Search
Latest topics
» N & C Midwest: October 2024by OhioGardener Today at 4:46 pm
» What Have You Picked From Your Garden Today
by donnainzone5 10/2/2024, 6:09 pm
» What are you eating from your garden today?
by OhioGardener 10/1/2024, 12:58 pm
» N & C Midwest: September 2024
by OhioGardener 9/30/2024, 4:13 pm
» The SFG Journey-Biowash
by OhioGardener 9/29/2024, 8:33 am
» Fall is For Garlic Planting
by Scorpio Rising 9/28/2024, 12:19 am
» Ohio Gardener's Greenhouse
by OhioGardener 9/22/2024, 11:24 am
» source for chemical-free lanscape fabric
by Woodsong 9/19/2024, 10:51 am
» Hurricane
by sanderson 9/14/2024, 5:42 pm
» Spinning Compost Bin-need some ideas
by sanderson 9/12/2024, 2:09 am
» Old Mulch and Closing Beds for Winter
by Scorpio Rising 9/11/2024, 8:23 pm
» Happy Birthday!!
by Scorpio Rising 9/11/2024, 8:20 pm
» Pest Damage
by WBIowa 9/8/2024, 2:48 pm
» cabbage moth?
by jemm 9/8/2024, 9:15 am
» adding compost yearly
by sanderson 9/5/2024, 2:16 am
» N & C Midwest: August 2024
by OhioGardener 8/31/2024, 8:13 pm
» Article - Create a Seed Library to Share the Extras
by OhioGardener 8/26/2024, 4:09 pm
» Best Tasting Parthenocarpic Cucumber?
by SMEDLEY BUTLER 8/21/2024, 7:07 pm
» Winter Squash Arch
by SMEDLEY BUTLER 8/21/2024, 8:02 am
» Master Gardeners: Growing Your Own Blueberries
by OhioGardener 8/19/2024, 10:09 am
» Looking for a local source for transplants.... Sarasota, FL
by sanderson 8/19/2024, 3:26 am
» Hi, y'all. I'm new to everything in Sarasota, FL
by sanderson 8/19/2024, 3:21 am
» Starbucks for coffee grounds!
by OhioGardener 8/14/2024, 5:47 pm
» Hi from N. Georgia
by AtlantaMarie 8/13/2024, 8:57 am
» Hello from Atlanta, Georgia
by sanderson 8/13/2024, 3:09 am
» growing tomatoes from seed outside
by sanderson 8/13/2024, 3:05 am
» 15-Minute Garlic Sautéed Eggplant
by Scorpio Rising 8/12/2024, 7:25 pm
» Downsizing Gardens for the Autumn of our lives
by Hollysmac 8/6/2024, 10:37 pm
» Golden Beets
by Scorpio Rising 8/6/2024, 7:03 pm
» Hi all!
by sanderson 8/6/2024, 12:56 am
Google
BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
+4
missmarie
AZDYJ2K
laurieann
walshevak
8 posters
Page 1 of 1
BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
As I was sitting on my stool, weediing my flower bed preparing to put in some perennials, being oblivious to just about everything except how hot the sun was; I notice a bird in my yard acting weird. Pretty bird with orangie feathers under the wings and flopping around the yard like injured. I watched a bit and the bird move off toward the ditch by the road area, flopping and showing off the underside of the tail.
I turned back to my weeding and guess what was staring me down. I ran to the house for the camera, the bird was still there and I got these pics.
There are at least 2 eggs in the nest. Nest and eggs are 2 weeks old or less because I was weeding in that area before I went to visit my son.
So my questions. What kind of bird is it, will the lawn service which is coming later today totally disturb and permanetly scare off the parents, and how long before I can have my flowerbed back?
Kay
I turned back to my weeding and guess what was staring me down. I ran to the house for the camera, the bird was still there and I got these pics.
There are at least 2 eggs in the nest. Nest and eggs are 2 weeks old or less because I was weeding in that area before I went to visit my son.
So my questions. What kind of bird is it, will the lawn service which is coming later today totally disturb and permanetly scare off the parents, and how long before I can have my flowerbed back?
Kay
A WEED IS A FLOWER GROWING IN THE WRONG PLACE
Elizabeth City, NC
Click for weather forecast
walshevak
Certified SFG Instructor- Posts : 4370
Join date : 2010-10-17
Age : 81
Location : wilmington, nc zone 8
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
Wow! What a gift imo that a bird would feel safe enough to nest in your garden. I have no idea the type of bird but love the markings. My guess for when is when mama is good and ready. LOL
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
I see you are in NC. I Googled this websit: http://www.carolinabirdclub.org
You might want to send them a pic for positive ID and ask them the same question. Good luck.
You might want to send them a pic for positive ID and ask them the same question. Good luck.
AZDYJ2K- Posts : 169
Join date : 2010-05-28
Location : Chandler, AZ USDA Zone 9A
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
Looks like a killdeer
missmarie- Posts : 17
Join date : 2011-04-15
Location : South Central Missouri
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
What a beautiful bird! That is amazing that it layed it's eggs right om the ground, I hope a critter doesn't get them! You should PM wolfheart, I bet he would know what it is.
Glendale-gardener- Posts : 293
Join date : 2011-03-10
Age : 49
Location : Cincinnati Zone 6A
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
http://www.birdwatching.com/stories/killdeer_basics.html
missmarie- Posts : 17
Join date : 2011-04-15
Location : South Central Missouri
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
That bird should be a Killdeer. The parents will fake injury to draw potential threats away from the nest/babies. That's what she was doing.
Here is a link for you from my favorite briding site...
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Killdeer/id
As for disturbing the bird, I don't know that you will. I used to deal with Killdeer on the golf course I grew up around all the time.....as did other golfers. The birds tolerate the traffic pretty well. The certainly won't abandon a nest with eggs or chicks in it. You can even weed around it and shouldn't disturb anyone.
A common myth is that if you touch baby birds, or the nest, the mamma won't return. It's pretty much bunk. Birds typically have a terrible sense of smell. They don't find seeds with their noses, nor earthworms, nor fish in the sea, nor insects in the air. That was just something momma told us as kids to keep us away from the babies. Well, that and some birds are quite territorial...like Mockingbirds. But, killdeer try and draw you away. Once you are distracted from the nest, they just fly away from you....almost laughing as they go.
As for the lawn service, I can't provide much info. I suppose it's completely dependant upon the diligence of the guy. If he sees the bird, he will likely avoid things. If not, who knows. You may even call them and warn them....or put a sign near the nest. That would catch some attention.
In short, don't worry about it too much. But, read up on it. I am not for sure myself.
Here is a link for you from my favorite briding site...
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Killdeer/id
As for disturbing the bird, I don't know that you will. I used to deal with Killdeer on the golf course I grew up around all the time.....as did other golfers. The birds tolerate the traffic pretty well. The certainly won't abandon a nest with eggs or chicks in it. You can even weed around it and shouldn't disturb anyone.
A common myth is that if you touch baby birds, or the nest, the mamma won't return. It's pretty much bunk. Birds typically have a terrible sense of smell. They don't find seeds with their noses, nor earthworms, nor fish in the sea, nor insects in the air. That was just something momma told us as kids to keep us away from the babies. Well, that and some birds are quite territorial...like Mockingbirds. But, killdeer try and draw you away. Once you are distracted from the nest, they just fly away from you....almost laughing as they go.
As for the lawn service, I can't provide much info. I suppose it's completely dependant upon the diligence of the guy. If he sees the bird, he will likely avoid things. If not, who knows. You may even call them and warn them....or put a sign near the nest. That would catch some attention.
In short, don't worry about it too much. But, read up on it. I am not for sure myself.
BackyardBirdGardner- Posts : 2710
Join date : 2010-12-25
Age : 50
Location : St. Louis, MO
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
Thanks everybody. I'll warn the lawn service to just run the mower around the flowerbed and not use the edger for the next 2 months on that end of the flower bed. According to what BBG and the links have to say, I will be able to hand weed around the edges for that period without disturbing the birds. The links say to expect 4 eggs, so I think they just started the nest.
Kay
Kay
A WEED IS A FLOWER GROWING IN THE WRONG PLACE
Elizabeth City, NC
Click for weather forecast
walshevak
Certified SFG Instructor- Posts : 4370
Join date : 2010-10-17
Age : 81
Location : wilmington, nc zone 8
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
There are 4 eggs in the nest now. ETA May 24 according to the bird guide.
A WEED IS A FLOWER GROWING IN THE WRONG PLACE
Elizabeth City, NC
Click for weather forecast
walshevak
Certified SFG Instructor- Posts : 4370
Join date : 2010-10-17
Age : 81
Location : wilmington, nc zone 8
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
Aww how cute. Do keep the pictures coming especially when the chicks hatch! You are so lucky!
dizzygardener- Posts : 668
Join date : 2011-01-26
Location : WNC 6b
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
I ran across a Killdeer this morning while on my grass cutting route. She never faked me out as if she had a nest nearby. I assume ours are just scouting things out at the moment.
And, if she's smart, she'll build in the "high voltage" cage of gravel anchoring a nearby radio tower. No one will mess with her in there.
And, if she's smart, she'll build in the "high voltage" cage of gravel anchoring a nearby radio tower. No one will mess with her in there.
BackyardBirdGardner- Posts : 2710
Join date : 2010-12-25
Age : 50
Location : St. Louis, MO
I've got chicks
Didn't check Wed or Thurs, but this morning I've got chicks.
Mama was a little agitated
Mama was a little agitated
A WEED IS A FLOWER GROWING IN THE WRONG PLACE
Elizabeth City, NC
Click for weather forecast
walshevak
Certified SFG Instructor- Posts : 4370
Join date : 2010-10-17
Age : 81
Location : wilmington, nc zone 8
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
That's awesome!
I mentioned I have one on my cutting route? I saw the nest a couple weeks ago....still nothing hatched. But, she's guarding them every time my mower comes by....lol.
I mentioned I have one on my cutting route? I saw the nest a couple weeks ago....still nothing hatched. But, she's guarding them every time my mower comes by....lol.
BackyardBirdGardner- Posts : 2710
Join date : 2010-12-25
Age : 50
Location : St. Louis, MO
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
How darling !! I understand about not getting done because of the babies. We have a camp stove I use in the summer so I dont heat up the house. (trailer) Well the darling fly catcher ( I think thats what she is) laid her eggs there last year. We waited till all 4 left home. We are so lucky to see these darlings. She has shared with us each year her precious babies. Last year it was in our shed and we actually got to see the last babies leave, that in itself I think was a miracle. They are there one day and gone the next they go so fast.
Kind of like our precious babies that grow up way too fast.
Ha-v-v
Kind of like our precious babies that grow up way too fast.
Ha-v-v
Ha-v-v- Posts : 1119
Join date : 2010-03-12
Age : 64
Location : Southwest Ms. Zone 8A (I like to think I get a little bit of Zone 9 too )
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
You guys want to see an AMAZING chronicle of life? Here is an acquaintance of mine from another forum. He wouldn't know my name, but we've chatted a little. He chronicles a pair of Eastern Bluebirds and their babies.
Kenn has been taking pictures of them for years. Last year, he finally lost his male. He mentioned that the pair had raised over 50 babies successfully. Momma has already "remarried" after looking sad for a week or so constantly looking around for the male that never came. His stories can be really neat because he follows these birds so closely...
http://kenn3d.smugmug.com/Nature/BirdsBlossomsButterfliesVol5/15372928_bvGzV#1298821926_XSksNKw
Seriously, it's worth the look. If you look at his stuff, you will see why I will tell you I have a LOOOOOONG way to go with my pictures.
Kenn has been taking pictures of them for years. Last year, he finally lost his male. He mentioned that the pair had raised over 50 babies successfully. Momma has already "remarried" after looking sad for a week or so constantly looking around for the male that never came. His stories can be really neat because he follows these birds so closely...
http://kenn3d.smugmug.com/Nature/BirdsBlossomsButterfliesVol5/15372928_bvGzV#1298821926_XSksNKw
Seriously, it's worth the look. If you look at his stuff, you will see why I will tell you I have a LOOOOOONG way to go with my pictures.
BackyardBirdGardner- Posts : 2710
Join date : 2010-12-25
Age : 50
Location : St. Louis, MO
Re: BBG, how long before i can finish weeding the flowerbed
BackyardBirdGardner wrote:You guys want to see an AMAZING chronicle of life? Here is an acquaintance of mine from another forum. He wouldn't know my name, but we've chatted a little. He chronicles a pair of Eastern Bluebirds and their babies.
Kenn has been taking pictures of them for years. Last year, he finally lost his male. He mentioned that the pair had raised over 50 babies successfully. Momma has already "remarried" after looking sad for a week or so constantly looking around for the male that never came. His stories can be really neat because he follows these birds so closely...
http://kenn3d.smugmug.com/Nature/BirdsBlossomsButterfliesVol5/15372928_bvGzV#1298821926_XSksNKw
Seriously, it's worth the look. If you look at his stuff, you will see why I will tell you I have a LOOOOOONG way to go with my pictures.
OMgosh !! click on that link and the most amazing picture is there. I too would like a better camera some day. When I have a deck I can sit on near a shade tree. We have so many types of birds here I dont get to see them all. I will have to ask my Mom in law for her bird pics, they live on our property, with no pets. They get to see different types of birds than we do. I will finish going through those pics BBG thanks for sharing.
Ha-v-v
Ha-v-v- Posts : 1119
Join date : 2010-03-12
Age : 64
Location : Southwest Ms. Zone 8A (I like to think I get a little bit of Zone 9 too )
Similar topics
» Flowerbed-No design talent
» Weeding Tool
» What are some of your most memorable garden mistakes?
» Finish For My New Frames
» Finish my SFG or hold off?
» Weeding Tool
» What are some of your most memorable garden mistakes?
» Finish For My New Frames
» Finish my SFG or hold off?
Page 1 of 1
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum