Wild birds are one group that are becoming increasingly affected by the rise of global warming, due to changes in their habitats and the ways that they gather food. In addition, global warming is affecting migratory birds, who are more frequently becoming confused. In the past, the cold weather was always a clear signal that it was time to head south, however warm spells are resulting in many birds waiting longer before migrating. This can be particularly dangerous, as winter often arrives with a harsh storm, which ends up killing off the birds before they have a chance to head south.

Scientists from the Smithsonian have recently been studying large groups of birds in south east asia, where the effects of global warming are expected to be the most pronounced. Studies have already shown that certain birds are having trouble coping, due to drought and monsoons, which both hinder their ability to find food. Furthermore, global warming is having a negative impact on the plants and wildlife that local birds are accustomed to consuming. With these species quickly vanishing, large flocks of birds are starting to die from starvation. With no easy solution in sight, some scientists are considering setting up programs to manually relocate the birds to better environments.

Further south in Antarctica, scientists have been studying penguins, which are known to live on floating sea ice. As the ice has been melting, the penguins are losing their habitats, and are in some cases, drowning. Only those who are the best swimmers in the pack are able to survive the frigid waters to swim long distances to safety.

Overall, global warming is having a massive impact on every facet of the planet. Whether it be our own local weather systems, or the wild birds around the world, the effects are becoming increasingly noticeable.

For more information on the studies performed by the Smithsonian, visit: http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2013/02/can-birds-survive-climate-change/

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Nectar Feeders – Nectar Feeders are incredibly useful for those looking to attract hummingbirds. Nectar is consumed almost exclusively by hummingbirds, and therefore won’t attract other unwanted birds to your property.

Tube Feeders – One of the most commonly available commercial bird feeders is the tube feeder. Most tube feeders are designed to carry mixed seeds, such as sunflower seeds, milo seed and millet. These types of feeders are known to attract a wide variety of small nesting birds.

Orange Halves – Sometimes the best bird feeder option is no bird feeder at all. One of the simplest and most effective methods to attract birds that eat sweet liquids, such as orioles, is to use orange halves. Simply cut an orange in half, and then affix it to a location on your property. Within hours, you can expect orioles to be swarming around. Be sure to attach the orange, otherwise you may later find it missing due to other animals such as squirrels.

Mesh Sock Feeders – If your goal is to attract small birds such as goldfinches, while keeping the crows and seagulls at bay, you may wish to consider a mesh sock feeder. This type of bird feeder uses a mesh “sock” to feed small birds with small beaks. They are typically filled with thistle seed, which is known to be a favourite of many small birds.

Suet Cage Feeders – Looking to attract larger birds such as woodpeckers? Suet Cage feeders are known to be incredibly effective at attracting larger birds, especially those that enjoy suet.

Overall, there are many choices of bird feeders to choose from, ranging from commercially built feeders, to those that you can build yourself. In order to attract specific birds, it is important to choose the most appropriate feeder.

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Sunflower Seeds – This is an excellent choice when it comes to backyard feeders, as sunflower seeds seem to be enjoyed by a large number of birds, including chickadees, jays, grosbeaks, cardinals, sparrows and more. When choosing the type of sunflower seed for your feeder, keep in mind that the seeds with thick and large shells will be more likely to attract the larger birds, while the smaller thinner shelled seeds will attract both small and large birds alike.

Nyjer – These small thin seeds are great for attracting small finches. They are great for attracting small birds, and have the nutrimental requirements that many birds require to make it through the winter. The only downside of this type of bird food is that it is small and light, making it difficult to keep in one place.

Cracked Corn – If you’re looking to go on the cheap, you may wish to choose cracked corn. This common and less expensive type of seed is suitable for many of the larger birds, including sparrows, ducks, blackbirds and quail. While it is often used as filler in common commercial bird seed mixes, it can be purchased on it’s own if desired.

Milo – This is the one type of bird food that you’re probably going to want to avoid. While it may be incredibly cheap, it is often discarded by most birds because it is too large and undesirable. Many birds are known to toss this type of food on the ground, which can result in an investigation of mice and squirrels.

Overall, the choice of bird seed entirely depends on the types of birds that you wish to attract. It is the single most important factor in determining which birds will frequent your feeders, therefore it is a choice that should be made carefully.

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There are many benefits that come with owning a pet, many of which can have a positive impact on reducing depression. The most prolific of these benefits include:

A sense of responsibility: Those without a sense of responsibility often experience low self worth. By taking care of an animal, individuals feel that they are important, thus elevating their mood.

Activity: One of the key problems with depression is that sufferers are known to sit idle, without any form of activity. By taking on a pet, the individual in question usually becomes more active, as it’s necessary to keep up with the pet. Not only is this great for mental health, but its great for physical health as well.

Companionship: Being lonely is one of the most common causes of depression. Even though it isn’t human interaction, having interaction with an animal can be just as beneficial. For those who are suffering from depression due to isolation, an animal might be the perfect solution.

Touch: Research has found that contact with others has a positive impact on our mental health. Further studies have shown that the same is true with the touch of an animal.

Overall, cases of depression vary individual to individual, however it seems that it’s quite likely that animals could be a viable cure for depression.

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 There are many ways that the public can get involved and help with this year’s goal. The first method is to fund a a local tree planting event. The cost of acquiring the trees from tree farms is often substantial, and by donating to help fund the events, you can help increase the number of trees that each event is able to plant. Secondly, if you’re part of a group, particularly a youth group, you can get involved by hosting a national tree planting event. The National Wildlife Foundation has setup a full system to help groups organize a tree planting event in their community. They’ll supply everything that’s needed in order to get the project on track.

If you’re not interested in taking part in actual event, you can even help from home. Each year, thousands of people sponsor a tree by donating on the NWF’s website. Some do it for themselves, while others have trees planted in memory of a loved one. Having a tree planted and dedicated to a loved one is one of the most memorable ways that you can carry a loved one’s legacy forward. For those who choose this option, a certificate is mailed to the donor, along with information on the specific tree that was planted.

Overall, as part of national wildlife week, it’s everyone’s job to makes sure that we do everything we can to help wildlife.

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Denali National Park, Alaska – If you’re not from the north, taking a trip to Alaska to go bird watching may seem like a bit of a stretch, but once you arrive, you’ll realize that it’s worth it. The Denali National park features spectacular views, magnificent scenery, and most of all, a wide selection of birds to see. In Denali you can expect to see some unique species including the Arctic Warbler, the Northern Goshawk, and the Northern Wheatear. The entire atmosphere is perfect for those looking to get away and enjoy the peace of nature.

Yosemite National Park – While most tourists come only for the scenery, birders get all that, plus some. Yosemite is packed with some of the nations most unique birds, including Great Grey Owls, the American Dipper and Northern Pgymy-Owls. This off the beaten path location provides some of the best bird watching in the nation.

Monterey Bay – For the more adventurous bird watchers, set sail in Monterey Bay, California. Local companies in the area offer a variety of bird watching trips which take birders out on the water to see Flesh-footed Shearwaters and Black Storm-Petrels, as well as countless other unique species.  Most birders who have taken the trip report adding as many as 15 birds to their lists!

Overall, there are hundreds of great bird watching locations around the nation, with countless species to tick off your list. If you’re truly into bird watching, be sure to check out some of the great bird watching communities that exist online.

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Something to keep in mind with any type of bird feeder is to make sure that it is easy to fill, easy to clean, sturdy, and does not have any sharp edges.  You don’t want to have to replace your feeder because you can’t get into it to clean it out, and sharp edges can be dangerous both to you and to the birds.

Hopper type bird feeders attract most types of feeder birds, but also attract squirrels because of the large tray at the bottom where the seed is reachable.  Tray feeders offer even less protection against squirrels, and no protection against the weather.  They will, however, attract sparrows, juncos and doves if placed near the ground.  Nectar feeders will attract orioles and hummingbirds.  Tube feeders protect seed and are more squirrel resistant than hopper or tray feeders.  The type of bird attracted to these depends on the size of the perches.  Larger perches will accommodate grackles and jays, while smaller posts will exclude these birds but will attract smaller birds like finches.  Thistle feeders attract finches.  Suet feeders may attract starlings or other birds that you don’t want to feed, but will almost always attract woodpeckers and nuthatches.  Peanut feeders will attract different birds depending on whether you leave the shell on or off.  Shelled peanuts will attract woodpeckers and nuthatches.  Peanuts in the shell will bring jays.  Hearts and pieces will attract chickadees and Carolina Wrens.

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It is important that birds feel safe or they won’t visit your feeders.  Some ideal places to put feeders are in or near evergreen trees or near large brush piles.  Birds like to have somewhere that they can hide from predators and escape from harsh weather.  You may also build or install nest boxes for wild birds to nest in.  Chickadees, bluebirds and titmice are all likely to nest in backyard bird houses.

Another great way to attract more birds to your yard or garden is by planting vegetation that will attract them.  Black-eyed susans and sunflowers both have seeds which birds love to eat.  Hummingbirds are fond of tubular-shaped flowers.  Fruit trees and shrubs will attract birds that eat fruit, and conifers will provide not only shelter and places to nest but also seeds for them to eat.

The last thing you need to keep in mind to attract wild birds is providing running water.  While birdbaths with standing water can attract birds, they are fonder of running water such as a small pond with a waterfall or a slow drip into a birdbath.  Making sure that there is an unfrozen water source in the winter can do wonders for attracting birds, especially if you live up north.

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Ruby Throated Hummingbird Nectar

Ingredients:

White sugar

Water

The ratio of sugar to water will be 1 to 4.  For example, if you are using 1 cup of sugar, you will need 4 cups of water.

Mix together the sugar and the water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil.  Allow to boil for two minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.

Once it’s cool, you can put it in your hummingbird feeder.  Quick tip: use a red feeder, so that you can use clear liquid.  Excess nectar can be stored in the refrigerator until it turns cloudy.

American Robin Bird Food

Ingredients:

Granola bar (a cheap one is fine)

Peanut butter

Chopped berries

Cover the granola bar with peanut butter.  Roll the bar over a plate of chopped berries.  Place the bar into an open-roofed feeder.  This food works well for a variety of birds such as Tree Swallows and Wood Thrushes as well.

Carolina Chickadee Food

Ingredients:

10 stale crackers

1 cup dry dog food (with small pieces)

¼ cup cooking oil

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and place into a bird feeder or spread onto the ground.  That’s it!

Have fun experimenting with these bird food recipes.  Your birds will enjoy it!

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Big Bend

Western Texas is home to the Big Bend National Park, so called because of the great sweeping arch of the Rio Grande which curves backwards along the border of Mexico. The area has been home to a variety of tribes and groups over the years but the 800,000 acres of desert land and canyon walks is now most famous for its 450 species birds. A visit to Big Bend will likely yield sightings of some big – Turkey Vultures and Golden Eagles, and many small feathered friends – Hummingbirds, Golden Warblers, Cuckoos, Cardinals and more.

Death Valley

With a name like Death Valley you might not expect much from this 3 million acre national park. But the largest national park outside of Alaska has much to offer in terms of wildlife and birds. The large desert wilderness in Eastern California is flanked by mountains which are home to a host of Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Canada Geese and Golden Eagles. Spring is the best time to visit Death Valley, when thousands of species flock through the desert areas.

Grand Teton

Grand Teton in Northern Wyoming attracts nearly 4 million visitors a year, and for good reason, monstrous mountains, languid lakes and beauty all year round make Grand Teton, home to the Jackson Hole the ultimate American camping, fishing and hiking park. As well as this Teton also offers a great experience for bird watching enthusiasts with the parks interactive birding brochure, helping you to spot Trumpeter Swans, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Prairie Falcons and many more.

Biscayne

Biscayne National Park in Florida is probably best-known for its mangrove swamps and snorkelling opportunities, but as well boasting a bevy of fish and crocodiles in these parts, there are over 170 species of bird here and Jones Lagoon in particular is a jackpot for spotting Gray Catbird, Magrove Cuckoo, White Ibis, Brown Pelicans and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. If you like temperate climes and the opportunity to flit between beach and wildlife reserve then Florida’s Biscayne National Park is for you.

Wind Cave

Wind Cave Canyon is a fantastic spot for spying the nesting grounds of Cliff Swallows nestled among the limestone walls, but as well as the cave there are many winged beauties to be found in the prairies and pine forests of Wind Cave National Park. Late Spring and mid-Summer are the best times to visit, and to spot the American Robin, Horned Lark, Wild Turkey and more.

Whether big or small, the chirps or caws of birdlife echo across the parks of America. Deserts, swamps, canyons and mountains are all host to a huge variety. It’s worth planning ahead to make the most of your trip, especially if you favour a particular variety of feathered fowl.

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The author of this post is David Bailey, a keen Audubon enthusiast who can frequently be found taking photographs in the London Wetlands Centre in Barnes. His favourite trips to US National Parks always include bird watching opportunities. If you are interested in taking a birdwatching tour to American  National Parks consider travelling with Audley Travel.

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