For several years we have put out apple halves at our house in Abingdon,
Virginia. We cut the apples across the equator and place them on a rail on our
back porch that is near a Hawthorn Tree. Several pairs of catbirds and mocking
birds come to this banquet. Prior to the hatching of their eggs you can see a
bird eating at this site almost every time you look out the window. Exposing
the interior of the fruit makes it possible for them to eat the apples. The
don't seem able to pierce the skin. We go through a couple of apples a day in
peak season. Ed Morgan, Abingdon, VA
----- Original Message -----
From: MARLENECONDON@xxxxxxx
To: va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 3:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Va-bird] Catbird Behavior--try shell-less sunflower seed
In unusually cold (and today, wet) weather, insects are not out and about.
This makes survival difficult for insect-eating birds and their young.
I highly recommend placing shell-less sunflower seeds (called bits, hearts,
chips, or pieces) out for birds. Migratory birds make use of them as well as
resident birds that may already have young to feed. Peanut butter is also
easily taken by birds with bills shaped more for catching insects rather than
breaking open seed shells.
Sincerely,
Marlene
Marlene A. Condon (Author, The Nature-friendly Garden, Stackpole Books)
Nature Writer/Photographer/Speaker
Crozet, VA 22932-2204
E-mail: MARLENECONDON@xxxxxxx
www.MARLENECONDON.com
In a message dated 5/11/2010 2:15:48 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
Morann@xxxxxxx writes:
This afternoon I have two catbirds (a pair?) on my patio and they're taking
turns eating peanuts in the peanut feeder. I've never seen this before. Is this
odd?
Ann Donaldson
Barboursville
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