Blog - Wild Birds Unlimited of GPW

What does Bird Song Mean? Spring?

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Rosann Kovalcik

For us humans, bird song is often associated with the coming of spring. With it being a mild winter so far, many are wondering if an increase in bird song is an indication that birds are confused about what season it is. As a matter of fact, this is not the case. In reality, birds are more in-tuned with the cycle of the seasons than many of us are. Their tendency to sing more frequently is a result of incrementally lengthening daylight hours. After December 21st (the winter solstice), the shortest day of the year, daylight begins to stretch out longer. The increased light affects the pineal gland of a bird’s brain. Located in the center of the brain, the

Beyond Thistle: Tips for Attracting Goldfinches

Posted on January 15, 2017 by Rosann Kovalcik

In summer, they’re bright yellow bursts of sunshine, in winter, they’re pale sunlight poking through dense clouds of snow… American Goldfinches, backyard beauties we all so love to attract. So how do we attract this little drops of sunshine? For years, the conventional recommendation has been to offer Nyjer seed, in tube feeders with small openings specially designed for a goldfinches’ tiny beak. It should be noted, however, that while Nyjer is also referred to as “thistle”, it is actually an entirely different crop from the thistle we see growing on the sides of the road. Thistle, in fact, is a member of the daisy family, complete with purple flowers and prickly parts. Nyjer, however, is a crop which is

Bird Feeding in the Winter

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Rosann Kovalcik

As the seasons change and the weather gets colder, some bird species are getting ready to remain through the winter. Cardinals, Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, Tufted Titmice, House Finches, Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers and Red-bellied Woodpeckers are all resident birds that remain in Michigan, expanding their feeding territories in order to find adequate food sources. All of these birds are well-loved by those who engage in the hobby of birdwatching. Their colors and antics add a dimension of joy to our lives as we view them at the feeding stations we provide. All of these bird species can be attracted to your yard with the addition of bird feeders stocked with appropriate foods that they need. A blend of seeds

Wait! Wait! Don’t Clean Up Your Yard!

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Rosann Kovalcik

Getting our yards ready for birds in the winter includes cleaning and filling our feeders with quality bird food, high in fat and protein. It also includes looking at our gardens and learning what to do and what not to do to make them optimal places for birds. As part of our desire to clean, we may engage in leaf raking and cutting back our perennials that are no longer in bloom. Here are reasons why we should consider modifying these fall clean-ups. Many insects over-winter and can survive freezing temperatures as eggs, larvae, pupae or adults because they produce an anti-freeze (glycerol) in their bodies. This glycerol keeps the water in their tissue cells from freezing and ripping the

Attract Birds by Adding a Snag to Your Yard

Posted on September 3, 2016 by Rosann Kovalcik

A snag, in the language of forest ecology, refers to a standing dead or dying tree. Preserving or creating snags on our property provides habitats for birds, and can be interesting and rewarding. Important wildlife habitat is provided when dead wood is available. Birds evolved in forests where dead wood was never removed as part of woodland management. Dead trees are virtually absent in many urban neighborhoods as we have a tendency to view dead wood as without value. On the contrary, dead and dying trees are used for shelter, foraging, nesting and other uses for many species of birds. Think of a snag as an airport for birds. Flycatchers, Cedar Waxwings and numerous other birds use snags as launch

Summer Bird Songs

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Rosann Kovalcik

I love sitting in my yard at daybreak. It’s an amazing way to greet the day. A summertime foray into the yard at sunrise reveals a wealth of bird songs. There are the resident bird families that are foraging together, as well as the migrant birds that are returning south after breeding in our food-abundant continent. First to vocalize is always the Robin. I can hear him from the cedars in my yard, just a few soft calls. Could this be his way of making sure the babies are okay through the night? In response, a young American Robin spurts forth emphatic singular notes as if to say “I made it through the night. Where’s the best place for breakfast?” A

Beneficial for Birds, Fun for You – It’s Time to Provide Water

Posted on July 9, 2016 by Rosann Kovalcik

During the hot and sometimes dry conditions in the summer, birds can use a reliable source of water. We know that water is essential to all living creatures. In the case of birds, it is vitally important when it is extremely hot and a bird’s ability to regulate its body temperature can be stressed. Birds do not sweat and must remove excess body heat through their respiratory system. When the temperature rises, a bird’s respiration rate increases, sometimes to the point where it can be seen panting like a dog. Panting in this way can dehydrate a bird and increase their need for a reliable source of water to replace lost fluids. Birds that are familiar with your yard will

Kirtland’s Warbler Festival 2016

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Rosann Kovalcik

The Kirtland’s Warbler is an endangered songbird that nests almost exclusively in the jack pine forests of a small region of northern Michigan. This bird can be recognized both by its striking plumage (broken white eye ring, bright yellow chest, and blueish gray back) and its cheery, almost constant song (“chip-chip-che-way-o!”) sung from the young jack pines. But don’t let its size fool you; this little bird is a fighter! Dependent on fire for its habitat, it returned from near-extinction like a tiny Phoenix rising from the ashes. In honor of this bird’s remarkable comeback, people gather annually to the Kirtland’s Warbler Festival, held in Roscommon, MI. This year’s event kicks off on June 3rd with a presentation held

Tawas Point Birding Festival 2016

Posted on May 28, 2016 by Rosann Kovalcik

If you love birds, going to the Tawas Point Birding Festival should definitely be on your bucket list. This Michigan Audubon Signature Event is attended annually by bird watchers from all over the globe. From beginning bird watchers to advanced birders and everyone in between, this festival has it all! Guided tours by boat, bike, and on foot are available. Various speakers lead educational sessions including this year’s keynote speaker, Ian Campbell, who talked about his life as a guide. Other fun events include the Birds and Brews social event, photography workshops, wildflower tours, and more. Attendees can pick and choose which events they’d like to attend, or simply go off and explore the grounds on their own, with the

Goldfinches ~ Breeding Beauties

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Rosann Kovalcik

The American Goldfinch remains one of the most beloved birds at our feeders. With their bright yellow color, their dainty behavior and uplifting song, their popularity is understandable. Their flight pattern is distinctive as well; bouncy and undulating, often accompanied by their flight call which sounds as if they are saying “perchickaree” or “potato chip”. Often referred to as Wild Canaries, these birds can be easily attracted to your yard with their favorite plants as well as bird feeders. The Goldfinches’ natural habitats are weedy fields and floodplains. Goldfinches are not an aggressive bird in their feeding areas, both natural and at your feeders. Giving them a space where their feeder is not as close to others will