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china beijing 2008 Olympic National stadiumchina beijing 2008 Olympic National stadium
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china beijing 2008 Olympic National stadium
David Attenborough examines the social weavers, who live together in multimple nests. From the BBC. Video Rating: 4 / 5
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Social weaver birds nest in a tree in Africa David Attenborough BBC wildlifeSocial weaver birds nest in a tree in Africa David Attenborough BBC wildlife
Got Birds? Absolute Bird Control Answers Top Ten Bird Problems
Got birds? Absolute Bird Control is a website dedicated to providing the very best in affordable and humane bird deterrents. The site offers a full line of easy to use products that can remedy virtually any pest bird problem, and the products are designed for home use! Whether you have pigeons under an eave, geese in your yard, or sparrows nesting on a window sill, Absolute Bird Control has the right product for you!
Pest birds can be quite a nuisance. They create a mess, and can carry disease such as West Nile Virus, Avian Flu, and Histoplasmosis. It is important to address a pest bird problem as soon as one is spotted. The longer birds inhabit an area, the harder it is to get them to move on.
For years Absolute Bird Control has been dedicated to helping home owners find the best product for their pest bird problems. The customer service department is committed to educating customers on the different products available.
Recently Absolute Bird Control polled its customer service department to find out what the top ten รขย�ย�pest birdรขย�ย� questions they received were. The list below provides solutions for the most common bird problems home ownersรขย�ย� encounter. If you have a pest bird problem, Absolute has a solution!
1. Pigeons On a roof
Birds like the highest points on buildings for predator and food lookout. When you take away the option to land there, they will usually move on and find another spot. Pigeons or seagulls can be deterred by using the spike products. Birds know they cannot land on such a surface. An outdoor sound deterrent also works well in this situation. These units are weatherproof, and can cover large areas. Other options would be the gel repellants. Applied to the roofline, birds do not like the รขย�ย�sticky sensationรขย�ย� on their feet, and will move on. Making the area uncomfortable will be your best bet. Because it can be difficult to access a roof area, calling in a authorized pest control company may be the best way to take care of birds on a roof. To find an installer in your area, call 1-800-392-6915.
2. Small Birds nesting under and eave or canopy
An eave is the perfect home for a bird. It provides shelter from the elements and predators. Scents in the nesting material and droppings will lead the bird back to their own nest. The most important step is to make sure all of the nesting material is cleaned away. Calling a pest control professional to help aid with the clean up and installation is your best bet. Bird droppings carry disease, and the proper protection is a must. Once the nests and droppings are cleaned up, there are several products that can help. The best way to keep smaller birds out of an eave is to block them out with netting. The netting acts as a physical barrier. Treating the beams that the birds are nesting on with the Bird Gel will also help. The Bird Chase Supersonic, an outdoor sound deterrent, is weatherproof and can be programmed for smaller birds. Predator calls signal the birds to move away from danger.
3. Pigeons on a Balcony or patio
Pigeons on a balcony or patio area are a very common problem. These areas provide shelter, and prime nesting locations. Because the birds land indiscriminately on these areas, it is important to choose something that will encompass the patio or balcony. Many people have success with stringing visual deterrents such as Mylar Flash Tape or Scare Eye Diverters. Both use visual scare tactics to frighten birds away. A sound deterrent can also help with this problem; they cover wide areas, and require no maintenance. For table tops and A.C. units, the Repeller, a solar powered unit that uses motion to scare birds, will also work.
4. Geese in yard, making a mess of grass area
Geese are large birds, which create large messes. Absolute Bird Control carries three different products to deter geese. There is a topical grass repellent called Migrate. It is made out of grape extract, and geese can't stand the taste. Applied to a lawn area, geese will realize they do not have a food source and move onto a better spot. There is also a product called the scarecrow which is hooked up to a garden hose. Every time the unit detects motion it will spray out water. Lastly there is a sound deterrent called the Goose Chase Sonic, which uses distress calls of other geese to move geese on. If you only have a few geese any one of the goose products will work. If you have a greater number of geese on the property, you may want to consider using a combination of the products.
5. Woodpeckers destroying the side of a home
Woodpeckers peck into surfaces for a three reasons, to look for food, to attract a mate, and to create a nesting cavity. If woodpeckers have chosen your home to peck at, there are a few successful items you can use. Visual deterrents, such as the Diverters, Scare Eye Balloons, or Mylar Tape work well with a woodpecker problem. These three items have reflective surfaces which woodpeckers will avoid. The Bird Chase Super Sonic can be programmed for woodpeckers. The unit can cover between 1-5 acres, and is weatherproof.
6. Birds sitting on a window sill
Window sills provide a perch, and often shelter. Making the sill un-usable for birds is a good way to stop a bird from choosing your window. Products such as the Bird Spikes or Bird Gel work well in this situation. If you have birds flying into a window, or pecking at a window, we carry รขย�ย�window alertsรขย�ย�. These are decals applied to the window itself, which help birds recognize the surface, and ignore the reflection.
7. Seagulls or Pigeons making a mess on a boat or dock
When a boat owner goes out to their boat, the last thing they want to do is clean bird droppings. The masts and spreaders of boats provide perfect landing spots for these large birds. We have two great products to help boat owners battle a tough bird problem. The Bird Spider is a very simple product, with very successful results. Steel arms bounce in the wind, the motion will frighten birds away. Usually one spider at each end of a boat will be enough to deter birds. The Repeller, the solar powered bird deterrent, can also be used on boats. This unit is ideal for flat surfaces such as canopies or covers. The continuous sweeping motion of the rods will keep the birds at bay.
8. Noisy Birds in a nearby tree
Its 6:00 am and the birds in a nearby tree are at it again! Usually customers are troubled with the noise and mess birds create while in a tree. If they are not nesting you could try the outdoor sound deterrent (the Bird Chase Super Sonic) this emits predator and distress calls, when birds hear these calls their natural instinct is to flee the area. Visual deterrents in the tree such as our Mylar flash tape of scare eye balloons may also help. Fruit growers have success with the Scare Eye Diverters when trying to protect fruit trees.
9. Birds / Ducks in or near a pool
If you are having problems with birds around your pool you may want to consider the outdoor sound deterrent. This devices uses predator and distress calls to scare the birds. It is weatherproof and can be programmed to which bird you are having the problem with. Because you cannot really treat the pool with surface treatments (like spikes or gel) this may be your best option. If the problem is ducks in a pool, the scare eye balloons used in the pool have proven to be successful. The รขย�ย�Scare Eye Balloonรขย�ย� has mock predator eyes printed on the balloon. Ducks will be frighten by the site, and move on.
10. Small Birds nesting in a Garage / barn
Nesting Birds are tough to get rid of. Absolute Bird Control gets calls about birds in a garage or barn area often. Again these structures provide perfect shelter. As with question 2, netting off areas is the best way to keep birds out. Blocking access to the rafters or beams that the birds perch on is a great way to protect these areas. We also carry an indoor sound deterrent called the Bird Chase Super Sonic. This unit uses high frequency ultrasonic noises to deter birds, and can cover up to 6,000 square feet.
Using the information in this list can save you time and money! Visit www.absolutebirdcontrol.com now for information and pricing on any of the products listed. The customer service team is waiting to help you solve your pest bird problem today.
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Got Birds Absolute Bird Control Answers Top Ten Bird ProblemsGot Birds Absolute Bird Control Answers Top Ten Bird Problems
our son was playing outside and seen a birds nest and decided to save it to keep it from falling onto the ground and wants to hatch the eggs himself
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Bird video part 2 9 year old boy attempts to save bird nest with 3 eggs in itBird video part 2 9 year old boy attempts to save bird nest with 3 eggs in it
A robin built her nest between two empty flower pots in a storage shelf in my porch. She has three eggs in the nest, and while she was away a got a bird's eye view of the nest and the eggs. Don't worry, I did not touch the nest... Video Rating: 0 / 5
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Spring is in the air and the eggs are in the birds nestSpring is in the air and the eggs are in the birds nest
Information About Bird Control
Pigeon Bird Control Information
Pigeon Birds are a public health risk for several reasons. They damage and contaminate food with their droppings and feathers. They have health effects, since they carry more than 60 diseases associated (although not considered as vectors), such as salmonellosis, ornithosis, Cryptococcosis, Hialoplasmosis and allergic alveolitis. They can act (both they and their droppings) as reservoirs of pathogens that affect humans and pets. They are carriers of ectoparasites such as ticks, fleas, lice, etc. Pigeon droppings are very slippery on the pavement, especially when it rains, being the cause of accidents and also cause other problems such as:
- Create dirt with their droppings, and contain acidic substances that are very aggressive in building materials such as stone and cause corrosion on metal surfaces.
- The seagulls can bring special problems causing noise nuisance, making lots of garbage and excrement, damage to buildings, and even attack people and pets causing this adverse effect against tourism.
Depending on whether
Depending on the pressure he is under to protect the site.
To determine the type of pressure from birds to do a delicate exploration and consider a series of questions such as:
- Why use this place to land?
- Birds nest in place?
- Spending the night there?
- Is it a place from which to make out their lunch or occasionally perch?
Therefore pressure is defined by the number of birds that come to the site concerned and for what they do are there, being able to distinguish three types of pressure:
Low pressure: Are those areas where birds are occasionally. They are often quite exposed such as railings or parapets (top of a balcony or balustrade). These areas can be treated with almost any type of product.
Average pressure: Are those areas that are regularly used for perching birds. They are usually near where they feed. They are used normally during the day. The birds will try again to overcome these areas and prevention systems, so they must be robust enough. If the birds can not return to these places, and will be the closest. In these areas it is advisable to use network systems, or barbed wires carefully. When using the wire system would be desirable to reduce the population through trapping.
High blood pressure: Are those areas used by birds for the night and nest. The birds showed a great persistence in wanting to go back to them despite being placed exclusion systems useless by many protection schemes. In these cases the only systems are networks, but also skewers the system can work, but would improve with an entrapment of the population. If allowed, it could eliminate some birds with a rifle, if that can not be caught. These areas are often very sheltered places and have a great pile of excrement. Here are located nesting sites, being in the case of pigeons can be anywhere, with little backup material.
Depending on the type of pressure that the birds carry these or other measures taken, one building may be subjected to various kinds of pressure.
METHODS OF INSPECTION
Some of these pigeon extermination methods include:
Baits with narcotics
Chemicals are mixed with food. These chemicals have the active material and alfacloralosa seconal. With this substance get numb to the bird so we can remove it. But it presents many drawbacks:
You may take any other animal.
It is difficult to estimate the dose, because they must eat enough to numb them.
In short, this method is complicated.
Trapping
It is possible that a measure is often used with pigeons. Pigeon control products is merely figurative, because while not remove the food source or access is not impeded, the birds will continue coming to these places.
This method is very useful as an adjunct to prevention systems, such as bird control spikes or wires, and animals that pigeons are very persistent and try to go to places that have been treated so they can be trapped in cages.
These cages should be placed in quiet places and it is essential that persons with "good intentions" do not release the birds.
It is necessary to put food in (Pre-Fatten), and leaves the door open to catch the pigeon familiarity from 5 to 10 days. After this time, special doors down, but that let out. Pigeons are left trapped for several days to serve as a claim to other, being very important constant supply of food for birds are not stressed. Because of this constant maintenance labor is very expensive. The method is widely used in municipalities.
The cages can be extended to pigeons and sparrows.
Leeway
In some cases their use is essential and it needed permits. Used air guns, especially a very persistent bird that can endanger an entire system of protection.
Removal of nests and eggs
You can remove nests and eggs to prevent breeding. By removing the birds usually lay eggs again, that instead of eliminating what you do is pierce, put an oil (avoiding the diffusion of O2 into the egg) not to hatch, and so on. This is a very laborious and impractical.
The problems posed control methods are:
- Legal provisions.
- Reaction from the public.
- Effect of "empty"
PREVENTION SYSTEMS
Networks
The networks prevent the passage of birds within the protected area and its posamiento on it, being able to use this system to protect buildings of almost every species that create problems, being in the case of the sparrows and starlings the only method useful, as in high pressure situations against pigeons and seagulls.
There are three models, varying in mesh size, the choice depends on the type of bird that needs to be protected against the house:
- Pigeons: 50 mm.
- Starlings: 29 mm.
- Sparrows: 19 mm.
Each thread of the network is put together with 7 polyethylene and polypropylene fibers with a thickness of less than 10 denier twisted (the higher this number is thicker the braid). Each individual fiber has a breaking strain of over 20 kilograms and is chemically prepared to give a high resistance to ultraviolet rays. In the manufacturing process to stabilize predilata network by applying a voltage of 9 tons and injecting steam at 100 ยบ C, thus ensuring the failure of bank or dilation under a minimum of 10 years. In addition withstand high temperatures (up to 120 ยบ C without softening and up to 130 ยบ C without melting).
The meshes are presented in coils of 10 m2, in black, stone and translucent. The black mesh is most often used because the others are just fouling. A factory can be ordered in different sizes but must be asked for a minimum of 20 days in advance.
System skewers
They consist of a myriad, a group of hardened stainless steel spikes that project out at all the angles. The tines are subject to a solid foundation that can be installed in window sills, ledges, eaves, etc.. or anywhere else prone to raising the birds. These sharp wire violate discomfort in birds, preventing them to land on these surfaces. The cornices other niches should be filled completely to achieve a total effectiveness. The broad surfaces may require two or more rows and rows of parallel spines.
The barbed wire can be very effective, but must follow carefully the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. If left too much space between the building and the fences or between rows of spikes, birds can take advantage of this and build their nests on the wire, creating the problem again. Also the wires should be inspected and cleaned periodically to remove garbage like twigs, leaves etc. Because this trash can protect the sparrows of the effect of sharp projections and continuing to use this area of the building
These systems are useful in situations of medium and high pressure, however this system is not recommended for high blood pressure. If birds are sleeping, nesting can not become valid, but not in all cases.
They are steel spikes on the basis of field-resistant special plastic. The base can be fixed with screws, but most used is a special silicone. It is essential that the substrate is clean and dry to stick well.
Depending on the type of birds can be classified different types of skewers.
Method of placement
Skewers systems are very simple to place, how hard is to do well. The first row of spikes should be in line with the ledge (for example), so that is more external spike protruding from it.
The maximum space that may exist between spikes is 6 cm, and that is the minimum gap for a dove to alight.
In protecting the railings overlooking the area where he sees food.
There are special skewers gulls, which are large.
There are spikes of a single spike that only cover an area of 4 to 5 cm.
The biggest drawback is its cost is high.
Systems poles and wires
It is a very useful system for pigeons and gulls in low pressure situations, and employees with care can also serve medium-pressure situations, especially if accompanied by a reduction of the population through trapping. This is a cheap system that can be used almost anywhere.
Method of placement
Poles are placed every 1.5m, engaging them in a block of nylon. There are areas that can not be drilled, so stick with silicone bases special plastic poles. When using silicone must wait for it to dry for 24 hours, keeping the birds away all this time
The first row of the structure should be lower so that the birds do not enter through the bottom, or use poles with holes at different heights.
Just as the first line of wire must be oblique.
Between each line of wire should be a maximum gap of 5 cm.
By putting the parallel rows, the springs should be rotated in order to prevent the pigeons did not land on them.
The cables can go in some situations attached to the wall, without using poles.
There are posts that have more than one hole at different heights. These can be placed in a "clothes line" protecting the top of the pole with a wire so that it does not pose a bird. This wire is also used in places where you used long strips to act as a brace to prevent bending these posts.
The posts are also presented with clamps to apply to different diameter pipes, gutters, etc..
This system is not effective against starlings.
Alternative systems: Repellents
Repellents have been used for years to scare away the birds of empty buildings where roost or nest trees. Repellents are usually designed to affect one or more respects from birds to cause alarm and leaving the area or make their leisure activities and raising, become uncomfortable. There are four different types of bird repellents:
1. Touch
2. Sound
3. Olfactory
4. Visual
For most of the problems with birds in urban and industrial areas, tactile repellents are available for the professional. There are two types of tactile repellents: mechanical and chemical
Repellent touch
Mechanical
So far we have seen several mechanical repellents (barbed wire and networks), but there are other less important
- Tippler
Used to gulls. It is a system by which gives the bird can perch comfortably.
- Wires "source"
These are wires that move the air as a source. It is a good method for industrial situations, such as deposits circulars, etc..
- Spiral
Pigeons is a system for low pressure situations. The spring is attached to the substrate with silicone or with pins. It is a very economical and easy to install.
Chemical
- Gels
They are the type most widely used repellent in the pest control industry and are available in gels, pastes, sprinkling and aerosol cans for smaller jobs vary considerably Chemical repellents some are thick and gooey, others are jelly, and some are so sufficiently viscous to be sprayed.
Generally these repellents contain polyethylene or polibutioleno. These substances are toxic to birds, rather convey the sensation of warmth in the feet of birds when they land on them, causing them to move from perch and to settle elsewhere
For best results, all surfaces should be cleaned of all debris, dirt and bird droppings, before applying any repellent. Non-porous surfaces such as metal, do not require additional activities, but porous surfaces like wood brick and stone must be completely sealed with a sealant, adhesive and fluid penetrate into the interior of such materials. Waterproof tape can be placed on the surface where it will place the bird repellent, but if the seal on the surface is dry the substance is inappropriate to reduce the residual product.
The effectiveness of chemical repellents is lost over time, if however the dust, dirt, moisture, extreme heat or cold are reducing the life of these products.
Disadvantages to be considered:
1. In areas frequented by people they look unsightly
2. They can be annoying for the cleaning staff
3. Pigeons can throw sticks and other materials on the repellent, which will disable
4. Only useful for small jobs.
Visual Repellents
They include the use of lights, fake owls, snakes, scarecrows, balloons and other devices. Some aids have limited agricultural use for crops but are generally not very effective on all urban and industrial environments. In these situations have an effect over a very short period of time as they become accustomed to ignoring coming
Ultrasonic Pigeon Bird Control Devices
These include loud noises, sudden and unusual (explosions, alarmed speakers, recordings, etc.). It has little effect that adapt well to the sounds of birds, besides this noise in urban environments may be more bothersome to people.
Single mom with kids, love to explore, hobbyist and love to travel. Former Pigeon Extermination Consultant.
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Information About Bird ControlInformation About Bird Control
Birds You Can Attract into Your Garden
The American Robin is the largest thrush.ร�ย Robins prefer to build their nest in the crotch of a tree.ร�ย You can offer a nesting platform if you donรขย�ย�t have an appropriate tree.ร�ย You should pick a spot that is, at least, six feet above the ground on a shaded tree trunk or under the overhang of a shed or porch.ร�ย A created mud puddle in the vicinity, also, offers additional enticement, as robins use mud to hold their nests together.
Bluebirds can be attracted by putting up a bluebird house near an old field, golf course, cemetery, park or orchard.ร�ย Bluebirds prefer nest boxes on a wooden fence post between three or five feet high or on a tree stump.ร�ย Bluebirds, also, enjoy nesting in abandoned woodpecker nest holes.
The most consideration must be given to the hole diameter.ร�ย A hole that is an inch and a half in diameter is small enough to deter starlings, which along with house sparrows, are known to kill bluebirds while sitting on the nest.ร�ย Other animals are problematic to bluebirds, also.ร�ย Cats, snakes, chipmunks and raccoons can be discouraged from bluebird nests by mounting the bluebird home on a metal pole or by using a metal predator guard on a wood post.
Purple Martins are a welcomed bird in many a yard because they are known to eat, nearly 2,000 mosquitoes a day.ร�ย While it is true purple martins eat flying insects, donรขย�ย�t expect them to eliminate all the mosquitoes in your yard.ร�ย The martins prefer dragonflies which prey on the larvae of mosquitoes.ร�ย If you want to rid your yard of mosquitoes, you would have better luck if you put up a bat roosting box.ร�ย One bat can eat thousands of mosquitoes in one night.
Martins, however, are entertaining birds.ร�ย You will enjoy watching their antics in your yard.ร�ย The best way of attracting martins is if you put a house on the edge of a river or pond, surrounded by a lawn or field.ร�ย A nearby telephone wire gives them a place to congregate, as martins are sociable birds.ร�ย
Purple martins, being sociable birds, nest in groups, also.ร�ย Therefore, you will need a house with a minimum of four large rooms, six or more inches on all sides, with a 2 ร�ยฝ inch entrance hole about 1 ร�ยฝ inches above the floor.ร�ย Drainage and ventilation are major factors in the design of a martin house.ร�ย Porches with porch dividers, railings and supplemental roof perches like a TV antenna make any house more appealing.
Houses can, also, be constructed from gourds by fashioning an entrance hole and small holes at the bottom to permit drainage.ร�ย If you make homes from gourds, it is not necessary to add railings and perches because adult martins will perch on the wire used to hang the house.ร�ย Before you choose a house, you must think about what kind of pole you are going to put it on.ร�ย Martins like their houses to be ten to twenty feet off the ground.ร�ย Some poles are less cumbersome than others.
Wrens are not very choosy about their nesting place.ร�ย Nest boxes with a 1 inch X 2 inch horizontal slot are enticing to the wrens.ร�ย The Carolina wren requires a slot a little larger, 1 ร�ยฝ in X 2 ร�ยฝ inches.ร�ย However, the large the opening, the better the chances that house sparrows will occupy the box.ร�ย Wrens are known to fill the nest cavity with twigs, regardless of the fact they use the home to raise their young or not.ร�ย Since male wrens build several houses so that the female can have her choice of a home, you should hang several nest boxes at eye level on tree limbs that are partly sunlit.ร�ย Wrens are sociable.ร�ย Consequently, they will not shy away from a nest close to your house.
Brown creepers and Prothonotary warblers like nesting behind the curved bark of tree trunks.ร�ย Slab bark houses appeal to creepers in heavily wooded yards.ร�ย Prothonotary warblers, also, prefer slab bark houses or bluebird boxes attached to a tree trunk.ร�ย But their houses must be place over water such as a like, swamp or river with a good canopy of trees overhead.
Chickadees, Nuthatches and Titmice share the same habitatรขย�ย�feeders and food.ร�ย If you put a properly designed nest box in a wooded yard, at least one of these species is bound to check it out.ร�ย Chickadee houses should be placed at eye level.ร�ย They can be secured to tree trunks or hung from tree limbs.ร�ย The entrance h ole should be 1 1/8 inches in order to attract chickadees and exclude house sparrows.ร�ย Nuthatch houses should be anchored five to six feet off the ground.
Barn Swallows and Phoebes are easy to attract if you have the right habitat like an old shed or open barn.ร�ย Their nesting behavior, not their song or plumage, which at will catch your attention.ร�ย But they tend to nest where you rather not have them รขย�ย� on a ledge directly over your front door.ร�ย You can offer them a nesting shelf near the front door to prevent a mess right at the door.
Violet green and Tree Swallows prefer nest boxes attached to dead trees.ร�ย You should place the boxes about seven feet apart for these birds with white bellies and iridescent blue-green backs and wings.ร�ย These insect-eating birds like to be on the edge of a large field that has a river or lake nearby.
Violet-green swallows, generally, nest in the forested mountains of the West.ร�ย Boxes placed on large trees in a semi-open woodland will tend to attract them.
Woodpeckers of all types can be attracted with a suet feeder.ร�ย But, only, the flicker is likely to use a bird house.ร�ย They prefer a box with a roughened interior and a floor covered with two inches of layered wood chips or sawdust.ร�ย Flickers are, especially, fond of nest boxes filled with sawdust because they pile it up to suit themselves.ร�ย The box should be placed high up on a tree trunk, exposed to direct sunlight for best results.
Flycatchersรขย�ย�the great crested and its western cousin, the ash-throated flycatcher, are commonly, found in rural areas that have wooded lots and in wooded suburbs.ร�ย They use abandoned woodpecker holes for nesting sites.ร�ย Flycatchers tend to nest in a bird house if it is placed ten feet high in a tree in an orchard or at the edge of a field with a stream.ร�ย
Owls very rarely build their own nests.ร�ย Great-horned and long-eared owls like abandoned crow and hawk nests.ร�ย ร�ย Most other species nest in tree cavities and bird houses.ร�ย Barn owls like selecting nesting sites near farms.ร�ย These birds will nest in barns, silos and church steeples where trees are sparse.ร�ย You can try fastening a nest box for owls about fifteen feet up on a tree trunk if you live near a golf course or farm.
Screech owls prefer abandoned woodpecker holes at the edge of a neglected orchard or field.ร�ย They will love boxes lined with an inch or two of wood shavings.ร�ย You may attract a second tenant in one seasonรขย�ย�a kestrel, if you clean out the box in late spring after the young owls have fledged.
You need to provide drainage, ventilation and easy access for monitoring and maintenance for the boxes.ร�ย A mixture of concrete and sawdust offers protection other houses cannot provideรขย�ย�squirrels cannot chew their way in.
ร�ย
Mary Fesio is the owner and webmaster of www.FeedersFountainsAndBirdhouses.com. This is a website that offers a large variety of quality bird houses, bird feeders, garden statuary, indoor water fountains and outdoor water fountains for every taste and decor. Prices are exceptional. Browsers are welcome.
Sources:
Birds You Can Attract into Your GardenBirds You Can Attract into Your Garden
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WWC Checking the nestWWC Checking the nest
Female bluebird applies last touched to the nest before laying an egg.
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last preparations before birthlast preparations before birth
Here tom checks the nest whilst the parent birds have left to find food Video Rating: 3 / 5
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WWC Checking the nestWWC Checking the nest
This is video of A couple of bird nests, at my house. one is in the brace of A porch posts, and the other one is in my Satellite Dish. We get A close look at baby birds. Video Rating: 5 / 5
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BirdNestsPart1BirdNestsPart1
Prevue Pet Products Finch Bamboo Covered Bird Nest
- BIRD SUPPLIES
- BREEDING SUPPLIES
- Pet Health Care Supplies
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Prevue Pet Products Finch Bamboo Covered Bird NestPrevue Pet Products Finch Bamboo Covered Bird Nest
1951 Nimrud Assyrian Archaeology Eyrie Bird Nest Eggs
- Genuine Historic Print as history was recorded
- Original old antique print, not a modern reproduction
- Size and details in description below
- Choose from the selection available
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1951 Nimrud Assyrian Archaeology Eyrie Bird Nest Eggs1951 Nimrud Assyrian Archaeology Eyrie Bird Nest Eggs
Plush Baby Birds in Nest Puppet 5"
- Finger Puppet
- 5" tall
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Plush Baby Birds in Nest Puppet 5Plush Baby Birds in Nest Puppet 5
me using 96 birds nests.
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Using 96 Birds Nests With CommentaryUsing 96 Birds Nests With Commentary
Ozzie and Harriet Aka Barn Swallows
ย ย ย ย It is one of those stories you contemplate over a morning cup of coffee or while sitting around with nothing else to talk about.ย And for some unknown reason the story seems to stay with you and is a fun thing to think about.ย
ย ย ย ย Having grown up around barns and sheds and various other farm buildings, I have naturally been exposed to swallows.ย They were mostly ignored as some, small, dark bird that flew nearly into my head when I was trying to enter or exit a spot I was not usually permitted to go as a child.ย I can remember these birds nesting throughout our hayloft, usually up quite high to avoid our rather large but poor excuse of a tomcat.ย
ย ย ย ย As an adult, I have seldom thought of the pesky little birds but have faithfully been one to set out several bird feeders around the yard.ย My family and I have always enjoyed watching the many birds at the feeders and we especially love the hummingbirds.ย The little swallows were low on my list of birds to enjoy watching.ย And in fact I seldom thought about them except when I would be besieged by low-flying squadrons of them chasing after bugs as I rode atop the riding mower.ย I gladly gave them a silent blessing to free my path of flying insects along my route as I seldom came away from my task having not swallowed some sort of bug.ย
ย ย ย ย I must describe our little homestead to insure you get a complete picture of the story.ย The house sits out in the open with several acres of land surrounding it.ย There are woods behind the back portion of the back yard and woods edge the front yard and road.ย It is a fairly young home which was built on what originally was a corn field made into a small development.ย Each home has several acres surrounding it so no one is atop the other.ย Space is quite plentiful.
ย ย ย ย The house has a small portion of the back yard fenced off to keep our dogs within our own boundaries.ย The garage is a two and half car garage with four steps leading up into the house.ย A side door opens from the garage into the back yard whrere the dogs are free to go.
ย ย ย ย Upon moving into this house, it was decided that the side door would be left open so that the big dog could come and go as she pleased.ย The garage would give her shade if needed and shelter when it stormed.ย This worked quite well for our German Sheperd mix-breed dog that had grown into the size of a small horse.
ย ย ย ย The garage has one solid door which opened with a trusty garage door opener.ย This system worked fine for the first year of living in the the home.ย The dog was free to come and go as she pleased.ย The garage door opened with precision when my husband or I got off work.ย It was fantastic in bad weather to just press the little button and quickly zip the car into its spot in the garage.
ย ย ย ย The second summer of living in the house things began to change.ย I was home one Saturday, a beautiful sunny day.ย A great day to shake the throw-rugs, to air out the dog beds, to watch leaves blowing in the distant woods.ย While shaking one of the rugs I was nearly hit by a dive-bombing barn swallow.ย A chirping scream within breathing distance of my one ear made me jump as one would so easily do when being startled with surprise.
ย ย ย ย I didn't think much about it.ย I did my little chore and went back in the house to continue my usual Saturday cleaning.ย By Tuesday of the following week, the weather had taken a turn for the worse.ย Large threatening storms began moving through the area with tornado warnings all over the place, including the county we lived in.
ย ย ย ย I drove home from work through the ensuing monsoon, praying to the gods of good weather to please take note of my precarious trek.ย Having found that my car was quite capable in most situations I was greatly surprised to find myself gliding here and there with the ground somewhere beneath me.ย Great mammoth mounds of puddles sat waiting the approaching traffic across both sides of highway.
ย ย ย ย Having survived this wake of the wrath from the water gods, I was looking forward to being tucked safely in our home.ย I pulled up our driveway, pushing the button on my dash to open the garage door.ย Nothing!ย I pushed the button again.ย Nothing!ย As our area had a history of the electric going off I figured the storm had been the cause.
ย ย ย ย I got out of the car and manually pulled up the large garage door.ย Here I must admit that a few choice words came out of my mouth as all of my clothing clung to my wet, cold, skin.ย I pulled the car into the garage and noticed that the garage light was on.ย The electric was on.ย I tried the wall mounted garage door opener controls and nothing happened.ย As I was looking up the the garage door opener I was attacked in the crotch by my very large, wet, happy to see me, dog.
ย ย ย ย I was now, not only wet to the bone but I was covered in fresh mud in spots where one's eyes would not, in all good manners, let their eyes glance.ย Good graces prevented it.ย
ย ย ย ย Mumbling, I retrieved my things from the car, shut the side garage door and headed up the stairs to enter our mudroom.ย That was when the noise began.ย I turned and looked back up at the ceiling where the lighted garage door opener was attached.
ย ย ย ย Sitting atop the light were two barn swallows.ย Noisy barn swallows.ย I looked at them in puzzlement;ย smilled slightly---they were sorta cute.ย Then it dawned on my work-weary brain that I had closed them into the garage.ย Oh dear.ย I opened the big door again, manually.ย I took the broom to try and shoo them out of the garage by swinging the broom in the air.ย They fluttered slightly, screamed some more at me and then theyย landed at separate ends of the garage, atop the long metal supports holding up the open door.ย I tried this several times with no luck.ย They simply moved to another spot, yelling at me the whole time.
ย ย ย ย Having already had a bad day at work, I determined that this was not worth the trouble.ย I closed the big door, opened the side door back up and went on into the house to indulge myself in the warm, swurling water of my bath.
ย ย ย ย I discussed the garage episode at the dinner table with my husband and decided that I should have remained silent on the subject.ย His laughing carried on throughout the evening.
ย ย ย ย As the spring and summer progressed ย it was determined that our house had been selected as the barn swallows' summer residence.ย How nice.ย It was impossible to get the garage door openerย fixed due to the fact that there was a rustic bird's nest built into the light.
ย ย ย ย I dubbed the pair of swallows as Ozzie and Harriet (I know!ย My age shows with this chioce.).ย It was rather fitting.ย As it turned out, the male swallow seemed to be the quieter of the two and the female quite vocal.ย We decided that he was instructed on the housekeeping chores quite often.
ย ย ย ย The little birds were quite vocal when disturbed from their spot atop the light.ย When they went outside they would both hunt for bugs on a regular basis and late into the dark.ย Of course the outside garage light attracted lovely meals of insects for them.ย They did not go hungry.
ย ย ย ย And as things progressed it was not long before little heads peeked up from the sides of the little nest.ย Ozzie and Harriet proved to be very attentive parents and it was impressive when four little heads peeked up from the sides of the little nest.ย Ozzie and Harriet proved to be very attentive parents and it was impressive when four little mouths opened to voice their appreciation and await each in turn to be fed by one parent or the other.ย
ย ย ย ย Several weeks later when I got home from work, I discovered the four little chicks walking along the long metal support which held up the door.ย They could not fly yet but they were out of the nest and all in a row.ย Ozzie was at one end of the row and Harriet at the other end with the chicks in-between.ย As had become my habit, I talked to the birds as I made my way toward the stairs leading inside the house.ย Crotch doggie delighted in my attention as I talked to the birds at the same time.ย I did not admit to anyone my growing fascination of these little characters.
ย ย ย ย As time went along I was able to observe that Ozzie and Harriet seemed to have different personalities.ย Do birds have personalities?ย I wondered many times.ย Ozzie was a great family man.ย He hunted, helped clean house, and guarded the home when necessary.ย Harriet was precise, vocal, observant and also a great hunter.ย Both parents were attentive to their chicks.
ย ย ย ย One weekend I was cleaning house and I heard a loud commotion coming from the garage.ย The dogs were both outside in the yard so I knew it was not their antics.ย I opened the mudroom door and saw our cat sitting on the bottom step, silently watching the little birds high above her.
ย ย ย ย Now, our cats are indoor cats.ย The closest they have been to birds is next to the window as the birds feed at the feeders.ย But wild instinct was working in our cat, Hermione, and you could tell she was developing a plan to stop all the chirping above her.
ย ย ย ย I picked up the cat and put her back inside, shut the door and turned around and told Harriet that she was safe now.ย Then I noticed that there were four other full grown barn swallows that had come to the frantic cries of the birds.ย One of the brids was Ozzie.ย He flew over to sit beside the chicks where they were lined up in a row, snuggled closely together in fright.
ย ย ย ย Ozzie began chirping loudly at me, quiet little Ozzie...
ย ย ย ย I apologized again and turned around and went back inside.ย I watched from the mudroom to see what the birds would do.ย Harriet didn't move.ย she sat where she was and watched the mudroom door, a sentry, watching out for the enemy.ย Ozzie flew outswide along with the other swallows.ย He quickly returned with more food for the chicks.ย Harriet still didn't move.ย She did not take her eyes off the mudroom door.ย I checked four hours later and she was still watching the door.
ย ย ย ย Ozzie had coached the chicks back into the nest and stoodย quietly beside it.ย Harriet still watched the door.
ย ย ย ย I went to bed.
ย ย ย ย The next couple of weeks I paid little attention to the birds.ย One day I realized that the chicks were trying to fly.ย Several had it down pat but one was a bit slower.ย I told Harriet not to worry that each child had its own time zone for doing things.ย You can't rush genius, I told her.
ย ย ย ย It was not long until the chicks were as big as the parents, flying around and hunting with their parents and probably getting into trouble as all children do at one time or another.
ย ย ย ย The birds always returned to the nest at night with Ozzie and Harriet on guard on either side of it.ย One evening I turned on the garage light and all six were lined up on the metal support watching as I retrieved a loaf of bread out of the freezer we kept there,.ย I smiled at the little birds, turned and said goodnight, turned off the light and didn't think anymore about it.
ย ย ย ย Toward the end of summer we saw the swallows coming and going.ย The little ones had left home, or so I thought.ย It wasn't long before I realized that two little heads were peeking over the nest's edge again, only two this time.ย Time flew by once again and soon the newest baby birds were quite vocal with each anticipated feeding.ย Once they grew big enough they, too, ended up walking along the metal support.ย Ozzie and Harriet took turns feeding them.
ย ย ย ย I watched from the mudroom window as the chicks were being fed and soon realized that Ozzie and Harriet were not alone in their task.ย The first babies were helping to take care of the newest chicks.ย It was amazing to watch as all eight birds lined up along the metal support to spend the night.ย I thought it was adorable but must admit that my husband's grumblings about the mess they made had merit.ย As cute as the little flighty creatures are, they leave one messy line of bird dodo.ย It was one single line (thank goodness it was between our cars) which was beginning to irritate even the most temporal personality.ย
ย ย ย ย By the time fall and winter came around and all the swallows had gone to wherever they winter, we decided to take out the nest they left and to clean up the mess.ย Of course, this put a whole different picture on how cute the birds seemed from afar.
ย ย ย ย A bird's nest is wet, full of rocks, bent fluff and who knows what...and to say that the bird dodo cleaned up easily would not be true.ย Having tried to keep up with them throughout their summer deposits had been yet another housekeeping chore for me and my husband.
ย ย ย ย The following spring we began our usual chores of cleaning the garage from the winter mess of road salt and road dirt and whatever else had accumulated during the long months of cold and ice.ย We were carrying our glass top patio table out through the big garage door when the loud chirping began.ย We looked up and Ozzie and Harriet were sitting on the metal brace once again.ย Harriet kept walking back and forth, almost pacing near the spot their nest had once been.ย They were obviously looking for it.
ย ย ย ย I looked up and told them that we had removed it.ย They proceeded to chirp back at me and then they flew on out the big door.ย We laughed and went on with our chores.ย Several weeks later when I was taking out a bag of trash I noticed that Harriet was back and the beginnings of a nest was resting on the upper wall above the large garage door.
ย ย ย ย I looked at her and politedly told her that that was certainly a better spot to put the nest.ย Boy was I wrong.ย The nest was built and it was not long before two little heads popped up in the nest.ย And within several weeks, and much aggregation from Ozzie and Harriet whenever the garage door was opened, the babies were soon seen resting on the metal support beam alongside their parents.
ย ย ย ย One day I came home and one of the babies was walking along the garage floor and obviously could not do anything else.ย It was still too young to fly.ย Harriet was having a hissy-fit and Ozzie was doing century duty with loud boisterous chirps.
ย ย ย ย I told Harriet that every household has one child who will give them more trouble that the others and this little guy (or gal) was obviously going to be their troublesome one.ย I got the ladder out, walked over and got our bigger dust pan and corraled the little bird onto the pan.ย I climbed up the ladder amidst screaming birds, being careful of the extra dive-bombing swallows that had come to their aid.ย I tilted the pan until the little one walked back onto the metal beam and then climbed back down.
ย ย ย ย Many weeks later I was glad to see that both babies were fine and were doing the normal things that baby swallows do, chirp and eat.ย They were the only babies that summer.ย Perhaps Ozzie and Harriet were scared to try again.ย One troublesome child was enough to deal with over the warm months.
ย ย ย Once the birds were gone in the late fall we took out their latest nest.ย And what a mess it was.ย The entire length of the garage door was highly decoreated with bird dodo and wet mud and many other things one would not wish to know.ย Weย had tried to keep up with the cleanup but somehow the birds seemed one stepย ahead of us.
ย ย ย ย The next spring I was determined to keep the birds out of the garage.ย We kept the side door shut and put our big dog's water bowl (a large soup pot) just outside the door.ย I let her in during storms since she would freak ourt with the roll of thunder and the flash of lightening.
ย ย ย ย One day we were having severe storms and I went out to bring the dog into the garage.ย As she came barreling through the door so did Ozzie and Harriet.ย They stood side by side on the metal beam, totally silent, just looking at me.ย What is one to do?
ย ย ย ย I gave up!ย Okay, I told them.ย You win!ย I propped open the side doorย again and within the next few weeks a new nest appeared atop our garage door opener.ย Surprise!ย Surprise!
ย ย ย ย This time they gave us four more chicks to clean up after.ย Another two chicks appeared in the nest at the end of the summer.ย We soon had six chicks and Ozzie and Harriet resting every evening on the metal support beam.ย They remained their usual enthusiastic selves as they hunted bugs during the day and early evening.ย They even joined in the armada of other swallows as we mowed our acreage.ย The dive bombing techniques were passed from one generation to another.
ย ย ย ย After the birds left in the late fall, we decided to leave the nest as it was.ย We still were not certain they would return to the same spot the next spring.ย Of course, I secretly hoped that they would go bother someone else next time.ย Cleanup was a challenge and it was getting to be one dreaded task.ย One chirp from the tiny little creatures melted my resolved to keep the side door shut.
ย ย ย The entire winter I told myself that I would not budge when spring arrived.ย I was determined to keep the side door shut.ย We kept the dog inside mostly as she was nearly fourteen years old and the weather bothered her at times.ย We gave her free will as to how much she wanted to remain outside once the warmth of spring arrived.ย And the side door to the garage was shut most of the time.
ย ย ย ย I was looking forward to the warmth of summer.ย We had an exceptional amount of snow during the winter months and warm sunshine was beckoning.ย We kept a tight ship by securing the garage door every day, making certain it was closed.ย No unwanted visitors could get in this time.
ย ย ย One week we had a visit from our teenage granddaughter who I am sorry to say smokes.ย Being a non-smoking household, anyone who wants to smoke must go outside to smoke.ย she opened the side door to the garage one evening while she had a smoke and left the door propped open.
ย ย ย On no!ย I forgot to tell her to leave the door closed.ย Inย the morning I was greeted by a boisterous chirping duet from Ozzie and Harriet.ย I must admit that a few choice words greeted them in return.
ย ย ย ย By the end of the week they had totally renewed the existing nest.ย There was fresh mud, pieces of grass, old feathers and a pretty ribbon entwined within the twigs and things.ย They are presently sitting atop new eggs and we are expecting to see little heads pop up over the side of the nest very soon.
ย ย ย ย As much as I have tried to convince myself that there is a fine line which these little creatures have crossed, I know in my heart that I will forever give in to their needs.ย Year after year as the seasons pass, I will wonder if the little birds will show up again and again.
ย ย ย ย One look at their little faces and one quiet little chirp is all it takes.ย I must add here that they use what I call a quiet chirp.ย They will talk as we walk beneath them doing whatever we need to be doing.ย Sometimes I get the feeling they are talking about us and I cannot help but wonder if their evening conversations cover the same topics as ours.
ย ย ย ย As this spring turns into summer and we look forward to the warmer months we will adjust our lives once again to accommodate Ozzie and Harriet and family and somehow we will feel better about things in our busy lives.
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I am a retired Social Worker, mother of five and grandmother of seven. I have written all my life, including four novels.
Sources:
Ozzie and Harriet Aka Barn SwallowsOzzie and Harriet Aka Barn Swallows
Birds & Nests Desk Calendar Cavallini 2011
- Collectable Desk Calendar by Cavallini.
- They are know for their high quality paper and classic design.
Sources:
Birds Nests Desk Calendar Cavallini 2011Birds Nests Desk Calendar Cavallini 2011
Bird Netting to Deter Pest Birds
One of the most effective ways to deter pest birds is through the use of bird netting.
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Growers and farmers have discovered that this is a great way to keep cornfields, fruit orchards and vineyards from being ravaged.ย For example, lightweight plastic mesh netting is ideal for protecting fruit trees, blueberry bushes, gardens, vineyards, eaves and more from pest birds. This netting is virtually invisible, available in large sizes, and easy to work with. Better bird netting is U.V. protected to last longer. Lightweight bird netting can also be used as a temporary barrier to block birds from getting into storage garages, barns and warehouses.
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Installing Bird Nettingย
There are a variety of ways to install lightweight bird netting. For fruit trees, vegetable gardens, blueberry bushes and grape vines, the netting should be suspended. When draping over a fruit tree, measure the circumference of the tree and cut the net so that you are left with at least one foot extra. You should then secure the netting with twine, zip ties, or hogย rings.
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For blueberry bushes and grape vines, suspend the netting over the bush or vine and allow at least 6 inches of space. This will prevent pest birds from sitting on the net and poking their heads and beaks through the net to get at your fruit. One common way to suspend the netting over the bush or vine is to use a series of poles placed around the perimeter.ย If you want to protect vegetable gardens, you can either wrap the individual plants in netting or suspend the netting around the entire garden. Finally, to keep pest birds out of eaves and similar open spaces, the best lightweight bird netting comes with handy clips. You can also use a staple gun to secureย the netting around the perimeter.
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Heavy-Duty Bird Nettingย
For larger more demanding applications, there's heavy-duty bird netting. This netting is constructed of strong polyethylene and is typically used to block pest birds from entering air hangars, garages, factories, warehouses, canopies and other large areas. The best netting is this category is usually a U.V. resistant mesh, meets ISO 1806 mesh test standards and comes with a long guarantee--10 years. Some heavy-duty bird netting is rot proof, waterproof, flame resistant and sub-zero stable. This netting is available in various sizes and custom cuts and is preferred by architects. Heavy-duty bird netting should be installed properly or it will sag or droop. This can create gaps that birds can squeeze through. For best results, a cable should be set up around the perimeter of the netted area, and the net should then be attached to this cable.
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Bat Nettingย
If your facility or property is troubled by bats, you can get bat netting. This bird netting is 3/8" mesh and is typically available in 10'x10', 25'x25', and 50'x50' sizes. It will block bats from getting into eaves, attics, garages, and similar areas. The best bat netting is made from a strong polyethylene mesh, and carries a long guaranteeโ��as long as 10 years. Bat netting is installed much like most heavy-duty bird netting. Once a perimeter cable is set up, the net is secured to this cable and pulled taught around all edges to close up any gaps.
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Why You Need Bird Nettingย
You don't have to be a grower or vintner to appreciate the value of bird netting. Facilities managers and building owners know that pest birds can invade their property, causing extensive damage to courtyards, patios, storage yards and other open areas.
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One big problem with pest birds is their droppings. These pose a serious health hazard, since it's well known birds can carry any of 60 diseases. Bird nests and the mites that attach themselves to their feathers compound the problem. Feral pigeons, for example have been known to carry a bacterium that causes Salmonellosis. Pigeons can also carry Ornithosis, a disease that resembles viral pneumonia. Bird netting is the effective barrier deterrent that can keep out these disease carrying pests.
Airport managers know that pest birds can be a major headache in aircraft hangars. Facilities managers realize that when birds gather in eaves, canopies, support beams and other large open areas, bird droppings and nesting debris can end up in engines and delicate aviation parts and assemblies. What's more, when bird droppings fall onto the smooth floors in hangars, they can create serious slip-and-fall hazards. Bird netting is an effective deterrent that can prevent pest birds from nesting in these areas.
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In general, most building owners, whether private or public, will suffer from the invasion of pest birds. For example, bird droppings and nests can block gutters, drain pipes, and vents. They can jam up turbine ventilators, block light sensors, obscure security cameras, and ruin solar panels. Pest bird nests can also create ideal conditions for starting fires, as their dry twig and feathers make ideal kindling. Again, bird netting can keep out many of the birds that create these problems.
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Finally, food processors, packagers and other food intensive areas can suffer dearly from pest birds. Health inspectors visiting these facilities don't look kindly at pest bird infestations in these areas. They know that bird droppings can create all sorts of health hazards for foods being processed and readied for shipment. Birds can also eat into packaged products in loading docks and warehouses. Bird netting can keep pest birds out of these sensitive areas.
Alex Kecskes is a freelance writer focusing on effective bird control methods. To learn more about Bird Netting, please visit Bird Netting Online, http://www.birdnettingonline.com
Sources:
Bird Netting to Deter Pest BirdsBird Netting to Deter Pest Birds
100+ Bird and Nest Stickers By Cavallini & Co.
- 100-Plus assorted bird and nest stickers
- Packaged in a beautiful 5-1/2" x 5" bin box
- Stickers with matte finish for vintage-inspired looks
- Superb quality by Cavallini & Co. of San Francisco
- Play yet whimsical, elegant and practical - Great keepsake!
Sources:
100 Bird and Nest Stickers By Cavallini Co100 Bird and Nest Stickers By Cavallini Co
Ozzie and Harriet Aka Barn Swallows
ย ย ย ย It is one of those stories you contemplate over a morning cup of coffee or while sitting around with nothing else to talk about.ย And for some unknown reason the story seems to stay with you and is a fun thing to think about.ย
ย ย ย ย Having grown up around barns and sheds and various other farm buildings, I have naturally been exposed to swallows.ย They were mostly ignored as some, small, dark bird that flew nearly into my head when I was trying to enter or exit a spot I was not usually permitted to go as a child.ย I can remember these birds nesting throughout our hayloft, usually up quite high to avoid our rather large but poor excuse of a tomcat.ย
ย ย ย ย As an adult, I have seldom thought of the pesky little birds but have faithfully been one to set out several bird feeders around the yard.ย My family and I have always enjoyed watching the many birds at the feeders and we especially love the hummingbirds.ย The little swallows were low on my list of birds to enjoy watching.ย And in fact I seldom thought about them except when I would be besieged by low-flying squadrons of them chasing after bugs as I rode atop the riding mower.ย I gladly gave them a silent blessing to free my path of flying insects along my route as I seldom came away from my task having not swallowed some sort of bug.ย
ย ย ย ย I must describe our little homestead to insure you get a complete picture of the story.ย The house sits out in the open with several acres of land surrounding it.ย There are woods behind the back portion of the back yard and woods edge the front yard and road.ย It is a fairly young home which was built on what originally was a corn field made into a small development.ย Each home has several acres surrounding it so no one is atop the other.ย Space is quite plentiful.
ย ย ย ย The house has a small portion of the back yard fenced off to keep our dogs within our own boundaries.ย The garage is a two and half car garage with four steps leading up into the house.ย A side door opens from the garage into the back yard whrere the dogs are free to go.
ย ย ย ย Upon moving into this house, it was decided that the side door would be left open so that the big dog could come and go as she pleased.ย The garage would give her shade if needed and shelter when it stormed.ย This worked quite well for our German Sheperd mix-breed dog that had grown into the size of a small horse.
ย ย ย ย The garage has one solid door which opened with a trusty garage door opener.ย This system worked fine for the first year of living in the the home.ย The dog was free to come and go as she pleased.ย The garage door opened with precision when my husband or I got off work.ย It was fantastic in bad weather to just press the little button and quickly zip the car into its spot in the garage.
ย ย ย ย The second summer of living in the house things began to change.ย I was home one Saturday, a beautiful sunny day.ย A great day to shake the throw-rugs, to air out the dog beds, to watch leaves blowing in the distant woods.ย While shaking one of the rugs I was nearly hit by a dive-bombing barn swallow.ย A chirping scream within breathing distance of my one ear made me jump as one would so easily do when being startled with surprise.
ย ย ย ย I didn't think much about it.ย I did my little chore and went back in the house to continue my usual Saturday cleaning.ย By Tuesday of the following week, the weather had taken a turn for the worse.ย Large threatening storms began moving through the area with tornado warnings all over the place, including the county we lived in.
ย ย ย ย I drove home from work through the ensuing monsoon, praying to the gods of good weather to please take note of my precarious trek.ย Having found that my car was quite capable in most situations I was greatly surprised to find myself gliding here and there with the ground somewhere beneath me.ย Great mammoth mounds of puddles sat waiting the approaching traffic across both sides of highway.
ย ย ย ย Having survived this wake of the wrath from the water gods, I was looking forward to being tucked safely in our home.ย I pulled up our driveway, pushing the button on my dash to open the garage door.ย Nothing!ย I pushed the button again.ย Nothing!ย As our area had a history of the electric going off I figured the storm had been the cause.
ย ย ย ย I got out of the car and manually pulled up the large garage door.ย Here I must admit that a few choice words came out of my mouth as all of my clothing clung to my wet, cold, skin.ย I pulled the car into the garage and noticed that the garage light was on.ย The electric was on.ย I tried the wall mounted garage door opener controls and nothing happened.ย As I was looking up the the garage door opener I was attacked in the crotch by my very large, wet, happy to see me, dog.
ย ย ย ย I was now, not only wet to the bone but I was covered in fresh mud in spots where one's eyes would not, in all good manners, let their eyes glance.ย Good graces prevented it.ย
ย ย ย ย Mumbling, I retrieved my things from the car, shut the side garage door and headed up the stairs to enter our mudroom.ย That was when the noise began.ย I turned and looked back up at the ceiling where the lighted garage door opener was attached.
ย ย ย ย Sitting atop the light were two barn swallows.ย Noisy barn swallows.ย I looked at them in puzzlement;ย smilled slightly---they were sorta cute.ย Then it dawned on my work-weary brain that I had closed them into the garage.ย Oh dear.ย I opened the big door again, manually.ย I took the broom to try and shoo them out of the garage by swinging the broom in the air.ย They fluttered slightly, screamed some more at me and then theyย landed at separate ends of the garage, atop the long metal supports holding up the open door.ย I tried this several times with no luck.ย They simply moved to another spot, yelling at me the whole time.
ย ย ย ย Having already had a bad day at work, I determined that this was not worth the trouble.ย I closed the big door, opened the side door back up and went on into the house to indulge myself in the warm, swurling water of my bath.
ย ย ย ย I discussed the garage episode at the dinner table with my husband and decided that I should have remained silent on the subject.ย His laughing carried on throughout the evening.
ย ย ย ย As the spring and summer progressed ย it was determined that our house had been selected as the barn swallows' summer residence.ย How nice.ย It was impossible to get the garage door openerย fixed due to the fact that there was a rustic bird's nest built into the light.
ย ย ย ย I dubbed the pair of swallows as Ozzie and Harriet (I know!ย My age shows with this chioce.).ย It was rather fitting.ย As it turned out, the male swallow seemed to be the quieter of the two and the female quite vocal.ย We decided that he was instructed on the housekeeping chores quite often.
ย ย ย ย The little birds were quite vocal when disturbed from their spot atop the light.ย When they went outside they would both hunt for bugs on a regular basis and late into the dark.ย Of course the outside garage light attracted lovely meals of insects for them.ย They did not go hungry.
ย ย ย ย And as things progressed it was not long before little heads peeked up from the sides of the little nest.ย Ozzie and Harriet proved to be very attentive parents and it was impressive when four little heads peeked up from the sides of the little nest.ย Ozzie and Harriet proved to be very attentive parents and it was impressive when four little mouths opened to voice their appreciation and await each in turn to be fed by one parent or the other.ย
ย ย ย ย Several weeks later when I got home from work, I discovered the four little chicks walking along the long metal support which held up the door.ย They could not fly yet but they were out of the nest and all in a row.ย Ozzie was at one end of the row and Harriet at the other end with the chicks in-between.ย As had become my habit, I talked to the birds as I made my way toward the stairs leading inside the house.ย Crotch doggie delighted in my attention as I talked to the birds at the same time.ย I did not admit to anyone my growing fascination of these little characters.
ย ย ย ย As time went along I was able to observe that Ozzie and Harriet seemed to have different personalities.ย Do birds have personalities?ย I wondered many times.ย Ozzie was a great family man.ย He hunted, helped clean house, and guarded the home when necessary.ย Harriet was precise, vocal, observant and also a great hunter.ย Both parents were attentive to their chicks.
ย ย ย ย One weekend I was cleaning house and I heard a loud commotion coming from the garage.ย The dogs were both outside in the yard so I knew it was not their antics.ย I opened the mudroom door and saw our cat sitting on the bottom step, silently watching the little birds high above her.
ย ย ย ย Now, our cats are indoor cats.ย The closest they have been to birds is next to the window as the birds feed at the feeders.ย But wild instinct was working in our cat, Hermione, and you could tell she was developing a plan to stop all the chirping above her.
ย ย ย ย I picked up the cat and put her back inside, shut the door and turned around and told Harriet that she was safe now.ย Then I noticed that there were four other full grown barn swallows that had come to the frantic cries of the birds.ย One of the brids was Ozzie.ย He flew over to sit beside the chicks where they were lined up in a row, snuggled closely together in fright.
ย ย ย ย Ozzie began chirping loudly at me, quiet little Ozzie...
ย ย ย ย I apologized again and turned around and went back inside.ย I watched from the mudroom to see what the birds would do.ย Harriet didn't move.ย she sat where she was and watched the mudroom door, a sentry, watching out for the enemy.ย Ozzie flew outswide along with the other swallows.ย He quickly returned with more food for the chicks.ย Harriet still didn't move.ย She did not take her eyes off the mudroom door.ย I checked four hours later and she was still watching the door.
ย ย ย ย Ozzie had coached the chicks back into the nest and stoodย quietly beside it.ย Harriet still watched the door.
ย ย ย ย I went to bed.
ย ย ย ย The next couple of weeks I paid little attention to the birds.ย One day I realized that the chicks were trying to fly.ย Several had it down pat but one was a bit slower.ย I told Harriet not to worry that each child had its own time zone for doing things.ย You can't rush genius, I told her.
ย ย ย ย It was not long until the chicks were as big as the parents, flying around and hunting with their parents and probably getting into trouble as all children do at one time or another.
ย ย ย ย The birds always returned to the nest at night with Ozzie and Harriet on guard on either side of it.ย One evening I turned on the garage light and all six were lined up on the metal support watching as I retrieved a loaf of bread out of the freezer we kept there,.ย I smiled at the little birds, turned and said goodnight, turned off the light and didn't think anymore about it.
ย ย ย ย Toward the end of summer we saw the swallows coming and going.ย The little ones had left home, or so I thought.ย It wasn't long before I realized that two little heads were peeking over the nest's edge again, only two this time.ย Time flew by once again and soon the newest baby birds were quite vocal with each anticipated feeding.ย Once they grew big enough they, too, ended up walking along the metal support.ย Ozzie and Harriet took turns feeding them.
ย ย ย ย I watched from the mudroom window as the chicks were being fed and soon realized that Ozzie and Harriet were not alone in their task.ย The first babies were helping to take care of the newest chicks.ย It was amazing to watch as all eight birds lined up along the metal support to spend the night.ย I thought it was adorable but must admit that my husband's grumblings about the mess they made had merit.ย As cute as the little flighty creatures are, they leave one messy line of bird dodo.ย It was one single line (thank goodness it was between our cars) which was beginning to irritate even the most temporal personality.ย
ย ย ย ย By the time fall and winter came around and all the swallows had gone to wherever they winter, we decided to take out the nest they left and to clean up the mess.ย Of course, this put a whole different picture on how cute the birds seemed from afar.
ย ย ย ย A bird's nest is wet, full of rocks, bent fluff and who knows what...and to say that the bird dodo cleaned up easily would not be true.ย Having tried to keep up with them throughout their summer deposits had been yet another housekeeping chore for me and my husband.
ย ย ย ย The following spring we began our usual chores of cleaning the garage from the winter mess of road salt and road dirt and whatever else had accumulated during the long months of cold and ice.ย We were carrying our glass top patio table out through the big garage door when the loud chirping began.ย We looked up and Ozzie and Harriet were sitting on the metal brace once again.ย Harriet kept walking back and forth, almost pacing near the spot their nest had once been.ย They were obviously looking for it.
ย ย ย ย I looked up and told them that we had removed it.ย They proceeded to chirp back at me and then they flew on out the big door.ย We laughed and went on with our chores.ย Several weeks later when I was taking out a bag of trash I noticed that Harriet was back and the beginnings of a nest was resting on the upper wall above the large garage door.
ย ย ย ย I looked at her and politedly told her that that was certainly a better spot to put the nest.ย Boy was I wrong.ย The nest was built and it was not long before two little heads popped up in the nest.ย And within several weeks, and much aggregation from Ozzie and Harriet whenever the garage door was opened, the babies were soon seen resting on the metal support beam alongside their parents.
ย ย ย ย One day I came home and one of the babies was walking along the garage floor and obviously could not do anything else.ย It was still too young to fly.ย Harriet was having a hissy-fit and Ozzie was doing century duty with loud boisterous chirps.
ย ย ย ย I told Harriet that every household has one child who will give them more trouble that the others and this little guy (or gal) was obviously going to be their troublesome one.ย I got the ladder out, walked over and got our bigger dust pan and corraled the little bird onto the pan.ย I climbed up the ladder amidst screaming birds, being careful of the extra dive-bombing swallows that had come to their aid.ย I tilted the pan until the little one walked back onto the metal beam and then climbed back down.
ย ย ย ย Many weeks later I was glad to see that both babies were fine and were doing the normal things that baby swallows do, chirp and eat.ย They were the only babies that summer.ย Perhaps Ozzie and Harriet were scared to try again.ย One troublesome child was enough to deal with over the warm months.
ย ย ย Once the birds were gone in the late fall we took out their latest nest.ย And what a mess it was.ย The entire length of the garage door was highly decoreated with bird dodo and wet mud and many other things one would not wish to know.ย Weย had tried to keep up with the cleanup but somehow the birds seemed one stepย ahead of us.
ย ย ย ย The next spring I was determined to keep the birds out of the garage.ย We kept the side door shut and put our big dog's water bowl (a large soup pot) just outside the door.ย I let her in during storms since she would freak ourt with the roll of thunder and the flash of lightening.
ย ย ย ย One day we were having severe storms and I went out to bring the dog into the garage.ย As she came barreling through the door so did Ozzie and Harriet.ย They stood side by side on the metal beam, totally silent, just looking at me.ย What is one to do?
ย ย ย ย I gave up!ย Okay, I told them.ย You win!ย I propped open the side doorย again and within the next few weeks a new nest appeared atop our garage door opener.ย Surprise!ย Surprise!
ย ย ย ย This time they gave us four more chicks to clean up after.ย Another two chicks appeared in the nest at the end of the summer.ย We soon had six chicks and Ozzie and Harriet resting every evening on the metal support beam.ย They remained their usual enthusiastic selves as they hunted bugs during the day and early evening.ย They even joined in the armada of other swallows as we mowed our acreage.ย The dive bombing techniques were passed from one generation to another.
ย ย ย ย After the birds left in the late fall, we decided to leave the nest as it was.ย We still were not certain they would return to the same spot the next spring.ย Of course, I secretly hoped that they would go bother someone else next time.ย Cleanup was a challenge and it was getting to be one dreaded task.ย One chirp from the tiny little creatures melted my resolved to keep the side door shut.
ย ย ย The entire winter I told myself that I would not budge when spring arrived.ย I was determined to keep the side door shut.ย We kept the dog inside mostly as she was nearly fourteen years old and the weather bothered her at times.ย We gave her free will as to how much she wanted to remain outside once the warmth of spring arrived.ย And the side door to the garage was shut most of the time.
ย ย ย ย I was looking forward to the warmth of summer.ย We had an exceptional amount of snow during the winter months and warm sunshine was beckoning.ย We kept a tight ship by securing the garage door every day, making certain it was closed.ย No unwanted visitors could get in this time.
ย ย ย One week we had a visit from our teenage granddaughter who I am sorry to say smokes.ย Being a non-smoking household, anyone who wants to smoke must go outside to smoke.ย she opened the side door to the garage one evening while she had a smoke and left the door propped open.
ย ย ย On no!ย I forgot to tell her to leave the door closed.ย Inย the morning I was greeted by a boisterous chirping duet from Ozzie and Harriet.ย I must admit that a few choice words greeted them in return.
ย ย ย ย By the end of the week they had totally renewed the existing nest.ย There was fresh mud, pieces of grass, old feathers and a pretty ribbon entwined within the twigs and things.ย They are presently sitting atop new eggs and we are expecting to see little heads pop up over the side of the nest very soon.
ย ย ย ย As much as I have tried to convince myself that there is a fine line which these little creatures have crossed, I know in my heart that I will forever give in to their needs.ย Year after year as the seasons pass, I will wonder if the little birds will show up again and again.
ย ย ย ย One look at their little faces and one quiet little chirp is all it takes.ย I must add here that they use what I call a quiet chirp.ย They will talk as we walk beneath them doing whatever we need to be doing.ย Sometimes I get the feeling they are talking about us and I cannot help but wonder if their evening conversations cover the same topics as ours.
ย ย ย ย As this spring turns into summer and we look forward to the warmer months we will adjust our lives once again to accommodate Ozzie and Harriet and family and somehow we will feel better about things in our busy lives.
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I am a retired Social Worker, mother of five and grandmother of seven. I have written all my life, including four novels.
Sources:
Ozzie and Harriet Aka Barn SwallowsOzzie and Harriet Aka Barn Swallows
On Friday, April 18, two days after the official opening of Beijing's National Stadium, the venue hosted its first international event - 20km race walking challenge. Video Rating: 4 / 5
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Beijing Olympics First event at the Birds NestBeijing Olympics First event at the Birds Nest
2 Songs From Dano. This was Dano;s Last time to sing in Public.....
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Dan OHara Dano Birds Nest Bundoran 2003Dan OHara Dano Birds Nest Bundoran 2003
How To Prevent Swallows From Building Nests On Your Home And Commercial Buildings
Here come the Swallows, it must be spring.ย Each year these beautiful birds begin to build their mud nests on our buildings, barns, homes and other areas like bridges.ย The eave of your home provides the perfect nest building spot for swallows; providing protection form the elements and predators. ย Each year homeowners are plagued with swallow nests and the mess and debris they bring with them.
It is worth noting that in the United States, all swallows are classified as migratory insectivorous birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.ย Swallows are also protected by state regulations.ย Once the birds have begun to build their nests it is too late to get rid of them.ย Control methods should be enacted before the swallows return.ย This will guard against potential fines for disturbing nests or injuring the birds.
Nesting Sites:
Swallows will usually build their nests in a nice shady spot such as under the eaves of a home, bridge or overpasses, and other areas with right angles to the walls.ย ย The swallows will choose a wall texture that is easy to "stick" their nesting material to such as wood, stucco, masonry and concrete.
Damage:
Swallows like to nest in colonies thus causing a large problem for building and homeowners.ย Thousands of dollars of damage is caused each year from their droppings and nesting debris.ย Not only is the droppings left behind by swallows unsightly, it can be hazardous; carrying diseases that can be transmitted to humans.ย The nests will eventually fall to the ground where there is a chance that the bugs, fleas, ticks and mites found in them can spread to domestic animals such as dogs and cats.
How to Deter:
Exclusion is the best method of deterring pest swallows.ย You must make it impossible for the birds to build their nests.ย There are several methods of exclusion that can be used.
Bird Netting: A plastic netting with a 3/4 " mesh can be hung from the outer edge of the eave of the home down to the side of the wall creating a 45 degree angle.ย This will keep the swallows from getting into the favored sheltered space under the eaves of homes and buildings to build their nests.ย Note: Install the netting before the swallows arrive.ย It may be left up all year or taken down after the nesting season. Bird Spikes: Installing plastic or stainless steel birds spikes at the junction where the wall meets the home keep the swallows from getting a foothold on the wall and attaching their nesting material.ย Bird spikes are easy to install using adhesive or screws. Slippery Panel: There are products available that create a smooth surface under the eave of your home so that the swallows are not able to "stick" their nesting material to it. ย These products are generally made of a PVC plastic that is attached under the eave with adhesive. Creating a slick surface on the nesting walls will discourage the birds and they will look elsewhere to find a good nesting spot. Swallow Guard (No Nasty Nest) is anew product on the market that uses a fine clear wire attach to a clear Plexiglas base that is ready to adhere to the eaves of your home or business.ย The swallows will not fly through this "distraction" and therefore not build their nest in areas protected by swallow guard.NOTE: Do not use a sticky gel to deter Swallows.ย The gel should only be use for ledges where birds land, not walls.
The best advise to keep swallows off of your home or commercial building is to do something before the swallows arrive.ย Put up netting, bird spikes, slippery panels or other means of deterring nest building before the swallows begin to build.ย Once the birds arrive and start building their nests, it is nearly impossible to get rid of them.ย Some will try to hose down the nests at they are being built to no avail.ย The swallows are tenacious birds and will just keep building and building if the spot is ideal for them. You must also be aware of the laws that protect these birds; you do not want to be fined!
Fran Prisco lives and writes in Southern California. She has been in the bird control industry for over 8 years. Her areas of interests span from running and bicycling to volunteer work and golfing.
Sources:
How To Prevent Swallows From Building Nests On Your Home And CommercialHow To Prevent Swallows From Building Nests On Your Home And Commercial
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