How do I attract more birds and butterflies to my yard?
You can stop by a local
bird store and ask the staff for ideas and suggestions. Read all about how
you can landscape for wildlife by using native plants at
<http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/nature/wildscapes/>.
Why are
there no birds in the backyard or at my feeders?
There are lots
of answers for this question and they all involve more questions. Is there
cover for the birds to hide in? Is there a predator (cat or hawk)
in the area? Is there a lot of natural food available to the birds? Has the
really cold weather arrived up North to push the birds down to Texas?
Are all birds protected by law even if they are not endangered?
In a word,
"Yes." All native birds in the U.S. are protected by the Migratory
Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (among others). Only non-native birds such as Starlings,
Pigeons, and House Sparrows receive zero protection. For more information, see
this page from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
How do I stop a woodpecker from chiseling holes in my house?
Put up a woodpecker
nest box. See: <http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/wildlife_habitat/pdf_docs/nuisance_woodpeckers.pdf>.
How do I stop a Cardinal from pecking on my windows?
The bird sees its own
reflection in the glass and reacts unfavorably toward the presumed intruder.
Have some kids draw natural predator faces (like a growling,
teeth-showing cat) and tape these images to the inside of the window(s) where
the bird pecks. More advice,
from Bird Watcher's Digest.
How do I get rid of the Barn Swallows nesting over my front door?
If they are
already there, it is illegal to harass them or destroy the
nest. Enjoy the show and try using another door for a couple of weeks. Remove
all horizontal ledges the following winter, but remember that these birds are
helpful insect eaters!
What do I do with an orphaned baby bird?
Leave it alone because the parents
could be nearby. Keep the pets and kids far away from nests and nestlings. Check
here for more information.
What do I do with an injured bird?
If it is an injured hawk or owl, contact
Last Chance
Forever at (210) 344-8259. For other birds, contact Wildlife
Rescue and Rehab at (210) 698-1709, or check
the TPWD web
site for a list of licensed rehabilitators nearby.
What kind of binoculars should I get?
Here are some great websites with lots of information: <http://www.binoculars101.com>,
<http://www.optics4birding.com>
and <http://www.betterviewdesired.com>.
What field guide should I buy?
One with color art, not photos, is recommended. There are many top-sellers
like the bird guides by the National Geographic Society, Golden Press, David
Sibley, Roger Tory Peterson, and more. Look here for
a list with descriptions.
When is the best time to go birding?
Go any time, any season. Start at home, but remember that birds are just about
everywhere.
Where can I get basic information
on birds and birding?
Do the following: attend a meeting of the local
bird club or go on a field
trip, buy a bird book, visit the local library, and surf the web. There's
a wealth of
information
already
out
there,
so you can do
your
homework. Here are some places
to start:
| Birds | Birding |
|
|
This information was originally compiled by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department <www.tpwd.state.tx.us> and adapted with permission by San Antonio Audubon Society. No endorsements are intended.
San Antonio Audubon Society, 5150 Broadway
#257, San Antonio, TX 78209-5710, (210)
308-6788, E-mail
These pages are Copyright ©2005
San Antonio Audubon Society. Permission is granted to other nonprofit organizations
to reprint
articles, unless otherwise noted. Reprints must refer to the originating web
site or newsletter and give credit to San Antonio Audubon Society and the
specific
author.
Webmaster e-mail: