Home › Archives for December 2011

Attracting Michigan Songbirds

Bird watching is among the most popular of all American recreational pursuits. Of the world's more than 9,000 species of birds, over 200 are known to breed in Michigan and more than 400 species spend at least some time in the state. The list includes many songbirds ranging from the common American robin to the endangered...
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Photo Share: Snow Geese

Flock of Snow geese on Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge ~ Lee Karney, New Mex...
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Advanced Pole System: Best Bird Feeder Pole Attachments

My boys got me a beautiful Wild Birds Unlimited Advanced Pole System! They had it all set up and ready for Christmas morning!! They told me all about the little “extras” I can add to my set up. I won’t be able to make it in to your store for a couple weeks. Can you explain a little more about what I can add to the Basic...
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Is the platypus a bird?

According to Wikipedia, when the Platypus was first discovered by Europeans in 1798, a pelt and sketch were sent back to Great Britain and British scientists were convinced that it must have been a hoax.But it isn't a bird. The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semi-aquatic mammal from eastern Australia. It is...
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When do birds begin nesting?

When is nest building season for most birds in the NE i.e., cardinals, chickadees etc?Thanks ~ PANesting season can vary depending on the species of bird, the weather conditions, food availability, and many other variables. Some larger birds like owls, hawks, and eagles may begin courting in December and nest in January...
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Do penguins make good pets?

@birdsunlimitedare penguins a good pet? ~ @lyssalenee Emperor PenguinsPenguins do not make good pets and all species of penguin are protected legally, so it’s not even an option. Penguins are best off in the wild. Zoos and Aquariums are able to provide large enclosures with filtered air, controlled temperatures, a fresh...
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Michigan's Kirtland's Warbler Continues to Exceed Recovery Goal

Press Release from: Michigan Department of Natural ResourcesContact: Keith Kintigh 989-732-3541, Chris Hoving 517-373-3337 Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently released the annual survey information that indicates the state's population of the endangered Kirtland's warbler remains...
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Why do some birds live longer than others?

Why do some birds like the robin and chickadee only live a year or two, while other birds can live longer? That is so sad. ~ AnonymousA definitive answer to the evolution of lifespan is still a mystery. Scientists believe that birds’ observable characteristics: such as their development, physiological properties, and behavior...
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Macro Cardinal in Snow

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Best Large Capacity Bird Feeder

I’m looking for a house type feeder that holds a large amount of seed. My old neighbor built us a wood box type feeder that lasted for years but it definitely needs to be replaced. Any suggestions? It needs to be mounted on a 4” x 4”. ~ Battle Creek, MichiganYou can choose from a wide selection of feeders at our stores....
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What is winter solstice?

The tip of Earth's axis causes the northern hemisphere in winter to face away from the sun and toward it in summer. Credit: NASAIs anyone else tired of it being dark at 4pm? Don’t worry, the winter solstice is this week and for everyone in the northern hemisphere that means the days will start to get longer. The first...
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Do birds choke on peanut butter?

Nuthatches are one of many birds that love nuts!I teach preschool and we coated lots of pinecones in peanut butter and then dipped them birdseed as a treat for the birds. One parent thought the peanut butter would choke the birds. Did I do something wrong? ~ Huntsville, TexasThere are no documented cases of birds choking...
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Do birds have teeth?

Modern birds are characterized by feathers, a beak and no teeth, although ancient birds did seem to have the pearly whites. Around 300 million years ago, the ancestor of all modern vertebrates gave rise to two lineages, the mammals and the reptiles/birds. The oldest reptiles, such as crocodiles and alligators, had cone-shaped...
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Fun Facts on Nuthatches

Nifty and Nimble Nuthatches! Image via WikipediaWhite-breasted Nuthatch Nuthatches are are very easy backyard birds to identify. If you see a bird creeping downward on a tree, it’s a nuthatch. It’s the only species that can “walk down a tree.” It needs no tail support because it has incredibly strong feet!That...
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How to keep moths out of bird seed

Facebook Question.... do you know of anything that will eliminate the moths and moth eggs that come in bird seed? I have had this problem for years in packaged seed. They get out, take hold, and make my garage a Moth haven! Help!After seed is harvested it’s brought to mills where it is processed and stored. Along with...
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Cardinal Bird Poem

On a dreary fall day,With no sun in the sky,I see not far away,A red flash flutter by.The crimson takes a seat,And this sweet song I heard,What-cheer, what-cheer ... Tweet, Tweet,It’s the Cardinal bi...
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Gifts made in America

Our family is taking the 'Made in America' Challenge this year for Christmas. I didn’t realize how difficult it was going to be to find things made in the USA. I thought maybe your small business might know. Can you help? ~ Farmington, MichiganAlmost everything Wild Birds Unlimited - East Lansing, Michigan purchases is...
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Do skunks hibernate?

I was walking my dog last night and I thought I saw a cat but now I think it was a skunk scuttling across the road. Don’t skunks hibernate? ~ Commerce Township, MichiganThere are 12 species of skunk worldwide. Michigan’s Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis is recognized easily by their black fur and white stripe that begins...
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