Conservation and Benefits

Almost as long as I have been alive, conservation has been a thing. Thanks to Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, people who cared had their eyes open to the possible consequences of habitat loss, over-hunting and fishing, and use of pesticides that are detrimental to the health of our planet.

The Lonely Life of an Expectant Avian Dad

Spring may still be weeks away, but in southern California, the birds don’t care. They are building nests, laying eggs, and raising babies. I couldn’t be happier about it all. But in a few species where the hen goes into the nest box and isn’t seen until the chicks need feeding. In fact, she needs time in the dark nest box to get in the mood to lay the eggs. The male bird hangs around the cage looking lonely and wishing this whole thing was over so he could have his mate’s companionship again. (I know, that’s a totally anthropomorphic view of the situation, indulge me.)

Feeding Birds Fresh Foods

I have long lamented that I don’t have time to give my flock fresh fruits and vegetables more than once every two weeks or so. A seed diet isn’t the best, but time was not on my side. The outside birds benefit from the foraging I do in the yard, getting grass, dandelions, and fruit from the trees. I had firmly fixed in my mind that I couldn’t really feed the inside birds fruits and veggies unless I included a grain like quinoa or barley, or a soak and cook mix just for birds.

Lady Jane Gray

If you’ve been reading this for a while, you know my husband and I like to get “creative” with the names of our birds. I had the privilege of purchasing two pairs of gray singing finches. As is often the case, the birds did not lay eggs or mate, so I made the choice to put them in the auction my bird club held last July.