humming bird feeder

The beauty of hummingbirds in your garden

2008-12-26T01:39:00.000-08:00

During the last spring time my wife notice a few hummingbird in our garden. The hummingbird was looking for food and was flying on top of our big bloom flowers. She was watching the hummingbirds for a hour and decided to called me. On that day we decided to put a few hummingbird feeders in our garden to attracted the birds. There are many things that we had to understand to attracted the birds to our garden every years.

First is the feeders that we must place it in a safe place away from squirrel and others big insects and the area we place it must be under shape of trees or home made shape. Hummingbirds feeders are made of glass which are the most beauty and easy to clean when place in the garden. others are plastic, ceramic and woods. The colors of hummingbirds feeders must be of bright colors such as red, orange or yellow. The birds like small insects like spider for their foods. Fruits such as papaya or banana are put inside the feeders. Drinks such as sugar mixture with warm water is provide to the birds.

Creating your backyard with humming bird feeders.

2008-07-18T00:10:00.000-07:00

If you had a big garden with plenty of plants and flowers and also love to watch the beautiful tiny hummingbirds flew in and out of your garden by creating your backyard with humming bird feeders. Hummingbirds feeders comes in difference design, material, colors and size. You cam make your hummingbird feeders and hang on the tree or a self make stand to place your hummingbird feeders away from others big incest that can attack the humming birds. Red colors humming feeders attracted more birds to your feeders then other colors.

Glass hummingbirds feeders looks more elegant, beautiful and easy to clean but once its drop it is gone. for me I prefer a glass feeders which I can place under shape of my many trees. I used to offer variety of feeds for the bird excluding the flowers in my garden. I even make a bathing and drinking area for the birds and you can observed many hummingbirds flocking over there to have their bath and quench their thirst.

hummingbirds gets its energy are from flower nectar and sugar water

2008-05-06T22:54:00.000-07:00

Hummingbirds are one of a colorful tiny birds which you admired looking from your house window. Some would like to hang it near its window so to had a closer look at the hummingbirds. Most people will hangs their hummingbird feeders under the shape of the tree which a made pole to avoid big incests and squirrels. Most hummingbirds will return to their feeders when every spring arrived. When changing a new humming birds feeders a old one must be place to the new one until the hummingbirds are used to it.

The foods that the hummingbirds gets its energy are from flower nectar and sugar water inside their feeders. the water sugar are place by the bird watcher is a sugar mixed with warm water. they also consume soft body incest and spiders for protein and nutrients. Fruits like over ripe papaya and banana for the hummingbirds but care and changes must be make daily to keep the feeders clean.

Choosing a hummingbirds feeders was not much a problem as all hummingbirds will attract to the feeders if the place is clean and the feeders of bright colors and the sugar nectar juice is place inside the feeders. If you had big garden with many beautiful and colorful flowers in your garden you can expect more hummingbirds to the feeders.

To attracted humming bird to your garden

2008-02-29T01:39:00.000-08:00

To attracted humming bird to your garden every spring time, some homeworks has to be done. First we had to make a hummingbird feeders or buy it from any pet shop or even from internet online. Todays hummingbirds feeders comes with attractive design and colors and even the materials used are easily to clean. All you had to do is hang up your hummingbird feeders before spring time, under the shape of the tree or any place except away from the hot sun and other insect that take away their lives.

To add to the attraction fruits such as banana or papaya are place inside the humming birds feeders and a kinds of self make juice, (is sugar stir with warm water) are place inside. The self make juice has to be change every one or two days. As humming birds like clean area, the feeders has to be clean every one days. If care is taken of, you are sure that the humming bird will returns the next spring.

Turning your garden into a hobby by attracting humming birds

2007-11-19T23:46:00.000-08:00

During spring time many people turns their garden into a hobby by attracting humming birds to their garden as hummingbird is the smallest birds in the world with beautiful feathers for people to admire. When spring time about to arrive I will place as many hummingbirds feeders at my garden. Most of my hummingbirds feeders are of glass and of a shape of house and lamps. A glass feeders are easily to clean and besides you can watch and admired the birds inside.

When the season arrived a self made nectar juice, warm water mixed with sugar are place inside the hummingbird feeders, a small insect as a food for them. Make sure that the hummingbirds are safe from squirrel, snake and other big insect. If the hummingbirds is attracted to your feeders this spring time they will definate returns the next spring.

My hobby attracting humming birds

2007-09-10T03:05:00.000-07:00

Humming bird season is in spring time where most people who has the hobby of attracting humming bird to their place has already put up their hummingbird feeders on the tree tops or the corridor of the house. Hummingbird feeders nows comes in many patterns, design and colours. To attract hummingbird to your place all you had to do, is to place as many hummingbird feeders in your garden, under the shape of the tree safe from other insecet and squirrels.

As humming birds are the most tiny and colourful birds and one of the most beautiful birds to admire. So your humming bird feeders should be bright in colours and a glass feeders under a safe place would be very much appriciate. The food for the hummingbirds is a small insecet and the juice is make of water with sugar. The home of the humming bird feeders must be kept clean most of the time. If the humming is attracted to your place this spring there will return the next spring.

spider and smaller insects are hummingbird favourite food

2007-07-17T02:01:00.000-07:00

Hummingbird feeders are made of glass, ceramic, or plastic and humming feeders comes in many design and colours. You can buy your humming feeders from bird shop or make it yourself. The design of humming bird can be of a bottle a tiny glass house and must be paint of bright colour. Make sure when you hanged your humming feeders in your selected place that the bird can notice it and beside where you can easily view from your home the hummingbird resting in your feeders.

You can place as many humming feeders in your home as humming bird is a selfish bird which would'nt want to share their feeders with others birds. Make sure your feeders is save from others animals like squirrel and big insects. Make sure that the feeders is clean quite regular and a nectals juice, a mixture of water and sugar should be change everyday. Besides the nectal juice small insects and spider are the favourite for the birds.

Glasses hummingbird feeders are more beautiful

2007-06-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

Watching hummingbirds flying to your feeders is a hobby as hummingbirds has many beautiful colours and one of the tinys birds in the world. When spring is about to arrive, most house which has big garden with beautiful plants and flowers will get ready their hummingbird feeders. Most of the hummingbird feeders will be place under the shape of a tree or even place on top of your house corridors. The hummingbird lovers will start to paint the feeders again.

The colours of the hummingbird feeders are most paint in bright colour such as orange, pink, yellow or red or bright colours. If you decided to purchase a new hummingbird feeder, you can visit a bird shop or browse through your internet online. There many companys from online gives you more vierity, style and its function. Its including squirrel proof birdfeeders. Hummingbird feeders comes in many bright colours, design such as house types, candle, fruits and many more design. The materials to make the hummingbird feeders are of plastic, glasses and woods.

Plastic are more cheaper than woods and glasses and its easy to maintain exspecially you had to clean it every two days as hummingbirds like clean area and secondly its is more lighter to carry about. But I still prefer glasses as glasses are more beautiful and more easily to clean but is most expensive among the three kinds.

Glass hummingbird feeder enhance the charm of any backyard

2007-05-10T00:35:00.000-07:00

Humming birds the worlds smallest bird and has many brilliant colors to give the people easily to notice of its arrived. This hummingbird will returns every spring and fly away to other tropical countries during cold seasons. Hummingbirds rely heavily on flowers and prepared nectar for their energy needs and small insects for protein. Before spring arrived many people will place their hummingbird feeders at their garden to attracted the humming birds.

Hummingbird feeders come in many different colours, styles and shapes. Some are beautifully hand blown glass bulbs that enhance the charm of any backyard garden. Glass hummingbird feeders is quite expensive compare to the plastic and wooden hummingbird feeders. But once it fall is gone, the good parts of glass feeders is, easily to clean, colourful and beautiful when placing on top of the shape tree in your garden. To attracted the humming birds the colours of the feeders must paint in bright colours such as red, pink or orange.

Self make nectar juice, water mixed with sugar to be place and must be change every two days. The feeders must be clean every two days because the hummingbirds will not stay if the feeder is dirty. Once the birds stays in your feeder this spring it will mostly returns the next spring.

Attracting hummingbird

2007-04-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

Hummingbird feeders come in many different styles and shapes and colours. Some are beautifully hand blown glass bulbs that enhance the charm of any backyard and some build with shape of a bungalow with alots of windows. If you browse through internet online you find many companys displaying with picture the colourful, shape and style of humming birdfeeders and bird house. You'll find feeders in every style and function, including squirrel-proof bird feeders and decorative feeders.

Before spring arrived it is important to see that your hummingbird feeders is well place at a cozy area on top of a tree and once the hummingbirds is drawn to your fedders this year of spring, it will likely return throughout the next season and so on. To attract the hummingbird ones has to see that the feeders must be clean most of the time, the colour of the hummingbird fedders mush be of bright colours such as red, orange and yellow as to easily attract the hummingbirds to the feeder. The nectar juice should be place in the the gravity fed bottle style feeder has no perch that eliminates the problem of other pests landing on it to feed.

Spring humming birds season

2007-03-01T22:53:00.000-08:00

Spring season is on the way as household are preparing their humming bird feeder to attracted the coming humming birds to their place. Gardens where there are lots of colourful flowers are the main attraction for the humming birds. As these flowers provide the natural nectars juice fot the humming birds. Humming birds is a very colourful and the most smallest birds in the world thats makes so many people so interested to attract the birds back to their place every spring times.

The humming birds feeders has to be very cleans and the colours of the humming bird feeders should be of very bright such as bright yellow, light blue, orange and should be place under the shape of a three or the front size of your home. The humming bird feeders should be clean every one or two days and a self make nectar juice (sugar mixed with water) place inside the feeders and change it everyday.If things goes well you would see the humming birds back again the next spring.

Attracting humming birds in spring

2007-02-14T02:11:00.000-08:00

When spring is about to arrive humming birds feeders can be find in many shops and markets. There are many design, shape and colours of humming birds feeders haning on the shops. Some humming birds feeders are make of glass as it can easily be clean and maintain. Special cares has to look as ones fall is broken and besides it is more expensive then plastic and woods. The colours of humming birds feeders has to be of bright colours like orange or yellow as this colours ieasily attracted the humming birds.

The humming birds feeders has to be place in a shape area near the trees and has to be clean every two days as the humming birds will not stay if it is dirty. A self make nectar juice, suger mixed with water is place inside the humming birds feeders and has to be change everyday. If the humming birds is attracted to your place this spring it will definate be back the next spring.

ways to attract hummingbirds

2007-01-30T00:26:00.000-08:00

Hummingbirds is one of the smallest birds and comes in so many beautiful colours and shape that everyone wants to attract it back every spring time.

The better the ways to attract hummingbirds is to see to the hummingbird feeders is clean as the hummingbirds will not eat if it is dirty and the feeders must be very colourful, orange red and yellow is the best colour to attract the hummingbirds. Another best ways is by putting nectar feeders is a mixture of sugar and water. If the hummingbirds is attract to your feeder if will always return the next spring.

humming bird feeder : Humming Bird Feeders

2006-09-04T03:33:00.000-07:00

Humming birds are tiny creatures averaging 3.5 inches from head to tail. They are the worlds smallest bird, and they are spectacular to witness because of their brilliant colors an their motionless, hovering feeding habits.

The best way to feed hummingbirds is by using a nectar feeder. You must place it high enough on a branch so that squirrels and other predators cannot feed from it. A mixture of sugar and water is the best way to attract humming birds. This blend is as close as you can come to flower nectars. You should not use honey, molasses or any other artificial sweeteners. Though they eat small insects for protein, hummingbirds also rely heavily on flower and prepared nectar for their energy needs. You might be able to successfully attract them to a backyard feeder with a proper combination of timing, consistency, and cleanliness.

It is important to hand your humming bird feeder shortly before spring. If a hummingbird is drawn to the feeder at this time, it will likely return throughout the season, well into fall.

A hummingbird feeder has to be clean; otherwise the bird will not feed. It should be colorful – preferably red and orange with red ribbons trailing off the feeder so it can be easily spotted by the humming bird. There are a couple of different types of hummingbird feeders. The dish type has a perch and allows a good view of the way a hummingbird feeds. The gravity fed bottle style feeder has no perch that eliminates the problem of other pests landing on it to feed.

Hummingbird feeders come in many different styles and shapes. Some are beautifully hand blown glass bulbs that enhance the charm of any backyard.

By Ross Bainbridge

humming bird feeder : Sheltering Nature's Lovely Creatures

2006-09-04T03:29:00.000-07:00

Even before manufacturers took advantage of the growing popularity of feeding hummingbirds, the first hummingbird feeders were typically constructed out of laboratory apparatuses. These were constructed primarily to attract the birds that would normally fly around a garden. To these, the response of the manufacturers is to market and create sugar-water feeders. Many of which are uniquely created thus giving logic to the high cost of each feeder. But most are mass-produced to provide such equipments to the larger public.

Like with most things in the market, hummingbird feeders come in literally all forms of shapes, sizes and designs. The ideal feeders are those that can be cleaned easily and hangs readily. These must also be sturdy and must have limited number of parts that can be separated or broken. Majority of hummingbird feeders comes with both glass and plastic reservoirs.

Glasses have longer lifespan and may be cleansed easily but may shatter when dropped. Plastics on the other hand are relatively cheaper than that of the glass reservoirs but discoloration is notable.

Small feeders typically have only a port for feeding while larger feeders have three or more. Many of which may provide perches for hummingbirds to rest upon while feeding.

The most common mistake among novice feeders is the buying of overly sized hummingbird feeders. This is wrong since the water-sugar solution easily stales even before the arrival of the birds.

One hummingbird feeder may not be enough for the birds in a moderately sized garden. It is best to place two or if possible, several hummingbird feeders throughout the garden. Chances are, the dominant birds would not defend all locations. This may welcome larger number of birds in your place. Logically, it is a good idea to put these hummingbird feeders in locations where you may observe the birds feeding. After all, the sugar solution we give is just a bonus the birds get for dropping by in our places. They, at all rate, can survive even without our help.

Most hummingbirds are gone during winter. This is because they migrate to the tropical regions. If in any case a bird visits you during this season, it is likely that it is genetically inferior and cannot travel. To provide shelter for such birds, some enthusiasts prefer to leave the hummingbird feeders outside their homes, offering both food and sanctuary for the lovely creatures. The sugar-water solution in the hummingbird feeder must still be changed daily.

When choosing a hummingbird feeder, most experts recommend those that are red in color. Though there so little scientific research to support the claim that hummingbirds are especially attracted to red, most feeders seem to appear in shades of red. Plus the common practice of dying the water sugar solution with red. Choose a hummingbird feeder that has excellent protection over ants.

It is also good to restrain from buying a yellow-colored feeders. This is to avoid the bees and wasps from being attracted to the feeder. Look also for feeders that have built-in perches and those that are small. Only when you have determined how thick your visitation of these birds is, may you only start using bigger feeders. This principle will prevent the nectar solution from spoilage.

Hummingbirds are truly marvelous to look at especially with their aerial display. This probably is reason enough why most enthusiasts go crazy over feeding hummingbirds.

by Robert Thatcher

Hummingbird Feeders & Supplies

2006-07-29T03:58:00.000-07:00

The hummers will start arriving early in Spring so have your feeders out, supplies in order and be ready for them! If you place your feeders close to bright flowers, they will discover them faster. You will soon find that one is not enough as more and more hummers find your feeders.

It is also a good idea to keep your feeders up long into the winter months as they will be used by migrating hummers and those birds unable to make the long trip. You can take the feeders down after you are sure there are no birds "wintering" over.

Hummingbird feeders should be placed in a shady area to discourage bacteria and mold from spoiling the nectar. Even if you still have nectar in your feeder, you should replace it at least once a week.

It is wise to clean your hummingbird feeder every 2 - 3 days, especially in hot weather. Nectar tends to "ferment" in the hot weather and harmful bacteria will form. (this will happen even if the feeder is not in direct sunlight) You should clean feeder with a mild soapy solution (no harsh chemicals) and bottlebrush. Be sure to rinse very well in clear water to remove all traces of soap residue!!

You don't need a lot of supplies for hummers but one of the most handy is a good bottle brush! It sure makes things a lot easier when cleaning the feeders!

To avoid pesky ants in your feeders you can coat hangers with Vaseline. The sugary nectar also attracts unwanted bees so it is best to get hummingbird feeders with bee guards.

Create a Backyard Habitat for Wild Birds with a Bird Feeder

2006-07-29T03:56:00.000-07:00

With a little imagination and very little effort, you can transform your backyard into a natural habitat for birds. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, or simply want to invite nature a little closer to your home, birdfeeders put down the welcome mat for our avian friends. According to the Audubon Society, a bird feeder comes in one of four basic designs. Ground feeders are flat and open, have a screened bottom, and rest off the ground and should be situated ten feet from nearby trees or bushes so that birds can fly away from any predators.

Ground feeders can be made squirrel proof by utilizing wire mesh over the bird feeder. Tube birdfeeders are cylindrical in shape and typically have openings that allow birds to access the seeds. They should be hung off the ground and, for maximum enjoyment, near a window so that family members can witness the wild birds that come to visit. Suet and hopper bird feeders are typically shaped like houses. A suet bird feeder, made for wild birds that peck at the seed mixed into the suet, is usually hung, while a hopper bird feeder can either be hung or placed on a post for easy access by wild birds.

A hopper bird feeder contains a large quantity of seed, which is released when the wild bird steps on the feeder trigger. Hopper birdfeeders attract both small and large birds, including the cardinal. Unlike the tube and hopper birdfeeders, the thistle bird feeder is designed with very small holes, allowing only small-beaked finches to access the food.

Thistle birdfeeders should be hung, and can be made squirrel proof. The Audubon Society also provides helpful tips on making your backyard friendly to hummingbirds by populating it with humming bird feeders. They suggest that you use several humming bird feeders and fill each with sugar water, being careful to avoid using red food coloring and honey.

In addition, you should change the solution in the humming bird feeder weekly, or more often in hot weather. It is certainly possible to make your own bird feeders, but there are several great birdfeeders available on the market, including those made by Droll Yankee, Opus, Woodllink, and Duncraft. To get the most out of your bird watching experience, the Audubon Society suggests that you utilize several different types of bird feeders and that you place them at various heights and locations. In this way, you will attract a wide variety of wild birds.

In addition, be sure that your efforts to create a backyard habitat don't harm the birds you are trying to attract. Keep birdfeeders three feet away from windows to avoid collisions, and make sure to keep your cat indoors. By Chris Robertson

Humming Bird Feeders

2006-07-29T03:53:00.000-07:00

Humming birds are tiny creatures averaging 3.5 inches from head to tail. They are the worlds smallest bird, and they are spectacular to witness because of their brilliant colors an their motionless, hovering feeding habits.

The best way to feed hummingbirds is by using a nectar feeder. You must place it high enough on a branch so that squirrels and other predators cannot feed from it. A mixture of sugar and water is the best way to attract humming birds. This blend is as close as you can come to flower nectars. You should not use honey, molasses or any other artificial sweeteners.

Though they eat small insects for protein, hummingbirds also rely heavily on flower and prepared nectar for their energy needs. You might be able to successfully attract them to a backyard feeder with a proper combination of timing, consistency, and cleanliness.

It is important to hand your humming bird feeder shortly before spring. If a hummingbird is drawn to the feeder at this time, it will likely return throughout the season, well into fall.

A hummingbird feeder has to be clean; otherwise the bird will not feed. It should be colorful – preferably red and orange with red ribbons trailing off the feeder so it can be easily spotted by the humming bird. There are a couple of different types of hummingbird feeders. The dish type has a perch and allows a good view of the way a hummingbird feeds. The gravity fed bottle style feeder has no perch that eliminates the problem of other pests landing on it to feed.

Hummingbird feeders come in many different styles and shapes. Some are beautifully hand blown glass bulbs that enhance the charm of any backyard. By Ross Bainbridge

glass humming bird feeder : Hummingbird Feeder Maintenance Tips

2006-06-24T00:51:00.000-07:00

Hummingbirds feed on flower nectar and insects. To make your own nectar, the correct solution that resembles plant nectar should be:

1 part sugar
4 parts water
Boil the water first, then add the sugar. The boiling water will ensure your nectar stays fresh longer and retards fermentations. Add the sugar to the water after it has boiled. Don't boil the sugar and water together. Doing so will cause some of the water to evaporate and will create nectar that is too concentrated. If the nectar is too sweet it can damage a bird's liver.

DO NOT USE:

Red food coloring or dye
Artificial sweeteners which have no nutritional value
Honey which ferments quickly and causes a deadly fungus
Place your feeder in the shade and keep out of direct sun and wind. Be sure to clean your feeder regularly and replace the solution every week. Clean your feeder with hot water or a 10% bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before refilling. Change your solution every two to three days when the weather is hot or consistently over 60 degrees.

Fending off bees and ants from hummingbird feeders:

Ants and bees can also be attracted to a hummingbird feeder. If you are having this problem, you might try the following:

Ants can be defeated by coating the wire or string by which the feeder hangs with Tree Tanglefoot (TM) or another sticky substance. The ants will be unable to reach the hummingbird feeder until dust or enough dead ant bodies provide a bridge across the sticky substance. If you periodically wipe the dead ants and dust off and reapply the sticky material, you can discourage the ants. They will usually give up after a while and go look for an easier source of food.
Be careful not to apply the sticky material where it can get on the feathers or feet of the hummingbirds. Just apply it where it will discourage the ants.
Bees may be managed in a couple of ways. Let the hummingbird feeder go dry for a week or so and the bees will leave it.
Another trick is to move the hummingbird feeder periodically. Bees do an interesting dance in the hive to tell other bees the direction and distance to a source of nectar. If you move the hummingbird feeder, the information in the dance will be inaccurate until another bee finds it and tells the hive. Then just move it again. The hummingbirds find the nectar by sight; they are attracted to the red tip of the feeder.

Copyright © 1999 GardenArtisans.com. All rights reserved.

glass humming bird feeder : HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS

2006-06-24T00:48:00.000-07:00

These hummingbird feeders are unique.
Their bright colors, accented with
copper wrap, attract hummingbirds as
well as people; they function as both
feeder and garden ornament, making them
a welcome addition to the garden all
year long.

Adjusting the copper hanger allows you to
position the feeder so it will not drip.

Available in transparent blue, green,
crimson red, magenta, purple, and
spotted yellow. Pictured in magenta.
13" high x 3-1/2" to 4" diameter.

glass humming bird feeder : Handblown Glass Garden Art

2006-06-24T00:43:00.000-07:00

Del Fuego Glass Art Andrew Holmberg has been creating del fuego glass art for many years. Growing up in the Northwest, he has spent much of his life outdoors and gardening. All his art is created by hand and is held to the highest standards. The unique translucent quality of these glass pieces radiate beauty and grace.
ORNAMENTAL POND BALLS
Japanese glass floats have long been sought as
collectable additions to the home and garden.
These glass balls, building on that tradition,
range in size from 4" to 5". Each is created
by hand and, therefore, each is unique.

Due to the fact that they are completely sealed,
they can be left outside in the pond or garden
all winter long. The glass is approximately
an 1/8" thick and is very durable. The color
is embedded in the glass and will retain its
vibrancy.

Place the glass floats in a basket indoors and
you will have a beautiful centerpiece. There
are many uses for these translucent wonders.

Available colors include transparent blue,
green, magenta, purple, gold, copper and
the more opaque colors tangerine,
spotted yellow and spotted chartreuse.

Copyright © 1999 GardenArtisans.com. All rights reserved.

hummingbird feeder : Beginners flock to Birding 101 to learn basics

2006-06-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

By TONI JABAS
Special to the Homer News

It’s like being left out at recess. Everyone is busy doing something: Spinning around on that thing that makes you dizzy, playing 4-square or pushing each other on the swing. And there you are. Watching everyone else have fun. For non-birders, the Shorebird Festival may bring back those memories of being on the outside. But, how can you join in, or get excited about, something you know nothing about?

If the grade school tour around Gull Island didn’t pique your interest in birds, this class might.

9 a.m., more than 30 people gather in the high school choir room for their first lesson. The rest of the birders are out —birding. Karla Hart, Juneau’s Watchable Wildlife Program Coordinator, is the instructor. She waits for people to file in and choose which blue plastic seat they want to spend the next two hours in. Then, it begins.

Hart introduces herself and explains why she is well-qualified to teach a class to people who have never learned how to bird. Reason: She says she isn’t a very good birder, and besides, she’s not a morning person.

After her cheerful introduction Hart asks her first question: How many people consider themselves a birder? No one raises their hand.

“It isn’t some secret society or club,” Hart reassures the class. “You can bird anywhere.”

No response.

So Hart begins to tell the class why birding really is fun. Or how it can be fun.

“Birding is a lifelong pursuit,” she says. “Birding is something you should never stop learning.”

“You can start at one or 60 or 70.” At that nearly the entire class laughs. Most of them fit the older description.

Hart continues to lure the class. It’s relatively inexpensive she says. All you need to get started is a field guide and a pair of binoculars.

She pulls a stack of field guides from a desk. Different people have different tastes in guides, she says. Sometimes drawings of birds are easier for beginners to identify than photographs. Also, it’s a good idea to start with a field guide that is specific to the area, she says. That helps to eliminate all the birds that aren’t. Which could save new birders some time, because there are more than 10,000 species of birds in the world. Hart tells the class that there are “bird chasers,” people who try to see all the species.

One more reason why birding is a good hobby. You can do it anywhere. On vacation or sitting at home watching your bird feeder. Just remember to get a guide specific to the area if you’re traveling.

Now it’s time to see what the class knows about identifying birds. Hart pulls out a stack of pictures and holds the first one up in the air and asks the class to say what it is.

“Puffin!” everyone calls out.

The puffin is followed by a hummingbird, cardinal, toucan, owl, duck, flamingo, ostrich and parrot.

There is a bit of confidence growing in the class. Those were easy.

“I thought you guys just said you weren’t birders,” Hart says with a grin.

There are sheepish laughs from the class.

As you learn the familiar birds really well, Hart tells the class, it will make you more observant and teach you what to look for when you don’t recognize a bird.

Hart begins to quiz the class on how they recognized the birds in the pictures she held up. The shape of the bird’s body, beak and feet are clues about where to look in a field guide. Hart explains that field guides are organized by the type of bird.

“For the Shorebird Festival you’re going to be wearing out the first quarter of your guide,” she says.

Now it’s time for the class to try out their field guides and bird identification skills. Hart reaches into a bag and begins to pull out small, stuffed birds. She suggests that people work in teams and swap guides if they need to. Almost 15 stuffed toys fly out into the class. When squeezed, they mimic the call of the bird they replicate. To make the identification easier, Hart also passes out a list. She promises that all of the stuffed birds are on the list. The class just has to write the number on the bird’s tag next to the name on the list. Simple.

The next half hour is spent flipping through field guides. The birds to be passed along the fastest are a bald eagle and robin. Others take more time, like the Smith’s longspur and hermit thrush.

As she collects the stuffed birds Hart warns the class that in real life they won’t be able to hold the bird and squeeze it to make it talk. When watching a bird that is new, Hart advises the class to not rush straight to their field guides. Spend time watching it, how it moves, what it eats and if it has any distinctive markings. She says that it is a common mistake of beginning birders to think they have discovered a new or rare bird.

As the hands on the clock near 11, Hart gives some final advice to the class.

“If you only go with the good birders, it’s easy to become a lazy birder.”

She says that beginning birders should go with people of their own level. That way they are challenged to figure out birds for themselves.

“Don’t expect to identify every bird that you see,” she adds.

“Make it easy and fun for yourself.”

A final note on birding etiquette — always put the binocular strap around your neck when borrowing a pair from another birder — and class is over.

No more feeling left out. No secret club. Just a field guide and a pair of binoculars. Bring on the birds.

hummingbird feeder : Summer guest already here

2006-06-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

Published Tuesday, May 9, 2006 2:14:01 PM Central Time

Bob Anderson of Marenisco reported Monday, "I saw my first hummingbird (male) at 7:50 a.m. this morning and have seen one four more times this a.m., possibly a different or the same one."

Anderson put out the first feeder full of his homemade nectar on April 17. The earliest bird he has seen in his yard was May 2, 2005.

The Marenisco birder puts out 10 feeders that draw dozens of the tiny hummers to his yard. He charts his first sighting in the spring and last in the fall on a calendar.

Last summer, ornithologist Allen Chartier from lower Michigan came to Anderson's yard to band hummingbirds for two days. Data he recorded about 93 birds during that weekend is on the Web site amazilia.net/MIHummerNet/GOG1.HTM

glass humming bird feeder: Hummingbird arrival

2006-06-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

QUESTION - Just wanted to let you know that I've had my hummingbird feeder out since the first day of spring. On April 13, I saw the first hummingbird. Thanks for the wonderful service AYS provides to the community. T.T.B., Bedford.

ANSWER - Happy to hear the hummingbirds are back home in southern Indiana.

Long time no see

QUESTION - My husband and I would like to find some old friends we met while at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Ariz., in 1975.

Their names are John and Jennie Shepard. They had two children Mia and Brett.

We have lived in Tennessee for about 23 years. The last time we saw the Shepards was about 20 years ago. A lot has happened since then, and we would really love to find them.

An Internet search referred them to Bedford and Orestes, Ind. However, I was unable to find a telephone number or address. Then someone from the Bedford Historical Society referred me to you. Can you help? Thanks. Faye, Crittenden, Tenn.

ANSWER - Although John and Jennie Shepard could not be found in the local directory, perhaps a reader can lend a hand.

How about it, readers, anyone recognize these Shepards? If so, please let me know. They have some old friends who would like to say hi.

Alternative healing

QUESTION - Where can I find a holistic healer locally? M.G., Bedford.

ANSWER - This AYS list consists of those who practice holistic healing, iridology and naturopath:

Jan Bolin, LPN, N.D., at Roots, Leaves and Berries, 1108 Fifth St., 275-5253; Violet Villano, 140 W. Jefferson St., Orleans, 865-4038; Bobby Nasir, Naturopath, 275-1055. Additionally, there is a list of holistic healers in the Bloomington directory.

Appliance doctor

QUESTION - Will you please add Keith Fowler Appliance to the AYS files? He does appliance service, repair and installation. For more information, call 278-9389 or 276-7279. Thanks. A.B., Bedford.

ANSWER - Sure will. Welcome, Fowler Appliance, to the files.

Desk set recall

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with New Focus Marketing Corp. of Boca Raton, Fla., announced a voluntary recall of about 6,000 computer desk and chair sets because the seat on the chair can break and fall through during use, causing an individual to fall and suffer injuries.

New Focus Marketing has received reports of two injuries involving chairs breaking. Injuries include a consumer who received bruises to the arm and shoulder and another consumer who suffered a minor back injury.

The recalled three piece set includes a desk, computer stand and chair. Model number NF913232 is located on the product's box. The recalled desk and chair sets were sold at Office Depot stores nationwide from June 2005 through August 2005 for about $80 for the set.

Consumers should stop using the chair immediately and contact Office Depot to receive a gift card for the full price of the desk set upon receipt of the chair.

Consumers can contact Office Depot at (800) 944-3340 between 9 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Monday through Friday or log on to the firm's Web site at www.officedepot.com.

Write AYS at P.O. Box 849, Bedford, IN 47421; phone 277-7259 or (800) 782-4405, ext. 7259, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., weekdays; send e-mail to barbie@tmnews.com; or read AYS online at www.tmnews.com and visit the “At Your Service” page. Because of the volume of questions received, AYS cannot respond to every request, although every attempt will be made to do so.
By Barbie Jenkins, barbie@tmnews.com
Friday, April 21, 2006 2:33 PM CDT
www.willthewolfsurvive.blogspot.com

Katen Joshi (Burmese lentil soup)

2006-05-18T01:40:00.000-07:00

This "sweet" Burmese soup is ferociously filling, thanks to all the substantial, deep fried garnishes. Really yummy, with so much heat and crunch and flavor accenting the bland dal foundation. Serve barely warm to 4 as a meal.
2 hot green chile peppers, cut into rings and soaked in white vinegar to cover for at least an hour.
2 cups chopped sweet onions, cooked slowly in 1/3 cup peanut oil until dark and carmelized.
2 potatoes, peeled and grated and cooked in an inch of hot oil until crisp and golden brown, then drained on paper towels.
2 cups bread cubes, cooked in an inch of hot oil and butter until golden crisp--watch carefully, this goes fast.
1 cup cilantro, chopped.
Wash the lentils thoroughly, then pour into a large pot with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook partially covered until the lentils lose their shape and make a thick porridge. Stir in the chopped cilantro, season to taste, and set aside.

While the lentils are cooking, begin preparing the garnishes, in the order given. As they're done, place in small bowls to pass with the soup. When ready to serve, pour the soup (barely warm) into a tureen and take it and the garnish bowls to the table. Invite your guests to put 2-3 ladles full of soup into their soup bowls and heap the garnishes in a pile in the middle of the bowl.

ALGERIAN: Jary

Welcome to the world of Home Stereo!

2006-05-14T22:10:00.000-07:00

Sadly when one thinks of home audio equipment, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the annoying neighbor in the apartment upstairs. We have negative memories of his booming, reverberating bass, and the difficulty of sleeping with his thunderous racket overhead.
The truth is, not only is he annoying, but he’s missing the point of what good home audio is all about. Ideally, the last thing your home stereo should do is annoy, either you or anyone else. The goal of this article is to get you started in this endeavor. While I can’t answer every conceivable question, I can share with you strategies that will help you choose the correct equipment, regardless of your budget, listening tastes, or surroundings. And you don’t have to break the bank (or the noise clause in your lease) to have top-notch quality.

Prepare yourself to learn more than you ever thought there was to learn about the humble home stereo. After reading the articles on this site, you’ll be able to approach your purchases with confidence and knowledge.

Collecting information is always the first step in acquiring wisdom. The next and most important step is sharing the wisdom with others interested in the subject. That’s what we’re going to do here.

First Steps
To choose the right home stereo equipment, there are five key questions that need honest answers:
Determine how much money you have to invest in your system.
Decide whether you are seeking “audiophile quality” or the modern equivalent of the boom-box.
Are you an “audio enthusiast” who wants all the bells and whistles, or is FM Stereo the highest in sonic fidelity for you?
What types of music do you usually listen to? Are you strictly jazz or do you love thrash-metal? Somewhere in between?
Lastly, how long do you think you’ll own the equipment you purchase tomorrow?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be on your way to making an informed buying decision.
(To help you while you ponder these questions, I have included a file download area which includes budget spreadsheets, downloadable “how-tos,” and other resources that can make your task a little bit easier.)

Audio equipment comes in a wide range of prices, quality, and performance, from the least expensive mass-produced CD players, tuner/amplifiers and all-in-one systems, to precision-crafted “reference” separate components costing several thousand dollars. The key is to obtain the best possible sound quality at the most reasonable price.

From Anthony Armstrong,

Elite Home Theater seating

2006-05-11T01:22:00.000-07:00

I’ve always advised my clients not to skimp on the seating for their dedicated home theater, even if it means sacrificing a few inches of screen size or other amenities. After all no matter how great the sound and image, if you’re uncomfortable the overall experience will be diminished.

For years now we’ve used theater seating from Acoustic Innovations in our custom home theaters and we’ve had nothing but positive experiences with their products. Recently however I ran across a line of theater recliners from Elite Home Theater Seating that really caught my eye.

One recliner in particular from EHTS the “A-1", looks as if it could easily double as the seat from an exotic sports car as much as theater recliner. I’m not ready to jump-ship and pledge allegiance to EHTS just yet but I’ll definitely keep them in mind.

I fully expected EHTS’s recliners to list for quite a bit more than other home theater seats based on their styling alone. According to EHTS’s pricing on their website my expectations were unfounded; they actually list for a little less than what we’re accustomed to.

A word of caution when buying home theater seating, try before you buy. Slick ads and product literature aside, trying one out is the only way to really know how comfortable they are.

Posted by B.Greenway

Roulette Wheel Layout

2006-05-08T23:22:00.000-07:00

The Roulette Wheel is the movable ‘bowl’ portion of the roulette table that is divided into red and black compartments that are alternately, but not sequentially, numbered from 1 to 36. Additionally, there is one 0 compartment and in the United States also a 00.

Where the numbers 0 and 00 are used they sit opposite each other on the wheel, all other numbers alternate red and black around the wheel.

Directly opposite each odd number is the next highest even number and pairs of odd numbers along with pairs of even numbers are found alternately around the wheel.

Roulette Table Layout

The Roulette Table has spaces colored and numbered to correspond with the colors and numbers of the wheel compartments.

Bettors have a choice of placing inside or outside bets. The Inside Bet is a wager on the numerical symbols or combinations of numbers ranging from 1 to 36, including 0 and 00.

Outside bets include segments of one third of the possible numbers to come up, excluding 0 and 00. These bets pay you 2 to 1, meaning if you bet $1 and the number comes up within the group you bet on you win $2 plus you keep your original bet of $1.

Also on the outside are options to wager on the numbers 1 to 18 or 19 to 36; even or odd; red or black. These pay 1 to 1 and are known as even money bets. They exclude the 0 and 00, which increases the house advantage and makes these bets less than a fifty/fifty chance

Copyright 1994-2006 The Gamblers Edge. All rights reserved

Food Bazaar

2006-05-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

“Really good food, great people, wonderful decorations; all around a posh occasion,” said Eric VanOss ’07. VanOss was referring to the Asian Food Bazaar, which took place last Saturday afternoon.

The bazaar was a huge success, attracting customers ranging from infants to adult members of the community. Associates of various Asian clubs showcased select dishes from their countries and educated students and faculty at Andover about the different aspects of their cultures.

At the Vietnamese stand, Michelle Nguyen ’07, Miles Silverman ’07, and My Khanh Ngo ’07 sold spring rolls, called Bann Trang Cuon. The extremely popular rolls were made of rice noodles, shrimp, lettuce, and rice paper. “At home we make this at the dinner table – [making spring rolls] is a great way to talk and get to know each other and they’re really easy to make,” said Ngo.

Jean Pak ’07, Jae-Yeop Kim ’07, and Yujin Chung ’09 worked at the Andover Korean Society stand. Pak said, “We all went downtown to cook our food. Without [the faculty’s and club member’s] help we’d be nothing.”

The AKS shared many traditional dishes including Korean sushi, a sushi made without raw fish, Mandoo, a form of fried dumplings, Korean Pancakes, and Chapchae, noodles cooked with sesame seeds and sesame oil.

The Chapchae was spares and simple, with hints of peanut and sesame flavors. This dish revieved varying reviews: some customers loved the flavor while others found it bland.

“There are different degrees of food that people are willing to try,” said Lisa Lian ’08, one of the coordinators of the event. “The food bazaar has helped everyone here to try to push the limit with what we are willing to try.”

Not everyone at Andover was ready for all of the different tastes at the bazaar. However, experimentation was key on Saturday evening. Though some people were not open to some of the different flavors, it was a great way to incorporate a different style of food into Andover’s culture.

The Andover Japanese Club, headed by Mia Kanak and Palmer Rampell, both ’06, sold Kakigori, a traditional fruity shaved ice dessert, Edamame, and Yakisoba noodles.

Having tried the Yakisoba Mary Doyle ‘08 commented, “The pasta is filled with spices, you can taste all of the herbs in it.” Sara Ho and Grace Gordon, both ’08 described their stand, which included an origami display, a traditional Japanese toy called the Kendama, and a challenging timed competition picking up as many M&Ms as possible with chopsticks.

“Our stand is kind of a mixture of different clubs; we all just wanted to help out. It’s a chance for everyone to share the types of food they eat at home,” said Ho.

Kendama is a type of Japanese toy that children and adults play with. There are over 1,000 different techniques used by professionals and it is becoming a competitive sport in Japan. The point is to try to land the wooden ball on one of four points.

“It’s a cool game, it’s really fun,” said Laura Herrmann ’06, a member of the Japanese club. “It’s really popular in Japan, it’s a children’s game but there are also professional competitions.”

“I’m half Japanese so I grew up playing Kendama,” said Aya Murata, Adviser to Asian Students. “This game brings a cultural aspect to the Bazaar so it’s not just about food. We hope that this will help people in the community learn a little bit about Asian culture.”

The Chinese Taiwanese Student Association contributed food including white rice, fried rice, scallion pancakes, dumplings, and bubble tea. They also cooked “General Zhou’s Chicken,” in honor of their club president.

“Everything here is home cooked,” said Lauren Johnson ‘07.

“I got to experience many different cultures, eat new foods, and have a lot of fun. I’m really looking forward to the talent show,” said Eli Grober ’09 when asked about his experience at the Bazaar.

“The work was extremely hard and tedious, but when we sold it, it was all worth it,” said Stephanie Teo ’08. She helped her club cook Hokkien Mee, a type of pork noodles, fried rice, spring rolls, and Red Bean Wanton, a sweet, crisp traditional appetizer.

Lucas McMahon ’08 summed up the evening well, saying, “I think that the Asian Bazaar was a lot of fun and a great way to celebrate Asian culture.”

Stephanie Teo and Megan Richar

Monmouth is a top restored beach

2006-05-04T01:27:00.000-07:00

The restored beaches from Sea Bright to Manasquan Inlet in Monmouth County have earned honors as one of the 2006 Top Restored Beaches from the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA).

The 18 miles along Monmouth County's shore are among six beaches from around the country being singled out for successful efforts to restore the health, ecology and protective benefit of their coastlines.

The Sea Bright to Manasquan Inlet project has succeeded beyond the designers' expectations of a six-year renourishment cycle. The project, conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, in partnership with the state of New Jersey, has reduced storm damage for more than 10 years. It is the largest restored beach in the United States and will be the site of the ASBPA's 2006 fall conference in October.

Designed as a storm protection project to prevent infrastructure damage from ocean storms along the heavily populated coastal area, the project involved creating a 100-foot-wide sand berm 10 feet above mean low water. Outfall lines were extended and stone groins were notched to facilitate sand movement along the shoreline. Before the project was completed in 2001, after seven years of seasonal construction, many areas had only seawalls and strips of beach a dozen feet wide as protection from Atlantic storms.

One renourishment cycle has been completed, in Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach. Design plans are nearly complete for the next section, Long Branch, with contract award scheduled for this fall.

The ASBPA established its Top Restored Beach Awards to build awareness and appreciation for the value and importance of America's restored beaches. Coastal communities are asked to nominate their restored beaches, and an independent panel reviews the selections based on its ecological and economic success, the short- and long-term performance of the restoration project, and the unique challenges overcome in the course of completing the restoration project.

This year's other five winners are: Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland; Captiva Island, Florida; Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama; Pinellas County beaches, Florida; and Rehoboth and Dewey beaches, Delaware.

http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2006/0426/Front_Page/013.html

"The Secret of "Doing Without Doing" or, "How to Get Results Without Struggle"

2006-04-28T19:52:00.001-07:00

"The Secret of "Doing Without Doing" or, "How
to Get Results Without Struggle"
by Dr. Robert Anthony
http://www.beyondpositivethinking.com

One of the misconceptions most people operate under is
you get what you want in life by what you DO, or
through the actions you take. Most people believe the
DOING or action part is what makes things happen.
Actually, "doing" causes you to create in reverse.

Let me explain.

The reason we put a lot of emphasis on action is
because we do not understand the power of our thought.
If you analyze it, 90% of most people's actions are
spent trying to compensate for inappropriate thought.

The Chinese philosopher Lao-tsu said, "In the
practice of the Way, every day something is dropped.
Less and less do you need to force things until finally
you arrive at *non action.* When nothing is done,
nothing is left undone." What he is talking about is
*doing without doing.*

The problem is most of us are preoccupied with
"doing". Unfortunately most of our doing usually
involves struggle. In the western world we are
conditioned to be action-oriented, so we place a
tremendous value on doing. We are so busy doing we
do not realize that all this "doingness" causes us to
create in a reverse fashion.

Most of our actions are out of fear, worry or doubt
because we believe nothing will get done unless we DO
something. In other words, we are trying to force our
desire into manifestation through action.

If your decision to DO is dominant, then you will not
focus on what you want to BE in the present moment.
This causes you to miscreate because BEING is the first
and most important step in the creative process.

Here is the secret to getting results with ease:

It is not your action that makes things happen, it is
your intent. You can reduce the need for action to a
very minimum by allowing yourself to focus on what you
desire until you feel the positive energy begin to move
within you. This energy is not based on doubt, fear,
anxiety, worry or need. If you focus on what you want
instead of what you don't want, you will know when it
is time to take action. And when you do, it will be
effortless. Doors open and the entire universe will
conspire to assist you in your desire.

Put simply, you should take no action on anything until
you have visualized your desire and made it real enough
in your mind that your next action (step), whatever it
is, seems like the most logical step.

How can you know the next logical step? Here is the
test that you can give to yourself before taking any
action: If you focus on what you desire and still feel
overwhelmed or anxious, then you are not ready for any
action. You know you are ready when it feels like the
next logical step is effortless. There is no effort, no
strain, and no pain.

What we want to do is to use the leverage of energy,
the same leverage of energy that creates everything in
the universe. However, we are so caught up in the
reality of WHAT IS, that we feel we must create
everything through physical activity.

Have you ever seen people who seem to have all the
wonderful things in their life without much effort? It
almost seems like they have an advantage over everyone
else. Then you see the people who work the hardest
usually have the least. That doesn't seem fair, does
it? But that's the way the universe works.

Unfortunately, those who work the hardest usually have
the least because they haven't learned the leverage of
aligning their energy. They are going about creating
their lives the hard way. They are trying to use their
actions to create what they want.

We have also been programmed that in order to have what
we desire we must work hard. How many times have you
heard - "No pain, no gain." The implication is that if
you want to make something of yourself, you must work
hard. The message is clear - if you are not hurting or
struggling, you are not moving forward.

But here is the truth - anytime you are struggling you
are miscreating. Anytime you feel pain or struggle,
your magnetic point of attraction is directed to that
which you do not want, rather than to that which you
desire. (Read that again.)

Actions are necessary, but they are the last component
of the creation processes. Actions cannot be used
effectively to initiate results, because initiation is
the function of BEING, then thought, then action.

Remember, the creation of anything is through your
vibration. Everything vibrates, and it is by that
vibration that we harmonize and attract experiences to
ourselves. So before you act or do anything, first ask
yourself, how am I vibrating? How do you tell? You tell
by how you FEEL. Your feelings show you your vibration.
How you feel determines what you attract.

When you use the process of creating by only focusing
on what you want instead of what you don't want, you
will see that the universe will provide a different set
of circumstances for you that requires much less
action. This puts you in a state of "doing without
doing" or action without effort.

So if you want more results in your life -- and with
far less effort, struggle and pain -- try this "not
doing" way to success.

*********

Dr. Robert Anthony is the author of fifteen books,
including his million copy best sellers: "The Ultimate
Secrets of Total Self Confidence", "Advanced Formula
For Total Success" and "Doing What You Love - Loving
What You Do." His new CD set "Beyond Positive
Thinking," recorded by best-selling author Joe Vitale,
reveals a no-nonsense approach to getting results with
a 100% guarantee. You can hear audio excerpts at -
http://www.beyondpositivethinking.com

motivation

success tips

2006-04-19T03:23:00.000-07:00

success tips