We know the backyard birds that usually nest in our birdhouses: House Wrens, Chickadees, Bluebirds, and House Finches. But what about our other backyard birds, like the Cardinal, Blue Jay, Goldfinch, Robins, Hummingbirds or Orioles? Where do they nest? Cardinal nests are usually very well hidden in dense shrubs or trees, about 3-10 feet above the ground. The cup-shaped…
Many varieties of trees and shrubs depend on pollinators to reproduce, such as apple, pear, plum and cherry trees. Insect pollinators include bees, butterflies, beetles, moths, flies and wasps. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources we have about 400 native wild bee species. Some examples of trees that are pollinated by insects include: Eastern Redbuds, Nannyberry and Gray…
Our favorite songbirds can be open nesters or cavity nesters. Open nesters build or weave nests out in the open in cattails, bushes, trees or on top of ledges. Cavity nesters use a bird house/nest box or hole in a tree to raise their young. Open nesters include birds like: Northern Orioles, Red-winged Blackbirds, Northern Cardinals, American Goldfinches and Blue…
Join Us April 2, 2017 for “Let’s Talk Bluebirds!” George Brown, coordinator for Ramsey County Bluebird Recovery Program of MN (bbrp.org), will be leading a Bluebird Workshop at our White Bear Lake store April 2 from noon until 3pm. George has been monitoring bluebird trails since 1995. He currently monitors bluebird trails at Dellwood Hills golf course, Oneka Ridge golf…
Want to make your yard irresistible to birds? Try adding motion and sound to your birdbath! Motion on the water’s surface or the sound of falling water is like a magnet to birds because they instinctively equate moving water with natural water sources that are cleaner and healthier than stagnant water. The sound of moving water also lures birds that…
Goldfinches are the latest nesting songbird in Minnesota. Unlike most of our songbirds, they do not feed their young insects or larvae as their diet is strictly vegetarian. As a result, Goldfinches delay nesting until milkweed, thistle and other plants produce seeds in an effort to ensure that there will be plentiful food sources to feed their young. Typically in…
As summer temperatures heat up, your nectar feeders may need some additional care. Here are some tips! Clean nectar feeders about every 2-3 days during 90 degree summer heat waves. Even sooner, if the nectar looks cloudy. Hummingbirds are very sensitive to the quality of nectar and will reject feeders indefinitely if they determine your nectar is moldy or sour.…
All Seasons Wild Bird Store’s Eagan Manager Talks to KARE 11 about Raising Monarch Butterflies. Monarch butterflies play an important role in pollinating our perennial flowers, plants and trees, annuals and even vegetables. But their populations are faltering under extreme weather conditions and vanishing habitats. How can you help? We have a kit that allows you to raise and release…
It’s Easy and Fun to Help Monarch Butterflies! Monarch butterflies play an important role in pollinating our perennial flowers, plants and trees, annuals and even vegetables. But their populations are faltering under extreme weather conditions and vanishing habitats. How can you help?