I must say, those birds really know how to party, for they are not only hardy, but hearty.  Although it may be rainy and cold, from Cardinals, to Chickadees, all remain bold.

Braving the elements, they come out to feed, on millet and nyjer and sunflower seed,

Devouring it all, to the last crumb of suet; and it’s just so amusing, watching them do it.

Yes, the birds continue to gather in full force today, despite the nasty turn the weather has taken.  Of course, it’s no surprise, because that’s just what wild creatures do.  However, they can always use a little help, especially during the winter; and, in return, they will provide a source of constant entertainment.

So, if you’re going to put up some birdfeeders, whether they’re tube, hopper, platform, hanging, or post-mounted types, it’s important to situate them properly.  Naturally, they should be placed where you and your friends will be able to watch the flying circus when you’re outside, relaxing in your Adirondack chairs.

On the other hand, for more than one reason, they should be kept at a respectable distance from your patio chairs and picnic table.  For one thing, birds won’t come around if you’re hanging out too close to the birdfeeders.  For another, obviously, you won’t want them, uh, loitering, on your outdoor furniture.

Now, there’s no way to avoid the occasional airstrike (shall we say?); but that’s going to happen, whether you’re feeding the birds, or not.  In fact, one of the good things about having birdfeeders is that you have some control, as you can contain the largest concentration of bird activity in the area of your choice.

Mine are on the perimeter of my patio, at the edge of the woods, which is the perfect spot for them.  Although the birds land everywhere, including on the patio furniture, they bounce around so quickly, that they rarely stay in one place – except at a birdfeeder – for more than a few seconds.  Anyway, I don’t have to worry too much about it, because I have some very durable outdoor furniture covers that are easy to clean.

Birdfeeders – and birdhouses – should also be placed near sources of shelter, not only from the wind, but from predators.  At the same time, you’ll want to be able to observe them from inside your home.  So, pick a location that’s near the house, and a few feet from shrubs, vines, or even a brush pile, where they can escape from prowlers; but make sure that it won’t make a good hiding spot for potential attackers.

If you keep your birdfeeders no more than five feet away from a window, birds will be less likely to fly into it.  Then, if they do, at least, they will not have built up enough momentum to seriously injure themselves.  The chances of such accidents will be further reduced if there are curtains, blinds, or sun-catchers visible in the window.

Indeed, the birds will appreciate anything that you can do to spare them the pane.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Of course, there are many indicators of how far we are into autumn; and we all have specific ones that are of particular significance to us.  Some are things that occur in nature, while others may be yearly events that we host, or attend.  For me, it’s the big, annual fall blowout on my patio, which happens to be going on at this very moment.

If it seems strange that a huge party is taking place in the middle of the week, lemme ‘splain you that it’s not just a one-day affair.  No-o!  This is so enormous that it will go on indefinitely; and, I must admit, it can get majorly crazy.  There’s an endless buffet, with several different kinds of food; and the guests are pigging out uncontrollably, as if they haven’t had anything to eat in weeks.  In fact, even though there’s more than enough for everyone, a few of them are actually fighting over it!

I’m not kidding!  Right now, some of them are chasing others around the picnic table, and one is actually hiding underneath a picnic table bench.  Over in the corner, three of them are on my outdoor sofa, arguing so loudly that others, in nearby patio chairs, are chattering at the tops of their lungs, trying to drown them out.  There are so many of them out there that they’re even sitting on my outdoor accent tables and ottomans – and each other!

I know, they’re a little short on manners; in fact, they’re acting like wild animals, which, as I’m sure you know, they are.  Yep.  For me, and, I’m certain, for other “birders,” when the birds start acting extra-nutty, and ultra-ravenous, it’s a definite sign that the cold weather is on its way.  To make things even more official, today, the slate-colored juncos have returned as well.

Although they’re in the region all year, visiting my patio daily throughout the fall and winter, they always disappear from the vicinity of my birdfeeders sometime in the late spring.  I guess they must have an ample source of another type of food in the summertime, which has now, apparently, run out; so things are getting serious.  Of course, there are many other birds that will be looking for new food supplies now, too, as they start their winter diets.

So, if you haven’t been feeding the birds this year, now is the time to start.  Besides those that will become your regular guests, you’ll also be seeing a lot of birds that will be stopping by to fuel up for the long trips to their winter destinations.

The best way to attract the widest variety of birds is to get an assortment of food, along with several styles of birdfeeders, such as hopper, platform, hanging, tube, and post-mounted.  You can get them in an array of designs that include gazebos, lighthouses, pagodas, and log cabins, which will enhance your outdoor décor.  While you’re at it, get some birdhouses, too.

The best part is that you’ll benefit as much from feeding the birds as they will.  I assure you that it’s one of the most entertaining, fun, and rewarding things that you can do.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, my guests seem to have torn right through that huge block of suet, so I have to go and put out another one.  I’m totally serious.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Well, autumn is here, and the publications and retailers are all touting all the outdoor decorating you can do with wreaths, pumpkins, and winter squash.  After all, autumn is one of the most colorful seasons of the year, so it is only appropriate to accent your garden or porch with punches of orange, red, and evergreen.

However, there is another way to add some lively color to your patio.  Birdhouses and Birdfeeders make perfect outdoor décor for fall for more reasons than one.  First of all, the air is getting cooler and a lot of birds are losing their food sources.  Hanging a few birdfeeders is a fantastic way to help out your local bird life by providing supplemental food!  While many birds migrate south for the winter, many others stick around and forage for sustenance throughout the seasons.

Those same birds that brave the winter will also benefit from birdhouses.  Providing a safe and sheltered area for a bird to create a nest will not only help out your winged pals, it might also benefit you in the spring.  Many birds will lay eggs that will hatch into nestlings this spring.  While having baby-bird neighbors can sometimes be noisy, there is no match for the excitement of watching them grow and eventually learn to fly.  Especially if you have children in the house, this fascinating experience is truly wonderful!

But, besides your humanitarian efforts, birdhouses and birdfeeders will help dress up your garden shed, pergola, or patio.  They’re available in nearly any imaginable design.  Last Christmas I bought a lighthouse birdfeeder for my grandfather, as he has always loved to read and tour old lighthouses.  The birds don’t care what their house looks like, they’re more concerned that it’s sturdy and protected.  So, go ahead and indulge yourself with a fun and funky birdhouse or birdfeeder that will pick up your spirits as the days get shorter.

Even if you decide to go with a simple and neutral toned birdfeeder or birdhouse, you’ll still be adding plenty of color to your garden or outdoor living space.  The birds, males especially, will dazzle you with their brightly colored and eye-catching feathers.  Buy a book or find a website on bird identification, and enjoy the sights while learning to spot which birds are which by their colors and other features.

So, while adding pumpkins, mums, and tri-color corn will add significant pizzazz to your gazebo or porch, don’t be afraid to take the idea of living color to another level.  Flowers and vegetables or nice, but birds will fly, change, and continuously amuse you.

Have fun!

Hazel.

Another thing that sometimes makes people hesitate to feed the birds – at any time of the year – is that they are afraid that the birds will become dependent, and lose their ability to find food for themselves.  This is a myth, as birds never rely on any single source of food; and, as we all know, they have survived for millions of years on their own.  Actually, even when they have easy access to birdfeeders, they get most of their daily sustenance elsewhere.

In fact, they eat tons of insects, as a matter of necessity.  This makes it a good idea to attract them to your yard, because, along with the food that you give them, they will devour many garden pests.  So, go ahead and include birdfeeders, birdhouses, and birdbaths as part of your outdoor décor.  To draw the widest variety of birds, offer several kinds of food, in hanging, tube, platform, hopper, and post-mounted birdfeeders; and always provide ample amounts of water.

Just remember, it’s important to put them where they will afford the best viewing, and, at the same time, be the most beneficial to the birds.  For example, you should locate birdfeeders within ten feet of your house, because, for one thing, you’ll be able to see them clearly when you’re indoors.  Moreover, this helps the birds get used to being near the windows, which will decrease the chances that they will fly into them.  Then, even if they do, they will probably not have built up enough momentum to do themselves much harm.

Every once in a great while, a bird will ping off my window, ever so slightly; but I’ve never even seen one fazed when this has happened.  Usually, they just tweet a few little curses, and go on their way.  They’re probably more embarrassed than anything.  However, you can further help to prevent such mishaps, by having curtains, blinds, sun-catchers, or decals, visible in the windows.

Birdfeeders should also be positioned near a source of shelter, from the wind, as well as from predators.  Ideally, this will be a few feet from shrubs, vines, or even a brush pile, where they can quickly take cover; but make sure that it’s not a good place for prowlers to hide, for sneak attacks.

Naturally, you’ll want to watch the birds when you’re relaxing on your outdoor furniture.  Now, if you’re sitting quietly on a garden bench, or lying in a hammock, they may ignore you and go about their business, even if you are fairly close to the birdfeeder.  On the other hand, if there are lots of people around, talking and laughing, the birds will be intimidated.  Therefore, you should situate your patio chairs, lounge chairs, and porch gliders, far enough away, so as not to frighten them.

The same goes for picnic tables, outdoor dining tables, and grills.  After all, even if you wish to enjoy the birds’ antics while you’re cooking out, you surely aren’t planning to share the same eating space with them.

Obviously, there are also a few other reasons why you won’t want the birds hanging out too close to your outdoor chairs and tables; but I won’t go into detail.  Let’s just say that you should keep your patio furniture at a safe distance, and when you’re not going to be using it for awhile, protect it with some outdoor furniture covers.  Of course, this is a smart thing to do, even if you don’t have any birdfeeders, because birds are everywhere.

And that’s a wonderful thing, because they bring color, song, and joy to the world!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

The longer this heat wave – as it has officially been declared – goes on, the harder it is to cool off, especially without spending a fortune on utilities.  Heck, even during normal summer weather, it’s tough to stay comfortable and keep energy costs low; but when temperatures really soar, it’s a major challenge (that can make you really sore).

What makes it worse is that the higher-than-normal usage of cooling devices puts such an extraordinary demand on electric grids that there’s a greater chance of power outages.  Therefore, you have to be aware of every appliance you use, and everything you do, which can further drain resources, while increasing the temperature in your home.

An oven, for example, in just the time it takes to bake cookies, can add at least 10 degrees to the room temperature, and 2%-5% to your cooling costs.  You’re better off cooking on your grill (which you’re probably doing frequently, anyway), and eating at your picnic table, under a UV-resistant patio umbrella (or indoors, if it’s too hot outside).  If you have to cook or (especially) bake, it’s best to do it in the morning or evening; and the same goes for running the dish washer and clothes dryer.

Another simple, yet effective, measure is to close the blinds on windows that get the most sunlight.  When allowed to shine through, it can account for up to 20% of the heat in your home during the summer.  Windows that face west are the biggest culprits, so cover them with reflective blinds or curtains in the afternoon.  I do this every day, and it really works.  Unfortunately, it also blocks the view of my birdfeeders and birdhouses; but, in this heat, I can put up with that for a few hours.

If it gets cool enough after sundown, you can give the air conditioner a break, and use window and ceiling fans to bring in the night air and help it to circulate.  Just remember to close the windows in the morning, before the hot air makes its return.  If your house isn’t air-conditioned, and it’s still too hot to sleep, lull yourself into drowsiness on a porch swing or an outdoor rocking chair before going to bed.

Of course, your air-conditioning system must also be operating at peak efficiency; and that will be impossible if any ducts are leaking.  Moreover, besides being intact, ductwork must be balanced between the supply and return sides of the system; so, fixing one section could cause problems in another.  Unless you really know what you’re doing, the safest thing to do is to have a professional check ducts, filters, coils, fans, and other components, and do any necessary repairs.

Indeed, the best way to combat high energy bills during a heat wave is to have all of your ducts in a row!

Yours (still, and unapologetically) Indoors,

Kathy

Today there’s a kind of strange, almost eerie, sight outside my window.  My birdfeeders, which are normally bustling with activity, have gotten very few hits.  I haven’t seen a lot of movement around the birdhouses, either; and, oddly enough, even the birdbaths aren’t getting as many visitors as usual.  So, the heat wave that we, along with a large portion of the country, are experiencing is, not surprisingly, affecting the wildlife as well.

Whether or not your area is now being scorched by temperatures that are nearing 100º, you’ve probably, at one time or another, been in the grip of a heat wave.  Indeed, nearly everyone knows how this feels (awful!), and that, when it gets life-threateningly hot, it’s vital to find a way to stay cool.  Although everybody is at risk, the ones who are the most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses are the elderly, the very young, and those who must work outdoors.

If you’re in that last group, it’s imperative that you take it easy, drink plenty of water, and stop frequently for breaks.  Otherwise, it’s best to stay inside, in the air-conditioning, as much as possible.  Don’t do any unnecessary outdoor chores, either; forget about yard work for the time being.  If you don’t want to stay in, take an ice-cold glass of lemonade out to a patio chair, porch swing, or hammock, and just relax.

Even if you’re in a location, such as this, where it’s going to stay dry for several days, don’t worry about your lawn.  Although it may get thoroughly baked, it will spring back to life when it rains.  However, if you can’t be dissuaded from watering it, let your sprinkler do double duty, and set yourself up in a lounge chair or steamer chair, in a spot where it will spray you, too.

During weather like this, you should also wear light, and light-colored, clothing.  Take cool baths or showers if you don’t have a pool, or have access to one.  Even if you have one, however, the water can get pretty warm under these conditions; so keep cold drinks handy on a nearby picnic table that’s shaded by a tree or, at least, a patio umbrella.  It’s also a good idea to put some ice packs and wet cloths into a cooler, in case someone gets overheated.

Of course, as the birds are reminding me today, this weather is just as dangerous for animals.  So, provide some water for the wild creatures, and, please, don’t leave your pets out in the heat – especially in a car!  They’re depending on you to keep them safe and cool.  You should also check on elderly neighbors, or anyone who lives alone and doesn’t have air-conditioning.

You know, I sure could go for a heapin’ helpin’ of some of that wonderful snow that we had last winter!  No, I’m not just saying that; I’m one of the few who enjoyed it even when it was over two feet deep.  Believe me, I’d rather see 28º than 98º any day of the year.

Yours (I cannot tell a lie – for now, I’m staying) Indoors,

Kathy

Any home on the market today absolutely must have curb appeal.  If it doesn’t, its owners may be in for a lot of drive-by viewings.  However, getting people to stop for a better look is just the first step.  The next is even more significant.  They have to get out of the car; but if the yard is unattractive, they may not even go that far.

Indeed, the landscape of a house can make all the difference in potential buyers’ decisions about whether or not to take those first steps, and then, to continue to the front door, for the full tour.  The problem is that there are so many aspects of it to consider, that it’s difficult to get everything right.

Sometimes, home sellers are so wrapped up in getting the insides of their homes show-ready, that they don’t give the exteriors all of the attention that they need.  Certainly, they’ll cut the grass, prune the hedges, and weed the garden beds; but it takes a lot more than a lush, well-kept lawn, neatly-trimmed shrubbery, and beautiful flowers, to entice people to explore further.

Of course, they want to see a place that’s charming, inviting, and picturesque; and they want to be able to put themselves into that picture, living the good life.  Outdoor furniture can contribute greatly, in that regard.  Porch swings, gliders, outdoor sofas, lounge chairs, and hammocks can really make a house look warm and welcoming.

Other outdoor décor items can influence people as well.  While a few birdfeeders, birdhouses, and some planters are fine, yards that are cluttered with too many garish lawn ornaments, such as plastic deer and geese, gazing balls, and the dreaded gnomes, can be repellent.  It’s best to let the interested parties see the gorgeous greenery.

Actually, though, even if the grass, plants, and trees all look spectacular, there can be other elements that people find disturbing.  One thing that can instantly detract from the impression of a meticulously-maintained landscape is the sight of weeds or grass growing in the cracks of pavement, or between the bricks of patios and walkways.  This can be taken as a sign that the inside of the house may not have been kept up properly, either.

On top of that, if the cracks are in the concrete, instead of between separate, solid sections, it shows, without a doubt, that the property is in need of some repairs, and, apparently, the pavement is not the most pressing issue.  This will get people thinking about all of the other things that they may have to fix; so, it’s definitely worth it to replace broken or cracked driveways and walkways.

After working so hard to get people moving toward your front door, don’t let them step on a crack on the way there.  It may not break anyone’s back, but it could break the deal.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

When creating your hummingbird garden, remember that you’re building a complete habitat for hummingbirds.  While other birds will eat at your birdfeeders, and nest in nearby birdhouses, they’ll still spend most of their time scavenging in the wild.  Hummingbirds, on the other hand, if conditions are right, may come to think of your backyard as their home, and even rely on your hospitality.

Putting yourself in that mindset will help you to choose all of the proper elements for your garden.  For example, when selecting the flowers, besides making sure that they are brightly-colored, mainly tubular or trumpet-shaped, and heavy on nectar, you should also try to get varieties that bloom at different times of the year, so the hummingbirds will always have something to eat.

By the way, because they need protein as much as they need nectar, hummingbirds also eat small, soft bugs, such as gnats, spiders, mosquitoes, aphids, and caterpillars, along with insect eggs.  In fact, the resourceful hummingbird will eat all of the bugs, including the spider, out of a web, then use the web in building its nest.

Therefore, one of the important points to keep in mind about your hummingbird garden – and it’s a very favorable one – is that it is low-maintenance.  Not only do you not have to worry about killing bugs, as the birds will do that for you, but you absolutely must not even think about using any pesticides, because that will kill the birds.  Hummingbirds also help with the upkeep by pollinating the flowers as they make their rounds.

Even though there will be all of those delicious flowers and delectable bugs around, you should still have some hummingbird feeders in your garden.  This is advisable because, for one thing, no matter how carefully you try to coordinate the blooming times of your flowers, it is likely that there will be a dearth of nectar during certain periods.  Furthermore, some hummingbirds are aggressive and territorial, and will take ownership of a flower, not letting any other birds go near it.

To keep these selfish birds (which should be ashamed of themselves) from monopolizing the feeders, you can either place them about 30 feet apart (the feeders, not the birds), or put a bunch of them together.  Of course, hummingbirds do need some room to maneuver (that’s what gives them their ‘hum’), so even flowers should have some space between them.  If you run lines between the feeders, you will also give the birds a place to perch.

Another good way to let the hummingbirds spread their wings is to have flowers in planters, and on trellises, arbors, pergolas, and gazebos.  You can also put some in places that are slightly removed from the area of concentration, and even make a kind of flower trail that will lead them to feed a bit closer to your patio or porch.  That way, you can enjoy their antics while eating at your picnic table, or sitting on your porch glider, outdoor sofa, or garden bench.

Creating a hummingbird garden is well worth the time and effort – especially since it doesn’t take a lot of time and effort, once it’s established.  Moreover, it will also attract tons of butterflies, and, if you put regular birdfeeders in the vicinity, many other types of birds.

That way, when one bird sings a beautiful song, a hummingbird can hum along.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Birds give us much more than beauty, song, and constant entertainment (and that’s a heck of a lot).  Even those that are often considered nuisances help to get rid of pests in the garden.  Starlings, for example, gobble up the larvae of Japanese beetles and gypsy moths.  So, when you see them canvassing your lawn, just sit back in your Adirondack chair, or relax on your porch swing or glider, and enjoy the rainbow of colors reflecting off their iridescent feathers.

Certainly, birds deserve to be rewarded with a reliable source of their favorite foods; and, no, putting up birdfeeders and birdhouses won’t make them dependent, and cause them to lose their natural instincts and abilities to survive in the wild.

Now, the number of birds that will come to your newly-installed birdfeeders will vary, depending upon what time of the year it is.  If the weather is warm, and natural sources of food are abundant, there may not be as many, especially at first.  No matter when you begin, your birdfeeders may stand neglected for a few days; but, once word gets around, which it will, quickly (after all, birds mastered the art of twittering millions of years ago!), you’ll be in business.

There are several types of birdfeeders, including hopper, platform, tube, hanging, and post-mounted, some of which are available in octagon, pagoda, gazebo, and log cabin styles.  Different birds like various foods; so, to attract the widest variety, offer an assortment of black oil and striped sunflower seeds, hulled peanuts, thistle seeds, suet mixed with seeds or fruit, peanut butter, and white millet seed.

It’s best to have multiple feeding stations, and to put thistle (or nyjer) seed in a separate, hanging birdfeeder, with smaller ports, specifically for finches.  This is their favorite food, and it’s difficult for them, with their tiny bills, to feed with the other birds.  In fact, you may not see a goldfinch unless you do this; but you’ll be elated when dozens of them start descending on their special birdfeeder!

Birdfeeders should be placed between five and twelve feet from shrubs, or other sources of refuge from the elements and predators.  Vines provide great shelter as well, so you can also put birdfeeders near arbors, trellises, and pergolas.

Soon, you’ll build up a regular clientele of cardinals, sparrows, tufted titmice, black-capped chickadees, finches, woodpeckers, blue jays, wrens, slate-colored juncos, mourning doves, nuthatches, and whatever else is native to your area.

Although these characters will keep you thoroughly entertained, every once in awhile, a rarely-seen bird will suddenly emerge from the woods to partake of your largesse.  While such surprise guests will surely give you a thrill, unfortunately, they often fly in for just one show, sing for their supper, then take off again.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

We’re always looking for ways to put more color into our lives.  Indoors, we carefully choose particular types of paint, wallpaper, furniture, and other home accents, so that we can be surrounded by our favorite shades.

Outside, there are even more possibilities, which include the countless varieties and hues of flowers, plants, and shrubs that are available for our landscaping, as well as those that exist naturally.  We also have scores of color choices for our patio furniture and picnic tables, which we can further embellish with other outdoor décor items, such as outdoor furniture cushions, and patio umbrellas.

Among the things that nature adds to the kaleidoscope, birds are the most enchanting; and bird-watching is one of the country’s most popular pastimes.  This is quite understandable, for many reasons.  For one thing, some birds have spectacular plumage that will absolutely take your breath away.  Then, there are the endless, beautiful tunes that they sing; and even those common little brown sparrows are a delight to watch.  Indeed, birds of all feathers can bring us joy.

While it’s a lot of fun – and great exercise – to go hiking through fields and woods to observe different species, you can bring them in droves to your own backyard, by putting up some birdhouses and birdfeeders.  Believe me, you’ll never regret this move.  In fact, once you start feeding the birds, you’ll be so fascinated, and entertained, that you will never want to stop.  They’re captivating, playful, and downright hilarious; and the more you watch them, the more you’ll want to read and learn about them.

I cannot tell you how much enjoyment these little winged creatures have brought me over the years (and, yes, I’m watching them at my birdfeeders at this very moment).  There are several types of birdfeeders that you can use, including hopper, platform, hanging, tube, and post-mounted.

In future entries, I will have some tips about using these birdfeeders, and information on the kinds of foods that will soon have them brimming with living color.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy