When birds start a family close to your home, it offers a thrilling chance to observe their behavior. But if they choose to place the abode in a high-traffic area, it can be challenging too. Here are some pointers on how to be a good host.
Enjoy the Front-Row Seat
Most birds are secretive nesters. So when a pair chooses a visible spot, such as under the caves of a porch, it provides a rare opportunity to watch their family life up close. If the nest is visible from a window, you have a perfect situation: Most birds quickly adapt to being watched through the glass, especially if you avoid sudden movements near the window.
Writing notes on the things you observe each day makes the process more interesting and educational. Can you tell when the adults have started incubating or when the eggs have hatched? Can you see what kind of food they're bringing to the youngsters? Generally it's best not to approach the nest too closely. But if you can't resist peeking in to check the contents-no more than once every few days-it's OK. Do it when the parents are away, toward the middle of the day, not early in the morning when it's cooler and the birds may be feeding more actively. And steer clear of the nest when the young are nearly full-grown, or they may jump out before they're totally ready.
この記事は Birds & Blooms の June/July 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Birds & Blooms の June/July 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Rainbow of Colors
Summer ts prime time for picturesque hummingbird sightings
Climbing On Up
Color your garden with these flowering vines
Beauties of the Southwest
Learn how and where to find North America’s showiest hummingbird
Cooling Off
Here’s how to help hummingbirds during extreme temperatures
Ask the Experts
Pros offer gardening advice and insightful info on birds
flower power!
These extraordinary Photo Contest entries showcase the subtle and diverse beauty of backyard blooms
SMALL BIRDS, BIG THRILLS
Costa Rica is full of dazzling hummingbirds-here are eight to add to your international bird bucket list
Backyard Berry Patch
Follow this guide for growing a bumper crop of strawberries at home
Clever Cowbirds
Learn more about these birds that are infamous for letting others raise their young
Ask the Experts
Pros offer spring plant care tips and tough IDs