Tom's Bird Feeders and Reptile Supplies

Portal received more rain in the month of July than it does in most years, and August was a wet one also. 

What this means to us is we are behind in our yard work.  We started pulling weeds around the bird feeders and around the bird pond this weekend.  It looks a lot better around the thistle feeders and the hummingbird feeders, but we have a long way to go.

We decided we should set the alarm an hour earlier than usual and spent that time on yard work.  So this morning we woke bright and early.  We decided fill the coffee mug once and then head out to work.

When we sat down to enjoy our our cup we, of course, sat where we could see the bird feeders and bird pond.  We had a mixed flock of warblers taking a bath.  Then we noticed a flock of Chipping Sparrows in the platform feeder.  We had something we couldn’t see clearly in the top of the acacia bush.  We couldn’t disturb the bird until we had identified it could we?  It was worth the wait.  A Dicksissel!  That was a new one for our yard.  Then we noticed the Gambel’s Quail was bringing in 3 chicks.  Ya can’t disturb nervous parents, can ya?

I’m sure you figured out what happen to our hour of pulling weeds around the rest of our bird feeders.  I think we had a really good reason not to get the work done, but in back of my mind comes my father’s voice saying “If you’re looking for an excuse, any one will do!”

What do you think-a good reason or just an excuse?

The sparrow and warbler migration is in full swing after arriving in the Portal area about two to three weeks early.  These welcome friends are keeping our bird feeders and water features humming with activity.  During the last two days we have had Chipping Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, Lark Sparrows, Vesper Sparrows and Brewer’s Sparrows joining our regulars for baths in our four level cascade pond.  MacGillivray’s Warblers, Virginia’s Warblers, Black-throated Gray Warblers, Wilson’s Warblers and Yellow Warblers occupy the upper cascade of our pond complex with four Western Tanagers who are coming in for Pyracantha berries and a bath each morning.  Lesser Goldfinches bathe with Chipping Sparrows and Blue Grosbeaks in the middle tier while all of the others gather where they can get in for a splash in the lower cascade or the pond.

When the northern birds arrive early like this, it usually foretells of a long, cold winter for the areas up north from which they came.  If this year holds to the norm, then this should be a great year for backyard birds everywhere.  During these years the finches from the north usually come down into the south a little further.  This should be a good year for Purple Finches, Cassin’s Finches, Goldfinches, Pine Siskins and Redpolls so get the nyjer thistle feeders set up and ready to accomodate these beautiful acrobats.  It is also time to get your ponds and bird baths winterized.  This is going to be a great year for bird enthusiasts.