Birdhouse Accents

Freezing Temperatures

2012-02-11T16:01:00.000-05:00

Did you know that birds often have to eat snow as a source of water when the temperatures dip below freezing. They will pick up the snow by pecking at it with their bills.

Birds often seek shelter when the temperature gets below 32 degrees. Not only does this keep them warm but they also have a safe place that protects them from predators.

WHAT DO SONGBIRDS DO WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS?

2012-01-21T10:39:00.001-05:00

Did you know that birds can prevent their body temperature from dropping? Many songbirds will try to find some type of shelter whether it is a birdhouse, tree crevice or shrubs. They preserve energy by staying close together. Songbirds will also tuck in their feet close to their body, fluff their feathers to capture in heat and even shiver. Shivering produces more body heat but this uses up a lot of energy. The smaller the bird the harder it is for them to keep warm. In turn they eat more in the winter to increase energy and rely heavily on us to provide a food source.

DID YOU KNOW

2012-01-14T12:27:00.000-05:00

Did you know that opening a birdhouse to look inside will not frighten the mama and papa birds away? You can take a quick peek inside to count the eggs, check on the young, and make sure everything looks okay.

There is however a certain time frame when one must NEVER take a peek inside. From the time the baby birds are 12 days old up to 18 days old, please do not look inside a birdhouse. If you do, it may give the young birds the idea to leave the nest too early and the baby birds will not be able to fly away on their own.

WHICH ONE DO YOU LIKE

2012-01-07T11:16:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year when Fred is busy making birdhouses for 2012. Here is a new design in two different colors. WHICH ONE DO YOU LIKE....the yellow birdhouse or the gray birdhouse. Please leave us a comment.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

2012-01-02T09:36:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone! It's that time of year to start our show schedule for 2012. Our list is tentative for now as we are waiting for acceptance on some shows. Our first show is February 4th. Please check back often as this is a busy time adding new shows.

INJURED BIRD

2011-10-15T14:49:00.004-04:00

Do you know what to do if you come across an injured bird? Most times birds suffer some sort of impact whether it is a baby bird that fell out of a nest or an adult bird that flew into a picture window.

The bird may not show any signs of physical injury but it is definitely distressed and traumatized. The first thing to do is to see if it suffered any serious injury. A serious injury will need some sort of professional help.

If the bird seems scared and stunned the best thing to do is put a well ventilated cardboard box over the bird and let it rest for a few hours. Do not try to feed the bird. Just give it time to recover from the trauma by leaving it alone and in most cases the bird will fly off on its own when you take away the box.

DID YOU KNOW

2011-10-12T17:14:00.000-04:00

Did you know that the crow has the least appealing song to humans?

Bats

2011-09-10T14:04:00.007-04:00

Did you know that bats are the only true mammal that flies? They like to live near areas of water where insects are prevalent. One species, the brown bat, can eat 600 to 1,000 mosquitoes in just one hours time. Bats fly much higher than birds, some species fly up to 10,000 feet high. All bats are nocturnal.

To discourage bats from entering your home, plug entrance holes or potential entrance holes. If bats have taken up residence in your home, make sure you plug the entrance after they leave at night. Putting up a bat house is a good way to house bats and still keep them in your yard.

Place a bathouse on the east or southeast side of a pole, tree or building and make sure the bathouse is at least 15 feet from the ground. Placing them by a water source is ideal. Bathouses do not have to be cleaned out. Don't get discouraged if you do not get any bats "right off the bat", sometimes it takes a couple of years before bats start to use a bathouse.

Kitchen Scraps

2011-08-24T17:23:00.002-04:00

Did you know that leftovers are a great cheap source of bird food? Most kitchen scraps are filled with carbohydrates and fats that help birds build body fat. This body fat is necessary for survival, nesting and migration. Just make sure you put your scraps in scrap baskets or platform feeders. This helps keep scavengers such as rats, raccoons and skunks out of reach.

Some kitchen scraps birds really enjoy are bread crumbs, crusts, broken cookies, stale cake, stale cheese and even donuts. Starchy foods such as baked potato with the skins on, cooked spaghetti and rice help build body fat. Don't leave out bananas, grapes, apples and pears, walnuts, almonds and even fresh coconut.

A variety of foods will attract a wide range of birds for you to watch and enjoy.

It's Not Too Late To Put Up That Birdhouse

2011-07-26T17:39:00.006-04:00

Most of us know that courtship for a songbird begins in late winter and early spring. This is the time when they are scouting out a good birdhouse to raise their young in. However, some species of birds will nest more than once during the spring and summer season.
You can still attract a mating pair of birds now by following these simple guidelines.

--Make your birdhouse inviting by making sure the hot summer sun does not beat down on it during the mid to latter part of the day. Facing the entrance hole to the north or east will help.

--Do not place your birdhouse facing a busy street or in an area with a lot of human contact. You want your birds to gather food and feed their young and not waste their energy feeling like they have to defend their nest.

--Do not place your birdhouse next to feeders. Leave a comfortable distance of at least 25 feet or more between each. Birds will not nest and raise young where they eat because most are territorial.

--Don't give up, sometimes one can attract birds in a few days, sometimes it takes a few years. You can increase your chances by adding feeders and a bird bath to your yard which will make birds feel comfortable in their surroundings to raise their young.

Good Luck.

Birdhouses

2011-05-31T19:02:00.000-04:00

We have 24 birdhouses in our yard. Do you think there is a limit on how many birdhouses one should have? I can tell you this, 20 of them are occupied with house wrens, finches and chickadees. We even have a robin nesting in the lilac bush. The male birds are very busy bringing nourishment to the female birds who are nesting and waiting for their young to hatch. This is one of those times where we can view nature at its best.

Black Capped Chickadees

2011-05-16T16:39:00.000-04:00

This tiny songbird has to be one of the cutest to watch. For the past week we have enjoyed watching a male and female find that perfect birdhouse. They had their pick of many, including a couple new ones we set up on the back patio railing.

Just for the heck of it I also set up the house they used last year to raise their family in. Lo and behold, after much deliberation, that is the house they chose. The female chickadee has been busy taking out the old (we never cleaned this one out from last year) and bringing in the new to make that perfect nest.

They have been so busy that we were able to get a good look at just how cute they really are. These birds are curious about everything around their surroundings, including us. They have a black cap on top of their head which looks like it covers their eyes making it hard to see their eyes. These birds have white cheeks with gray and white wing feathers and light tan to white undersides. Their necks are short, their heads are large, with a short bill and long tail feathers.

Here is the male chickadee from last year sitting on the same birdhouse they chose this year, at least we think they are the same two that kept us company for a while last year. We will keep you posted.

Song Birds

2011-04-16T15:07:00.000-04:00

No matter where one resides, there is always a bountiful selection of songbirds from early spring to fall.

Did you know that songbirds are also called perching birds? This is because they have toes that help them grip their perch, no matter what it is.
Believe it or not, raven and crows fall into this category and are one of the largest song birds. Robins and Blue Jays also fall into this category and are considered medium sized song birds. The birds falling between 5 - 7 inches in length are the ones we would consider smaller songbirds.

Warblers, wrens, chickadees, and goldfinch are frequent visitors of back yards. Now is the time to get those birdhouses out, sit back and watch the activity. You may be quite surprised and please.

Good Luck.

Those Pesky Squirrels

2011-04-06T06:06:00.000-04:00

Everyone knows that keeping squirrels out of bird feeders is nearly impossible. Here are a few clever inventions that really do help keep the squirrels away.

Add a metal stovepipe to fit around a feeder pole, squirrels cannot figure out how to climb it.

A 2-liter plastic bottle with the neck cut off can be slipped onto a pole below the feeder making the feeder squirrel proof.

Crisco oil or motor grease can be used to coat feeder poles. It may be messy but the squirrels cannot climb up the pole.

CONGRATULATIONS

2011-03-24T10:11:00.001-04:00

J Crabbit from Portland Maine is the winner of our Spring Giveaway.
Please contact us @birdhouseaccents@yahoo.com
Congratulations.

DID YOU KNOW

2011-03-13T10:53:00.000-04:00

Nesting birds such as wrens, chickadees, and finches prefer to be secluded when raising their young. By providing bridhouses that are away from busy spots in your yard such as bird feeders, foot traffic, and bird baths; these birds will thrive in your yard and feel safe to build a nest, mate and raise their young.

SPRING GIVE-A-WAY

2011-03-10T16:13:00.009-05:00

To qualify for our spring give-a-way please:

1. Sign up and become a follower.

2. Leave a comment on this post and increase your chances of winning.

We are giving away this primitive Three Hole Birdhouse valued at $30.00. The birdhouse has three separate compartments. The entry holes are 1 1/4" in diameter with floor nails below each hole for the birds to use as a perch. There are three 2 1/2" rusty stars below each entry hole, a wire on top for hanging, and the bottom removes for easy cleaning. The birdhouse has been painted a sunny yellow with a black painted roof and base and measures approx. 16" long by 6" wide by 7 1/2" tall.

Give-a-way ends 03/23/2011. The winner will be randomly selected on 03/24/2011. We will announce the winner on our blog. Winner has 48 hours to notify us by e-mail or another winner will be drawn. Shipping will be paid by Birdhouse Accents. Entries limited to the USA continental 48 states.

Good Luck Everyone!

DID YOU KNOW

2011-03-05T16:20:00.004-05:00

Black-eyed Susans are not only a beautiful flower but a flower that birds enjoy. The black seed heads in the center of these flowers are a great source of seed-eating for house finches, chickadees, and goldfinches.

DID YOU KNOW

2011-03-02T18:02:00.001-05:00

To keep fallen birdseed from germinating you can do one of two things:

Add a thick layer of mulch beneath the feeder

or

bake sunflower and other seeds in a 250 degree oven for ten minutes

DID YOU KNOW

2011-02-13T09:35:00.003-05:00

There are over 30 different species of birds that will nest in a birdhouse? These include many that frequent your back yard. Some of these types of birds are the house wren, chickadee, tufted titmice, nuthatches, bluebirds, purple martins, wood duck and screech owls. With a little research one can set up multiple birdhouses of different types to attract many of these birds. House wrens can fit into a birdhouse with a 1 1/8" hole, whereas chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice can fit into a birdhouse with a 1 1/4" hole (http://birdhouseaccents.etsy.com). The blue bird needs a 1 1/2" hole birdhouse, the purple martin a 2" entry hole, wood ducks and screech owls need a 3" to 4" oval entry hole.

With a little knowledge as to the dimensions of a birdhouse, how high to place one, what types of species enjoy what types of food and when the nesting season begins, one can make their yard a popular place for all types of birds.

More Snow

2011-01-28T05:34:00.008-05:00

Some people may say that there is never too much snow, we would have to disagree. The month of January here in Connecticut set a new record for snowfall. The old snowfall record from the year 1945 was set at 45.3" and this months record snowfall is at 56.9".

It seems like we just get a chance to shovel out and there is another storm. They are predicting one for the middle of next week, but are reluctant to say just how many inches we will receive, but it will be significant.

We have two primitive snowmen and santa claus wooden yard stakes that we place out in the yard for winter decorations. Check out the little snowman who is 36" tall.

In this picture Fred moved them to a better spot.

Hairy Woodpecker

2011-01-23T13:16:00.011-05:00

It is bitterly cold today. The temperature on the thermometer outside on the shed reads 16 degrees. It it deceiving with the sun shining on the snow because it looks much warmer outside than it really is.

We were sitting here this morning looking out the sliding glass windows when Fred spotted a Hairy Wooodpecker on the peanut seed feeder. He was perched there and pecking away at the peanuts.

These types of woodpeckers frequent back yards often and in the winter look for suet, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter. During the summer months their diet consists of insects, larvae, fruit, and nuts.

Its not the best picture but we wanted to share it with you. He caught on real quick as to what we were trying to do and didn't stick around.

Let It Snow

2011-01-12T15:15:00.005-05:00

We are sitting here in New England looking at 30" of snow that has fallen over the past 12 hours. Fred has been shoveling on and off, roads have been closed, most folks did not go to work today.

I have been watching a squirrel for the past five minutes jump from tree branch to tree branch. It seems that even these type of weather conditions do not deter them in any way.

Now more than ever it is extremely important to feed the birds. A good source of food to help them stay warm and gives them energy is beef suet. Ask your local butcher, many give this away free.

Thistle seed and safflower seed will attract gold finches, cardinals, nuthatches and chickadees. Try to stay away from sunflower seeds, corn and millet as this attracts birds that will empty your birdfeeder faster than you can blink an eye.

Feeding The Birds

2010-12-08T17:13:00.007-05:00

It is that time of year again when the birds need a little help from us. One way we can do this is by hanging up a variety of feeders that will attract different species of birds. Birds need food and water to survive. This includes drinking and bathing water.

We just put up our tube feeders for the winter. One holds thistle and the other sunflower seeds. Chickadees, nuthatches and finches are generally attracted to these types of feeders. Suet feeders are a good source of food for woodpeckers. We have one hopper feeder we fill with birdseed for cardinals. Our feeders are eye level and hang in the trees.

A shallow birdbath sits at the edge of the yard. We fill it with approx. 2" of water and change the water frequently. Birds like clean water to drink from so get into the habit of cleaning your birdbath.

The main idea is to make the birds feel at home, safe and feel protected from any predators. Once you have done this, you can sit back and enjoy bird watching.

Birdhouse Cleaning

2010-11-15T13:15:00.015-05:00

We cleaned out many of our birdhouses over the weekend. Many we hung back up for the birds to seek shelter in for the upcoming winter. Others we are storing in the shed until spring. We were pleasantly surprised as to how many of our birdhouses were in use over the spring and summer.

It is so interesting to see how the little birds build their nests and what they use. We have given some of the best nests to a friend of ours who collects them. Thought we would share a picture or two of one of the last bird family of wrens we had before they left. Fred took the pictures and two days later the house was empty. Can't wait until next year!

Fund Raiser

2010-10-20T13:34:00.006-04:00

We are happy to be a part of the Connecticut Center for Child Development which is a non-profit organizagtion helping to better the lives of autisitic children and adults and individuals with other pervasive developmental disorders. The organization is located in Milford, CT and will be hosting a dinner, dancing, and silent auction on November 6, 2010.

We have donated one of our birdhouses to this important event. All proceeds will support the new Adult Day Services Program for adults with developmental disorders.

We wish them much success! To learn more about them please click on the link below:

http://cccdinc.org/

Craft Fair

2010-09-07T17:38:00.009-04:00

Hi Everyone

Over the weekend we participated in the Bennington Garlic Festival in Bennington, Vermont. This is our third year of attending this great garlic festival. The people are so nice and friendly even with garlic breath! Many farms also participated in the garlic festival and sold an array of vegetables, breads, fruits, and you guessed it GARLIC.

The weather was a little windy but cooperated enough for everyone to have a good time. We took a couple of pictures of the festival and hope to be back there again next year.

Black Capped Chickadee

2010-05-02T16:40:00.012-04:00

Fred and I have been watching a pair of blacked capped chickadees since February checking out a birdhouse the we placed on our back deck railing the end of last year. We were going to move it come spring time, but a male and female black capped chickadee decided to make it their home to raise their young.

Black capped chickadees in New England start to pair off around February with the mating season. We watched them diligently bringing wood chips day after day to their new home to build their nest. We can now identify the male from the female as the male is longer and heavier.

Their breeding season is done now, the typical breeding season for New England Chickadees is between April and May. Once the nest has been built, egg laying begins. These Chickadees breed once a year.

For days now when we go out on the back deck our male and female Chickadee make it a point to screech at us from the tree that they do not like our presence. Their song "chicka-dee-dee-dee" can be suttle or extremely loud depending on how much we have scared them. Today, however, we were able to actually sit out on the deck, they are finally getting use to us.

We are hoping that there are the normal 6-8 eggs in the nest they built and in 5-7 weeks baby Chickadees will be flying away to begin their own life cycle. Check out our pictures, we think this is the male Chickadee and the female Chickadee is inside sitting on the eggs. Stay tuned, I am sure we will be able to get more pictures for you to see.

KEEPING OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS HAPPY

2010-04-14T16:33:00.010-04:00

Our attraction to birds lies within their beauty, the amusement they can bring us, and their wonderful melodies of their songs. Bird watching is one activity the whole family can partake in. Here are some important steps to follow in order to make your feathered friends happy:

Birds need water no matter what time of year it is. Supplying a birdbath for the birds to bath in will enable them to clean themselves. Birds will also be able to drink from a safe place with a birdbath in the yard. No more than two inches of clean water is needed and always place your birdbath close to a hanging limb so birds can get out of harm's way if they are frightened.

Bird feeders are ideal in the winter for feeding and will attract birds in the warmer months. Birds will rely on these feeders especially when they are raising their young. Scout around and buy food for the birds most common in your area. If you have frequent squirrel visitors, invest in a squirrel proof feeder.

A birdhouse or nesting box will keep birds in your yard while they are raising their young. A sturdy wooden birdhouse hanging from a tree, attached to a tree or building with an L hook, or a birdhouse on a pole are ideal for a family of birds. Remember, birds do not like a lot of activity when they are raising their young so make sure your birdhouse is not near the birdbath or bird feeder.

Once you have figured out the basics, you can sit back and enjoy the entertainment and the beauty of the birds in your area.

Birdhouses

2010-03-07T09:20:00.009-05:00

Did you know that it is very important to put a few birdhouses in your yard? This is because many types of birds like to choose their home. Most birds will check out birdhouses, inspect them and the area they are hanging and choose one to nest in that fits their needs.

Some birds such as songbirds will not let other birds nest by them. Purple Martins on the other hand enjoy each others company.

Any time is really the right time to put up a birdhouse. In the winter months birds will use the birdhouse for shelter. Always remember that food and water are a necessity for birds to thrive and raise young.

Being able to watch the cycle of birds building a nest, birds hatching, raising their young and leaving can be a wonderful past time for you and your family. Giving the birds a couple of choices in birdhouses will bring you this enjoyment.

DID YOU KNOW

2010-02-18T16:21:00.002-05:00

Researchers have found a sure fire way to get rid of those pesky squirrels that will be frequenting your birdfeeders soon.....habanero chili peppers.

It has been proven that the birds love it and the squirrels hate it. You can buy hot meat suet cakes at your local garden stores which contain habanero chili peppers or you can mix a small amount of the dried variety into your birdseed.

Let us know if it works.

Don't Forget To Feed The Birds

2010-02-14T09:13:00.002-05:00

Winter can be very hard on the birds because snow covers up much of their food resources and ice can make it impossible for them to get nourishment from tree buds and wild fruit plants. Making sure your feeders are well stocked with high quality bird seed is pertinent and can mean the difference between life and death to birds.

There are many new suet cakes and birdseed that can provide the birds in your yard with high fat nutrients to give them the energy they need to survive. Check out your local garden centers and home improvement centers for the different types of varieties they offer, many at reasonable prices.

Butterfly Houses, Mason Bee Houses and Bat Houses

2010-02-01T13:42:00.003-05:00

Winter is a perfect time for us to work on new birdhouses. This includes brainstorming on what we feel our customers may like for the new year and also gives us a chance to work on some new designs and color schemes. We are stocking up for the summer shows with a new variety of birdhouses and bird feeders.

Fred has been very busy this past week making butterfly houses and he is in the process of making a few mason bee houses. Last year we had requests from our customers for these bee houses. These houses attract non-stinging mason bees and are an essential part of your garden because mason bees are responsible for pollination.

Bat houses are always in demand, we sold out last year. By the time winter decides to leave, we should be ready for spring with our new designs.

Happy New Year

2010-01-24T09:21:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and thank you for visiting our blog. Your support means a lot to us. We have started applying for our craft shows for 2010. Check our show schedule for upcoming shows. Thanks again everyone!

Fred & Lynn

DID YOU KNOW

2009-11-05T16:40:00.001-05:00

Bluejays mimic the sound of hawks to scare other birds away.

DID YOU KNOW

2009-10-31T09:46:00.004-04:00

The finch species is one of the smallest birds on Earth? Yet it belongs to the largest bird family and is classified as a passerine bird. A passerine bird means one that perches.

DID YOU KNOW

2009-10-29T16:42:00.005-04:00

Baby songbirds actually learn how to sing from their parents. By listening closely they are able to mimic the song until it becomes their own.

DID YOU KNOW

2009-10-27T17:15:00.003-04:00

Here is an interesting fact:

Birds walk on their toes with their heels in the air. Next time you are bird watching, check it out.

New Design

2009-10-14T17:51:00.011-04:00

Hi Everyone

Just wanted to share a new design Fred made a couple of weeks ago. The perfect birdhouse for a farm. We took it with us to the craft shows and people were delighted. One couple thought it was the perfect gift for their parents for the holidays. Take a look and you will see why. You can find it in our etsy shop also. Thanks for looking.

Milford Oyster Fest Craft Show

2009-08-19T17:09:00.025-04:00

We were at the Oyster Festival in Milford, CT this past weekend. It was a sunny hot humid day. We welcomed it after all the rain the last two months. The day was good, many people were out enjoying the show, 30,000 people were expected for this annual event. There were 200+ crafters sprawled out along the Milford green. If you have never been there, it is quite large. We took some pictures of our display and the crowds. Hope you enjoy.

Here are some customers enjoying the many unique one of a kind birdhouses we had displayed for the show.

We were lucky enough to get a spot by the flowers where we displayed our license plate birdhouses.

Our new tobacco lath garden stake birdhouses were a huge hit.

They heard we were here!

Guilford Craft Show

2009-08-09T15:45:00.013-04:00

We were at the Guilford Craft Show on Saturday, beautiful weather....FINALLY.

There were 60 crafters selling an array of jewelry, fine arts, prints, hand turned pens, woodworking, handmade soap just to name a few (which I had to buy) and birdhouses. The buying crowds were out and we really enjoyed the day.

We had today off, so what do you think we did. We drove around looking for tag sales. We really lucked out, we found a ton of items that we can make one of a kind birdhouses out of, but we are not giving away any secrets just yet.

We have had a lot of requests for church birdhouses. Fred has been busy the past week designing and building them. The windows on each side are stained glass. We met an artist who speicalizes in stained glass and asked her to create the windows just for us. Let us know what you think.

Handmade Portrait

2009-06-18T18:06:00.014-04:00

Hi Everyone

We are honored to have been selected as a featured video in this handmade life. You can find the video under Storque, handmade portraits. We wish to thank everyone for their continued support. We realize you have a choice and thank you for taking the time to look at our etsy shop. Please click on the link below to find out more about us.
http://www.etsy.com/storque/handmade-life/handmade-portraits-birdhouseaccents-4025/

We also wish to thank Tara for taking the time to shoot the video of us. We think she did a wonderful job of capturing who we are and how we feel about our birdhouses.

The two days Tara spent with us turned out to be a special memory to look back on for the rest of our lives. Thank you Tara, we are so grateful. Thank you also to the etsy team for their support and selecting us as a handmade portrait video.

Fred & Lynn

New Design Birdhouse

2009-05-27T17:28:00.007-04:00

Fred came up with a new design the other day. It was made especially for wrens, chickadees, finches and any other small songbird that has migrated to your area over the last two months. This birdhouse has been painted white, stained and has a hand painted red and white striped roof and white stars handpainted on blue. A great looking birdhouse to show your patriotic side.

Please let us know what you think. We are taking it with us next weekend for our upcoming craft show and hope to get some feedback their also.

By The Sea

2009-05-12T17:08:00.007-04:00

Fred has finally completely finished one of many of the birdhouses we designed from our tag sale finds. This one came out very nice. We found an old beat up rusty beach sign that says "By The Sea" and used it for the roof of a three compartment birdhouse. Fred painted the birdhouse carolina blue. The entry holes are 1 1/4" in diameter and there a floor nails for perches below each one. The bottom unscrews for easy cleaning. I think the birdhouse looks great, but I probably am partial to Fred's work. What do you think?

You can find the birdhouse in our etsy shop.

Stay tuned, we will have more designs to show you as the week goes by.

More Tag Sale Finds

2009-05-03T16:10:00.006-04:00

We went out again looking for tag sales even though the weather was not cooperating. It has been cold, raw and rainy outside today. We really did not think we were going to see any tag sales, but had already decided on a luncheon date. We were encouraged to proceed when we saw a bright orange sign that read "Tag Sale Ahead". We were able to pick up another can of paint. It looks like the paint in this can is light pink. The can is a little smushed, but for .50 we can make it work. We also find some old rusty beach signs that Fred can make great birdhouses out of. It seems like the finds this weekend have a nautical flair. We can really appreciate this because we are on vacation in another two months to the ocean front in Maine. We found one more tag sale on the way home from lunch. Here we found a white wooden pail and an aluminum coffee pot with a black handle. All in all it has been a good weekend scouting different treasures we can use for the birdhouses. It was nice having the little extra time to do this. Keep tuned for pictures, as there is always something for everyone.

Tag Sale Finds

2009-05-02T17:14:00.006-04:00

We spent most of the day checking out tag sales in Connecticut and Massachusetts and think we were very successful. We found a few old funnels, some black hooks, a small can of green paint, couple of golf balls and tees, large shell, wire, wooden seahorses, wooden star fish and a few more this and that. Fred took a picture of our treasures. He has already started designing birdhouses to fit our findings. Keep in touch, by the end of the week we will have pictures for you.

We're Off To Tag Sales

2009-05-01T18:16:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone

We have an off weekend and are going to spend it tag sale hunting. We are so excited because rarely can we devote all this time to something we enjoy so much. We will be looking for treasures that we feel will be suitable for our birdhouses. Stay tuned, we will take pictures of our latest creations and share them with you.

We have updated our show schedule - please take a peek.

Spring Is In The Air

2009-04-14T18:01:00.008-04:00

Ahhh.....the tell tale signs of spring. Every morning now we are hearing the beautiful sounds of the songbirds in our area. The feeders have more activity around them. Not so much for eating, but I actually think they are welcoming each other back after the winter months. Fred is back to carrying around his binoculars where ever he goes and trying to decipher the different songs that belong to the songbirds who are checking out the yard. The birdhouses are up and the scouting has begun with the male birds. Soon they will be calling their mates to check out the new homes they have found. If approved by the females, we will begin the enjoyment of watching them building nests. Ahhh.....the tell tale signs of spring.

Flowers Attract Songbirds

2009-03-30T16:49:00.005-04:00

Did you know that planting certain types of flowers in your yard will attract songbirds? Now is the time to be thinking about buying new plants and where to put them. The following types of plants attract sparrows, finches, chickadees, tufted titmouse and red eyed vireo just to name a few. Your local nursery can help you find alpha wedding phlox, cloth of gold, summer sun heliopsis, belladonna delphinium, purple liatris (attracts butterflies too) and little miss muffet daisy (a favorite of purple finches). All these types of flowers are easy to care for and will come back year after year.

2009-03-16T12:33:00.022-04:00

Today was a fairly nice day, nice enough to take pictures outside of some of the new birdhouses I made. The birds are back and checking out the yard. Today I was able to get a glimpse of a beautiful cardinal and figured this would be worth writing about.

Cardinals can be found in the eastern United States. The male cardinal has beautiful red feathers, a black throat and face mask and a head crest. The female is light brownish yellow with red tinted wings and tail. The female also has a head crest.

Most cardinals prefer bird feeders that are 4-6 feet high from the ground. They do not like hanging feeders. The more secure the bird feeder the better. Throwing birdseed on the ground is a good idea if you have cardinals around because they really enjoy ground feeding. What are some of their favorite types of birdseed? Black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds and striped sunflower seeds. They love to feed early in the morning and will be one of the last types of birds to leave the feeder in the evening. You may also attract Blue Jays, Rose Breasted Grosbeaks and Evening Grosbeaks with this type of seed.

Cardinals enjoy water. Setting up a bird bath in your yard is important to attracting them. Bird baths also help keeping other birds around. Since cardinals do not migrate, having plenty of water, the correct type of feeder and this birds favorite seeds, you may just find yourself with a cardinal family for many years to come.

The female nests two or three times a year in small trees, bushes and shrubs and lays three to four eggs. These eggs are light green/dull gray with reddish brown specks. She incubates them for approx. 13 days before they hatch. The male and female cardinal share the parental duties. Baby cardinals leave the nest approx. 11 days after they are hatched. By the time they leave the nest, they really do not look like a cardinal yet. They are still covered with gray downy feathers.

If you are lucky enough to watch a family of cardinals before the fledglings leave, then you are in for a treat. Cardinal parents will teach their young how to feed from bird feeders. What a great hobby to be a bird watcher. Not only are you able to watch, feed and learn about birds, but you can really appreciate nature and connect to it.

Project Return

2009-03-07T15:03:00.004-05:00

We would like to take this time to let everyone know that we are proud to be a part of Project Return in Westport, CT. We have donated one of our birdhouses to their cause. This link will take you to their site. I think you will agree. http://projectreturnct.org/

DID YOU KNOW

2009-03-05T13:44:00.002-05:00

The Black-Capped Chickadee hides seeds and other food items for later recovery. Each item is placed in a different spot and a bird can remember thousands of hiding places.

How To Make Suet cakes

2009-02-24T14:13:00.039-05:00

I'm going to be making a batch of suet tonight and thought that I would share the recipe with you. You can buy suet cakes at the local grocers, pet stores or discount stores, or you can make your own. This is a great project we use to do with the kids when they were older. They were always eager to help out and it was a great way to introduce them to birding.

When you buy your meats for the week, trim down the excess fat before freezing them. This excess fat off raw beef cuts is ideal for suet mix. Store them in the freezer until you have about a pound or more. If you would like to skip this step, you can always purchase beef fat from the grocery store or your nearby butcher.

The first step in making bird suet is to get all your supplies together that you will be using. You are going to need an electric skillet or over sized pan, (I picked up the electric skillet at a tag sale years ago). You will need a piece of fine cheesecloth and molds for the final product. A very simple mold to use can be a clean tuna can, any size will do. I have also used old tupper ware sandwich containers, which work great for the larger wire suet holders.

Take your frozen suet that you have been saving and cut it up into small cubes. After the suet melts, pour it through the fine cheesecloth into a heatproof container. Discard any pieces that did not melt. Let the melted suet sit and re-harden. You can either do this by placing it in the freezer or let it harden on the counter top. This entire process should be done at least 2-3 times before it is ready to use. The suet has to cake properly, and will only do so by following this procedure.

After your 2nd or 3rd time of melting and the suet has cooled, but not yet solidified, you can stir in your desired ingredients. I have listed below what we use. Pour the mixture into the molds we suggested or containers that are suitable for your suet feeder.

We use the following to add to our suet: cornmeal, shelled unsalted peanuts, raisin bread crumbs (whole-wheat or cracked-wheat bread works the best), unsalted shelled sunflower seeds, rolled oats, and/or peanut butter (sparingly). Allow the suet to cool completely. We wrap our suet cakes in wax paper and keep them in the freezer. This way they are ready to use whenever we want.

Suet feeders are readily available at any pet store or grocery store or you can make your own. We make a natural log bird feeder which is ideal for this type of suet.

Once you have determined what type of feeder you will use for your suet mix, you can sit back and enjoy nature.

New Bird Feeders

2009-02-19T09:31:00.020-05:00

Hi Everyone

Fred has been working hard making birdfeeders. We have two types to show you. The first bird feeder has a well that is 1 1/4" deep with drain holes in the bottom. This birdfeeder is the perfect size for your feathered friends. The roof overhangs on both sides so the birds are able to stay dry when feeding. We have painted these in red, blue, dark green and kiwi green. Visit our etsy shop and take a look.

When I first made this log bird feeder years ago, I thought, this really does not look like a bird feeder. Well, to my surpise, the birds love it! The next day I was out in the yard and noticed a downy woodpecker. Over the next few days I was surprised at how many wild brids it attracted.

The holes are 1" and the log is from a tree in the woods behind our house. This is a natural way to provide suet and peanut butter for the birds. This bird feeder is perfect for filling with our special bird pudding mix too.

Peanut Butter - Part Seven of Seven

2009-01-28T18:57:00.020-05:00

Every bird that feeds at a birdfeeder will eat peanut butter. Woodpeckers, chickadees, and titmice are the most commom birds attracted with peanut butter.

Be careful how you offer it though. You do not want to add it to your birdfeeder in large quantities. The sticky peanut butter is not good if it gets on the birds feathers. Make sure that it is offered in a way that this does not happen. A big wad of peanut butter may also be just as hard for the birds to swallow as it is for us. We offer peanut butter in very small quantities when the weather is very cold. Smearing it on tree bark or a pine cone is a great way to offer it to the birds.
Find a nice sized pine cone and twist wire around the top. You want to make the wire into a hanger so you can hang it from a tree. This is a great family project to do with the kids. Spread the peanut butter over the cone and then sprinkle or roll it in your birdseed. Leave it in your freezer for a half hour and then hang the pine cone out in your yard where you can watch from a window. Get out your binoculars, because you are in for a treat. This will attract many birds to your yard.

We have a great peanut butter bird pudding recipe we would like to share with you. You will need peanut butter, corn meal, sunflower seeds (or bridseed) and bread crumbs. You will also need a large bowl and wooden spoon.

Add one part peanut butter to three parts corn meal and all your other ingredients. Each time you make a new batch, you can make it different because of the ingredients you choose to add.

Fold this mixture in the large bowl with the wooden spoon until it is distributed evenly.

You can use this mixture on pine cones or add it to a mesh bag. Tie one end of the mesh bag in a knot, fill the bag with your mixture and tie a string to the other end to hang it. The brids love this mesh bag. It is easy for them to hang on to as they eat the food through the mesh. Just make sure you hang it securely.

Stay tuned....Fred will be taking pictures of a bird feeder he made out of a tree branch. He drilled various holes throughout the branch and attached a hook on top with strong wire. We filled the holes with our peanut butter bird pudding recipe and hung it in the tree. The birds are absolutely crazy about it.

White Proso Millet - Part Six of Seven

2009-01-24T09:03:00.016-05:00

You can purchase white proso millet as a hard shell or hulled seed. The hard shell can easily be opened by the beaks of smaller birds and the shell is hard enough to protect the seed inside from the weather. This is an excellent seed for throwing on the ground during the winter months because it is less prone to spoiling . This seed is best used for ground or platform feeding. Proso millet also comes in a red variety, but for some reason the birds prefer the white type, probably because it is slightly sweeter.

Hulled proso white millet is an easily digested treat for your birds and found in most mixes of wild birdseed. You can also purchase this seed by itself. This type of food is hard to find and very expensive though. The white tiny seeds attract a variety of birds, especially towhees, juncos, doves, native sparrows, quail and bobwhite. The painted and indigo buntings love white proso millet. These are two of the most beautiful colorful songbirds you will ever see. If these two types of birds are in your area, you may want to spend the extra money because the sight of them is well worth it!

Nyjer Thistle Seed - Part Five of Seven

2009-01-22T18:03:00.014-05:00

By adding nyger (Thistle) seed to your feeding regiment you will attract a lot of smaller songbirds such as finches and pine skins. The seed is highly nutritious and definitely something to consider buying in the cold winter months. There are special feeders available with smaller feeding ports to dispense the seed to songbirds. The seed is tiny in itself and is better dispensed using these smaller feeder ports. You can mix nyger seed to your daily seed. This will make it last longer and save you money in the long run.

Nyger (Thistle) seeds are tiny black seeds imported from Asia and Africa. Most bird lovers hang the seed in a thistle sock which can be purchased at your local pet store.

Nyger (Thistle) seed also will attract purple finches, house finches and juncos. Goldfinches turn a brilliant yellow color in the late spring during breeding season. Go out today and get a thistle feeder, fill it with Gold Nyger Seeds and attract one of the brightest and beautiful birds, the goldfinch, to you backyard.

Safflower Seeds - Part Four Of Seven

2009-01-18T12:36:00.010-05:00

Safflower seed has become popular in recent years. The high fat, protein and oil content of this seed makes it a nutritional food source for the wild birds that frequent your yard. Cardinals are attracted to this seed. Downy woodpeckers and evening grosbeaks also enjoy safflower seed.

In addition to attracting cardinals, grosbeaks and downy woodpeckers, you can also attract chickadees, titmice and nuthatches. Did you know that there are birds out there that hog your bird feeders? Some of these types of birds are grackles, starlings and blackbirds. Using safflower seeds in your birdseed mix will deter these types of birds.

Safflower seeds are found in quality wild birdseed mixes and are expensive. Very rarely will you find them in bird seed mixes at grocery stores. Look for a wild birdseed mix that offers safflower seeds in it if you wish to attract cardinals to your yard.

Supposedly squirrels will ignore feeders with safflower seeds because they find them bitter. If you have a chipmunks in your yard, you may not want to use this type of seed because they love it.

Shelled Sunflower Seeds - Part Three Of Seven

2009-01-14T16:36:00.015-05:00

Sunflower seeds without the shell attract many more different species of birds than black oil sunflower seeds and striped sunflower seeds combined. If you offered only one kind of food to the birds, this would be the choice for all of them.

These hulled sunflower seeds can be purchased whole or as chips, (sometimes called hearts) and both forms are used in many wild bird seed mixes. These hulled seeds make no mess of shells that accumulate under the feeders as with the striped sunflower seeds or black oil sunflower seeds. You must remember though, that the shells of sunflower seeds contain a component that is toxic to grass. This component will kill any grass that is growing around or beneath your feeders. Raking up these seeds are a must and because of this, many people often choose hulled sunflower seeds.

Feeding the birds hulled sunflower seeds can be a huge benefit to the birds because none of their precious energy reserves are wasted opening the shells during the cold winter monts.

Hulled sunflower seeds attract a larger variety of species including birds that are not equipped with the beaks to crack open shells or not usually associated with eating sunflower seeds. By putting this seed out you may see robins, thrushes, mockingbirds, thrashers, catbirds, sparrows and bluebirds feeding at the base of your feeders.

The best reason to put out hulled sunflower seeds though, is to attract goldfinches. They simply cannot resist this food. Hulled sunflower seeds practically guarantee they'll be regular visitors at any feeder. Don't be surpised if you also see house wrens, purple finches, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, cardinals, grosbeaks and
even woodpeckers.

Because the shells have to be removed, these seeds are costlier than sunflower seeds in the shell. There is a draw back to buying hulled sunflower seeds. The shelled seeds tend to spoil faster if exposed to dampness, so watch what type of feeder you use. They should be offered in feeders that provide protection from the elements so they stay dry for the birds to enjoy.

Striped Sunflower Seeds - Part Two Of Seven

2009-01-12T18:33:00.015-05:00

Striped sunflower seeds are larger and less expensive than black oil sunflower seeds. They have a thicker shell and a white stripe on them. The larger size and thicker shell can make them harder for the small birds to eat, but the larger heavy billed birds like cardinals, bluejays, woodpeckers and grosbeaks do not have any problem breaking through to the sunflower seed inside. The small birds such as chickadees, nuthatches and titmice also can open the shells of striped sunflower seeds and will eat them when nothing else is readily available.

Are you wondering if these are the same type of sunflower seeds we snack on? The answer is yes. You can find these seeds on the shelves of supermarkets and convenience stores everywhere. They are just as nutritional for the birds as they are for us because they contain calcium, magnesium, zinc and Vitamin E.

The crops of striped sunflower seeds are screened so that the largest of the seeds are what we buy. The smaller of these seeds or "left overs" as the industry calls them, are sold as wild bird seed. These smaller seeds are why it is easier for many types of birds to enjoy them.

Striped sunflower seeds are the perfect choice to distract larger birds away from your bird feeders. This gives the small birds a better chance of eating with less competition. But better yet, throw some down on the ground in an area not occupied by the birds. They make an inexpensive treat for those pesky squirrels and just might keep them away from your bird feeding areas.

Black Oil Sunflower Seed - Part One Of Seven

2009-01-09T14:21:00.019-05:00

Black oil sunflower seed is the most important seed in any back yard. It is a proven fact that more species of birds will choose black oil sunflower seeds over any other food offered.

Black oil sunflower seed has a higher percentage of meat and has a nutritious source of protein. The thin, soft outer shell makes it easy for birds to open, especially small birds. Once opened, black oil sunflower seeds offer more nutrients than any other type of seed. The seed has a high concentration of oil too. This is very important in winter. Birds use their oil glands to spread the oil over their feathers to keep them dry and warm.

Filling your feeders with black oil sunflower seeds will attract chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, goldfinches, pine skins, finches, grosbeaks and cardinals.

This type of seed may cost more but you will not be disappointed. We have been buying black oil sunflower seeds for years now and have a variety of birds in our backyard during the winter months. Fred fills the feeders on a regular basis. We have one that is designated for this type of seed only and it is always empty before the others.

Try black oil sunflower seeds in your feeders. We would love to hear your results. Check back for more information during the next few days on what other types of feed birds love.

What Type Of Birdseed Should You Choose

2009-01-08T17:39:00.013-05:00

Now is the perfect time to be feeding the birds in your yard. Not only will you see what types of birds stick around for winter, but you may even catch a glimpse of a migrating bird as well. Choosing the right kind of seed can make all the difference.

Fred was out in the yard the other day feeding the birds after the big snow storm when the neighbor walked by with their dog. After shooting the breeze for a while the neighbor asked Fred a question about birdseed. What type do you use?

We all know that birdseed is readily available at the grocery store and costs a lot less than birdseed at a pet store or through a specialty catalog....BUT....Is it the same thing?

No, it is not! The grocery store brand, for less money, will not be as appealing to the birds. It is most always mixed with a lot of "filler" seeds. These "filler" seeds take up room in the bag and the birds find these kind of seeds undesirable. You know exactly what I mean. This is the birdseed you see on the ground after the birds have picked through it to find what they really want. The good birdseed is going to cost you a little more, but your birds will truly love you for it! And premium birdseed will actually give you more edible seed per pound than the other inexpensive seed mixes. Remember, you get what you pay for.

There are many kinds of birdseed to choose from, but a few basic types can satisfy the most finicky birds. Buying several varieties of seed in bulk and mixing them yourself can actually save you money, too.

Stay tuned please. Over the next few days Fred will let you know what kinds of birdseed attract what types of birds and why.

DID YOU KNOW

2008-12-30T17:39:00.003-05:00

Many birds become more sociable to improve their chances of survival during cold weather. By flocking together, they improve their chances of locating food. By huddling together during the night, they conserve their body heat. Such the adage......birds of a feather flock together.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2008-12-24T16:17:00.003-05:00

We would like to take this time to thank everyone for their support. We wish you all a very joyous holiday season and a happy new year. Always remember to take the extra time to enjoy family and friends.

A Time To Talk

When a friend calls to me from the road
And slows his horse to a meaning walk,
I don't stand still and look around
On all the hills I haven't hoed,
And shout from where I am,
What is it?
No, not as there is a time to talk.
I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,
Blade-end up and five feet tall,
And plod: I go up to the stone wall
For a friendly visit.
Robert Frost

Do Bird's Feet Stick To Metal Perches or Feeders

2008-12-22T15:05:00.013-05:00

I get asked this question all the time when it starts to get below freezing at night. "Won't the bird's feet stick to the metal perch on birdhouses or feeder parts." I figured that this would be as good of a time as any time to answer this question, especially since we received 12" of snow the past two days and its been extremely cold at night.

As you may know, our fingers may stick to metal ice cube trays because moisture freezes on contact with frigid metal. So, will birds stick to metal feeder parts and metal perches during subfreezing temperatures?

Well bird's feet are covered with dry scales, so there is no surface moisture, making it just about impossible for them to freeze to metal perches. A bird's legs and feet lack fleshy muscle and are made up mostly of tough tendons. Their eyes, tongues, and beaks are usually safe from exposure to metal feeder parts as well. Rapid reflexes prevent the eye from coming in contact with foreign metal surfaces and bird's beaks are toughened, calloused and dry. During cold weather little blood flows to a bird's extremities.

But, has this ever happened? This is an extremely rare event. We have read only one report of a bird's feet sticking. If you observe this unfortunate circumstance don't panic, a bird can be freed from this rare predicament by pouring warm water over the contact point.

Winterberry Holly

2008-12-19T18:55:00.004-05:00

Did you know that winterberry holly will attract songbirds to your yard? Songbirds use it as an emergency food source. It is the native plant for December.

Winterberry holly is native to eastern Canada and the eastern half of the U.S. If you have places in your yard that are plagued by wetness, this is the shrub to plant. It prefers acidic soil and can be grown in partial shade or sun.

Although the plant is common in the wild, you can go to your local nursery and purchase it. Buy one male plant and surround it with female plants which will bear the plant's red beautiful berries. The plants at the nursery should be labeled male and female making it easy to purchase them.

As the plant sheds it's green leaves in winter, it displays red berries, the perfect winter food for attracting songbirds.

If you are not interested in attracting songbirds, you can always use the winterberry holly stems for arts and crafts projects. Just make sure you cut them in November before the songbirds start to enjoy them.

Birds Rely on Birdbaths in Winter Too

2008-12-09T17:48:00.007-05:00

All birds need a constant supply of water for drinking and for bathing. During the winter months birds need water just as much as they do in the summer months, if not more. Available water keeps their feathers in good condition. This is so important because they rely on their feathers for insulation to keep them warm during the cold bitter winter months.

Many birds will drink more water during the winter months. This is because birds who feast on dry nuts do not get enough to hydrate them. Seed eaters also need plenty of water. Water compensates for the lack of moisture in their diet.

A pond or large water source is ideal for attracting birds and wildlife. Unfortunately, most of us do not have this in our yard. Your water source does not have to be elaborate. A simple birdbath, a shallow indentation lined with plastic in your flower bed or a secured inverted lid all will do the trick. Believe it or not, a simple puddle is just as sufficient for birds to use as a water source.

Just make sure that whatever you use, the birds are able to get in an out easily. And please be diligent about keeping all water sources clean and filled with fresh water. Don't forget to crack the ice that my form during the winter months.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that the bird population that frequent your yard during the winter and summer months are happy and healthy visitors.

WINNER OF OUR THANSKGIVING GIVE AWAY

2008-12-02T16:55:00.008-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Thank you to all who participated in our Thanksgiving Give Away by purchasing something out of our etsy shop. We really appreciate your support!

The winner of our give away goes to Rochelle E from North Carolina. CONGRATULATIONS ROCHELLE. You are the winner of the blue Danbury birdhouse with a retail value of $45.00. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15402827

Many of the people who participated in the sale were either etsians with their own shops or people who love to shop from etsian artists. Rochelle has a shop of her own. It is called blackethelcash.etsy.com.

Again, we just want to thank everyone. It was a huge success and we are looking forward to doing something similar again in the Spring of 2009.

THANKSGIVING SALE 10% - 60% OFF - FREE GIVEAWAY

2008-11-23T10:04:00.013-05:00

Visit our etsy store, purchase ANYTHING in our store and be automatically entered into our free giveaway. The more you purchase, the better your chances. Your name will be entered for every purchase made!

This sale starts on Friday morning, November 28th and runs through Monday night, December 1st (EST).

Many many items in our store will be reduced from 10% up to 60% off the original price. The winner will be announced on our blog Tuesday morning, December 2nd.

Want to know what you will be winning? This beautiful carolina blue salt box birdhouse (retail value $45.00) and we will even cover the cost of shipping.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!

Visit From The Boss

2008-11-23T09:27:00.003-05:00

We received a surprise visit from "The Boss" this weekend when were were at the Craft Fair. It was great to see him, his grandmother and Janice. We hope everyone in your family Mason and all your friends have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

DID YOU KNOW - Birds Body Temperature

2008-11-18T18:14:00.005-05:00

A birds normal body temperature is usually 7-8 degrees hotter than a humans. A bird uses up to three quarters of the air it breathes just to cool down because they are unable to sweat.

It's Time To Clean Out The Birdhouses

2008-11-17T18:13:00.010-05:00

Once your birds have moved on and the weather becomes brisk, you should set some time aside to cleaning out your birdhouses.

Remember, even if your birds do not migrate, the nesting season is over by late fall.

We make all our birdhouses fully functional for the outdoors. The backs, bottoms or tops can be unscrewed for cleaning. We also make some with the backs or sides that open too.

If you have a favorite birdhouse that does not have this feature, you can carefully take off one piece. You can always refasten it with a hinge or a screw.

It is very simple to clean out a birdhouse. First you should remove the nesting materials from the house. Some people like to collect the nest. If you are one of them, just make sure you spray the nest with bug spray and let it sit for at least 24 hours before bringing it inside.

You may find unwanted guests in your birdhouse, such as mice or insects. Kindly remove these intruders also. It is unwise to use bug spray inside the birdhouse.

Once your birdhouse is empty, scrub the inside with a stiff brush and soapy sudsy water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly.

If you put your birdhouses back up for the winter, remember to check them again in early early spring. Many of the birds that do not migrate will seek shelter in them during the cold winter months. You may need to clean them out again depending on the activity during the winter.

When your birds return in the spring, their home will be clean and ready for a new family of birds for you to enjoy.

DID YOU KNOW - Squirrels

2008-11-13T09:44:00.008-05:00

Squirrels can jump a distance of up to 2o feet while in the trees and can fall up to 100 feet without hurting themselves. Squirrels can be found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia.

DID YOU KNOW - Eastern Screech Owl

2008-11-11T18:04:00.010-05:00

The Eastern Screech Owl will start to nest in March. This is because the rodent prey, that the adult owl feeds their young, is plentiful and easy to catch.

Even though this owl is nocturnal, it can see quite well in the daylight.

The ear tufts on their heads can be raised and lowered, at will.

As with all owls, they are more often heard then seen.

Can You Identify That Bird????

2008-11-10T17:25:00.012-05:00

It's a beautiful day and you are walking through the woods. You have your binoculars in your hand just in case you see something worthwhile. Up ahead you catch a glimpse of something red flying between the trees. Can you identify this bird?

Along with those binoculars you may also want to add a pen and paper to your list. Without a positive description of what you saw, your identification process will be unsuccessful.

The first thing to note on a bird is its physical features. It is important to remember the size, tail length and beak. You can compare these features to a leaf or branch that you pick up from the ground. The length and color of its wings, back, breast and belly are key characteristics and need to be noted . Don't forget to check out the birds toes. You will also need details of its voice, posture, how it flies, walks or hops. Last but not least, where did you spot it. Was it in a field, at the edge of the woods, by a pond etc.

In order to identify the bird you saw, you will need a Bird Field Guide. You can purchase one of these from the local bookstore. Choose the guide that specifies the birds in the region where you live. With your careful detailed description and the field guide you can narrow down the bird you saw.

This may sound like a lot of work, but do not get discouraged. It takes time and practice to develop an eye for identifying birds. So the next time you are walking through the woods or you get that mystery bird eating birdseed in the back yard, you just might surprise yourself!

DID YOU KNOW- Female Birds

2008-11-08T19:53:00.005-05:00

Female birds choose their mates based on how attractive they are and how beautifully they sing.

DID YOU KNOW- A Bird Naps

2008-11-06T09:05:00.006-05:00

The average adult bird sleeps a total of three and a half days a year. A bird naps for about 15 seconds at a time.

Another's Trash Is Our Treasure

2008-11-04T16:12:00.015-05:00

Fred and I took last weekend off and enjoyed ourselves. We did one of our favorite things that we like to do. We scoured out tag sales and flea markets in search of unique items for our birdhouses. I would say we were pretty successful in our findings.

As always, Fred could not wait to get back and start designing some birdhouses around the items we found. He finished these up today. Sure hope you enjoy the pictures.

All our birdhouses are especially made for the small songbirds that frequent your yard. They are fully functional for outside. We make then so the bottoms unscrew easily for clean out. As with all our birdhouses, we give them a slightly aged appearance.

We found this piece of old brass piping in a box of misc. items at a tag sale down the road.

This is an old window latch that was probably used many years ago. The white paint from the windowsill is still on the latch.

This was a great find at the flea market. It is a cast iron horseshoe with a horse and an old rusty hook attached. A great gift for someone who loves horses or a western theme.

This copper plated drawer handle makes an excellent perch.

These birdhouses will be added to our Etsy store within the next few days.

What Type Of Birds To Expect Throughout The Year

2008-11-01T16:12:00.012-04:00

There are three categories that birds fall into when visiting your yard. There are winter visitors, summer nester's and birds of passage that will come through when migrating in the spring and fall.

Depending on what type of birds visit your yard, there can be an overlap of different species between summer and winter. There are some chickadees, jays, starlings, nuthatches, winter wrens and woodpeckers that will visit your feeders in winter. They will stake out different territories in your yard. If you are lucky, they will stay and nest.

Winter will bring a flow of birds into your yard in search of food but in spring and summer territorial behavior will limit the number that remains. Sometimes this will bring disappointment. You have been watching the birds singing, courting and collecting nest materials, but then you realize that they are building a nest and raising their young out of sight in someone else's yard.

Do not fret, sometimes, they may return in late summer with their families. Other times, they are replaced by other summer visitors such as hummingbirds, swallows or house wrens. If you make it a point to look daily, you will not be disappointed.

Between summer and winter the bird life in your yard is often supplemented by newly independent young birds who are searching for homes of their own. During this time all sorts of birds may turn up while migrating, making it a special worthwhile time to bird watch.

Rare visitors are no exception. The spring and fall migration could bring such a visitor, perhaps one that has been blown off course or strayed. Keep your eye out. If a strange bird appears, try to identify it before it is gone. You never know, such a rarity may make you a celebrity.

MASON The New Boss

2008-10-31T12:35:00.027-04:00

Meet the new boss, Mason. He applied for the job while we were at the Wassaic NY craft show. He showed up early in the morning with great enthusiasm and an interest in our birdhouses. How could we resist.

We gave Mason a little background as to what needed to be done in displaying our birdhouses. He quickly went to work pointing out which birdhouse needed to be strategically placed in order to have a good show.

He diligently placed this birdhouse in the spot HE wanted.

Mason was such a big help both days. We had to snap a couple more pictures of him with a birdhouse. His smile says it all.

Unfortunately this show was only two days, so his tenure with us was short but sweet. We really appreciated all his efforts and help and are nominating him for "Employee of the Month" for October 2008. Mason, you did a GREAT Job.

We would also like to thank him for the two pumpkins that he colorfully decorated for us. (You can see them in the first picture right behind him). They are on our front porch and everyone who goes by loves them.

THANK YOU MASON.

Fred & Lynn

Look Who's In The Yard

2008-10-31T09:13:00.024-04:00

I wonder if you know that an average yard is visited, on a regular basis by 15 to 20 birds.

Across the USA, the most numerous birds that someone can see are cardinals in the southeast, blue jays in the northeast, black capped chickadees in the northwest, and house wrens in the southwest.

DID YOU KNOW

Black Capped Chickadees eat great amounts of seed and are the most common visitors to feeders in their region of the northwest.

BLACK CAPPED CHICKADEE

If you live in the city, you may think that the only birds that visit your neighborhood are the rock doves, house sparrows and starlings. The chances are very good of seeing other birds if there is a vacant lot, a patch of open ground or even a tree around you.

In the suburbs , where it is more rural, the chances of seeing different species of birds increase. There may not be many nesting, but if you have feed out they will certainly visit your feeder. Your opportunity for seeing birds in the winter increase because birds move over a greater area looking for food. Your best bet for seeing a variety of birds comes in the spring and fall when birds are passing through on migration.

Locality does play a major role in what types of birds visit your yard. A visit from certain species of birds depends on whether you have farmland, forest, mountains or desert around you. Lastly it depends on the season, as birds migrate to and from.

Dark-Eyed Junco

DID YOU KNOW

Dark-eyed juncos visit yards across the USA. Their plumage will vary depending on where they are at that specific time in their migration.

Ten Birding Tips

2008-10-29T18:40:00.009-04:00

1. Black Oil Sunflower Seed is the most popular seed. Feeding the birds this seed will give you a variety of backyard songbirds.

2. If you would like to attract the beautiful American Goldfinch, try using nyger seed. Many know this as thistle seed. This seed is oil rich and will draw finches to your feeders.

3. One of the best times to view cardinals is early morning or at dusk. Cardinals like to feed on the ground but will come to feeders that have enough room for them to perch. They prefer to nest in bushes and thickets.

4. Birdseed and suet should be stored in a dark, cool, dry space. Both can also be put in the freezer for storage too.

5. Quality birdseed gives you the most feeding value for your money because birds often toss aside less expensive "filler" seeds. Peanuts, tree nuts and sunflower seeds are quality seeds. These seeds will be eaten with little waste.

6. What about those pesky squirrels. There are squirrel proof feeders available and baffles for existing feeders. If you have enough room in your yard, you may want to set up a feeding area just for the squirrels. This can divert them away from bird feeders. You can keep the squirrel area fully stocked with dried ears of corn and wildlife mixes that are sure to please them.

7. You can extend the life of your quality birdseed such as nyger seed by mixing it with black oil sunflower seeds or seed mix.

8. If you are pressed for time on certain days to restock your bird feeders and seed blocks are an excellent idea. Just unwrap a seed block, set it outdoors and go.

9. A clean feeder is a must to keep birds healthy. You can purchase brushes and bird feeding cleaning products to keep them clean. Oriole feeders and hummingbird feeders need to be cleaned two or three times a week in hot weather before adding fresh nectar.

10. Birdhouses can give winter shelter so keep them up during this time. In very early spring you can clean out the nests and get them ready for new families.

Water and Birdhouses

2008-10-27T13:03:00.030-04:00

Birds love birdbaths and a crowed birdbath brings quality entertainment for everyone to enjoy. A modest size birdbath will attract a wide variety of songbirds, especially if a feeder is nearby. A supply of water in a birdbath or pond provides another incentive for birds to visit your yard throughout the year. Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing. Water is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Birds need to keep cool during hot summer days and what better way than a birdbath. Birds do not sweat but pant to keep cool. In the winter, birds need fresh drinking water. The alternative is eating snow. They have to warm it and this costs them precious energy. Birds also continue to preen throughout the winter. This helps to maintain the insulation of the plumage, which is vital to the survival of birds in cold weather.

Even in a mature yard that is well planted with trees, dense vines and shrubs, there is likely a shortage of suitable nest sites. This is especially true if large number of local birds have been maintained through the winter by food supplied at feeders. It's so easy to follow the bird family life unfold if you put up a well placed birdhouse. A birdhouse should be placed away from the worst effects of the sun and rain. It must be secure enough not to fall down, but it does not matter if it wobbles a bit.

You must resist the temptation to visit a birdhouse or any other nest during the laying season. The laying period is a very sensitive time, and some birds desert their nest if it is disturbed. Visits also make the nest more vulnerable to predators who will follow the trail of your scent, out of curiosity.

Research has shown that a single visit to a robin or bluebird nest increases the chance of both dessertion and predators. If well groomed nestlings are disturbed, they are likely to erupt out of the nest in a panic. If they do, gently place them back into the birdhouse and stuff the entrance with a handkerchief until they settle down. There are about 80 species of birds that nest in cavities and are candidates for birdhouses.

Feeding The Birds

2008-10-27T11:16:00.040-04:00

Your success in attracting birds depends on how far you can fulfill their basic needs. Even if your yard does not contain the natural wealth of food, water or large trees, you can create these features for our feathered friends by providing birdfeeders, birdbaths and a birdhouse .

You do not need anything elaborate to feed the birds. Just a few pieces of crust thrown on the ground will do the trick. Of course, many use commercial feed as a food source for feeding the birds. Feeding the birds is a popular pastime and it is estimated that 85 million people in North America use birdfeeders or landscape their yards with certain plants to attract birds. Studies show that several birds including chickadees, titmice, nuthatches and woodpeckers can benefit from extra food supplies during the winter.

Just to give you an idea as to what birds may require for food, a blackcapped chickadee requires about 160 sunflower seeds each day and requires 250 seeds in a severe frost. Researchers have found that chickadees only take about a quarter of their food from feeders. In other words, the food we give them is a supplement to their natural diet, but is extremely valuable in very cold weather. When natural supplies are scarce, birdfeeders can make all the difference. The birds rely on this food to survive in temperatures zero degrees and below.

By perching quietly with their feathers fluffed out for extra insulation, birds can conserve energy too. They can can do this only as long as they have enough body fat to act as fuel though. Once this is used up they will either freeze or starve. Therefore, it cannot be stressed enough how important feeding the birds becomes in the cold winter months. Feeding in the summer can also be beneficial to birds. Raising a family is a tiring job. Some bird parents can make several hundred flights to the nest with food each day. Making it easy to find an additional food source for them can make their job less strenuous.

Most people get pleasure from the birds that come into the yard. For people who are confined indoors, backyard birdwatching can become a particular joy. A few minutes in the morning or evening can be a perfect way to forget about the tensions of the work day. Children can also enjoy and learn from the frequent visitors that come to the feeders.

DID YOU KNOW

Food from the feeder is not usually suitable for nestlings. The feeder is actually something like a fast food joint, where both parents can get a nourishing treat for themselves while collecting food for their young.

WINTER FOOD

It is often said that once you start to feed the birds in the winter, you should not stop until winter is over. The University of Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology has said putting food into feeders can make life for the birds that much easier and it is a valuable contribution to their survival in the hard winter, but no bird relies entirely on one source of food. In natural circumstances, birds have to adapt to changing food sources for their survival and this depends on how quickly they find new food supplies. There are times when birds may become dependent on bird feeders. In the spring, before their natural food is readily available or in unusual hard spells of weather, well stocked feeders are life savers.

SUMMER FEEDING

Many people stop feeding birds at the end of winter because they are afraid that they may temp migrants to stay behind, when in fact, birds may need the extra food to put on fat to be used for their juorney. Many of the birds that do not migrate will leave the suburbs for the country to nest. Those that do, turn to natural food and seem to ignore the feeders.

The yard cannot always be relied upon to be an adequate source of food. If you have coaxed the birds into nesting in one of your birdhouses, you should make sure that they have enough to eat. Many people are often afraid that the nestlings may be fed unsuitable food from a feeder, but in many bird species, the diet of the nestling differs from the adults. The parents can obtain their own requirements easily from the feeder, while finding the correct natural food for their offspring.

Plenty To See When You Attract Birds

2008-10-27T10:49:00.030-04:00

Many people get pleasure from the birds that frequent their yard. Feeders provide the easiest way to attract birds. Close encounters with birds are a magical experience. The thrill that comes with the nearness of nature can be experienced by something so simple as chickadees landing on your hand to enjoy some seed.

A more unusual and spectacular occurrence, such as a hummingbird buzzing on almost transparent wings at a sugar-water dispenser outside your window, can create a lasting impression.

DID YOU KNOW

Hummingbirds are the only animal that can fly backwards.

A Message For The Back Yard Bird Watcher

2008-10-24T17:20:00.009-04:00

We make all our birdhouses for the small song birds that frequent your yard. Our objective is to offer information that we have been asked over the past few years. Our goal is to keep you informed on as much information as possible, so you can attract birds to your back yard.

Here's a little tidbit: Did you know that birds are the most visible and entertaining form of wildlife? They come in all colors, provide hours of entertainment as they bathe, feed, court and nest. The effort is minimal in attracting them. The main ingredients are food, water, plants and a good sturdy birdhouse.

Our Show Schedule

2008-10-23T11:40:00.012-04:00

This is a list of our scheduled shows:

Nov. 15 & 16

Westport CT

Harvest Fair @ St. Luke Church

Nov. 22

Ridgefield CT

East Ridge Middle School

Nov. 28, 29 & 30

West Springield, MA

Big E Better Living Building

Old Deerfield Craft Show

Dec 5 & 6

Bethlehem CT

Christmas Town Festival

About Birdhouse Accents

2008-10-23T11:02:00.013-04:00

I started making birdhouses about seven years ago as a hobby for family and friends. Somewhere, someone had the brilliant idea that I "should sell those things". I tried it and since than it has grown into a full time passion. I have always loved wood working and consider myself so lucky to be doing something I enjoy day after day.

Our inspiration comes from the many songbirds that come back year after year. Their melodious songs and cute antics have become an enjoyable part of our lives. We have many birdhouses in our yard, some big, some small, some new and some old. We have one in particular that we have hanging up in a tree now for over six years. It is dilapidated and falling apart. Our friends are always telling us to get rid of it, yet we have not been able to do that. A family of wrens come back year after year. We can't wait for next spring to watch them take over this dilapidated birdhouse, build their nest and raise their brood.

We love to take day trips and scout out tag sales and flea markets. Imagination is a wonderful attribute and plays out alot in the thought process of making a birdhouse. We strive to find treasures that are unique. Our birdhouses are one of a kind pieces. Many hours go into the making of a birdhouse. It could be a triple layer of paint that has been distressed, to a certain roof angle to give it just the right look, to something so odd that we feel it just has to sell. All our birdhouses are given a worn, aged look to them. We feel it adds to the character of the birdhouse.

We participate in many craft fairs throughout the year starting in March and continuing through December. We enjoy talking to people and try to answer all their questions from what type of bird would live in one of our birdhouses to how do you get those pesky squirels from taking over. We especially love the children. It is so exciting to see a little one trying to coax their parents into buying a birdhouse. We encourage this wonderful hobby of getting them involved in the world of birding and are always grateful when they listen to their child.

We try to recycle in any way we can. We ship in used boxes and use old bubble wrap from a kyack place down the road. We subscribe to the local paper. Another way to recylce packaging, who would have thought.

All our birdhouses are hand crafted and designed by us. Our birdhouses make excellent gifts for any occasion and are sure to put a smile on someones face.

Fred & Lynn