I decided recently that, as an avid birder, I need to take better advantage of our backyard, which borders on a protected wetlands. For one, I’m paying better attention to bird songs.  I think I’ve heard a Carolina Wren either in the woods or even close to the house this summer, but haven’t seen one yet.

I tried different feeders to attract birds, but often attract the raccoons and squirrels instead. I discovered Flaming Squirrel Seed Sauce which has kept the squirrels out of  my bird seed this year. I haven’t figured out how to keep them out of the suet or the hummingbird feeder, though (no luck attracting hummers yet). I’ve tried growing various plants to attract birds and tried a water spray,too. I’ll try the spray again this fall.

On several evenings recently it’s been fun to see a small flock of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers in our yard. They’re only 4.5″ long and flit about for bugs (See “hawking“). I was lucky to walk right by one at Gatorland in 2009 and grabbed this great picture.

Do you enjoy birding or getting out to enjoy God’s creation?