Michigan Audubon - December 20, 2013

Providing High Quality Bird Food

Now that you have your feeder and know where to place it, let’s discuss what to fill each feeder with to provide the birds with the best, high quality food available.
Sunflower Seeds - #1 bird seed choice!
Sunflower seeds are an excellent food to provide birds with. Black Oil Sunflower seeds are the BEST food to offer birds and the most favored seed, for good reasons. Black oil sunflower seeds (pictured right) are high in nutrients and high in good fat, plus the small size and thin shell make it easy for most birds to consume.  Other types of sunflower seeds include, striped sunflower seeds, which are larger and have a thicker shell and hulled sunflower seeds which have the shell removed.

Feeder types to use sunflower seeds in: platform, tube or hopper feeders, you can also sprinkle sunflower seeds on the ground.

Birds that eat sunflower seeds: As the preferred seed, almost all birds that visit your winter feeder will consumer black oil and hulled sunflower seeds.  Only cardinals, jays and grosbeaks will eat the striped sunflower seeds, due to the thick shell.
Nyjer (a.k.a. Thistle)
Nyjer seed is a preferred seed for winter finches.  Like sunflower seeds, nyjer is an oily seed high in calories and fat, providing birds with effective food. Nyjer can easily spoil so make sure to replace the seed every few weeks. 

There is a common mistake that nyjer is the same thing as thistle seed, they are actually two different types of seed.  Nyjer seed is imported strictly from Asia and Africa and is not cultivated here in the U.S. In 1998, the seed was renamed nyjer (originally niger) to avoid any offensive mispronunciation.  Thistle, which does grow in the U.S., is considered a noxious weed and capable of overtaking farm fields. The seeds are very similar in size and shape but if birds are given the choice between nyjer and thistle seed the birds will always choose nyjer because the seed is a superior source of energy and nutrients compared to thistle seed. 

Feeder types to use nyjer in: mesh or sock feeders along with specifically designed finch/nyjer feeders

Birds that eat nyjer seeds: Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll, Purple Finch, House Finch, American Goldfinch
Peanuts
Peanuts are a great winter bird food choice because they arelong-lasting, will not freeze and provide a high amount of protein, calories and good fat.  You may offer the peanuts whole or shelled along with offering peanut butter. Both peanuts and peanut butter are often ingredients in suet.

Feeder types to use peanuts in: specifically designed peanut feeders, platform feeders and hopper feeders, additionally peanuts can be sprinkled on the ground. You can also smear peanut butter on tree bark and pine cones or provide dabs of it in platform feeders.

Birds that eat whole peanut seeds: Blue Jay, Gray Jay, Northern Cardinal, and Evening Grosbeak
Birds that eat shelled peanut seeds: Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatch, Mourning Dove and Northern Flicker, Hairy, Downy, Red-bellied and Pileated Woodpecker
Millet
There is a wide variety of millet seed out there including red, golden, striped and the favored, white proso millet (pictured right).  When offering millet stick to the white proso millet and try not to use too much.  While still a good source of protein and fiber, birds tend to choose other higher quality seeds (such as sunflowers and nuts) over millet.

Feeder types to use white proso millet in: platform and hopper feeders as well as sprinkling the seed on the ground

Birds that eat millet seeds: Mourning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Pine Siskin
Mixed Bagged Bird Seed
When offering mixed bagged bird seed purchase the seed with caution.  According to Cornell specialists, manufacturers of less-expensive pre-packaged birdseed mixes may use large amounts of golden millet, red millet and flax as fillers. Additionally, many mixes have corn added, while corn is a good seed it will attract unwanted birds such as house sparrows and blackbirds. Look instead, for mixes that offer a large amount of sunflower seeds and nuts with little millet. If you are unsure about what type of mixed seed you would like to offer refer to the Wild Bird Unlimited (WBU) store nearest you or check out their online store. WBU will offer some of the best and productive bird seed mixes.

Depending on the mix, the bagged bird seed will attract a wide variety of birds and can be used in platform or tube feeders.
Suet
Suet, which is actually animal fat, is easily digested and metabolized by many birds; it's a high-energy food, especially valuable in cold weather. Suet often includes corn meal, peanuts, fruits, and even dried insects and can be found in several different forms such as cakes, balls, and logs.  There are also an abundance of suet cake recipesif you want to make your own.

Feeder types to use suet in: metal, plastic or mesh suet cages, old onion bags and pine cones

Birds that eat suet: Northern Flicker, Hairy, Downy, Red-bellied and Pileated  Woodpecker, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped chickadee, Blue Jay, European Starling, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Tufted Titmouse
Now, that you have a good base on backyard winter bird feeding get out and create a wonderful and productive winter feeding station! And check back to learn about the birds that will now visit your feeders!

Good luck and happy birding!
 

Your Bird Crew,

Science Daily - December 17, 2013

A rabbit relative known as a pika sits among wood, moss and rocks on rockslide or talus slope in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge. A University of Utah study found the pikas -- which normally live at much higher elevations and are threatened by climate change -- survive at nearly sea level in Oregon by eating more moss than any other known wild mammal. (Credit: Mallory Lambert, University of Utah.)


A roly-poly pika gathers much moss: High-fiber salad bar may help lagomorphs survive climate change

Mulling Over the Events of My Life

Oliver guarding the tree

I have a tendency to enmesh myself too deeply into the lives of others.  What starts out as a good intention becomes an exercise in knowing exactly what the other person wants or needs. During these episodes, I wring myself physically exhausted from lack of sleep and emotionally drained as it becomes apparent that my way is usually not what the other person wants.

One such event occurred in the past month and it wasn’t until last night that I realized that I was to blame for all my exhaustion. In my head, I had created scenarios of every possible thing that could go wrong reinforced by my perceived weaknesses and faults of the other individuals. If only they would just fall into line, then everything would be okay.

I struggled for almost a week after the dust of the event settled, unable to calm my mind. I re-enacted time and again all the harsh words, nasty emails and cold silences that had played out over the weeks. I had said that I have forgiven but in reality they were just words. In my soul, I was still the martyr, the one who sacrificed my life to help but was now the victim of unjustified scorn.

The weather added to my misery. A storm blew across Lake Michigan, bringing a steady snowfall and bitterly cold temperatures. I went outside only to clear the driveway then secluded myself in the house. Agitated, I re-installed games on my cell phone and played endless hours of Solitaire and Candy Crush. It numbed the mind but didn’t calm my emotions.

Finally, I agree to lunch with a friend, venturing out on the icy roads for the first time all week. We sat in a small café, ate our veggie sandwiches and commiserated about the travesties in our lives. Afterwards I returned home, tired from the tense drive and the heavy lunch. I went to bed early and lied awake for hours. Finally, I turned on the light and pulled out my reading.  I am reading three books at one time, the book of Luke in the Bible, Emmet Fox’s Sermon on the Mount and the Japanese novel, I am A Cat. A strange combination at first glance, but last night, all three books converged into one revelation.  The first chapter in Luke described the annunciation of Mary and the elderly Elizabeth’s giving birth to John the Baptist. Both women could have denied the gifts the angels gave them, but instead accepted them without question.  In the Sermon of the Mount, I had reached the chapter where Fox described how the thoughts we possess have an outward effect on how our lives unfold.  The unnamed cat in I am A Cat, devastated by the death of the beautiful Tortoiseshell, no longer saw himself as a cat but a human, like his caretaker.

In each story, the protagonist dismissed the “logic” of the world around them. They chose instead to turn inward and saw that if they only believed, their subconscious thoughts became reality. At that moment I realized that I had been the obstacle to my peace of mind. Too consumed by the garbage flittering around in my head, I had made my life miserable. The emergency that had triggered the stream of events over the past weeks had passed and everything was back to normal. It was only my insistence of rehashing those events that kept them festering. Once I made the decision to be rid of the noxious thoughts, the anxiety passed and I found myself calm.

Instead of cursing the snow, I now saw the playful activity of the fat, fuzzy squirrels creating tracks through the white fluff. Unlike the previous mornings, there were no vomit spews, no pee puddles or poo bundles awaiting me only the sight of sleeping kitties under the Christmas tree. How much drama I had inflicted on my feline friends unnecessarily!!  I had finally embraced the blessings of the Christmas season.

ARKive - Japanese Cranes

Japanese crane video

Domestication of dogs may have elaborated on a pre-existing capacity of wolves to learn from humans - Science Daily - December 3, 2013

The researchers conclude that the ability to learn from other species, including humans, is not unique to dogs but was already present in their wolf ancestors. Prehistoric humans and the ancestors of dogs could build on this ability to better coordinate their actions. (Credit: Wolf Science Center)

Domestication of dogs may have elaborated on a pre-existing capacity of wolves to learn from humans

History of American urban squirrel - Science Daily - December 7, 2013

A cartoon from the Harvard Lampoon from 1903 speaks to the ubiquity of gray squirrels in Boston, as well as many other American cities, around the turn of the 20th century. (Credit: L.F. Peck, "Hi, Mister! Scramble a Nut?" Harvard Lampoon, Vol. 46, No. 6 (Dec. 17, 1903), 121. Harvard University Archives, HUK 510.)Add caption

History of American urban squirrel

Michigan Audubon Connecting birds and people - November 29, 2013

Photo Credit: Steve Byland/123RF

Featuring: The Long-tailed Duck
formerly known as the Oldsquaw

Wintering Grounds
These ducks winter on the open ocean or large lakes along the Atlantic Coast and Great Lakes. Occasionally, they are found wintering on the northern shores of the Gulf Coast.

Breeding Grounds
Long-tailed Ducks are arctic waterfowl that are found in the summer months in Alaska, the Canadian provinces of Yukon, The Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Manitoba, Quebec and Newfoundland.

Migration Range
Late migrants, these ducks are observed migrating through Ontario and Quebec along with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and most of the New England states between September and November.

Size & Shape
Medium-sized diving ducks, males display a long central tail.  The duck measures 15 to 22.8 inches in length with a wing span of around 28 inches and weighing between 17.6 to 38.8 ounces. Females tend to be slightly smaller than the males.

Coloring
Unlike most ducks, the Long-tailed Duck goes through a unique sequence of three different plumages throughout the year. According to Cornell Lab, “the Long-tailed Duck has three distinct plumages each year, achieved in a complex series of overlapping partial molts. The Definitive Basic Plumage is never worn in its entirety, as portions of Alternate are retained through the summer and elements of the Supplemental are acquired before all of Basic Plumage is obtained. Therefore change in plumage seems continuous from April to October.”

Male
Winter: Adult males display a white crown, neck andbreast with a grey patch around their eyes. A large black spot extends from the cheek down the side of the neck along with a black band across the lower neck and breast. He has a black back and central tail feathers.  Upper back feathers are long and grey. He has dull yellow-brown eyes.
Summer: Males display a black head, chest and wings with a grey patch surrounding its eyes. Upper back feathers are long and sandy colored with black centers. Central tail feathers are very long.

 

Female
Winter: White head and neck with a round dark cheek patch. She displays a grey crown, breast and back with a white belly.
Summer: Adult females display a dark head and neck with white around the eyes. Back and breast is brown to grey; her eyes are brown.

Juveniles: Immature Long-tailed Ducks resemble adults of the same sex.

“Unlike other waterfowl, the Long-tailed Duck wears its "breeding" or Alternate Plumage only in the winter. It gets its "nonbreeding" or Basic Plumage in the spring and wears it for the breeding season. Most other ducks wear the nonbreeding plumage only for a short period in the late summer.” Cornell Lab.

Habitat
During the winter months these ducks can be found far offshore in fresh estuarine, saline, brackish waters or on large, deep freshwater lakes. They can be found in large rafts on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. During the breeding season they prefer open oceans or large lakes that provide both aquatic and terrestrial environment in close proximity, such as the marshy grass tundra in the arctic.

Food
Long-tailed Ducks are one of the deepest diving ducks in North America; diving to depths of 200 feet. When diving it preys on crustaceans, mollusks, marine invertebrates, small fish, fish eggs, freshwater insects and insect larvae. It also consumes some plant materials such as algae, grasses, seeds and fruits in the tundra biome. Mature adults typically spend 80% of their day foraging during the winter months. Dive times range from around 25 seconds all the way up to 60 seconds and normally occur around 320 feet offshore.

Behavior
Besides their unique diving behaviors these ducks are very social with their own species and spend most of their lives in one group or another. Males and females molt at different times of the year.  Males molt between July and September while females molt between August and October.

Sound
These are very vocal ducks, they have a variety of different calls including a growling, clucking, squawking, and yodeling sound. The most common call resembles a “ow-owooolee” and is loud, nasally and incessant. Additional calls include a “gut-gut” sound while feeding and the duck may bark when it is alarmed.

Nests
Nests are constructed on the ground, near the water’s edge and consists of a shallow scrape lined with willow and birch leaves and layered in down.

Conservation Status
Vulnerable. Populations are appearing to decline range-wide but exact numbers are hard to calculate because of the duck’s offshore wintering grounds. The species saw a large decline in numbers during the 1950’s due to entanglement in nets, especially on the Great Lakes. The duck is also susceptible to avian cholera and influenza.  According to the University of Michigan, the current estimated population is between 6.2 to 6.8 million individual ducks.

Interesting Facts

• According to Cornell Lab, “of all diving ducks, the Long-tailed Duck spends the most time under water relative to time on the surface. When it is foraging it is submerged three to four times as much as it is on top of the water.”
• The average lifespan in the wild for a Long-tailed Duck is 15.3 years.
• Hatchlings leave the nest once they are dry and can immediately feed themselves.

Your Bird Crew,

Science Daily - November 24, 2013

Great lakes waterfowl die-offs: Finding the source

This image shows experimental measurement of the drag on a partially submerged waterbird in waves. (Credit: FAU/K.von Ellenrieder)

Great lakes waterfowl die-offs: Finding the source