arabs left Makka alone. Allah sent flights of Birds and defended His Holy House. Hundreds of birds which had never been seen before flew towards Makkah. Each bird had 3 little stones. These Birds beat the Ethiopian Army.
That year is called the year of “Elephant” because the Army brought a dozen of elephants in order to destroy the Holy House of Allah.
This story emphasizes the unlimited power of Allah Who can beat any big army with birds or microbes or viruses etc.
Of course, this story is not present in the Bible.
The Birds and the unbelievers
Surah 22:31
“Being true in faith to Allah, and never assigning partners to Him: if anyone assigns partners to Allah, he is as if he had fallen from heaven and been snatched up by birds, or the wind had swooped (like a bird on its prey) and thrown him into a far-distant place.
This is a parable of the unbeliever illustrating his loss.”
The Birds and the believers
The Birds in the afterlife
56:21
“And the flesh of fowls, any that they may desire.”
The believers in the Paradise will eat delicious flesh of fowls; cooked, presented and served according to their desire.
Now, I will let the smart fair reader to answer the dogmatic question:
Is the Quran quoted or borrowed from the Bible?
FRANK
Nov
10
Filed Under Nature | Comments Off
Dave Joa asked:
Birds really are great fun and bird watching is just a great way to get out of the house and into the country to enjoy a wilder environment. And you get the added benefit of seeing all the local birds in the area you visit.
When you see birds flying around and doing what birds do, even if they are just at your garden bird feeders or nearby bird houses, you will that it is a fascinating experience that already provides great enjoyment to many other like-minded bird watchers.
Have Much More Fun By Going Bird Watching!
Birding is now a very popular hobby and more birders are joining in every year. Due to increases in available time for other activities many of use now have the time to go birding.
Many of us also realize that being interested in the natural world will provide a better appreciation for the environment and the habitat in which birds live. Habitat conservation is going to be key as human populations explode and critical environments disappear.
Before going off on their first birding trips new birders should learn some of the basics for successful bird watching to avoid the potential for disappointment. Having a bird feeder or bird house in the back yard is a great idea, but to see more birds you need to visit their local habitat to find them.
You Must Be There At Dawn To See More Birds!
In order to see the greatest number of birds possible an early start is imperative as this when the birds are most active. Wherever your birding trip takes you, you will always have more success early in the morning even if it is in your yard, in a local park or woods or on a beach.
After a good rest you will need to be prepared to get up very early and be on location at dawn. This will ensure you get to the right place before the birds become active and your arrival will not disturb them. The couple of hours or so after dawn are the busiest time for birds and you will surprised at how many you see. If you arrive late you will see less birds.
Clothes With Bright Colors Must Be Left At Home!
Bright colored clothes will scare the birds as they will see you easier and take avoiding action by diving into the nearest bushes as soon as they detect your movements and because of this you will not see many birds.
As a birder you should try and wear clothing that has a more natural and darker color that fits in with the area and foliage where you will be bird watching.
It is a great idea to wear anything that will camouflage you when in the birds habitat while bird watching. Get the ultimate gear if you want to see the biggest number of birds or when you go into an area where birds are nervous and difficult to see.
Keep The Noise Down Or You Will Scare The Birds!
While you are bird watching always move slowly and above all quietly. If you are with a friend and continuously talking you will never see many birds as the noise you make will scare them off and the fact that you are talking will drown out any noise the birds might make so you will never hear them either.
So if you have to communicate with other birders with you just whisper quietly and when close to birds you are trying to see use hand signals or gestures to indicate where the birds are, but do not move you arms around to point out locations as if the birds see this then they will be gone!
Try and remain behind larger things like tree trunks and bushes so that the birds do not see your silhouette or any movement as this will disturb them and they might leave in a hurry.
Stay On The Trail To Minimize Disturbance
You will avoid disturbing the birds by staying on the trail and by not trying to go through the undergrowth. Also you should never try to flush out a bird or chase them in any way as this could put stress on the birds you are trying to see and force them to flee.
The best way to see birds is to let them come to you and if you find a good location and make yourself comfortable this will happen and can sometimes give the best views. A bird feeder and bird houses in your back yard is also a great idea as again lets the birds come to you and over time they will become less nervous.
Do not approach birds too closely especially during the spring and summer breading season and definitely do not go near their nests.
Get Binoculars Or A Scope For Better Birding
It is easy and safer to see birds from a distance and this is why you should invest in a good pair of binoculars and as you get more serious about watching birds you might also want to buy a spotting scope to get the closest views of birds possible.
If you are a lover of nature then bird watching can be extremely enjoyable. It does not have to be expensive and although birding can become a bit of a challenge it always remains great fun.
It is easy to begin by just putting up bird feeders and bird houses for nesting in your yard and get enjoyment from watching the birds as they come and go.
Make Sure You Enjoy The Birds Wherever You Go!
Go on a bird watching trip to find more birds. Find out the best places to go from birding website sand online guides and plan a day out or a weekend away to find more birds and ones that are different to what you see every day.
ROSS
Birds really are great fun and bird watching is just a great way to get out of the house and into the country to enjoy a wilder environment. And you get the added benefit of seeing all the local birds in the area you visit.
When you see birds flying around and doing what birds do, even if they are just at your garden bird feeders or nearby bird houses, you will that it is a fascinating experience that already provides great enjoyment to many other like-minded bird watchers.
Have Much More Fun By Going Bird Watching!
Birding is now a very popular hobby and more birders are joining in every year. Due to increases in available time for other activities many of use now have the time to go birding.
Many of us also realize that being interested in the natural world will provide a better appreciation for the environment and the habitat in which birds live. Habitat conservation is going to be key as human populations explode and critical environments disappear.
Before going off on their first birding trips new birders should learn some of the basics for successful bird watching to avoid the potential for disappointment. Having a bird feeder or bird house in the back yard is a great idea, but to see more birds you need to visit their local habitat to find them.
You Must Be There At Dawn To See More Birds!
In order to see the greatest number of birds possible an early start is imperative as this when the birds are most active. Wherever your birding trip takes you, you will always have more success early in the morning even if it is in your yard, in a local park or woods or on a beach.
After a good rest you will need to be prepared to get up very early and be on location at dawn. This will ensure you get to the right place before the birds become active and your arrival will not disturb them. The couple of hours or so after dawn are the busiest time for birds and you will surprised at how many you see. If you arrive late you will see less birds.
Clothes With Bright Colors Must Be Left At Home!
Bright colored clothes will scare the birds as they will see you easier and take avoiding action by diving into the nearest bushes as soon as they detect your movements and because of this you will not see many birds.
As a birder you should try and wear clothing that has a more natural and darker color that fits in with the area and foliage where you will be bird watching.
It is a great idea to wear anything that will camouflage you when in the birds habitat while bird watching. Get the ultimate gear if you want to see the biggest number of birds or when you go into an area where birds are nervous and difficult to see.
Keep The Noise Down Or You Will Scare The Birds!
While you are bird watching always move slowly and above all quietly. If you are with a friend and continuously talking you will never see many birds as the noise you make will scare them off and the fact that you are talking will drown out any noise the birds might make so you will never hear them either.
So if you have to communicate with other birders with you just whisper quietly and when close to birds you are trying to see use hand signals or gestures to indicate where the birds are, but do not move you arms around to point out locations as if the birds see this then they will be gone!
Try and remain behind larger things like tree trunks and bushes so that the birds do not see your silhouette or any movement as this will disturb them and they might leave in a hurry.
Stay On The Trail To Minimize Disturbance
You will avoid disturbing the birds by staying on the trail and by not trying to go through the undergrowth. Also you should never try to flush out a bird or chase them in any way as this could put stress on the birds you are trying to see and force them to flee.
The best way to see birds is to let them come to you and if you find a good location and make yourself comfortable this will happen and can sometimes give the best views. A bird feeder and bird houses in your back yard is also a great idea as again lets the birds come to you and over time they will become less nervous.
Do not approach birds too closely especially during the spring and summer breading season and definitely do not go near their nests.
Get Binoculars Or A Scope For Better Birding
It is easy and safer to see birds from a distance and this is why you should invest in a good pair of binoculars and as you get more serious about watching birds you might also want to buy a spotting scope to get the closest views of birds possible.
If you are a lover of nature then bird watching can be extremely enjoyable. It does not have to be expensive and although birding can become a bit of a challenge it always remains great fun.
It is easy to begin by just putting up bird feeders and bird houses for nesting in your yard and get enjoyment from watching the birds as they come and go.
Make Sure You Enjoy The Birds Wherever You Go!
Go on a bird watching trip to find more birds. Find out the best places to go from birding website sand online guides and plan a day out or a weekend away to find more birds and ones that are different to what you see every day.
ROSS
Nov
7
Filed Under Nature | Comments Off
Robert W. Benjamin asked:
Do you ever have a day when you have nothing to do ?, You know them times when your on the internet in some chat room, and you type ‘ I’m bored ! ‘, or your flipping through the TV channels, and you say to yourself or out loud ‘ 250 channels, and nothing good to watch ! ‘, yes, you know what I am talking about. Now you have something you can do on them so called boring days, go bird watching.
No matter where you live you probably have birds of some kind, even folks in New York have central park and other places where they can go bird watching. There are three things you should have when bird watching, these are a pair of binoculars, a notebook, and a bird guide.
Binoculars can be purchased for under $60 at most Kmart or Walmart stores. Binoculars with a magnification of 10 x 50 are perfect for bird watching. Don’t think that a more powerful pair of binoculars like 20 x 60 or 30 x 80 are better, this is not the case. Stronger binoculars are fine if you are into star gazing, but they are horrible for bird watching. The higher powered binoculars need a tripod to use them without shaking, and even without a tripod, the powerful binoculars are larger and can be very heavy to carry around, the 10 x 50 ones are perfect for every occasion.
A small tablet or notebook can be purchased at most stores, don’t get nothing expensive just a small spiral one will do fine. Now the last thing is the most important item when it comes to bird watching. If you are truly going to watch birds, you should know what type of birds you are looking at when you spot a new one, so visit your local book store or look in the birding section of an online bookstore, such as amazon, at the end of this article I have a website address that has some of Amazons best bird guides, videos, binoculars and more.
Ok, so you have your binoculars, notebook and pencil, and your bird guide, now let’s go outside and go bird watching. I am sure you won’t have to walk very far to spot a bird or two. I am lucky enough to currently live here in the country, all I have to do is open my door and I will hear the sounds of birds. If I step outside my front door, I can often see sparrows or finches, in the spring time the yard always has a couple robins hopping around, and crows flying around the nearby woods, high overhead I often see turkey buzzards soaring against the blue sky. One time I opened my front door and across the road in the top of a large tree a horned owl was sitting, it stayed there for about 10 minutes, turning it’s head often as it looked around.
If you have any grassy, wooded or open areas with trees or bushes, you can usually find birds. One of the best things about bird watching is anyone can do it, even if your in a wheelchair, you can sit and watch birds. It’s a great recreation for anyone that is alone, or for the whole family to do together.
When you go out, remember to take your bird watching items with you, your binoculars, notebook and pencil, and bird guide. When you spot a bird look in your binoculars too see all it’s beauty in close detail, if you do not recognize the species of bird your seeing, get out your bird guide and look it up. When you realize the type of bird you see, write down in your notebook the following information; ‘ the name of the bird, the area where it was spotted, the date, and time ‘. The information in your notebook, helps you understand what types of birds frequent your area, it also is pretty neet being able to read back and see when you spotted a new or rare bird.
If you have a yard, tree or even a window you can attract birds by installing a simple feeder. Bird feeders are very inexpensive and they have feeders that can hang on a tree branch, or fence, or even stick to the outside of a window.
Attracting different species of birds often requires different types of bird seed and other food. Hummingbirds are attracted to red, pink and orange flowers, they especially like trumpet vines or other tubular-flowered plants, they are also very attracted to hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water or red sweetened kool-aid. Robins like mowed lawns, so in the spring and summer if you want to see robins, mow your grass, the birds come looking for bugs and earthworms that are more easily accessible because you cut the grass length. Goldfinches love thistle seed, thistle is more expensive then most common bird seed, but you cannot beat it if you want to attract goldfinches. Blue Jays are large and sometimes noisy, but if you want to bring them, put out a feeder full of black oil sunflower seeds. Cardinals are very neat looking, there is nothing nicer than looking out the window in the winter, and seeing a bright red cardinal sitting on a nearby tree branch or feeder. Cardinals are like Blue Jays, in that they both love a diet of black oil sunflower seeds. If you want to attract sparrows, a bag of plain mixed bird seed will do just fine.
There is Computer Software that is made just for ‘ Bird Watching ‘. The software is called: ‘ Bird Watcher Professional ‘, you can read the details and download a trial version of it for free at this website address:
http://www.rb59.com/bwpro
Here is a website address that has some of the best Bird Guides (Books), Videos, Binoculars and other birding equipment that Amazon sells:
http://www.rb59.com/bwpro/bird-watching-information.html
By Robert W. Benjamin
Copyright © 2006
You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.
MURRAY
Do you ever have a day when you have nothing to do ?, You know them times when your on the internet in some chat room, and you type ‘ I’m bored ! ‘, or your flipping through the TV channels, and you say to yourself or out loud ‘ 250 channels, and nothing good to watch ! ‘, yes, you know what I am talking about. Now you have something you can do on them so called boring days, go bird watching.
No matter where you live you probably have birds of some kind, even folks in New York have central park and other places where they can go bird watching. There are three things you should have when bird watching, these are a pair of binoculars, a notebook, and a bird guide.
Binoculars can be purchased for under $60 at most Kmart or Walmart stores. Binoculars with a magnification of 10 x 50 are perfect for bird watching. Don’t think that a more powerful pair of binoculars like 20 x 60 or 30 x 80 are better, this is not the case. Stronger binoculars are fine if you are into star gazing, but they are horrible for bird watching. The higher powered binoculars need a tripod to use them without shaking, and even without a tripod, the powerful binoculars are larger and can be very heavy to carry around, the 10 x 50 ones are perfect for every occasion.
A small tablet or notebook can be purchased at most stores, don’t get nothing expensive just a small spiral one will do fine. Now the last thing is the most important item when it comes to bird watching. If you are truly going to watch birds, you should know what type of birds you are looking at when you spot a new one, so visit your local book store or look in the birding section of an online bookstore, such as amazon, at the end of this article I have a website address that has some of Amazons best bird guides, videos, binoculars and more.
Ok, so you have your binoculars, notebook and pencil, and your bird guide, now let’s go outside and go bird watching. I am sure you won’t have to walk very far to spot a bird or two. I am lucky enough to currently live here in the country, all I have to do is open my door and I will hear the sounds of birds. If I step outside my front door, I can often see sparrows or finches, in the spring time the yard always has a couple robins hopping around, and crows flying around the nearby woods, high overhead I often see turkey buzzards soaring against the blue sky. One time I opened my front door and across the road in the top of a large tree a horned owl was sitting, it stayed there for about 10 minutes, turning it’s head often as it looked around.
If you have any grassy, wooded or open areas with trees or bushes, you can usually find birds. One of the best things about bird watching is anyone can do it, even if your in a wheelchair, you can sit and watch birds. It’s a great recreation for anyone that is alone, or for the whole family to do together.
When you go out, remember to take your bird watching items with you, your binoculars, notebook and pencil, and bird guide. When you spot a bird look in your binoculars too see all it’s beauty in close detail, if you do not recognize the species of bird your seeing, get out your bird guide and look it up. When you realize the type of bird you see, write down in your notebook the following information; ‘ the name of the bird, the area where it was spotted, the date, and time ‘. The information in your notebook, helps you understand what types of birds frequent your area, it also is pretty neet being able to read back and see when you spotted a new or rare bird.
If you have a yard, tree or even a window you can attract birds by installing a simple feeder. Bird feeders are very inexpensive and they have feeders that can hang on a tree branch, or fence, or even stick to the outside of a window.
Attracting different species of birds often requires different types of bird seed and other food. Hummingbirds are attracted to red, pink and orange flowers, they especially like trumpet vines or other tubular-flowered plants, they are also very attracted to hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water or red sweetened kool-aid. Robins like mowed lawns, so in the spring and summer if you want to see robins, mow your grass, the birds come looking for bugs and earthworms that are more easily accessible because you cut the grass length. Goldfinches love thistle seed, thistle is more expensive then most common bird seed, but you cannot beat it if you want to attract goldfinches. Blue Jays are large and sometimes noisy, but if you want to bring them, put out a feeder full of black oil sunflower seeds. Cardinals are very neat looking, there is nothing nicer than looking out the window in the winter, and seeing a bright red cardinal sitting on a nearby tree branch or feeder. Cardinals are like Blue Jays, in that they both love a diet of black oil sunflower seeds. If you want to attract sparrows, a bag of plain mixed bird seed will do just fine.
There is Computer Software that is made just for ‘ Bird Watching ‘. The software is called: ‘ Bird Watcher Professional ‘, you can read the details and download a trial version of it for free at this website address:
http://www.rb59.com/bwpro
Here is a website address that has some of the best Bird Guides (Books), Videos, Binoculars and other birding equipment that Amazon sells:
http://www.rb59.com/bwpro/bird-watching-information.html
By Robert W. Benjamin
Copyright © 2006
You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.
MURRAY
Oct
23
Filed Under Nature | Comments Off
Michael Rasco asked:
Wild bird feeding is an engaging recreation that often grows into a passion. There are many wild birds that will visit bird feeders, all of which are intriguing and fun to watch. Wild bird feeding is also a great way to demonstrate stewardship of the surrounding world, helping to restore a bit of the natural balance that humans are notorious for upsetting. The following paragraphs will describe a few of my favorite wild birds that may be seen at bird feeders, which foods will attract wild birds to feeders, and the effects of wild bird feeding on local ecology.
The Featured Players
Restricting the conversation solely to songbirds, various species still exhibit greatly differing feeding habits. Still, there are a great number of wild birds that will visit feeders. Some, like finches or the oft-dreaded house sparrow, may be frequent diners at a bird feeder, while others, like meadowlarks and scarlet tanagers, will rarely visit them. Of course, season, weather, competition, and food preferences all play a part in attracting particular birds to wild bird feeders.
It is quite difficult to list all possible feeder birds along with their favorite foods and behavioral peculiarities, as many an accomplished ornithologist can attest. Since I am not an ornithologist, I will keep the following list simple and concise. With no further ado, I give you these stars of the bird feeder stage.
The Nuthatch
These quirky birds have a compact, stubby build. They are generally a bluish-gray on their backs and wings, with black or brown on their heads. Nuthatches have relatively long, straight bills that aid in their seed cracking ability. In fact, nuthatches got their name from their habit of “hatching” seeds and nuts by wedging them into a crevice and hacking at them with their bills.
A more remarkable claim to fame may be their ability to scurry up and down tree trunks, seemingly defying gravity. They perform this acrobatic act in search of insects and their eggs. They supplement this diet with generous helpings of seeds, nutmeats, and suet offered at a bird feeder. Nuthatches will accept many types of bird feeders; hanging feeders, platform feeders, suet feeders, and windowpane feeders are all welcomed.
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Woodpeckers are another spectacular example of nature’s limitless diversity. Woodpeckers are flying jackhammers that burrow out holes in trees in search of food, and sometimes, to make a home. They are all irresistible eye-catchers; pictured here is the red-bellied woodpecker in action. This particular woodpecker is at times called the zebra woodpecker because of the distinctive white striping on its back and wings. The male’s crown is red all the way down to the nape of his neck, while the female shows red only just above her bill and on the nape, leaving the crown purely white. Both sexes have the characteristic red patch on their bellies, but it is a bit paler on the females.
Red-bellied woodpeckers do eat insects, but they are largely herbivorous. They often dine on seeds, fruit, and nuts, including cashews, almonds, and acorns. To attract red-bellied woodpeckers to a wild bird feeder, try using pieces of orange or a dab of peanut butter. They will also enjoy nutmeats or some nice, high-energy suet.
The American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is an easy favorite of many wild bird feeder owners. The reasons are spectacularly clear. The striking plumage of the adult male in breeding season is unmistakable. He is a vibrant lemon yellow on his body, while his wings and crown are pitch-black. In the winter, the male American goldfinch loses most of the black on his cap, leaving only a small black area just above his bill. The rest of his crown and his back become a dark sandstone color, though he still has yellow extending in a broad line from his eyes back, then down and around to his throat, which is also yellow. This leaves him with a dark patch on the sides of his face, as if he had painted his cheeks.
The plumage of the female American goldfinch also changes seasonally. The summer breeding season finds her a bright yellow on her underparts, while her head and back are an olive green. She does not have a black cap like the male, but she does have black wings. In the winter, she is a darker green above, and her ****** and belly become a grayish white.
Another reason people love the American goldfinch is that these birds love wild bird feeders. They eat many types of seeds, including thistle, hemp, sunflower seeds, millet, and nutmeats. They are gregarious birds that will usually travel in groups, often making a bird feeder a very busy place.
The American goldfinch is a year-round resident of most of the upper two-thirds of the U.S., extending into southern Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. The breeding range of a portion of the American goldfinch population comprises much of the lower one-third of Canada. These birds will migrate in winter to the southern and southwestern United States, with the effect that virtually all of the U.S. and southern Canada will host American goldfinches at least part of the year.
The Dark-Eyed Junco
Another common North American bird is the dark-eyed junco. Juncos nest on the ground, and they prefer to feed on the ground. They often have a difficult time when it snows, as their main source of food is buried. Wild bird feeders really go a long way in helping dark-eyed juncos and other ground-feeding birds during those tough times. A winter offering of suet may be particularly beneficial in keeping a junco’s energy levels and body heat up. They will enjoy a wild bird feeder containing peanuts, sunflower seeds, millet, or cracked corn as well.
Dark-eyed juncos are a species consisting of twelve subspecies, each with its own semi-distinct coloration. Generally, they will have a gray, black, or brown head and breast, and a white belly. The outer two or three feathers of their long tails are also white. Dark-eyed juncos have small bills that are pink to cream in color. The juncos’ breeding territory encompasses most of Canada and Alaska. In the winter, they are common throughout much of the U.S., excluding the southern tips of Florida and Texas.
The Northern Cardinal
The Northern cardinal is a non-migratory bird whose range stretches from the Great Plains of the United States to the east coast, and includes southern Arizona and New Mexico. Though considered common in these parts, many people feel a sense of awe every time they see a male cardinal. His bold red plumage, regal crest, and black ****** masking surely set him apart. His mate will have the same very recognizable shape, but she will be of a buffy brown color, with red remaining on the wings.
Cardinals generally feed on the ground, but they are not at all opposed to bird feeders. Cardinals are attracted to wild bird feeders with sunflower seeds, melon seeds, or peanut butter. Not surprisingly, the northern cardinal is many peoples’ favorite bird feeder patron - not only because of their striking appearance, but also for their pleasant song.
The Human Element
Humans are amazing creatures. Our ability to adapt to situations, and to adapt situations to ourselves, is what has ensured our survival these many millennia. Ironically, it is precisely that ability which now threatens that survival. We have come a long way as a species, especially in terms of technology. We have developed such a capacity for invention, that not only does it boggle the mind - it often improves and lengthens life, as well.
Certainly, we have made many mistakes. This is usually a result of rushing on to our next clever thing before we have fully considered the effects of the current one. We never have to stop moving forward - though we may need to redefine what “forward” is - we simply need to be a bit more thoughtful about our actions. Perhaps we can attain this goal through individual stewardship of our immediate environs. Is there a reason we cannot?
A person can demonstrate stewardship of our world in many ways. Planting a tree, buying organic foods, recycling, and reducing fuel use are just a few easy examples.
Feeding wild birds is an ecologically beneficial example of stewardship that is also very entertaining. New backyard birders often find themselves quickly engrossed in the lives of the birds at their wild bird feeders.
A Final Thought
We reach monumental goals through the accomplishment of a series of smaller goals. Feeding wild birds is a small, but valuable, step toward finding a healthy and balanced - while modern and productive - life within this natural world.
MARC
Wild bird feeding is an engaging recreation that often grows into a passion. There are many wild birds that will visit bird feeders, all of which are intriguing and fun to watch. Wild bird feeding is also a great way to demonstrate stewardship of the surrounding world, helping to restore a bit of the natural balance that humans are notorious for upsetting. The following paragraphs will describe a few of my favorite wild birds that may be seen at bird feeders, which foods will attract wild birds to feeders, and the effects of wild bird feeding on local ecology.
The Featured Players
Restricting the conversation solely to songbirds, various species still exhibit greatly differing feeding habits. Still, there are a great number of wild birds that will visit feeders. Some, like finches or the oft-dreaded house sparrow, may be frequent diners at a bird feeder, while others, like meadowlarks and scarlet tanagers, will rarely visit them. Of course, season, weather, competition, and food preferences all play a part in attracting particular birds to wild bird feeders.
It is quite difficult to list all possible feeder birds along with their favorite foods and behavioral peculiarities, as many an accomplished ornithologist can attest. Since I am not an ornithologist, I will keep the following list simple and concise. With no further ado, I give you these stars of the bird feeder stage.
The Nuthatch
These quirky birds have a compact, stubby build. They are generally a bluish-gray on their backs and wings, with black or brown on their heads. Nuthatches have relatively long, straight bills that aid in their seed cracking ability. In fact, nuthatches got their name from their habit of “hatching” seeds and nuts by wedging them into a crevice and hacking at them with their bills.
A more remarkable claim to fame may be their ability to scurry up and down tree trunks, seemingly defying gravity. They perform this acrobatic act in search of insects and their eggs. They supplement this diet with generous helpings of seeds, nutmeats, and suet offered at a bird feeder. Nuthatches will accept many types of bird feeders; hanging feeders, platform feeders, suet feeders, and windowpane feeders are all welcomed.
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Woodpeckers are another spectacular example of nature’s limitless diversity. Woodpeckers are flying jackhammers that burrow out holes in trees in search of food, and sometimes, to make a home. They are all irresistible eye-catchers; pictured here is the red-bellied woodpecker in action. This particular woodpecker is at times called the zebra woodpecker because of the distinctive white striping on its back and wings. The male’s crown is red all the way down to the nape of his neck, while the female shows red only just above her bill and on the nape, leaving the crown purely white. Both sexes have the characteristic red patch on their bellies, but it is a bit paler on the females.
Red-bellied woodpeckers do eat insects, but they are largely herbivorous. They often dine on seeds, fruit, and nuts, including cashews, almonds, and acorns. To attract red-bellied woodpeckers to a wild bird feeder, try using pieces of orange or a dab of peanut butter. They will also enjoy nutmeats or some nice, high-energy suet.
The American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is an easy favorite of many wild bird feeder owners. The reasons are spectacularly clear. The striking plumage of the adult male in breeding season is unmistakable. He is a vibrant lemon yellow on his body, while his wings and crown are pitch-black. In the winter, the male American goldfinch loses most of the black on his cap, leaving only a small black area just above his bill. The rest of his crown and his back become a dark sandstone color, though he still has yellow extending in a broad line from his eyes back, then down and around to his throat, which is also yellow. This leaves him with a dark patch on the sides of his face, as if he had painted his cheeks.
The plumage of the female American goldfinch also changes seasonally. The summer breeding season finds her a bright yellow on her underparts, while her head and back are an olive green. She does not have a black cap like the male, but she does have black wings. In the winter, she is a darker green above, and her ****** and belly become a grayish white.
Another reason people love the American goldfinch is that these birds love wild bird feeders. They eat many types of seeds, including thistle, hemp, sunflower seeds, millet, and nutmeats. They are gregarious birds that will usually travel in groups, often making a bird feeder a very busy place.
The American goldfinch is a year-round resident of most of the upper two-thirds of the U.S., extending into southern Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. The breeding range of a portion of the American goldfinch population comprises much of the lower one-third of Canada. These birds will migrate in winter to the southern and southwestern United States, with the effect that virtually all of the U.S. and southern Canada will host American goldfinches at least part of the year.
The Dark-Eyed Junco
Another common North American bird is the dark-eyed junco. Juncos nest on the ground, and they prefer to feed on the ground. They often have a difficult time when it snows, as their main source of food is buried. Wild bird feeders really go a long way in helping dark-eyed juncos and other ground-feeding birds during those tough times. A winter offering of suet may be particularly beneficial in keeping a junco’s energy levels and body heat up. They will enjoy a wild bird feeder containing peanuts, sunflower seeds, millet, or cracked corn as well.
Dark-eyed juncos are a species consisting of twelve subspecies, each with its own semi-distinct coloration. Generally, they will have a gray, black, or brown head and breast, and a white belly. The outer two or three feathers of their long tails are also white. Dark-eyed juncos have small bills that are pink to cream in color. The juncos’ breeding territory encompasses most of Canada and Alaska. In the winter, they are common throughout much of the U.S., excluding the southern tips of Florida and Texas.
The Northern Cardinal
The Northern cardinal is a non-migratory bird whose range stretches from the Great Plains of the United States to the east coast, and includes southern Arizona and New Mexico. Though considered common in these parts, many people feel a sense of awe every time they see a male cardinal. His bold red plumage, regal crest, and black ****** masking surely set him apart. His mate will have the same very recognizable shape, but she will be of a buffy brown color, with red remaining on the wings.
Cardinals generally feed on the ground, but they are not at all opposed to bird feeders. Cardinals are attracted to wild bird feeders with sunflower seeds, melon seeds, or peanut butter. Not surprisingly, the northern cardinal is many peoples’ favorite bird feeder patron - not only because of their striking appearance, but also for their pleasant song.
The Human Element
Humans are amazing creatures. Our ability to adapt to situations, and to adapt situations to ourselves, is what has ensured our survival these many millennia. Ironically, it is precisely that ability which now threatens that survival. We have come a long way as a species, especially in terms of technology. We have developed such a capacity for invention, that not only does it boggle the mind - it often improves and lengthens life, as well.
Certainly, we have made many mistakes. This is usually a result of rushing on to our next clever thing before we have fully considered the effects of the current one. We never have to stop moving forward - though we may need to redefine what “forward” is - we simply need to be a bit more thoughtful about our actions. Perhaps we can attain this goal through individual stewardship of our immediate environs. Is there a reason we cannot?
A person can demonstrate stewardship of our world in many ways. Planting a tree, buying organic foods, recycling, and reducing fuel use are just a few easy examples.
Feeding wild birds is an ecologically beneficial example of stewardship that is also very entertaining. New backyard birders often find themselves quickly engrossed in the lives of the birds at their wild bird feeders.
A Final Thought
We reach monumental goals through the accomplishment of a series of smaller goals. Feeding wild birds is a small, but valuable, step toward finding a healthy and balanced - while modern and productive - life within this natural world.
MARC