Pileated Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker is one of the largest, of all forest birds on the continent. It’s just about the size of a crow. It’s “song” is a loud, almost laughing noise. Just like in the old “Woody the Woodpecker cartoon. Listen for the whacking of dead trees and fallen logs in search of their main prey, carpenter ants. They are capable of leaving quite a mess in the wood. They are shy, but beautiful birds who often visit suet feeders year round. Keep your eyes and ears open for them!

Merry Christmas!

Treat your birds to something nice for the holidays! A new birdbath? A new feeder? What about the squirrels? They need some loving too! Check out what’s new at http://www.birdfeederauthority.comto treat your woodland creatures right!

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are among the smallest of birds, with most species measuring in the 7.5–13 range. They are small, but mighty birds with a high metabolism. A great deal of energy is spent flying, so they must feed almost constantly. The Ruby-Throated are the most common, but there are a variety of species throughout the country. Check with your local park distict or naturalist for birds that have been sighted in your area.

Millet Seed

Millet seeds are a group of many small grasses that seed. The seed is generally grown around the world as cereal grains for both human food as well as animals. The seed is very popular in Asia and Africa, as well as Nigeria and Niger. In the United States the most significant crop is millet mostly grown for bird seed. Often consumers will find the bird seed labeled Niger Millet.

Millets are major food sources in arid and semiarid regions of the world, and feature in the traditional cuisine of many others. In western India, the seed has been commonly used with millet flour. It is one of the most nutritious grains you can give to birds. They are lower in fat than many other seeds. They are high in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamin B and magnesium.

It has never quite made it in the North American market of grain cereals. Yet its demand is growing by leaps and bounds here. Not only is it being fed to birds, but it is now found in grocery and pet stores and is becoming a very common ingredient in horse feed. Many grain farmers are adding this plant to their crops. It will not attract song birds and colorful wild birds, but Sparrows love it and your horse will too!