BirdingGirl

I read an interesting article in the Cape Cod Times a few weeks ago. I found it especially interesting now that I have a thistle feeder since it was all about the rising price of thistle seed, or more accurately, nyjer seed. The article explains how black-oil sunflower seed costs have remained relatively stable, while nyjer seed has spiked. It's expected to stay high throughout the remainder of peak bird feeding season, lasting until the middle of spring. Here are some interesting facts about nyjer seed: - It's called "black gold" because of its higher price - There are two main factors contributing to the high price: importing and sterilization costs - Imported Nijer comes mainly from India and Ethiopia - The seed must be heated to prevent germination and spreading a non-native species - It's possible for fertile seeds to sneak through causing a nijer plant (yellow flowering) to sprout- although it's unlikely to survive because of the climate differences - A...

Pine Siskins have been frequenting my new Droll Yankee Thistle Feeder, coming in third place behind Dark-Eyed Juncos and American Goldfinches. You've already seen pictures of the fat junco feasting at the thistle feeder (sitting there for hours!), and I'll be posting pictures of the goldfinches next. I took these ones today when I went over to the feeder to put some treats on the ground. I was surprised this one didn't move so I took advantage of its good-naturedness and took some pictures from below. This one's from my Tuesday/Wednesday morning Project FeederWatch counting. It's pretty cold in the mornings, so this was taken from the warmth of the enclosed porch.

I was very lucky this Christmas--I got 2 bird-related presents: 1. A cedar birdhouse from Steve's parents 2. A Droll Yankee Thistle Feeder from my friend Abbie The birdhouse we'll put up soon, but the thistle feeder is up and it's a hit! I shouldn't put off hanging the birdhouse though because after doing some reading-- this article from My Backyard recommends putting them up in the fall or winter to let them get conditioned and give the birds ample time to check it out. The article also recommends mounting it on a pole rather than a tree to help reduce the risk of predators getting into it. We happen to already have a pole with an old birdhouse on it that we found out next to the barn. That birdhouse is falling apart so I don't feel too bad about taking it off and putting the new on on. But back to the Thistle Feeder- the birds love it! Here's the list of birds that have visited so far: Dark-eyed Junco American Goldfinch (males and females) Pine Siskin Common...