Go for the Gold
Goldfinch Season is Here! Goldfinches are found across the U.S. and southern Canada, which means attracting them to your backyard is easier than you might think.
Unlike many birds, goldfinches nest later in the summer, starting in July and August. After the male charms the female with his cheerful, canary-like song, they begin nesting which is typically 5 to 10 feet high in shrubs or trees and often close to water. What makes this timing even more unique? Their favorite food: Nyjer® (thistle). Goldfinches delay breeding until thistle, dandelion, and other seed-producing flowers are in full swing ensuring a natural buffet for their young.
Here’s the best part: This delay gives you the perfect chance to enjoy peak goldfinch activity while many other birds are quietly raising families.
An Incredible Saturday with Hawks Aloft
We kicked off the weekend immersed in the world of raptors learning about our local birds of prey. Attendees had the rare opportunity to get up close with Hawks Aloft’s amazing ambassadors: Sparrow, a charismatic American Kestrel; Jemez, a majestic Mexican Spotted Owl, and Beauty, the ever-charming Turkey Vulture.
The vital work Hawks Aloft does in rescue, rehab, and education is amazing. Huge thanks to the attendees, passionate educators, and ambassadors who made this event soaring success!
Learn more about Hawks Aloft at https://hawksaloft.org/
Get Your Yard Certified!
Don’t miss out on this limited time offer! Now through July 31, get 20% OFF your Habitat Certification with promo code WBU20. Go here to begin your backyard oasis.
Certify Your Yard
Over the past 50 years, North America's bird population has declined by 2.9 billion breeding adults, a staggering 29% loss.* Scientists point to habitat loss as the primary cause of this decline. Wild Birds Unlimited is honored to champion the National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat program, encouraging individuals to transform their yards into safe havens for wildlife.
Visit the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) site to learn more about creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat. There is a small application fee that will help the NWF in their efforts to protect wildlife and habitats. You will receive a certificate and have an opportunity to buy a sign or plaque to display in your habitat.
Create a Bird-friendly Habitat
Scientists have identified habitat loss as one of the biggest reasons for the decline in bird populations. You can make a difference by adding native plants to your yard.
A plant is native if it has occurred naturally in a particular region, ecosystem or habitat without human introduction. Native plants provide shelter and nesting areas for birds, as well as natural sources for nectar, seeds, berries and yummy insects.
Native Plant Facts:
- Native plants typically grow healthier and stronger than non-natives.
- Native plants are low maintenance, requiring less watering, fertilizer and pesticides.
- Native plants assist in managing rainwater runoff and maintain healthy soil as their root systems are deep and keep soil from being compacted.
For you, native plants add a wealth of beauty, texture, varying heights and bloom times, providing a stunning display over multiple seasons. For birds, native trees and plants are home to caterpillars and other insects, which provide food for nestlings. Not sure where to shop for native plants? Visit Plants of the Southwest for selections specific to the Albuquerque area.
Adding native plants is one of the 7 Simple Actions to Help Birds. Stop by the store to learn more about native plants and actions you can take to help #SaveTheSongBirds.
Red Yucca in bloom. Photo credit to PD.
Butterflies Need Our Help!
Experts agree butterfly habitats are shrinking and that’s a double whammy! Not only are their homes disappearing, but so are their favorite food stops. The good news? You can make a big difference right in your own yard! Create a butterfly haven by planting nectar-rich flowers and host plants that support them at every stage of life—from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to adult. Every little effort helps these winged wonders thrive! Go here to learn more.
Young Bird Fledglings Experience Life Away from the Nest
This summer, bird parents across the country will spend countless hours with their children, taking them to places they’ve never seen before. The same can be said for the millions of wild bird families that will be introducing their young fledglings to a whole new world of experiences.
People who only feed the birds during the winter miss out on many fun and fascinating wild bird "family" activities. By mid-spring and throughout much of the summer, fledglings leave the nest and continue to be fed by their parents, while also being taught to eat from feeders. Watching this fun and fascinating activity is one of the true payoffs of the bird feeding hobby.
Here are some characteristics and behaviors to look for when watching these fledgling birds as they begin to leave the nest:
Fledglings are about the same size as adults, but often their plumage color is muted and similar to adult females. In some species, fledglings' tails are shorter than the adults', because the tail feathers are still growing. A recent research study demonstrated that supplemental bird feeding provides a direct nutritional benefit that supports higher-quality feather growth for birds like these fledglings. You can recognize Downy and other woodpecker fledglings by their fresh and dapper plumage, whereas that of the adults is worn and dusky from their repeated trips in and out of the nest hole. Chickadee fledglings follow their parents to the bird feeder and perch nearby as the parents go to get food. They either wait, looking like they are waiting to be served, or they call incessantly "teeship teeship" and flutter their wings until fed.
After one to three weeks, the parents stop feeding their fledglings and may even peck at them if they persist in begging for food. Some foods are better than others for new fledglings. Insects are highly favored, so mealworms are attractive to parents feeding young. Jim’s Birdacious® Bark Butter® and Bark Butter Bits are also excellent as they are highly nutritious, easily carried, and easily swallowed. It’s a perfect time to be seasonally savvy with your bird foods. Stop by the store and we'll help you pick the best food for your neighborhood fledglings.
Josiah Lavender's Hummingbird Presentation Now Available on our YouTube Channel. Please visit and follow us @WildBirdsUnlimitedABQEast.
Grab your coffee or tea and enjoy this engaging talk. Learn how to attract hummingbirds to your backyard, support their habits, and appreciate their role in New Mexico's ecosystems.
