Friday, May 29, 2020
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
No Swallow Nest this Year.
By May 15, the Barn Swallows have abandon investigation of my Bird House.
I think the presents of group of Starlings feeding at the feeder, only 12 feet away, discouraged them. The Swallows would try to drive the Starlings away. The Swallows did not seem to mind the small birds at the feeder.
Last year the Starlings were not using the feeder.
Some barn swallows have been revisiting my bird house
I think the presents of group of Starlings feeding at the feeder, only 12 feet away, discouraged them. The Swallows would try to drive the Starlings away. The Swallows did not seem to mind the small birds at the feeder.
Last year the Starlings were not using the feeder.
Some barn swallows have been revisiting my bird house
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Moth Clean Up
As part of my Pantry Moth Clean up I just burned about $100 worth of bird seed. According to online sources, the only way to avoid Moths is to Freeze bird food for a few days. If I had only known. Apparently, only Freezing and Traps are the only safe way to avoid the problem, More traps are now on order.
I am not buying any more Bulk Bird Food until I have a Freezer to put my Buckets in, I just emptied an previous opened half bag of Black Oil Seeds into the Bird Feeder, it had many Moth Larvae munching on the seeds inside. I had it closed by rolled down the top and closed with a large Bag Clip. Some of the Larvae were on the outside, in the creases of the rolled down top.
Update: May 15, 2020
I added an Electric Bug Zapper in the bathroom where the bird seed is stored.
I am not buying any more Bulk Bird Food until I have a Freezer to put my Buckets in, I just emptied an previous opened half bag of Black Oil Seeds into the Bird Feeder, it had many Moth Larvae munching on the seeds inside. I had it closed by rolled down the top and closed with a large Bag Clip. Some of the Larvae were on the outside, in the creases of the rolled down top.
Update: May 15, 2020
I added an Electric Bug Zapper in the bathroom where the bird seed is stored.
Friday, May 1, 2020
Only a few Birds at the Feeders
The last few days I have seen only a few Woodpeckers at the Bird Feeders.
Where has all the other Birds gone?
Where has all the other Birds gone?
Friday, April 17, 2020
Return of the Barn Swallows
On Apr 15, 2020 I saw the first Barn Swallow investigating last years nesting box.
Three or four Barn Swallows were flying around the area, but only for a few minutes in early morning.
I put up their Nesting Box only a few days ago, the same box that was used last year by one pair.
Three or four Barn Swallows were flying around the area, but only for a few minutes in early morning.
I put up their Nesting Box only a few days ago, the same box that was used last year by one pair.
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
GoldFinches
This morning there were 12 Goldfinches hanging upside down on my almost upside down Suit Feeder, They had is swinging pretty good.
They really like the Round Yellow and Black Nijer Feeder.
They really like the Round Yellow and Black Nijer Feeder.
Monday, February 3, 2020
Birds Seen at my Feeder 2020
Bird Visitors for - 2020
FS = First Seen
LS = Last Seen
Each below are links:
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FS = First Seen
LS = Last Seen
Each below are links:
- Anna's Hummingbird They have very bright Red face feathers.
- Rufous Hummingbird I see many Humming Birds, about 1 per minute.
- Spotted Towhee NA
- Black-Headed GrosBeak FS: May 7, LS:
- Grey Headed Chickadee ?
- Black-capped Chickadee All Year
- House Sparrows All Year
- Oregon Junco All Year
- Dark-eyed Junco All Year
- Western-Variety Steller Jay FS: Feb, LS:
- Goldfinch FS: Feb, LS:
- Crow All Year, but have not visited my feeder
- Barn Swallow FS: Apr 15, LS: May 1 - I think Starlings at the Feeder scared them away.
- Common Blackbird NA
- Common Starlings All Year
- House Finch All Year
- Song Sparrow
- Pygmy Nuthatch All Year
- Hairy Woodpecker All Year
- Downy Woodpecker All Year
- Northern Flicker All Year
- Pileated Woodpecker All Year
- Evening Grosbeak NA
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Friday, January 31, 2020
My Suet Build
My Suet making attempt, recorded here for my reference.
Heat to mix, cool to make blocks, by pouring into empty previous purchased Suet cakes plastic containers.
The previous batch was "double blind taste tested" by Tess and myself (we did not peek) and found to be OK, but a little gritty, But then, I found the 3-out-of-4 birds preferred my mix, when compared to store bought at the same feeder.
Note: I do not have easy access to real beef Suet, which may work better than Crisco in the summer time.
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- 2 cups of Crisco
- 1 cup of Peanut butter
- 2 cups of Sunflower Chips
- 1/2 cup of chopped Peanuts
- 1 cup of Cornmeal
- 1/4 cup of Honey
- 1/4 cup of Sugar
Heat to mix, cool to make blocks, by pouring into empty previous purchased Suet cakes plastic containers.
The previous batch was "double blind taste tested" by Tess and myself (we did not peek) and found to be OK, but a little gritty, But then, I found the 3-out-of-4 birds preferred my mix, when compared to store bought at the same feeder.
Note: I do not have easy access to real beef Suet, which may work better than Crisco in the summer time.
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Saturday, November 2, 2019
Mason Bee Harvest
2019 Mason Bee Cocoon Harvest
Saturday Jenny, Jan and myself harvested our Mason Bee Cocoons.
Early last spring, we put out 250 Cocoons, we collected 1210 Cocoons this harvest, that is a production ratio of about 1:5 for the year (a bad year, was wanting a 1:10). The year before, I put out 25 Cocoons, and harvest the 250 (1:10) which were used this spring.
Photos shows: Cleaning, Sorting, Counting, and then Refrigerator Storage for next Spring. Males in one tub, females in the other (note: separation is not necessary). The white device in the last photo (lower right) is the Online Temperature and Humidity Monitors.
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Last year: 250T / 25 = 10/1 yield
Nov 2 2019:
J&J => 200M 350F = 540T
Jenny => 47M 37F = 84T
Eldon => 460M 206F = 666
This year: 1210T / 250 = 5/1 yield
--
Saturday Jenny, Jan and myself harvested our Mason Bee Cocoons.
Early last spring, we put out 250 Cocoons, we collected 1210 Cocoons this harvest, that is a production ratio of about 1:5 for the year (a bad year, was wanting a 1:10). The year before, I put out 25 Cocoons, and harvest the 250 (1:10) which were used this spring.
Photos shows: Cleaning, Sorting, Counting, and then Refrigerator Storage for next Spring. Males in one tub, females in the other (note: separation is not necessary). The white device in the last photo (lower right) is the Online Temperature and Humidity Monitors.
--
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| Harvesting from Hutches |
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| Sorting |
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| Cleaning |
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| Batch Groups |
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| Sturing In the Wood Shavings |
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| Males and Females Ready for the Frig |
Nov 2 2019:
J&J => 200M 350F = 540T
Jenny => 47M 37F = 84T
Eldon => 460M 206F = 666
This year: 1210T / 250 = 5/1 yield
--
Friday, October 11, 2019
First Light Freeze of the Year
The first Light Freeze of the Year was Oct 10, 2019, which would have been my Dad's 98 Birthday.
During the previous week, several Flocks of Finches have visited my Feeding Station. There must have been at least 100 with in the flocks, I think mostly Goldfinches, with some Red Finches mixed in. Most, if not all, of them were Goldfinches, but most of the Gold was gone, they looked mostly Brown. Unfortunately, I did not get any good photos.
--
During the previous week, several Flocks of Finches have visited my Feeding Station. There must have been at least 100 with in the flocks, I think mostly Goldfinches, with some Red Finches mixed in. Most, if not all, of them were Goldfinches, but most of the Gold was gone, they looked mostly Brown. Unfortunately, I did not get any good photos.
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Thursday, September 26, 2019
Goldfinches and Pileated Woodpecker
For the last few weeks more and more Goldfinches have gathered at my Feeding Station, about 30 have been counted. But the last few days I have not seen any. I think they may have been gathering to fly South for the winter.
I have seen and heard Pileated Woodpeckers in the area but until a few days ago, they had not came to my Feeding Station. But now, a Male comes by at least once a day.
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Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Squirrel at Bird Feeder
Today I saw the first Squirrel at the Bird Feeder. I am not sure this is a good thing, maybe I will have to think about Squirrel defense.
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| First Squirrel |
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
The Barn Swallow Family
I did not see any faces sticking out of the nest, I checked the nest. Yep, the Barn Swallow Family have left the nest.
Maybe next year we will see some of the back.
See:
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Monday, May 27, 2019
Birds Seen at My Bird Feeders - 2019
Bird Visitors for - 2019
FS = First Seen
LS = Last Seen
Each below are links:
--
FS = First Seen
LS = Last Seen
Each below are links:
- Anna's Hummingbird They have very bright Red face feathers.
- Rufous Hummingbird I see many Humming Birds, about 1 per minute.
- Spotted Towhee FS: ?, LS: Mid Aug
- Black-Headed GrosBeak FS: ?, LS: Mid Aug
- Grey Headed Chickadee
- Black-capped Chickadee These are my favorite birds, they are very; quick and friendly
- House Sparrows
- Oregon Junco
- Dark-eyed Junco a Black Headed Sparrow, the mostly eat on the ground
- Western-Variety Steller Jay FS: ?, LS: Mid Nov
- Goldfinch FS: ?, LS: Mid Sep
- Crow One investigated, but did not eat anything
- Barn Swallow FS: May 1, LS: July 17 - One pair nested in the fourplex bird house
- Common Blackbird Two came to partake of Suit. Black with yellow beak. UPDATE: I think they were Common Starlings :-( I understand Starlings can be a pain around back yard Bird Feeders.
- House Finch
- Song Sparrow
- Pygmy Nuthatch The always seem to be perched up-side-down
- Hairy Woodpecker They love my Peanut Butter Log
- Downy Woodpecker
- Northern Flicker Eats from the ground or vertical feeding log
- Pileated Woodpecker Took some sueit from near the right hand post.
- Evening Grosbeak FS: Nov 30 - LS: Mid Dec, When I first saw them, I thought they were a group of Starlings
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Monday, May 13, 2019
2019 Bee Blog
2019 Weather Log for 2019, Note: New Content will be added.
(I wish I had started this earlier)
3/9 - Put Out 25 Mason Bee Cocoons
Experimental 3D Printed Frames are in the Left Barn,
Experimental Styrofoam Frames in the Middle Barn,
Traditional Wooden Frames are in Right Barn.
More to come.
3/15 - Added 50 more Mason Bee Cocoons
3/20 - Watching a Mason Bee Emerge
The Mason Bee cocoons are placed in a simple 3D Printed Emerging Box with wood shavings, there is nothing special about the box, but it does allow me to monitor the emerging process. All bees exit through a single small hole in the front of the box. The box is place in the space above the nesting tube trays (in the attic).
3/23 - Added 50 more Mason Bee Cocoons
3/30 - Added 75 more Mason Bee Cocoons
(I wish I had started this earlier)
3/9 - Put Out 25 Mason Bee Cocoons
Experimental 3D Printed Frames are in the Left Barn,
Experimental Styrofoam Frames in the Middle Barn,
Traditional Wooden Frames are in Right Barn.
More to come.
 |
| 3/9/2019 |
3/20 - Watching a Mason Bee Emerge
The Mason Bee cocoons are placed in a simple 3D Printed Emerging Box with wood shavings, there is nothing special about the box, but it does allow me to monitor the emerging process. All bees exit through a single small hole in the front of the box. The box is place in the space above the nesting tube trays (in the attic).
3/23 - Added 50 more Mason Bee Cocoons
3/30 - Added 75 more Mason Bee Cocoons
 |
| 4/2/2019 |
4/7 - Setup Barns near the House, with about 50 Cocoons
This is probably the last Mason Bee Barns I will put up this year, it is located in the same spot, that my one barn was last year, which is outside of Jenny's bedroom window. I installed the last of my Bee Cocoons (about 50) which will hopefully emerge soon. Today it is wet and drizzling, so we will not see much activity on any of the barns.
4/19 - Two weeks prior - cool and rain
4/29 - Clear, but still Cool, late afternoon Thunder and Rain
Six Tubes Capped (6 total).
4/30 - Clear and Cool
5/1 - Clear and Warm
5/2 - Overcast but DryAM, Clear Warm PM
Nine Tubes Capped
5/3 - Clear Warm
5/4 - Clear and Warm
16 Tubes Capped We went to the Hanger to bring back a Tree/Log that came down near the Hanger.
5/5 - Clear and Warm
Went to Jan and Jerry's house and took a look at their Bees, they are doing great, many tubes capped.
5/6 - Clear and Warm
5/7 - 5/11 - Clear and Warm
5/10 - 5/13 - Cool Morning, Warm Afternoons
5/14 - Drizzly Morning
5/16 - Fog in the AM, Sun at Noon, Rain Afternoon
5/26 - The Bees are about done for the year
It has been cool and damp.
My Mason bee have not done well this year, in November I will count the results (cocoons).
--
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| 4/7/2019 |
4/20 - Clear and warm, first good flight day in several weeks
4/21 - Clear and warm - Easter
For the last few weeks it has been cool and damp, the Mason Bees could not fly. The two days of Easter Weekend provided nice weather, the Bees could fly and I took a look at the Observation Trays.
4/22 - Cool and wet
4/23 - Cool and wet
4/24 - Clear and warm, removed first layer of blue tape exposing more tubes
4/25 - Clear and warm, First capped tube (hole) seen
4/26 - Clear and warm
A second tube has been Capped this afternoon, the girls have worked very hard today.
Based on my observations, it appears that a single Female Mason Bee will occupy and prevision several tubes at the same time.
4/27 - Clear and Cool, Rain at night
4/28 - Clear, Cool (colder), some clear sky rain for about 1 hr.
I put out another Mason Bee Barn across the field on a pole, I did not put any cocoons into the Barn, this is an experiment to see if I can attract Bee use without cocoons
4/21 - Clear and warm - Easter
For the last few weeks it has been cool and damp, the Mason Bees could not fly. The two days of Easter Weekend provided nice weather, the Bees could fly and I took a look at the Observation Trays.
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| 4/21/2019 |
4/23 - Cool and wet
4/24 - Clear and warm, removed first layer of blue tape exposing more tubes
4/25 - Clear and warm, First capped tube (hole) seen
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| 4/25/2019 |
A second tube has been Capped this afternoon, the girls have worked very hard today.
Based on my observations, it appears that a single Female Mason Bee will occupy and prevision several tubes at the same time.
4/27 - Clear and Cool, Rain at night
4/28 - Clear, Cool (colder), some clear sky rain for about 1 hr.
I put out another Mason Bee Barn across the field on a pole, I did not put any cocoons into the Barn, this is an experiment to see if I can attract Bee use without cocoons
 |
| Small Barn on a Pole |
4/29 - Clear, but still Cool, late afternoon Thunder and Rain
Six Tubes Capped (6 total).
4/30 - Clear and Cool
5/1 - Clear and Warm
5/2 - Overcast but DryAM, Clear Warm PM
Nine Tubes Capped
5/3 - Clear Warm
5/4 - Clear and Warm
16 Tubes Capped We went to the Hanger to bring back a Tree/Log that came down near the Hanger.
5/5 - Clear and Warm
Went to Jan and Jerry's house and took a look at their Bees, they are doing great, many tubes capped.
 |
| Jerry with his Bees |
5/6 - Clear and Warm
5/7 - 5/11 - Clear and Warm
5/10 - 5/13 - Cool Morning, Warm Afternoons
5/14 - Drizzly Morning
5/16 - Fog in the AM, Sun at Noon, Rain Afternoon
5/26 - The Bees are about done for the year
It has been cool and damp.
My Mason bee have not done well this year, in November I will count the results (cocoons).
--
Friday, May 10, 2019
2019 Bird Feeder Blog
This is the Bird Feeder Log for 2019
3/26 - Clear and warm
The Hummers are flying on this nice warm day. So far, I have seen as many as four Hum'ers (at the same time) at this feeder. The seed feeder below generally has several birds feeding at the same time.
I have learned: not to fill the feeders very full, so that they can be cleaned re-supplied often.
Second Feeder located in front of my Glass Door
Here is an interesting youtube video:
5/4 - Jenny found these at the Hanger in the Laurel Bushes while taking cuttings.
5/9 - A few Warm Days
A Barn Swallow checking out the Vent on the side of the Shop for a Home, I turned on the fan and blew out some feathers. Hopefully they will find other accommodations.
Several days ago I put out a Peanut Suet Block, today I saw a very Blue Jay eating on the Suet.
5/10 - Clear and Warm
We closed the vents with screen to avoid have the Barn Swallows nesting in them. But, I put up a bird house for them to use, so far, they have been just investigating it.
5/15 - Some Sun
The Barn Swallows have entered the Bird House.
I change the Suet Cage for a DIY Peanut Butter Log. The Birds seem to really like it.
5/16 - Fog in the AM, Sun at Noon, Rain Afternoon
Barn Swallow have been bring nesting material into one of the Bird House holes
--
3/26 - Clear and warm
The Hummers are flying on this nice warm day. So far, I have seen as many as four Hum'ers (at the same time) at this feeder. The seed feeder below generally has several birds feeding at the same time.
I have learned: not to fill the feeders very full, so that they can be cleaned re-supplied often.
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| Feeding |
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| The Exit |
Second Feeder located in front of my Glass Door
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| Second Feeder |
Here is an interesting youtube video:
5/4 - Jenny found these at the Hanger in the Laurel Bushes while taking cuttings.
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| Near The Hanger |
5/9 - A few Warm Days
A Barn Swallow checking out the Vent on the side of the Shop for a Home, I turned on the fan and blew out some feathers. Hopefully they will find other accommodations.
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| Barn Swallow - Looking for a Home |
Several days ago I put out a Peanut Suet Block, today I saw a very Blue Jay eating on the Suet.
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| Added Suet Block and Nyjer Feeder |
We closed the vents with screen to avoid have the Barn Swallows nesting in them. But, I put up a bird house for them to use, so far, they have been just investigating it.
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| The New Bird House, Hopefully to be used by the Barn Swallows |
5/15 - Some Sun
The Barn Swallows have entered the Bird House.
I change the Suet Cage for a DIY Peanut Butter Log. The Birds seem to really like it.
5/16 - Fog in the AM, Sun at Noon, Rain Afternoon
Barn Swallow have been bring nesting material into one of the Bird House holes
--
Saturday, April 27, 2019
2019 Bat Blog
I have always wanted to put up some Bat Houses, with only a little work it was easy to make,
To make sure that the Bats know that it is theirs, I put a sign with BIG letters on it :-).
During the summer months, we normally have many Bats around the ponds in the evening, but I do not know where they roost.
I got the impression from reading online, that it may take several years to occupy a new house.
4/27 - Cory helped me put up the new Bat House.
It was placed high enough that it can be checked with a flashlight from below. If I do get occupants, I may install a "Bat Cam" to watch the activity.
This is experimental, I may build a larger House for the space to the left.
--
To make sure that the Bats know that it is theirs, I put a sign with BIG letters on it :-).
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| New Built Bat House |
During the summer months, we normally have many Bats around the ponds in the evening, but I do not know where they roost.
I got the impression from reading online, that it may take several years to occupy a new house.
4/27 - Cory helped me put up the new Bat House.
It was placed high enough that it can be checked with a flashlight from below. If I do get occupants, I may install a "Bat Cam" to watch the activity.
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| Bat House Installed - 4/27/2019 |
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Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Today's Hives
These are my Mason Bee Barns
This is the first day of more than a few Female Activities.
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| Mason Bee Hives |
The blue tape cover most of the tubes (holes) to avoid "scattered" use by the bees, some of the tape will be removed as more tubes are needed.
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Hives 2019
Mason Bee
Mar 09, 2019 - Placed 25 Mason Bee Cocoons
Mar 16, 2019 - Added 50 Mason Bee Cocoons
Mar 23, 2019 - Added 50 Mason Bee Cocoons
Mar 30, 2019 - Added 50 Mason Bee Cocoons
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| Initial Hives |
Mar 09, 2019 - Placed 25 Mason Bee Cocoons
Mar 16, 2019 - Added 50 Mason Bee Cocoons
Mar 23, 2019 - Added 50 Mason Bee Cocoons
Mar 30, 2019 - Added 50 Mason Bee Cocoons
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Today I had a crow today I had a crow come to the bird feeder
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On Apr 15, 2020 I saw the first Barn Swallow investigating last years nesting box. Three or four Barn Swallows were flying around the area... -
The last few days I have seen only a few Woodpeckers at the Bird Feeders. Where has all the other Birds gone?