The Christmas Bird Count

December is a great time to join a Christmas Bird Count (CBC) and help your local Audubon or Bird Club gather data for research. This event begins on December 14th and goes until January 5th, and helps the community grab a snapshot of what birds, and how many, are in the area. Each CBC group counts a single day during that timeframe, and anyone at any level of bird identification is encouraged to participate. To learn more or find a group near you check out https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count.

If you are unable to join a Christmas Bird Count group, you can always share your observations from your own backyard or neighborhood using eBird or the Merlin Bird ID apps. These are great resources to help determine what species are being seen and how to identify them, and both are completely free to use! We can also help identify birds if you stop by the store or email us a picture.

What have we been seeing?

Red-breasted Nuthatches!

Winter migrants are making there way down for the season, and the Red- breasted Nuthatch is one of our favorites! Livingston county is located on the very edge of their year-round/winter distribution areas, so it just depends on what resources they have available. They are attracted to feeders that offer sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suets. When compared to their cousin, the White-breasted Nuthatch, they are smaller size and have different coloration. The Red-breasted Nuthatch is most easily identified by their rusty breast and underside, and significant black eye stripe.

Source:https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Redbreasted_Nuthatch/overview

Upcoming Events

Make and Take Workshop: Decorate a Wreath for the Birds

You will create something all the birds in your backyard will enjoy. This workshop costs $40 per person, and there is very limited seating, so contact the store for class registration at 810-522-5520.

Available Time Slots:

Sunday, December 1st from 10 AM to 11:30 AM OR 4 PM to 5:30 PM
Sunday, December 8th from 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Sunday, December 15th from 10 AM to 11:30 AM OR 4 PM to 5:30 PM

If you cannot attend here is a blog that you can follow along https://www.wbu.com/decorate-wreath-birds/

Where is Laurel?

With the holiday season upon us, Laurel will be coordinating, and teaching, four “Decorate a Wreath for the Birds” workshops here at the store. This hands-on, make-&-take workshop has become an annual tradition.

You can also watch for Laurel on Facebook Live every Sunday as she announces our annual “enter to win” holiday game, The Shell Game. This year the Shell Game is receiving a revamp with bigger prizes and winners drawn live. Tune in so you don’t miss out!

And if you have some down time this month, and enjoy listening to Podcasts, be sure to check out “The Mindful Birding Podcast” Episode 21: Gratitude for Birds II. Laurel was interviewed by Holly Merker, author of “Ornitherapy”, and podcast host for that episode.

Save the Songbirds:

The Gift of Birdfeeding

What better present to give than one that continues to give throughout the year? Feeding the birds is an amazing way to connect with nature and see your backyard, or neighborhood, in a new way. There are many different species of birds that come to feeders that might not be seen otherwise.

The simplest way to begin feeding the birds is offering bird seed spread on the ground, patio, or deck, because birds find food by sight. Our Scandinavian Seed Bags have a blend of sunflower seeds, peanuts, and safflower seeds, that will attract many native birds like Northern Cardinals, Mourning Doves, and Dark-eyed Juncos. Shop online HERE

Another option would be our Cranberry Seed Bells that can be hung off a tree, deck railing, or awning, so no feeder necessary! Sometimes critters can carry off birdfood before it can be enjoyed by the watcher, so gifting something that has hot pepper added to it will ensure the gift recipient will see the birds eating. The most common birds these bells attract are Black- capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, and Downy Woodpeckers. Shop online HERE for the regular Seed Bell and HERE for the Hot Pepper Bell.

Bark Butter® is a unique blend of suet and peanut butter that make any tree a bird feeder. We have a holiday bundle that includes a feeder that can be refilled and enjoyed year-round! All of the birds are looking for a high-fat food source as the temperatures begin to cooldown, so keep an eye out for Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, or Brown Creepers visiting Bark Butter® or suet feeders. Stop and see us in the store if interested!!

One of the easiest feeders to keep stocked and well-maintained are seed cylinder feeders. This is a reliable, foundational feeder that will keep anyone’s backyard birds happy. During the holiday season we have grab-and- go seed character bundles that make shopping for loved ones a breeze! There are a variety of seed cylinders and seed characters that last between 2-6 weeks without having to refill them, and will attract a wide variety of species. Consider giving the gift of birdfeeding, a unique hobby that continues to provide happiness throughout the year and brings people and nature together! Stop in and see us in the store if interested in the Olive the Owl Bundle! Other bundles are available to shop HERE