Aren't birds the most interesting flying object out there? Don't you just love birds? Will God not feed them? Thousands of questions could be asked and answered on the subject. Birds are such lovely creatures that can put a smile on your face at any time. Our gardens are the most precious place for them because we can watch them when they are eating, drinking, and taking a bath for our pleasure and enjoyment.
Here we will begin our journey into the flying world of supreme gifts from the heavens and find out the facts and throw in some rumors here and there just for fun. Well, lets get started, so fasten your seatbelt because it is going to be a heck of a ride!
Why don’t swallows feed or hunt near the grasses, bushes, or beehives where all the insects are?
Because they rightly so fear predators since they live basically on the wing, in the safer sort of way, most of the time of day where truly the flying population of insects roam. They can travel 30 miles before returning at night to their spouse and nest. They are in general monogamously paired for life until death do them part, however, their behavior is very similar to that of Mormons, if you know what I mean.
They live only about two (2) years and enjoy feeding on flying insects as their main diet, that is why they are always on the wing, however, occasionally, if they see a bunch of tasty looking seeds, who is to say they are not for them?
Of course, as all couples, they want to have a family, and the swallows are no exception and have about 2–3 clutches in a year and lay an average of five (5) white, a good half inch tiny eggs each time. The eggs start out looking pinkish, but after about four (4) days they turn to pure white. These birds are good parents and both are involved in caring for their nest and babies.
Swallows are about 9 inches in length and gather often in flights or gulps flocking together in a sky ballet like fashion called a murmuration beginning around the time of migration to the south in the winter. Although, some rumors wish to say that the swallows bury themselves in the mud or hide in caves throughout the winter. There might be a few here and there that missed the boat and have no choice?
Hoping you enjoyed my little swallow expression and follow me for more adventures, blessings,
Liane
Photo by George Wietschorke
How long can a sick budgie live?
Depending on the sickness, but the average 2–3 days. If you can afford it go the vet to start the bird on medication right away.
I have one now and always have had budgies. I grew up with 16 different birds a huge cage with cats and dogs all living together, so I didn’t think anything of it when I was on my own and I saw a poor cat trying to get away from a dog and I grabbed the cat and put her in my place not thinking about my bird that always flies freely around. Well nature took its course: Sunshine flying way up under the sealing and the cat spotting the bird up there took one jump up grabbed the bird, I kicked the cat to let the bird go and it did and I opened the door and out the cat went. Well, the poor bird lying on the floor motionless just huffing and puffing. All this happened in two seconds tops. I didn’t know what to do so I called a vet from the then yellow pages and he said you can forget about it he is going to die from shock all you can do is keep him warm and quiet and dark to calm him down.
So I took him in a soft towel and carried him to the bathroom and stood by him until he passed away.
It was pretty tragic to me at the time. He was so beautiful a nice darker blue that one and so tame and sweet, he could speak German and when I was on the phone with my mom I put him near the phone to tell my mom: “Mami ich hab’ Dich lieb.” Boy did she get a kick out of that one!
So I hope yours is just a theoretical question and you don’t have to worry about your bird. Blessings,
Liane
Photo from Cet-Toutunart
How many eggs can a mountain bluebird lay in a year?
Between average one clutch to maximum but rare 5 clutches in one year in the mountains of Northern America even in Alaska and migrating to the warmer Mexican landscape during the fierce winter.
There are about 4–5 million Bluebirds in the states, which seems quite a few, however, compared with Europe’s 22 million, well. The wonderful thing about them is that they actually live 6–10 years unlike other small birds!
You might think oh that is such a pretty bird as do I, but the law is the law and in most places it is not allowed to keep them in a home any of the three species, because they would not survive in our coziness.
As in most of the bird’s world, the male is the prettiest blue you can imagine his spouse is more grayish with a slight hint of blue. They are only 6–7 inches long, black beak, feet, and legs. They are amazing hunters and can spot their pray such as caterpillar and other insects over 50 yards away.
Blue, my favorite color has also a spiritual meaning which is joy and happiness.
Blessings, Liane
Photo by Public Domain Pictures
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Are red-winged blackbirds aggressive?
Oh my goodness yes. They are very aggressive especially when you get close to their nest, all hellfire will break lose. So beware. They will also defend their territory of about half an acre wide they will even chase a pets and even people (the movie Birds comes to mind doesn’t it?) away if they get to close.
They are also definitely considered nuisance birds destroying crops and gardens and even paint jobs on houses with their nesting rockets, although they have sleeping quarters anywhere and everywhere there is a whole or a cozy tree spot. Often times they use the same nest every year, but not as a general rule.
The one nice thing about the bird is that they are monogamous and stay together until death do them part.
I hope this helped and you will follow me for more of the same in the future. Blessings,
Liane
Photo by Fletchershauna
Do budgies need vitamins?
Very good question because I have an American Budgie called Sunshine myself. He is still young we bought him at a market for $25.00 he is white with baby blues. Gorgeous, my husband likes white I like blue, so we got the perfect combination. And we got a young male so he can learn speak females are for once not as inclined to open their mouths. :)
Yes, budgies need vitamins, however most come in the food we provide for them already, weather pellets or multi seeds, veggies, lettuce, fruit, nuts, oats, etc.
I use vitamin drops occasionally that has some of the vitamins he could use such as Vitamin A, E, B, and C is not really necessary unless the bird has liver issues.
If you have a female she could use some calcium supplements when she is preparing to lay her eggs.
I hope that provided you enough information, but if you should need more let me know I will gladly assist you. Blessings,
Liane
What does it mean when a bird's tail goes up and down?
Love this question, because I adore birds. Why are you asking this question? What type of bird do you have? I always had and will have American Budgies, they are so cute and lovable, singing and talking and moving its tail in all directions at times.
And my chickens, well lets not get into that now :)
So, to answer your question, it could have several reasons.
Happiness, excitement, and in the wilderness could mean it has trouble breathing and the muscles during the breathing attempts will move the tail automatically and not on purpose.
Another reason could be warning the lurking predator, hey man, stay away I am watching you with my tail in your eyes! Stay away I am much bigger and more forceful looking when I am moving my tail so watch out and leave me the heck alone you old buzzer.
It could also be a warning to his friends to let them know at the same time that there is a dangerous predator looking for a free meal.
Birds are magnificent creatures and we need to learn so much more about their behavior and by doing that helping them and giving us a piece of mind and a significant life.
Blessings my friends, until we meet again.
Liane
Are female cockatiels more docile than males?
In general yes, however, why the question? Are you trying to purchase a cockatiel? Then you got to ask yourself do I want a more quiet bird that is more docile or do I want a male a bit larger and more colorful that can learn to speak easier, enjoys singing and loves to play?
Once you know the answer to that you will be fine. Females basically only get a bit stressed or hormonal around breeding season in case you have a pair then of course the male will be even more rumbunctious because he has to impress his woman!
Hope this helps answering your question and have a great day, please like my post and follow, thank you and be blessed.
Liane
What can I do to find out my cockatiel’s favorite food?
Try and try again, but I would try to cook yam or sweet potatoes and smash it up with some carrots, they love to munch on that. Most like their fruits and greens, seeds and pellets, raw unsalted sunflower seeds out of the shell is a delight. Just keep trying something else until you have a winner.
Don’t feed him anything for a couple of days only from your hand if he is hungry enough he’ll come and eat out of your hands and you will find out what he likes for sure. :)
Just make sure he has toys, daily fresh water, and someone to talk to. Let him out of the cage if you can occasionally, he needs companionship. They get lonely real easy. Make a recording of your voice and put it on repeat when you are gone that will comfort him. It would be so cool if you can put a little camera to watch him when on a break at work. Or if you have an answering machine leave a few messages during the day for him he will love you for it.
I hope this helped, and please click the follow button for more adventures into this fantastic world. Blessings,
Liane
Is a kestrel bigger than a pigeon?
The wings and tail are a bit larger than the pigeon, I guess the answer would be yes. Especially, when we know that the Kestrel eats pigeon if nothing else is around.
I love this falcon it is small but beautiful. I always like a little hint of blue in birds, males are always prettier.
I hope this helped, and have a great day. Blessings,
Liane
Oh, and feel free to follow me for more adventures.
How do I attract bluebirds to our new homemade mealworm feeder?
Ok great you already have a mealworm feeder. Now you just need to add a little birdhouse or cage specific to bluebirds with nesting material, add a bird bath, and you are almost done.
Perhaps you can find a recording online of a bluebird singing and record it on a CD and keep repeating it. Make sure your birdhouse has a nice perch to climb on.
Hopefully, you don’t have any Owls around or cats, that could definitely deter any bird from coming closer.
Even a fake owl keeps birds away, so check in your neighborhood if any have a fake owl as decoration around.
You know crows and hawks also eat birds so if they are in the majority you might be in trouble, but hopefully all will work out just fine.
Blessings,
Liane
Photo by StephMcBlack
Do crows attack and eat other birds?
Yes they do, even baby chickens, but mostly they are after the birds’ eggs and the hatchlings, but if in a group they could go after a whole adult chicken if hungry enough.
They attack mostly during the day, they halfway sleep at night with one eye open!
Whenever we lose another chick to a predator, my husband always says remember God feeds all!
So my tears turn into appreciation of God’s creation and I sort of forgive the darn killers, but if I can get my hands on one during an attack, watch out!
Hope this helped, blessings,
Liane
What is the Prettiest Bird in the Universe?
OR
Lets vote:
How many eggs can a mountain bluebird lay in a year?
Between average one clutch to maximum but rare 5 clutches in one year.
Photo by Public Domain Pictures
What is a Black Robin?
Is a beautiful cute roundish looking dark gray bird truly adorable. Can you imagine there was only one female left in the whole world they named lovingly Old Blue. All the birds existing today on an Island called Chatham about 800 kilometers east of New Zealand come from he. They have only a small part of the southern corner of the Island to inhabit since they are so few remaining, almost to extinction. But since they are protected they seem to slightly increase lately. Anyway, Old Blue actually lived to ripe old age of 14. Mentioning the Black Robin one must write Don Merton’s name because he was the one who kept the last 5 male and 2 females from dying out.
Hawks and owls used to be the main predator of the Robin, but since there are so few due to dwindling food sources, they flew they Island coop so to speak.
However, we have another kind of Robin in America as well, that was actually hunted for food in the olden days. The American and Canadian Robin seeks the warm climate of Mexico in the winter time. The Robin can also be found in Great Brittan where he dwells without problems near human neighborhoods.
Robin has actually a meaning such as hope, rebirth and renewal, and symbolized new beginnings, all in all it is a positive bird. If for some strange reason you do not wish the Robin on your property just put out some chili peppers the Robin totally dislikes, as well as, squirrels and other pests.
If you care for a Robin on your property, beware that occasionally, squirrels and a few other pests have been known to raid its nest for the delicious blue eggs of which the Robin only lays two per year and it only takes up to 14 days to come to live. But you know what good old Don Merton did to increase its population? He kidnapped those two eggs as soon as mom laid them and placed them with another type of Robin called Tomtits to hatch them hoping that Old Blue would lay immediately another set and she miraculously did.
Regular American and other Robins can lay a total of 12 eggs per year. Most of the time the male Robin is helping in feeding the babies, especially, the stronger blue the eggs appear to him, meaning that the female is a healthy specimen and produce good offspring.
Of course, the male Robin is always prettier, especially, the American Red Capped Robin, as with most birds and the female looks somewhat faded but cute.
Why do robins peck at and shake their worms before finally flying off with them?
Robins don’t fly off with their worms they eat them right there where they catch them unless they are feeding their offspring. And they really don’t shake their worms they adjust them to fit perfectly into their mouth. The Robin has two separate eyes so he tilts his head from one side to the other to find his pray.
Robins eat 14 feet total of worms per day, that is about every 3–4 minutes one worm while hunting.
Hope this helped, and if you liked my answer, please follow me for more adventures.
Blessings,
Liane
Why is the Indian Ringneck parrot getting angry after one year?
Well, that is rather strange, usually, they get angry after abut 2 years of age, which is their puberty so to speak. Just like teenagers they hormones run havoc. Often however, it could be the weather, every time there is a storm animals and humans alike seem to get more aggressive and irritable. Emotions are on high alert!
But often it could be that the parrot had a traumatic experience and is remembering it and acting upon it. Or perhaps you might have touched him the wrong way by accident and he is experiencing fear of you now.
Check if he has fresh water every day, fresh food, add his favorites more often when he is behaving well. Make sure he has plenty of toys, exchange them occasionally so he doesn’t get bored. Talk to him often and let him come out of the cage a bit more often. Just treat him when he first came to you gently and slowly and speak softly. Put his cage where he can feel safe and he can secure the space as his territory.
Feed him only by hand until he can trust you again completely. When you are gone play him tapes/CD with your voice on it. Or call him on your answering machine so he can hear your voice and feel you are in the house. Make sure he has a mirror.
Photo by SandeepHanda
How many birds live in a weaver bird’s nest?
The weaver birds is a heck of a builder that’s for sure and what an architect. Those ginormous nests are stunning with many entrances mainly in the bottom of the nest a small opening to deter possible predators. The nest can house 100 families in their own little nest apartment that have their own personalized entrances. Only the male of the weaver is in charge of drawing the plan, purchasing the building material and constructing the magnificent structure. It can be very heavy at times when all the nests are occupied and filled with parents and their offspring. It has even happened that the branch the nest is attached to will break under the weight and “down will come baby, baby and all.”
Some of these treasure nests are being occupied for a 100 years! Families live in these nests all year round since they mostly live in the Kalahari Region in Southern Africa. They use all kinds of material whereas the larger sticks are used for the roof and the desert grasses for the chambers the sharper ends always sticking outward for protection from the Cape Cobras, the honey badger and the boomslangs also a tree snake and of course the pygmy falcon. Inside the rooms are cozily layered with the finest of furs, feathers, and soft cotton.
Surprisingly, the weavers don’t need much water, most of their diet about 80% comes from insects and grass seed they gather on the ground. They are small and bland looking but I find them beautiful I love the earthy tones.
The weaver mom lays about 2–6 spotted eggs in a clutch and boy what a nice dad, working hard on keeping the nest in order always taking care of honey dues, he actually helps brooding over her eggs for two weeks. Bravo daddy. The good thing is that the teenagers help their toddler siblings with gathering food for them helping the parents and in family where that happens chicks will survive much easier. Once the kids grow up they they move into an empty chamber inside the enormous Empire State Building it seems and perhaps just stick their nose out or grab a quick bite, but sometimes they never leave their home and no one will ever migrate.
It truly is a community of somber. I guess the rat apartment guy should learn from the weavers on how to keep them happy and not depressed and dying in the apartment complex prison testing facility.
I love them they are fantastic birds and so intelligent and inept to build such an undertaking of grandiosity. I am very proud of them. God is good to create such a precious thing.
Photo by Amandad
How hard is it to care for a macaw?
Besides spending a fortune at the beginning?
The bird alone could cost several thousands of dollars from a reputable breeder than you must add over a thousand dollars just for the set up and you must have a huge space for it and an enormous cage for the largest of parakeets.
So you could possibly look at almost $20,000 right of the bet.
To answer your question is it hard to care for a Macaw? Yes it is. They are in need of lots of attention, tons of food, toys, treats and don’t even speak like many other parakeets. They are temperamental at times, get bored easily and need to fly, they are birds after all. So do you have the space to let a huge bird like that fly in your house? Think about it!
It is like bringing up a baby only this one eats a lot more. You will have to go shopping all the time, visit the vet and entertain it.
You must also be aware that they are a lifetime companion they can live up to 60 years with a caring owner, but how old are you? Will you be able to be with it for at least 35 years the average life span? It wouldn’t be fair to it to get used to another owner after that time would it?
So if you are older, believe me it would be much easier to get a Budgie, a male can speak and lives only up to 17 years and their poop is tiny, dries up immediately and is easily taken care of, whilst the Macaw poops more times during the day only about 24 times, and it should look dark green, if light green could indicate liver issues. Guess what, good news, you can actually train a Macaw to poop on command. There is hope after all. However, if you have a weak stomach regarding the poop cleaning part think it through well before buying a Macaw. Check out a pet shop to see it in action, the beak the claws if you can handle it.
When you are training your bird never stop be consistent don’t take a day off. Never ever hit you bird. It takes a lot of patience. Speak low and slow and keep your lessons short.
What do you know about Ostrich eggs that can be useful to me?
Ostrich eggs are filled with wonderful micronutrients plus macronutrients, is a good source of choline, rich in magnesium and iron, vitamin B12, riboflavin, as well as, folic acid. But interestingly, it contains less vitamin E and vitamin A than a chicken egg. And, have 47% proteins and fats which are similar to chicken eggs but with 2,000 calories. It would be a blessing to make these eggs a part of your diet if more readily available and less costly.
Did you know that one Ostrich egg is the equivalent of 20–24 chicken eggs? Wow, wouldn’t that be fun to have a special Ostrich egg breakfast for a holiday occasion? Ostrich eggs can weigh 4 pounds and have a very hard shell to crack about 20 times harder than a chicken egg and some even use a drill to get the liquid out and use the shell for other purposes to carve beautiful designs, or use it as water bottles in the wilderness.
Unfortunately, not many places sell Ostrich eggs since they are very expensive and not very practical nor economical. One tiny ostrich baby about 30–60 days old can costs over $500, and since they appreciate with weight to almost twice that after 3 months. And after a year some ask for $2500 per Ostrich, and a fully grown up adult is at least $7500 and could reach over $10,000.
Good to know is that it is only legal to eat ostrich eggs or keep them in a few states such as Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming.
Some people are wondering if frying would be ok, the culinary world speaks against it because it takes at least 25 minutes to prepare it and who has these gigantic tools handy?
It doesn’t come as a surprise that even Meerkats and the jackal adore the rich flavor of ostrich eggs.
The Alpha Male Ostriches have a few females in his group and the main spouse will lay her eggs in the middle of the clutch about six to eleven and the other females (mated by even other males) lay a few more on the outer side totaling up to 50 eggs in one nesting try in June and July. Most Ostriches lay an egg every other day, some everyday until the mas is reached to incubate. It is nice to know that the male is actually taking care of the offspring, but some females take turns incubating the eggs with him. They love the warm climate of Africa and Southern Asia.
The egg is as expensive as the meat, one egg could cost $100 and most places that sell the meat charges almost $30 per pound and the egg weighs 4 pounds so there you have it. The meat can even be eater rare or as tartare. Ostrich meat is high in iron, protein, and zinc, but low in cholesterol.
These beautiful useful birds live in the wild approximately 30 - 40 years, however they have been known to live up to 70 years in captivity. Some people with meat allergies are able to eat Ostrich, just find out if you can since the pH is similar to our beef so its considered red meat.
Ostriches are territorial and aggressive poultry. They are not recommended as pets. They can run 43.5 miles per hour and cover nearly 15 feet in a single stride. They belong to the Aves class, that have a four chambered heart, which helps them with maintaining their body temperature, has three stomachs and is the largest bird that does not fly at all. When they poop they do number one first and then number two and their brain is as small as their eye, maybe that is why predators like them because the Ostrich in the sight of danger just runs around in circles.
Photo by Cocoparisienne
Stay tuned for more stories of the flying objects...
