Wild About Wild Life

Believe it or not, about one million people in North Americans partake in putting up Purple Martin birdhouses and Purple Martin gourds. However, many of those well meaning landlords are unable to attract breeding Purple Martins. We hope to shed a little light on this skill, whether you are thinking about becoming a Purple Martin landlord or already are one. Once a Purple Martin nests in your neck of the woods, they will come back every year IF you manage the site correctly. Purple Martins do not typically die from storms or pesticides, as some people presume. Purple Martins that share a breeding site don’t migrate or overwinter as a group. Much of the reason for a colony loss is commonly the result of something that happened in the landlord’s own neck of the woods during the nesting season. With this article, we seek to minimize the problems that people face that are usually caused by bad management practices. I hope you find this to be helpful in your quest to be a good landlord of your Purple Martins and your Purple Martin bird houses.

Listed below are some ideas and things to consider BEFORE you attempt to attract Purple Martin bird colonies to your neck of the woods. Please read carefully and let me know if you have any additional questions. I will endeavor to assist you with you questions as best as I can. Now, let’s get started!!

1. EDUCATE YOURSELF FIRST. Don’t make the mistakes that others have of buying or building Purple Martin Houses before you do your research. You may realize later, after spending much time, money and materials, that you have sheds, trees or your house that are too close or enclosed for Purple Martins or your Purple Martin Houses are too difficult to manage by the way you have them set up. There are some really good sources out on the net to help with this. You can visit www.purplemartin.org as a good starter reference and I do believe you can speak with other landlords that house Purple Martin Birds.

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION.  You have heard it said before in business and other venues, “Location, location, location”. This is a very important detail that many beginning landlords overlook when starting out to set up Purple Martin gourds and/ or a Purple Martin House. One of the major reasons people fail to attract Purple Martins is that they place the Martin housing incorrectly. Purple Martins have very specific space requirements. Purple Martin Birdhouses should be in the center of the largest open spot available, about 30 – 120 feet from your house or other human houses. Place the housing where you can see it so you can enjoy the sites and sounds of the Purple Martin. There should be no trees near the Purple Martin gourd or house within 40 feet and it is better if you are able to go 60 feet. The farther the Purple Martin houses are from trees the better. Housing height should be approximately 10 – 15 feet from the ground. Refrain from attaching any cords from the house to the ground or from the house to a tree to prevent predator attacks. Go to  http://www.birdhousenow.com/report/  for more detail.

3. ERECT PURPLE MARTIN HOUSES THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO MAINTAIN AND MANAGE.  One of the best ways to increase your success to inhabit Purple Martins in your neck of the woods is to choose a Purple Martin pole that telescopes or that has a lanyard and hosing that has easy access to compartments. Try and avoid purchasing houses that only allows roof access for cleaning or only through entrance holes. Your Purple Martin houses and gourds should be white in color or a light color as this will best attract the Purple Martin birds. This also will help to keep the nest cooler and reflects sunlight.

4. PURPLE MARTIN HOUSES MUST HAVE SPECIFIC DIMENSIONS TO BE INHABITED.  This is VERY important and not to be compromised at all. the compartment floor dimensions of your Purple Martin House should be at least 6″ X 6″, but larger compartments are a great preference by the Purple Martins and offer a better protection from local predators and rain. These dimentions run at 7″ X 12″ and this is what the Purple Martin bird likes best.

A.  The height of the compartment to consider when planning for your Purple Martin house plans, is to ensure they are 6″ – 7″. Place the entrace holes 1″ above the floor. an entrace hole of 2-1/8″ is preferred, but a range from 1-7/8″ to 2- 1/4″. 

B. Ventilation and drainage is very important features to have in your Purple Martin bird house.

Many Purple Martin house plans and pre-fabricated Purple Martin houses are made to incorrect dimensions. If you are not experiencing success with your Martins, check your dimentions and modify them where you need to.

Improvement to existing or pre fabricated Purple Martin houses is not a hard thing. You may add things such as insulation to the attic, add porch dividers which help to keep males from claiming extra compartments and doubling occupancy rates, as well as remodeling interiors to offer double-size compartments. These dividers also keep nestlings from wandering to other compartments where they can get lost and die or steal food from younger nestlings, causing them to starve.

**For more information on purchasing housing for your Purple Martins, simply visit: http://www.wildlife-houses.com/index.php?cPath=27&&page=2

We would like to invite everyone of you to “A Recreation Celebration”. The Frontier Refining Inc Superday is an annual clebration kicking off July as National Parks and Recreation Month. Superday is hosted by the Cheyenne Parks and Recreation Department to promote a greater awareness of the value and availability of recreation and leisure activities.

When:  Saturday June 26, 2010

Where: Lions Park – Cheyenne Wyoming

Time:  9am – 5pm

What:   FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!!!!

This is going to be a fun event and we will be there showing off our Edible Birdhouses.  Join me , The Birdhouse Guy and BatMan Ken, for some fun in the sun. Come on out and meet us at our tent in section 11 tent #43.

Come see a great selection of tournaments, baloons, games, contests martial arts demos, dance performances, bands, cash prized and lots and LOTS  OF  FOOD!!!! This will be a great time for you and your family. Every year there is a great turnout. If you are able to make it out, come by and say hello. We would love to meet you.

Look for the tent that has the banner ~ ” FREEDOM ENTERPRISES PRESENTS – THE BACKYARD NETWORK“

WE  ARE  LOOKING  FORWARD  TO  SEEING  YOU  THERE!!!!

A wonderful way to control mosquitoes and insects, naturally, in your neck of the woods is with BATS!!! Yes, those weird little creatures that fly through the air and are kind of freaky looking. There are many myths surrounding these assets of nature, but that will be for another article. Knowing how to counter act our insects requires knowing what tools are available in our area to do so. Maybe you have considered housing bats for natural insect control and for pollination, but don’t know what bats are in your area to do so. Lets take a look now at what kinds of bats are in YOUR area and we hope this will be educational for you at the same time.

Northeastern States: In this area of the country you will probably see the Little Brown and the Big Brown and they do use artificial roosts or bat houses. You might also find the Evening Bat, Eastern Pipistrelle, Yuma Myotis or the Mexican free- tailed bat and these also will use bat houses. Almost any bat that lives in crevices, old buildings, attics or under bridges will likely live in a bat house. Again as in the previous article on attracting bats you can paint the bat house black or a dark shade in this section of the country and face it to the south-southeast to keep it warm.

Northwestern States: Some of the common bat species that occupy artificial roosts would be the Eastern Pipistrelle, Pallid bat, Little Brown, Big Brown, Mexican free-tailed and the Yuma myotis. Again because of the generally colder temperatures you can paint the exterior of the bat houses a darker color for heat absorption.

Southeastern States: Down here some bats like the roost in total sunlight, some in partial shade and others in total shade. You can leave the house a natural wood or paint it white with a non-toxic latex paint. Again roosts placed on buildings or poles are likely to be occupied first and if not filled by the second summer move to another location. In these states you are likely to see the Southeastern bat, Evening Bat, Big Brown and the Mexican Free-tailed.

Southwestern states: As in the Southeast some bats prefer total sunlight, others partial shade and others full shade. The most common bats in this area are the Mexican Free-tailed, Big Brown, Little Brown and a few other species that I can not find definite conformation on artificial roost usage.

Bat occupancy varies and here are a few statistics to show why we need patience.

• In some surveys bats occupy about 60% of all types of roosts. Bats are always looking for roosts and are experts at detecting all types of shelters while they are foraging at night.
• Bat houses on poles or buildings are easier for them to find and are occupied 2- 21/2 times faster than placed at other areas. 90% of these artificial homes are occupied in the first 2 years , the rest took from 3-5 years. Multi chambered homes seem to work best.
• Maintain your bat houses each year and clean out wasp and mud-dauber nests with high pressure water. DO NOT use insecticides or poisons as they will kill the bats and the babies.
• Check the houses for cracks and seal up for their use the next year and good luck on your bat houses.

**For more information on how you can naturally help your environment with the proliferation and preservation of bats, simply visit:  http://www.wildlife-houses.com/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=331

Happy Bat-ting!!!

WHAT:  Here we go with “Spring Into Green” Event!  This will be fun for the whole family.

WHEN :  JUNE 19, 2010!

WHERE: CAHILL PARK, CHEYENNE WYOMING

TIME: 2:00 PM

Proceeds will benefit the Chryenne Greenway Foundation. A non-profit organization formed to provide enhancements to the Greenway in Cheyenne Wyoming!

• Bring your own water bottle to fill
• Healthy snacks provided
• Recycle bins on site

ENTRY FEES

FAMILY : $45.00

ADULTS : $ 20.00

 STUDENTS : $15.00  (ID Required)

 KIDS UNDER 5 YEARS : FREE

REGISTRATION STARTS AT 12:00 PM

EVENT STARTS AT 2:00 PM

EVENTS :

TORTISE: 2k Family Walk~ 2:oo pm

HARE: 5k Walkers ~ 2:15 pm

HOUND: 10k Runners ~ 2: 20 pm

FOX: 5 mi. Bike Cruiser ~ 2:30 pm

AWARDS & RAFFLE PRIZES!                                                                                                            

Awards for Hare and Hound Races.

Eash paid participant is entered for Raffle!     

ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED BY:   GARY “THE BIRDHOUSE GUY” & BELVEDERE BYRD

 * For More Information and Registration Visit: www.cheyennegreenwayfoundation.org                                                 

BELVEDERE BYRD

Summer is just around the corner and so are the mosquitoes. You know, those pesky little boogers that show up at your BBQ functions and out door events that the bats rave over. You may not be able to totally rid your area of mosquitoes, even with the help of natural insect controllers such as birds and bats, but there are some preventive ideas to help control them.

One way to control mosquitoes around your neck of the woods, home and yard is to keep all containers and surfaces free of standing water. This includes, but is not limited to: wagons and other toys, old tires, rain barrels, wading pools, flat roof, saucers under potted plants and watering cans.

To help ward off mosquito bites, use an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of eucalyptus.  AVOID spraying repellent directly on your face. Instead, spray your hands and run them carefully over your face, avoiding eyes and mouth. For safe use on babies and children, use DEET products with a concentration of no more than 30%.  AVOID DEET products on infants under 2 months of age, and do not use oil of eucalyptus on children under the age of 3.

Summer time is a great time for gardening, BBQ’s, birding, batting and other events, but we want to do it safely and carefully. So this summer, protect your family and friends in your outdoor activity, while still protecting the wonderful wildlife that is there for us to enjoy.

**For more information on how to house natural insect control in your area, simply visit: www.wildlife-houses.com

Special thanks to Washington Toxics Coalition, U.S. Centers for Disease control.

Recently I came across a great birder site on the web and thought that I would share it with you. It is “Bird Life International Community.”

This site deals with many issues facing our hobbies and birds today. When visiting this site, you will find information on all things birds and how we can work together to help in natural preservation of our avian friends. The site gives global coverage of events that are going on in that part of the globe to include Africa, Asia, America’s, Europe, Middle East and the like.  New posts are shared weekly from around the world.  Topics like Regional Work, Global Protrammes, Action Takers, Publications, Updated Data, Partnerships and fresh News updates.  So instead of hitting 20 different sites to stay abreast of this information, this site offers a “One Stop Shop” of sorts for your review and research.

The site also encourages its readers to engage in their ideas, stories and information of all things bird life, with their Blog Posts drop down.  Here you will find information on policy, preservation, and other sites on what the global community is doing to help preserve the avian wildlife. You’ll find articles from organizational directors, conservationalists, enthusiasts and the like. A great resourse from a grass roots level. All of this on one site! Not to mention products, maps, adversiements and video. It even has a translator button. So if you speak another language, you can still be involved and informed by selecting the language you are most accustomed to.

Cedar Waxwing

And for those of you that like to bookmark and share, they have user friendly links right on the home page to click to Twitter, Facebook and You Tube to name a few. This way you can help to keep family, friends and fellow bird aquaintences informed and abreast on some of the latest issue and events going on in the birding community.

I hope that you will take a moment and visit Bird Life International Community site today at :  http://www.birdlife.org/community/. Words can’t even begin to express the great experience you will have when visiting this site. These folks truely are “Working together for birds and people.” Won’t you also be apart of this great mission? When you get there, tell em’ The Birdhouse Guy sent you and we will hope to see you there!!

Happy Birding,

The Birdhouse Guy!

If you are interested in attracting bats to your garden, here are a few tips for you to follow. We will cover the different parts of the country and perhaps some of the best ways and places to mount bat houses as well as other criteria needed for your own insect controllers.

Lighting And Water To Attract Bats

Some general ideas that work in most places are keep your patio lights and any outdoor lights you have on all night. These lights attract insects and that provides a food source for your bats. Also a birdbath with fresh water would be something good for bats as they need fresh water to drink and it keeps them up a little higher to keep them out of a predators way. Okay, now to some specific information.

The Bats Roost – Where To Place Them

Bats are always looking for new roosts and the primary thing for us to remember is patience. It may take up to two years to establish a roost. So consider were to put up an artificial roost and in what direction to face it and if the OUTSIDE Only of the bat house should be painted. The bat house should be facing to the south-southeast for at least seven hours of direct sunlight. If there is a permanent stream or pond within a quarter mile this would also be great for them and if there is a woods or forest tree line within 100 feet to hide in in case of predators also good. However not all locales support this, so alternatives will be needed. For example a birdbath with fresh water would work or a garden pool would also be agreeable to them.

Temperature – An Important Consideration

Temperature is a critical requirement for bats. In the northern and central parts of the country the bat roosts need heat and lots of it, especially in the winter. You can paint the outside of the bat house a darker color with a non-toxic latex paint and try to provide the roost with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight, preferably eight to twelve hours would be better. Make sure the edges are caulked to prevent air leaks as this will cause the heat to leak out. Most bats have a winter hibernation place to go but you may be lucky and they will stay in the roost, but remember if you disturb them in any way during hibernation they will probably die.

In the southern climes paint the outside with a lighter more reflective color to remove some of the heat from the roost. If you mount the bat houses on a pole in the south, put up two of them and face one north and one south. If the bats occupy the north one more, in extremely hot temperatures between 95-100 and above a 100 degrees you can put up a tin roof over the top of the houses and if the temperatures run between 95-100 it is highly recommended to paint the roost a medium color and a white roof and over a 100 paint a light shade and a white roof. Again temperature is critical for the summer roosts and nurseries. Remember some bats have a winter hibernation area and they will return the next season.

The Importance of Proper Mounting

Where you mount a bat house is critical and they will be occupied quicker if on a building or pole. Again they need to be high enough to be beyond the reach of most predators. Between 12-25 feet at the lowest and maybe better at around twenty feet if possible. New roosts need to be up before winter so they can be found in the spring when the bats come out to eat after hibernation. If the roost is not occupied by the second year try moving it to a different location. Remember, patience is necessary if you want to have bats around. A great natural insect controller.

* For More Information On Roosts For Your Local Bats To Help With Natural Insect Control And Pollination, Please Visit: http://www.wildlife-houses.com/product_info.php?cPath=15&products_id=331

Well folks, Mother’s Day is right around the corner and maybe you are wondering what to get mom this year? There are many options to think of like pearls, flowers, candy or maybe a nice lunch somewhere. Why not do something different and original? Why not buy her an Edible Birdhouse? What? You’ve never heard of an Edible Birdhouse? This is bound to be one of her most memorable gifts ever.

These Edible Birdhouses come in all shapes, sizes, colors and themes.  Not only will the local birds in her area talk about this unique “Room N’ Board” idea in mom’s neck of the woods, but it makes a nice conversation piece for company also. These Edible Birdhouses may be mounted or hung. They are made up of all sorts of goodies that the birds enjoy along with a place for living on the inside. So this Mother’s Day, do something different and get mom a gift that is great for her yard and fun for the whole family!

** For more detailed information about these novel ideas for your yard, simply visit: www.squidoo.com/ediblebirdhouses1

*** For more information on purchasing an Edible Birdhouse, simply visit: http://www.wildlife-houses.com/index.php?cPath=3            

“Happy Birding And Happy Mother’s Day“!

Here is something that will thrill your local bird friends as well as those migratory avian travellers. The Edible Birdhouse!

You may be wondering what this is. Well, these birdhouses are made out of wood and then sprayed with millet, fruit, berry’s, seed and other goodies that they enjoy eating. These edible birdhouses come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some look like cottages, some like log cabins, others resemble a John Deere tractor, as such. Maybe the bird you are trying to attract really dig fruit, like the beautiful Oriole, so a fruit, edible birdhouse may be what is best for you. Whatever your fancy, or shall I say your local birds’ fancy, there is an edible birdhouse that is right for you and them!

Another great thing about these edible birdhouses is theme and color. I know that many of you have a certain theme that you would like to stick with when considering a purchase of your edible birdhouse. There are an assortment of themed edible birdhouses. Anything from shapes like Apples, Tractors, Huts, Two-Story Houses , Castles and Beloved Lighthouses. You will be pleased to see the very assortment of colors ranging from Purples, to Oranges to Reds , Yellows and Greens.

People have asked how the birds are going to continue to live in an Edible Birdhouse if they eat all the goodies off, won’t that destroy the house? My answer is NO! Absolutely Not! How can that be you ask? Easy, the plywood bird box is reusable for year after year. It’s not like a Gingerbread House, meaning as you eat the pieces, it compromises the house. Once the birds eat all the goodies off of the plywood frame, you can then reshoot the goodies back on.

This is not only a novel idea, but a practical one also. Just like you maybe have been to a bed and breakfast or a hotel that offered breakfast down stairs after a comfy night in their room, your birds will simply enjoy raising their family in one of these Edible Birdhouses. Not only that, but this is a great talking point for all your friends and family. Your kids will also enjoy the pleasure of watching your birds grow their family in your own yard! Be the first on your block to get one of these unregrettable Edible Birdhouses!

**For more information on how you can select the right edible birdhouse for you and your avian friends, simply visit:  http://www.wildlife-houses.com/index.php?cPath=3&&page=4

How many times have you stayed in a great hotel that you told everybody about? The room was clean, the beds were comfy and well made. The decor made you fell right at home and had all the ammenities like cable, a fridge, microwave, hair blow dryer and coffee. Then you go down to the main area in the morning and what a breakfast spread! Biscuts and gravey, cereal, waffles, muffins, orange juice, etc. You get the idea. Not only all that but SERVICE!!! The service was out of site!!! You can tell that the hotel went way out of their way to give you the best hotel experience ever!

Why did they do all of this? The not only want you to feel at hom and confortable, BUT they also want you to come back and tell your friends about them too! Keep this in mind when you are planning and planting your wildlife habitat! You want to provide them the Best Experience that they have ever had and that in YOUR yard and not someone elses! Not only do you want them to come back, but you want them to “tell their wildlife friends.” You don’t have to have a wild garden to assist the wildlife around you. Here are some tips to help you to set up the best experience for your local and migratory wildlife!  

1. Try not to be too tidy:

Leave at least a corner to grow wild.

Don’t cut the grass as short or as often.

Leave leaf litter and seed heads until early spring, then clear up.

They will provide more winter interest than bare earth, especially

when you can watch birds foraging amongst them.

Let some herbs go to seed.

2. Break your chemical habit:

If you want to help wildlife remember they won’t appreciate your

slug pellets and insecticides. Why not let the wildlife do the pest

control for you?

3. Remember to use peat-free products in pots or in your garden:

Peat bogs are an endangered habitat for biodiversity.

4. Take positive action to provide homes for wildlife:

A compost heap will be a warm residence for many creatures, as

well as helping you to be more “green”.

Bird boxes and insect hotels are a fun addition for children of all

ages.

5. If you have space, a mix of trees, shrubs and flowering plants provides

the best all year round garden habitat.

6. If you have restricted space, try not to do it all:

In a small garden it’s better to grow more of fewer varieties than to

try to cram one of everything in.

Why not team up with neighbours? Together you can provide a year

round wildlife corridor – and make new friends as well.

7. All is not lost if you have paved/decked your garden:

Many shrubs and plants grow well in pots and will still attract

wildlife, especially if placed in a sunny spot. 

space wildlife friendly:

Plant nectar rich flowers to keep the local bees happy.

Think about potted herbs – great for insects and for your cooking.

9. Insects like flowers and plenty of them But choose plants with single flowers – they have more nectar:

In recent years many plants, especially bedding plants, have been

bred to produce spectacular blooms. The insects are not impressed.

Keep a look out in parks and gardens for the blooms that do attract

the insects. These are the ones for you as a wildlife gardener –

more likely to have scent and seeds/fruit too.

There is no rule that says wild flowers do not belong in the garden.

Many, such as primrose and meadow cranesbill, are every bit as

deserving of a place in your patch.

 11. In true Yorkshire style, try to get as much as you can for your money:

choose a tree or shrub that will provide attractive nectar-rich flowers followed by berries for birds, etc.

12. Look afresh at your approach to gardening. 

bees will be for the flowers, so much better than a green desert.

For more information on how you can supply your yard with birdhouses, baths, feeders and etc, simply

visit:  www.wildlife-houses.com

Ref : HDBAG, March 2010

The Birdhouse Guy