For those of you who have followed “Montage” for many years. Yes, RonTom did it. On Sunday morning, he presented me with that same old Valentine that started out quite stupid and patina’d into precious. The dilapidated, tattered, taped brown envelope that holds the same old card was slightly transformed with “2015” x’d and a fresh “2016” underneath. That envelope is quite full with X’d out years.
I love you, Ron.
•••
For those of you who have followed “Montage” for many years, early in these chit-chats, I suggested recycling dryer lint outside, as nesting material for the birds. Erase that from your memory banks, please.
Dryer lint is never suitable for birds, and can be dangerous. Dryer lint has no structure, so it crumbles under the weight of nestlings. It may contain chemicals, fragrances, and dust. If it gets wet it may mold, and it may stick to the nestlings’ legs, feet, and feathers.
Unbleached cotton batting, cut into small strips (about 1-inch by 3-inch) is safe and helpful. A yet-unidentified bird is building in the nestbox out from our backyard oaks - with bits of moss and unbleached cotton.
The Humane Society provides a list of additional materials humans can provide to help nesting birds:
• Dead trees and branches for cavity nesters (if they pose no hazard)
• Twigs (rigid for platform nests and flexible for cup-shaped nests)
• Mud (robins, in particular, love a mud puddle!)
• Dry grass and straw (not treated with chemicals)
• Horse hair (cut in 4-6” lengths)
• Pet fur (from animals not treated with flea or tick chemicals)
• Moss, bark strips, pine needles, dead leaves, and fluff or down of plants
• Snake skins (if you find one laying around, leave it for a bird to discover)
• Spider webs and caterpillar silk (stretchy binding material for nests)
NestWatch.org (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) offers a list of bird-friendly improvements:
• Reducing the amount of space covered by mowed lawn in favor of native shrubs and trees
• Planting multiple layers of structure throughout your property (e.g., tall trees, medium shrubs, and short grasses/ wildflowers)
• Incorporating appropriate plants to attract nesting birds in your area
• Using fewer helper chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers
• Providing a constant source of fresh clean water for birds
Birds started 2016 nestings early in Mountain City. On January 27th, James Polk sent Facebook word, “Bluebird couple checking out our accommodations, keeping our fingers crossed that they like one of our nestboxes.
On February 13th, the Facebook updated. “Bluebird nest complete in first nestbox. Dreaded attack of mean and deadly House Sparrows. Bluebird couple flee to backyard and start another nest. Hope for better results this time. LET THE TRAPPING SEASON BEGIN!!! One male house sparrow already trapped today and other traps are set. Last year I trapped 27!
Indeed, the non-native House Sparrow brings destruction to native songbirds. House Sparrows do not simply usurp the nests of other species. Many times, they destroy the eggs, nestlings, and parents with their strong beak.
Indeed, tidbits bring life to Montage. [email protected] or 512-268-5678.Thanks!
Love, Pauline
