Discover Smith Mountain Lake
SPRING 2016
19
18
readily into gardens is the Northern
Flicker, a common and widespread bird
that, unlike most woodpeckers, feeds
primarily off the ground. The flicker is
a noisy, conspicuous bird that loves to
eat ants. The eastern variety is usually
called the “Yellow-shafted” Flicker. The
male has a tan head, gray crown, red
nape and a black mustache. Its belly is
speckled and there is a black crescent
on its breast. The flicker is the size of a
pigeon.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is robin-
sized, and is widespread and common
in this area. Adult males have a black
and white barred back, and wings with
a red crown and nape and mustache.
Despite their name, there is only a faint
reddish tinge to their lower bellies. The
Red-bellied Woodpecker likes both pine
and deciduous forests, and will readily
come to feeding stations for seed or
suet, especially during winter months.
Early March is also the time to put out
your hummingbird feeder. If possible,
try to keep the feeder out of the direct
sun, so the nectar will not spoil as
quickly. During the heat of summer it’s
best to change the nectar at least twice
a week, making sure you carefully clean
the feeder with soap and water. An old
toothbrush works well on the outside,
and a bottle brush keeps the inside of
the feeder clean. You will have good
luck at attracting hummingbirds if
you initially make nectar using equal
amounts of sugar and water (no sugar
substitutes or honey). For example, use
two cups of sugar with two cups of water
and heat to the boiling point. Stir until
all sugar has dissolved, and the nectar is
clear in color. Cool it, of course, before
putting it in the feeder. It’s wise not to
completely fill the feeder until you have
enough activity so it is drained quickly.
Most feeders hold far more nectar than
the hummers will be able to eat within
a couple of days. Leave your feeder up
until mid to late September.
If you want to install a bluebird house
on your property, put it up in early
spring, at least six feet off the ground.
It’s better if it is on a metal pole, such as
those used for street signs, as these poles
are snake proof. A snake will devour the
contents of a bluebird nest, be it eggs or
chicks. Have the opening to the house
facing east if possible. Bluebirds like
a long expanse of lawn and places to
perch as they look down into the grass
for food. They love birdbaths. Before
installing a bluebird house, go to the
library or online and do some research.
Whole books have been written about
attracting bluebirds and offering them
appropriate nesting boxes.
Note: If you have an outdoor cat please
don’t feed birds. Cats are beautiful,
amazing creatures and make wonderful
pets but it’s better for everyone, including
the cat and especially birds, if cats are kept
inside the house.
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