Connect with Nature!
Did you know that the Portland area is the year-round residence of one species of hummingbird? Anna’s Hummingbirds, the largest of coastal Pacific Northwest hummers, are non-migratory! Both sexes are primarily greenish in color, but in sunlight males flash purplish red iridescence on their foreheads, throat patches, and sides of neck. Read more...
My backyard birds really love Mr. Bird’s nut and seed logs! I have offered both varieties, alternating between PecanFeast and WildBird Feast, and getting lots of action on both! I’ve seen nuthatches, chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, Song Sparrows, House Finches, and even a Black-headed Grosbeak feasting on them. Read more...
A visit from a Varied Thrush can brighten up a drab winter day. This striking bird may remind you of its cousin, the American Robin, only dressed in orange instead of red. Read more...
It’s true, black oil sunflower seed is the best choice for attracting the widest variety of birds. It's also true that going beyond black oil sunflower may bring new “diners” to your feeders. Here’s a tip: one type of seed per feeder reduces waste and mess. Birds rifle through seed mixes, dropping everything but their favorite. Another tip: don't buy "wild bird seed mixes" with stuff in them that Portland area birds won't eat -- like milo, for example. Backyard Bird Shop takes pride in offering the cleanest, freshest seeds you can buy for the best price you can find them! Read more...
In autumn you can provide natural sources of food by checking your impulse to clean up spent blossoms and stems, and instead let your annuals and perennials go to seed. Read more...
Dark-eyed Juncos are common sparrows found throughout North America. They show a great deal of geographic variation, with many subspecies divided into five recognizable groups. The group found locally is known, appropriately enough, as Oregon Junco. Read more...
Introduce a Roosting Pocket or Roost Box to your backyard to help birds stay warm and protected through autumn and winter. Read more...
With the arrival of autumn weather in late September and early October come Golden-crowned Sparrows. This species nests in Alaska, the Yukon Territory, and British Columbia, then spends the winter along the west coast from southern British Columbia to Baja California. They remain in the Willamette Valley until mid-May. Read more...
Autumn signals time to say “goodbye” to many fascinating birds that migrate to warmer climates. Gone until spring are Rufous Hummingbirds, Vaux Swifts, Barn, Violet Green and Tree Swallows, and many American Robins. They’ve migrated south because the supply of nectar and insects diminishes in a Pacific Northwest winter. Autumn is also a time to say “hello” to birds that migrate to the Pacific Northwest in search of seeds and soft ground for probing. Read more...
Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) are found in Oregon all year, but their nomadic behavior makes it hard to predict where you will find them at any given time. They may arrive in your yard one day (usually in a flock), spend a day or two, and then disappear for months. Read more...
We so appreciate Rick, who has allowed us to use some of his gorgeous bird photographs on this website! Read more...
Here are 4 tips to help you keep from growing a crop under your feeder: Read more...
Although it isn’t likely you'll see a bat on Halloween, this time of year offers nature-lovers a chance to educate people about these misunderstood creatures! Read more...
You can send squirrels right back to their own feeder by offering Hot Meats in the ones you'd like to reserve for birds. They’re sunflower chips soaked in chili pepper oil -- nutritious for birds, but a turnoff to squirrels. Read more...
To attract many of our native bees, start by planting bee- attracting plants. You’ll get a bonus from doing so: an array of other wildlife will be attracted as well! The native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, flies and other pollinators you attract will give your garden a bountiful harvest of fruits, vegetables, seeds as they provide hours of outdoor entertainment. Read more...
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