THE FLOCK NEWSLETTER

How to Keep Your Finches Happy

American Goldfinches can be some of the pickiest birds to show up at your feeding station, because if the feeder or food isn’t up to snuff, they will move on quickly. When buying food for finches we recommend you limit yourself to a two-month supply to ensure it is fresh for them. In addition, adding a weather guard or Feeder Fresh will reduce the buildup of moisture and minimize the possibility of mold growth. Now is the best time to put out something for the Goldfinches because they are just finishing up their nesting cycle - so consider checking out our new Blossom Mesh Finch Feeder! Visit our staff in-store or shop online with us HERE for all of your bird feeding needs.

What have we been seeing?

Unique Moths!

In the past few weeks we have seen two magnificent specimens at the store! Laurel discovered a Luna Moth (top) at the back of the building and Megan found an Imperial Moth (bottom) a few weeks later in front of the store. Both species are considered giant silkworm moths and reside in hardwood forests. Moths are very attracted to light, this could give you a chance to see them at night. However, we recommend not keeping lights on all night, because that can put them at risk from predators. If you want to learn more about either species check out this LINK

Bird Nerd Corner:

Fledgling White-Breasted Nuthatch

It isn’t too late to enjoy some fledgling activity at your feeders or in your yard, because some birds continue nesting through August. Our customer H.F. had a chance to watch a fledgling White-breasted Nuthatch learning how to forage with dad. The younger one (bottom) can be identified because it is lighter in color, likely because it still has some downy feathers. Some of the Nuthatch’s favorite foods are sunflower, safflower, peanuts, and suet. If you want to mimic what this customer saw, try our spreadable Bark Butter® suet on a tree or on a feeder. Do you have a fun story or picture you want to share with us? Just send us an email [email protected] or message on Facebook!

Save the Songbirds:

What is Molting?

Have you noticed any birds looking a little rough at your feeders? Or miscellaneous feathers in your bird bath? August is an important month for tons of different species of birds because most of them are losing feathers and working to re-grow healthy, pristine plumage for the upcoming cold weather. Typically, birds molt feathers in regular patterns or on specific parts of their bodies, and it may take weeks or months for birds to complete the molting cycle; the table below shows the time frame for the most common species found at bird feeders.

The best thing you can do to help your feathered friends through this crucial process is to provide foods that contain tons of extra proteins to grow strong feathers for proper flight and effective insulation. They need extra fats for energy to grow feathers and provide proper coloration for them to attract a mate. Our No-mess NMCD seed blend is the best all-around food to offer, with crude protein at 22% and crude fat at 32%. If you would rather serve something straight, NutraSaff or Peanuts are great to offer in a tube or tray feeder. Some other great foods to offer include mealworms, Bark Butter®, and Super Suet®. Adding a feeder for these foods can also help attract some new birds you don’t normally see.

Make sure you are set up for success and visit us today to stock up or you can shop online at HERE