Where are good birding locations in or near London?
Q. I will be in London for several days on my way to Estonia in May. Where can I go that is in London or within a couple of hours by rail to look for birds and what are ones I should see.
Asked by muncie birder - Sun Mar 9 16:37:47 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Firstly in the London area itself. I would recommend both Hampstead Heath and Richmond Park. The nearest Underground stations to Hampstead Heath are Golders Green,Hampstead or Highgate. Its a huge area of grassland and woodland containing all the more common breeds of British birds plus the raptors Kestrels and Sparrowhawks and many other vistors at migration time in Spring and Autumn. If you are going to Richmond Park catch an SWT train from Waterloo Station or the District Line of the Underground; the park is about 1 mile from Richmond Station - walk through the shopping centre and up Richmond Hill. Richmond Park is a national nature reserve and is huge with many very old trees and as well the birds you'll see on Hampstead Heath, it has… [cont.]
Answered by David S - Sun Mar 9 23:12:02 2008

How do you like your Canon EOS-1ds Mark II? Would you recommend it for birding and other wildlife imaging?
Q. I have a 5D but I am always getting caught in sandstorms, rains or snow it seems. I really need something sealed but I can't afford more than the ds Mark II. I go between Bryce and Lake Powell quite often in the summer.
Asked by Mere Mortal - Fri May 8 12:01:03 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I've found the MKIII 1D's to be significantly improved in the AF department over the MKII's, now that the bugs are out of the system. I never found the outer points on the MKII to be particularly reliable, while the MKIII's outer points are all x-type and equally capable. You may also find advantages in the cleaner high-ISO abilities of the newer camera. That said, the DsII makes some of the most beautiful files I've ever seen... perhaps more organic than my 5DII even. For birding, I might think long and hard about a 1DIII over a 1DsII. I've owned both cameras.
Answered by Evan B - Fri May 8 15:34:57 2009

What are some good birding spots in Brisbane Australia?
Q. I'm going to Brisbane this February as part of a study abroad and I love to get my eyes on some of the local avifauna down there. Any suggestions? I won't likely have a car...
Asked by Will M - Mon Jan 12 02:30:23 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The best birding spots would be Nth QLD, you need a car...
Answered by kim - Mon Jan 12 04:51:30 2009

What does FOS mean in birding?
Q. I've checked several web sides for birding, but even though they use the acronym "FOS," they never spell it out. I found my answer to FOS on another site. It means first of season--the first time a birder has seen a particular bird. Thanks for your responses.
Asked by MW - Sat Nov 17 20:37:17 2007 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Florida Ornithological Society Persons interested in joining the Florida Ornithological Society may also send an e-mail to Peter G. Merritt with the information below or print this web page and complete the following membership application form to send by mail. In either case, please send a check for dues made out to FOS.
Answered by Pey - Sat Nov 17 20:45:17 2007

What are the best months for birding in southern Florida?
Q. What are the best months for birding in southern Florida?
Asked by Gary M - Mon Apr 2 16:29:14 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I've been a resident of Florida since 1990 to 2001 and have done photography for the last five years. I lived in Fort Myers and the best spots for birds in this area, in my opinion, are Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Turner River Road in the Everglades and Ding Darling. Yes, you will need a long lens in some cases for these areas. The birds in Ding Darling are especially used to humans so if you are careful you can get close to them. I've seen most areas of Florida and am particularly interested in photographing birds so it's important for me to know the greatest spot for birds. I believe the best spot to be in St. Augustine on the east coast of Florida at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Keep in mind that these birds are NOT on display or… [cont.]
Answered by ARTEnort - Thu Apr 5 23:04:59 2007

Birding Poll: North American Swallow, European Swallow, or the African Swallow?
Q. Birding Poll: North American Swallow, European Swallow, or the African Swallow?
Asked by gunslinger - Sun Aug 9 12:01:37 2009 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Crotch explosion!!! crotch explosion!!! crotch explosion!!! *cries*
Answered by Guido McFukFace - Sun Aug 9 23:23:38 2009

How do I keep large black birds away from my bird feeders?
Q. I have bird feeders in my yard to feed the tiny little birds that fly about, especially this time of year when it's really cold. The problem I am having is that there are alot of crow / black birds in our area and they are absolutely relentless when it comes to the bird feeders. I really don't care for these black birds at all. They eat or destroy all the food for the little birds in a short amount of time. Does any one have a sensible solution to this bird problem, besides shooting the black birds. We have plenty of woods and fields for these black birds to hang out in...Not my bird feeders!
Asked by Lynng_countrygirl - Wed Feb 7 13:57:13 2007 - - 4 Answers - 1 Comments

A. First of all why are you feeding birds anyway? Let alone the black ones...wait, is this about humans or animals. It's hard to tell the difference most of the time.
Answered by logic320 - Thu Feb 8 22:45:52 2007

What is the best bird to get a pet for a child?
Q. My niece is 6 and wants a bird. I was wanting any suggestions about what is the best bird to get as a first pet bird. I was thinking about a parakeet because I had them when I was younger and enjoyed them. This bird(s) will be kept at her grandparents so she can enjoy it on her weekend visits. Is it better to get 2 birds so they can keep each other company or will 1 be ok by itself? First off, she is MY niece, not my child! And yes, I have asked her grandparents about it! And there IS a reason why she can't take it home, her mother would feed it to the cats or let it go, that's how smart and caring she is. She had a baby bird and it died and she doesn't know it yet and she'll be crushed when she comes back in a few days to an empty… [cont.]
Asked by army_sister785 - Wed Jul 4 17:54:52 2007 - - 11 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I'd choose a parakeet (budgie) rather than a love bird. If you want a bird that you can handle, I'd suggest only having one and provide it with toys to entertain itself (providing that someone takes it out for some bonding time on a regular basis). Two birds will tend to bond to one another and most likely won't want to have anything to do with you. But If you only want to watch the birds, then having a pair is nice as they would have companionship. Also, (just as a suggestion) instead of buying one from a pet store, if you're in a more populated area, there are many birds that are hand tame already that need a good home that can be found in local papers and rescue organizations...sometimes for free or at a discounted price including… [cont.]
Answered by jaspity - Wed Jul 4 18:16:36 2007

What species of bird is good for a pet for a family who has little experience?
Q. My husband are interested in adding a bird to our family and we were wondering what spieces would be good for someone who has little experience with birds. We would like a bird we can handle safely. Also what would be a good source for learning more about pet bird species?
Asked by Jamie - Mon May 26 19:11:37 2008 - - 10 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Finches are nice, low maintnance, easy to handle (if handled when first purchased) bird. I had one for a couple of years and then I had to give it away b/c we moved. A bugie is a little sweeter and easier to handle though still low maintanance. I would probably side with the bugie if you want a more friendly pet. Have fun!
Answered by ~*~I'mGoneRiding~*~ - Mon May 26 19:18:26 2008

How do you get a bird or birds to use a bird house?
Q. If you can tell me tips on what you can do to get birds to use a bird house. I have always made wonderful birdhouses but the birds never use them.I would also like if you can tell me what type of birdhouse works best. Thank you so much.
Asked by Tyler G - Sun Apr 20 23:27:07 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Most birds will only use bird hoses if it looks inviting to them. They will also only use it if the food that they eat is in there. Monitor your garden for a while, and see where the birds sit the most everyday. When you see where they like sitting the most, go and find a sturdy branch to hang the bird house on. They will soon see it, and it will draw their attention. Eventually they will take interest and go investigate what the "thing with the food is". Just give it some time. I breed with alot of birds and i hang my bird houses outside by my aviarys. It just seems to attract them when they see food. Mixed bird seed is a good source of food to offer them. I also make my own bird houses.. and i love watching them investigate whats on… [cont.]
Answered by Ash - Mon Apr 21 00:02:52 2008

How do I keep birds from eating flowers in my container garden?
Q. I have also seen squirrels and chipmunks, so I bought Shake Away--it seemed to work for the most part if I keep putting it out there. I also bought a pinwheel and some hologram ribbon that is supposed to keep birds away, but these have not worked--the birds keep going into the containers. I've replaced some of my flowers already, and when I see that they've been dug up (sometimes they've been removed completely and put on the ground) I just replant and hope that the roots take hold again. I have always lived on the second floor with a porch garden, and never had problems like this, even though there were a lot of birds. Now I'm on the first floor and I can't get them to stay away. There were a lot of neighbors that had bird feeders,… [cont.]
Asked by Violet777 - Sun May 20 17:03:46 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You can try sound at different intervals--loud bangs or such to scare the little buggers away. Of course there is always my huskies!!! Or maybe a cat--my Murphy hunts extremely well and chases all the birds from the lawn! Birds are tough because you are not always there to shoo them away. My daughter just emailed a picture of a nest of hatchlings in her hanging annual plant off her front pourch. They do not harm the flowers, just nest between them. Also you may try to go a season without any containers to see if they forget about you next year! may you should feed them so they leave the flowers alone!! In any event good luck! Jane
Answered by houseplant doctor - Sun May 20 18:39:04 2007

How can I attract birds to my bird feeder?
Q. I put up a bird feeder a couple of days ago, and not one single bird has come near it... I tried putting bird seed on the ground and I was successful in getting the attention of some blue jays, but they avoided the feeder... Does anyone know why birds are avoiding my feeder? Does anyone know how to get the birds to feed from my feeder? Should I buy a bird bath? BTW I live in south Florida...
Asked by Jo - Wed Jun 11 14:00:26 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Just keep it full of seed and give it time. It took about a month for the birds to really get used to our feeder. Our bird feeder is usually only busy early in the morning. Btw... try a dish of peanuts... blue jays love peanuts... A bird bath can't hurt if you want. It's fun to watch them come get drinks and clean themselves. ... west-central florida
Answered by Jenn D - Wed Jun 11 14:13:57 2008

Birds for a girl who has a father that is allergic to dandruff?
Q. I have found out that a few birds supposadly have no dandruff. Well I found a few birds that I like and I would like to know how allergy frendly they are. These birds are The Greater Vasa Parrot, Yellow-naped Amazon parrots, and Hahn s / Noble Macaws. Any info on these birds as far as allergys go?
Asked by PJS - Thu Jun 19 16:05:50 2008 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Wait until you are out on your own, and get whatever you want. All birds produce dander, especially when they are molting. If your father has severe allergies, don't bring anything into his home that may harm him. Personally, I'd rather have a healthy father, than a pet.
Answered by Suzi - Thu Jun 19 16:53:55 2008

how long does it usually take birds to notice a bird feeder?
Q. We live in Southern Michigan in an apartment complex. There are a lot of crab apple trees lined up and one about 15 feet in front of our balcony. We've seen (and heard) lots of birds that seem to be living in that tree, and some that seem to live inside vent covers on the side of the building. I don't know what kind of birds they are, but they are very small and not very colorful, with patterns of brown, black, white, and maybe a hint of yellow on some. The seed we put in was a fruit-sunflower mix (with those little round ones, too). The feeder is hanging at the edge of the balcony (second floor) about 3 feet higher than the tree. We put the feeder up last night, and this morning, one or two birds noticed the spilled seed on the… [cont.]
Asked by noone9328 - Mon Jul 24 08:43:10 2006 - - 8 Answers - 0 Comments

A. ..If you build it - they will come... just give them time... P.S. you need to answer some questions & build up some points Be Blessed, old geezer @ 60 <>< P.S.S. We have 6 BIG feeders & sometimes the traffic to feeders is light, while at other times, it's constant (especially in winter months). We live 150 miles east of Seattle and get ample amounts of snow. Once winter hits, natural food sources are mostly snow covered, so the feeders are in great demand. Right now, feeder customer traffic is close to zero 'cuz food is plentiful. Our bird clientel includes quail, stellar jays, cow birds, grossbeaks, sparrows, chicadees, woodpeckers, red-wing blackbirds & many other common variaties
Answered by aBranch@60-WA ,<>< - Mon Jul 24 08:55:50 2006

What does it mean for a bird to die in a home?
Q. I have had birds most of my life, I remember having 12 birds, but they each died mysterious deaths, some freaky. Like the time my Finch Nene mysteriously literaly exploded, as in guts and blood on the wall and an open chest cavity. I have heard that a dying bird indicates someone's death, it makes sense but at times when my birds have died I don't remember any person I knew to die.
Asked by Daniel - Sun Jun 22 03:20:12 2008 - - 4 Answers - 1 Comments

A. It means you don't know what the hell you are doing and are killing birds. That isn't hard to figure out. It would seem to reasonable thinking people that after having 12 birds die that you would buy a book and learn about what it is you are trying to keep in captivity. Instead of blindly groping around and killing innocent birds while trying to learn. I would seem to reasonable thinking people that you haven't learned much if you keep killing the birds. I think I would have asked before killing that many birds. Books are cheap on Ebay. Buy a book instead of another bird to kill. Seem like that would be the most sensible thing to do. Instead of coming on here after you have murdered 12 birds. I have been raising birds all my life. I… [cont.]
Answered by Pigeonboy - Sun Jun 22 11:14:08 2008

What birds are legal and illegal to own in New Jersey?
Q. I live in New Jersey and I was thinking of getting a pet bird. I already know that Quaker birds are illegal. If you could give me a website or something that would be great. And which birds arw the best talkers but are cheap. Anything else I need to know about birds? Thank you.
Asked by aywakida66 - Fri Jan 25 17:29:44 2008 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The only birds banned in NJ are: Psittaculis spp. - Ring-necked parakeets Myiopsitta spp. - Monk parakeets Cyanoliseus patagonus - Patagonian Conures Also, needless to say, all native migratory species of wild birds are illegal to possess without the proper permits, as they are protected by federal law (Migratory Bird Treaty Act). No matter where you live, the best place to get a bird is directly from a breeder. Here are some you can check out: (scroll down to NJ)
Answered by margecutter - Fri Jan 25 18:39:27 2008

What happens to the wild birds in forest fires?
Q. The Georgia/Florida fires just north of us are raging. The Osceola Forest is now burning. This morning, I find a beautiful pileated woodpecker in the trees outside my office window. I usually don't see them around here. He is about 19 inches in length and is a treat to watch because the trees here are shorter around here. Do the birds usually flee in a certain direction? I am just a beginner bird watcher, so I am not familiar with bird behavior during extreme weather conditions and forest fires. Thanks in advance for your input. I am NOT thinking of starting one, we already have ONE. I just wondered if birds flee in certain directions or if they follow the flow of smoke. It is a behavioral question that I thought birders more… [cont.]
Asked by best bet - Fri May 11 11:38:10 2007 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The birds will fly in a direction firstly to save themselves,the unfortunates will burn and die and the confused ones will take shelter of whatever roof available with food supply with will be their first destination to rest on and make it a home either temporary or permanent.
Answered by Dipi s - Fri May 11 11:47:51 2007

How do I attrack flocks of birds to my lawn?
Q. How do I attrack flocks of birds to my lawn? And I means hundreds of birds. Will spreading bird seed all over my lawn do anything?
Asked by la - Sun Feb 18 12:08:31 2007 - - 20 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Yes, black oil sun flower seeds work the best in fact I am looking at my flock of 50 Doves now, just spread it out daily and it will work!
Answered by Animal Lover - Wed Feb 21 13:24:43 2007

What kind of bird food attracts the largest variety of bird species?
Q. I live in Fort Pierre, South Dakota, and I've been fascinated by birds for as long as I can remember. Recently, my grandfather and I built two plastic-bottle birdfeeders. We don't usually see a lot of blue jays, but they *do* live in the area. I want to attract as many different species as possible. Will standard mixed bird feed work, or is there anything special to attract specific birds in the area? A few examples of some of the birds that I want to attract are blue jays, robins, chipping sparrows, other sparrows, finches, doves, and common grackles (locally known as "blue-headed blackbirds"). It doesn't have to be just those species, though. Anyway, an answer would really be appreciated. Thanks for the help.
Asked by Crazy Evy - Sun May 27 19:12:51 2007 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Well you will have different requirements for different birds. Many, like the robin, are meat eaters and won't be attracted to the feeders unless you make a platform feeder and put meal worms or wax worms in it. Standard wild bird mix is good as it contains a lot of different seeds that they will be attracted to. But also put out some specific feed such as thistle seed in a thistle feeder. There are many of the smaller finches that love this seed (American Goldfinch for one). You will do well with providing cover in the area in the form of dense bushes, trees, shrubs, ground cover, high canopy, and medium canopy stuff. This way the different species will be comfortable in the area. Also put out different types of feeders. Cage feeders… [cont.]
Answered by Rob_n_Liz - Sun May 27 19:29:21 2007

How do you know when a birds nest has been abondoned?
Q. Theres a birds nest on the wreath on my storm door and I think that the constant opening and closing of the door, and my dog barking has scard the birds off. How would I know if the birds abondoned it and what should I do with it? P.S. It's kind of a werid question. (:
Asked by SwimmerGirl37 - Mon Mar 24 20:26:00 2008 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Well, just keep an eye on it and keep a look out for birds. If it has eggs in it, then the mother should be around fairly often or the eggs would die. In that case, if the bird doesn't come back some time during the day, the nest is abandoned. It would be best to leave it there, but if you were afraid of the eggs going rotten, you could take the nest and put in on the ground somewhere where nature could take its course. If they're aren't any eggs yet, then its likely the birds decided to find a more stable place to nest and you should just leave it there for a while an then take it down eventually. If there are babies, the parents should come back every few hours at least to feed them. If the parents dont come all day, you can take… [cont.]
Answered by Lindsey B - Mon Mar 24 20:33:17 2008