Your Own Birding Laboratory !

Want to learn more about birds and improve your observation skills?  Set up one or more bird feeders that are easy to observe from your porch or a window at your house.  You may already have feeders in your yard – if not, you can make one from a used 32 oz plastic bottle using plans at this link:
Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder

Sunflower seeds are a popular treat for backyard birds but you can use other types of bird seed as well.  If your feeder is new, it may take a few days before the birds begin to visit.  Be patient – they will come.

Here are some simple observations that you can begin immediately:  (1) How many different types of birds have you observed at your feeder? (2) What is the maximum number of birds you have seen at the feeder at a same time?  (3) When birds visit, how many seconds do they typically stay at the feeder?  (4) When a male and female bird visit at the same time, which one usually arrives first?  

Want to learn more about bird identification?   There are some outstanding websites that can help you get started.  Checkout these:  WildBirds - Birding for Beginners  

All-Birds.com Bird Watching

Bird Watching for Kids  

Son Graduates from Univ of Arkansas

On Saturday, Mrs Durrance's son Josh graduated with a degree in AgriBusiness from the University of Arkansas.  Here's a picture of one proud graduate and one proud mom !

Bird Migration – Hummingbirds Will Amaze You !

Some great info from website "Hummingbird Journey North"

A hummingbird flaps its wings 75 times per second during flight. Flying burns so much energy that a hummingbird typically eats every 15 minutes!  Hummingbirds spend warm months in the areas of North America shaded red.  They fly to Central America (areas shaded green) during the cooler months of the year.  When hummingbirds migrate, do you think they fly over land and feed on flowers along the way? Or do they fly over open seas, where there's no place to find food or rest? Look at the map, make your prediction, then check out these websites to learn the answer!

Hummingbird Migration across Gulf

Hummingbird Journey North Website