Posts Tagged ‘birds’

What My Wife Taught Me

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

The love of my life, Lee Hiller, now my wife Lee Hiller-London was moving from Portland, Oregon to the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas where I had been settled for twelve years. She moved here a year ago this month. She had lived virtually all over the world from the Asia Pacific to New Zealand and just about everywhere else, following the “technology dollars” which was her work.

The only thing she hadn’t experienced was the sweet magnolias of the south, not to mention the myriad of wildlife in the Hot Springs National Forest which is our yard; front back and sides, where we share a neighborhood with thousands if not tens of thousands of foxes, wolves, small bears, chipmunks, squirrels, possum, raccoons, and so many exotic birds one might think they are in the Amazon Rain Forest. It is the only National Park that is actually inside of a city. Water boils up that is 2000 years old before it reaches the surface. The city has found a way to tap it and it is completely free of any toxins.

Lee was born and raised in Portland, Or, and as anyone knows who has visited, is quite a unique and beautiful city. But Lee had not been able to take advantage of all nature had to offer there as she was caring for a sick spouse who needed full time assistance, and in spite of the mountains, trails, wildlife, etc, she was unable to partake. She had to be at home at all times. The hospital was her other home.

It became evident her husband’s only chance was to get him back to his home country of Canada as he was perishing rapidly. He lived over a year longer (than he would have lived here) where he would have gotten minimal medical care. The U.S. medical system after ten years had virtually given up.

To keep her mind occupied during this ten year ordeal, in which she also sold on Ebay, and even became a powerseller, was to learn tai chi and practice it daily. When I visited she showed me a part with a walking trail at the fork of two beautiful rivers and her sincere health regimen was on. She was already eating nothing but healthy foods, and though a cancer survivor, she had a chance for a new beginning.

Love was definitely in the air, and it was consummated by my sister former model/now entrepreneur Kathy Ireland when she popped the question to Lee (for me) on Twitter, “Lee Angel. Would you be my darling SIL (Sister In Law). I had talked to Kathy beforehand so she knew I was going to ask, she simply didn’t think I was moving fast enough. Lee and I married on June 18, 2010 in a tiny hut in the mountains, which Lee calls our “wedding chapel” on Hot Springs Mountain. I had been a cartoonist and marketer for the cartoons and licensed gifts for 12 years. Lee had revealed that Ebay sales were way down and she could no longer find the justification to do her hunting at thrift shops, and selling them on Internet auction sites.

I loved that she shared her dreams with me, and work goals. She didn’t need my permission, just someone to run it by. Next thing I knew she was doing it. She had her own line of shoes, clothing, household goods, and much more. Lee Hiller Designs, within a year (or less) was a dream come true. She had now moved to the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and hiked daily 3-4 hours taking beautiful pictures which she posts to her blog and onto her products. It is a most unusual venture, and I’m very proud. She has won The People’s Choice Award for wildflower photography in Arkansas and received a congratulatory letter from the governor’s office. Her Hot Springs merchandise has been covered by our local Hot Springs Sentinel Record. Every day orders come in from almost every country on the planet, not to mention America. I love watching her build her brand from scratch.

Promises are made by many people, and then often you never hear another thing about it, the promises, or anything else. You just learn their characterfast. And there are people of action. Lee is a person of action. More importantly than that, she is a person of generosity. If she learns something, and I don’t know it, she is more than not available to teach me how it is done. We do that for each other. I think it is one of the many elements that keeps us in love and respecting each other. We do not make a promise unless we know we can keep it. And we do. We try to find each others needs. We can’t fulfill them all but we do our best to help. Our love continues to be a major passion in our lives. We are also best friends.

If you love nature and wildlife photography and the most gorgeous floral photography, visit Lee’s blog.

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Backyard Birding – Get The Facts

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

Backyard birding can easily be very entertaining and also soothing. The fauna in one’s yard can be phenomenal along with numerous different sorts of birds flying out and in on a constant basis. A rewarding spare time interest can be experienced by all whom have an interest in staying near to home. You will find it useful to start watching out for the differing kinds of birds which fly into your own yard. Several are more common than others. If you are inquisitive about photography, then these amazing subjects can give you many opportunities to record their elegance with a digital camera or video recorder.

Feeding the birds is a very pleasurable and gratifying pastime. You will get to observe many varieties as well as become acquainted with several of the strange routines of the birds which frequent your back yard. You will only need to supply the birds with food, refuge and water to get the maximum pleasure out of the year round pastime of backyard birding.

Food availability is a must in order to have birds on a constant basis. Dependent on what part of the country you are in, the majority of will have success with seed bird feeders that are offered in a secure area and at least fifteen feet away from adjoining trees and shrubs. The kind of seeds presented will also rely on your locale and kind of environment. I have found a combination of black oil sunflower, Niger thistle and premium mix bird seed will usually draw a larger variety of the local wild birds to your backyard feeding station.

Water can be provided in a variety of methods for your backyard birding undertaking. If you are lucky enough to have a natural stream or stream in or next to your own back yard, this is all that is required. On the other hand, most of us are not that lucky and a simple pedestal bird bath with water offered and taken care of will perform the trick. In areas where the frosty winter season months freeze the water in standard bird baths, a cartable and submersible water heater may be required to supply steady water availability. In summer, a straightforward dripping hose directly into a bird bath is simply impossible to resist to your backyard birds.

The birds in your backyard must feel safe and sound when they’re at your yard feeder. This safety is supplied by nearby shrubs or trees. ( although as discussed earlier, your feeder shouldn’t be closer than 15 feet to the nearest plant or scrub. ) This is to stop an unwelcome ambush by a cat or hawk which is utilizing this cover to stalk the birds.

In the event that you supply these basic wishes to the birds in your yard you will have many entertaining days of observing the escapades, routines and colorful appearances of the backyard birding world.

With a touch of effort, regardless of whether you’ve a little or big yard, you can observe as well as attract numerous differing types of birds for you to take pleasure in, regularly throughout the year. It can end up being an eye-opening experience to take some time to relax and indulge in the elegance which flies into as well as out of your yard.

Once the birds dropped ok along with your backyard birding feeding station, you may wish to provide additional advantages such as planting precise flowers that the birds both utilize as protection and food like Sunflowers, Cone flowers, Shasta daisys as well as extra suet feeders.

The author is a backyard birding enthusiasts, and additionaly a landscape architect. Visit one of his site now for some wonderful bird baths, feeder and fountains ideas for your backyard birding projects.

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Quail & Other Wildlife Hunting Is A Way of Life In The Georgia Outdoors!

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Hunting is a tradition in Georgia, especially quail hunting which is particularly popular. The tradition of quail hunting is very popular not only in Georgia, but throughout the South in states like Alabama & Tennessee . Georgia hunters love to bird hunt, and it shows. Georgia to quail hunting season is on right now from mid-November through late February. If you’re going to a Georgia quail hunting spot, then keep in mind that there is a 12 per hunter limit.

Almost 300,000 hunters registered in Georgia in 2008. Many people in Georgia consider hunting a way of life. Some families even depend on hunting for an economical source of meat year-round. Besides Bobwhite quail, wild turkeys are a plentiful fowl in Georgia hunted late March through mid May! The turkey limit in Georgia is three per hunter! Turkeys love to follow the rivers and streams near woodlands and will emerge in the wide open at times when you least expect it. I would consider the turkey, the fox of the bird kingdom… and in Georgia is a “fox”that is well hunted.

Waterfowl love the Georgia swamps that welcome duck, pheasants, dove and geese the year. Be careful when hunting around the swamps of Georgia, there’s a few birds you need to know about due to their endangered species designations. The one that comes to mind first is the woodcock. The careful and know what the woodcock looks like. Georgia game wardens are notoriously sneaky, not to mention you want to take care of the environment.

Marsh hands are a very popular food source for a lot of hunters in Georgia. One bird nobody minds that you kill in Georgia is the crow! Hunting regulations in Georgia say you can kill as many as you want. Go, shoot some crow, and have fun!

You can even find alligator hunting in South Georgia! What an adventure! Wildlife is plentiful in the state of Georgia. You got some of the biggest buck you can find anywhere! There is also bear hunting in the north Georgia mountains for the more adventurous!

Wild boar hunting is another sport catching on in the state of Georgia key to the overpopulation of the hogs in the upper parts of the state . The wild hog is uprooting roots and destroying much habitat that other species need for survival! Wild boar also have a bad habit of destroying gardens and fences throughout the north Georgia mountains.

It is the hunting that I’m most interested in the state of Georgia. I grew up quail hunting in the Northeast Alabama mountains, and I love to do the same thing in Georgia! I love cooked quail after a hunt. Although you might not get a lot of meat per bird, the flavor is awesome. When I cook mine, I like it marinated in a sweet barbecue sauce and add a little bit of garlic. I heat some olive oil and add a little fresh garlic! I would then add the quail after the oil is really high and cook it to a golden brown. Delicious! After I cook them I will drop them in some smoked barbecue sauce, fresh fried quail wings you can’t beat them!

Georgia quail hunting is very popular because the habitat for bobwhites is perfect. The grassy marshes of Georgia swamp land to the nutrient rich cornfields provide a bounty of food for the birds. Georgia is teeming with birds and other wildlife. The hunting is good.

There is nothing greater than quail on the bob on your next hunting trip! You will have a hard time finding quail in the state of Georgia. They are everywhere, and the best way to find locations to hunt is at wingshootingdestinations.com.

Find Quail Hunting Lodges in Georgia at Quail Hunting and a large list of quail hunting spots at Georgia Quail Hunting Lodges.

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Quail Shooting in In The Heart of Dixie, Alabama

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

In the state of Alabama, quail hunting can be regarded as as a sport for those longing for a fantastic experience in an nature. Quail meat produces for a delicious dinner and it can be rather effortless to uncover suitable game numbers in The state of Alabama. For this reason, it is highly widespread and for good reason.

Quail hunting is usually done with a pair of dogs along with 2 hunters. Most hunters have what they call their bird dogs which often run out and chase the birds in the field. The bird dogs likewise go to retrieve the quail right after they drop to the field. Not only that, the dogs help make perfect hunting buddies.

When hunting, is important that every single hunter is familiar with where one another is at all times. Throughout my local area, Sand Mountain, commonly folks always check out the cornfields in late autumn to hunt quail. As soon as the outdoorsmen kill a bunch of quail, they will often have a massive quail dinner or they freeze the quail meat for later on.

If you have not done a lot of quail hunting, if you would like to get going, it can be preferable to hunt for a while with a seasoned hunter in your area. They are able to show you the ropes of how can one can find the right spots and the methods of killing loads of quail without going overboard.

By law, it will be crucial for you to regard the rights of the land owners and secure permission on whatever land you plan to hunt. Certainly, you need to ensure you get an Alabama hunting permit and you need to comprehend each of the Alabama state laws in regards to bird hunting. Nobody needs the local game warden to write them a citation.

A lot of hunters will agree with the fact that the state of Alabama is the top area in the country for quail hunting. Quail hunting gives you loads of fun out in the great outdoors.

Just make sure to hold gun safety first. Think about the Dick Cheney shooting incident. While hunting quail, ex-U.S. Second in command Dick Cheney wounded Harry Whittington, a 78-year-old Texas lawyer. Dick Cheney eventually admitted that he had a handful of alcoholic beverages before the episode which almost killed his hunting buddy. Hence be careful and do not impair your judgment.

Overall, whenever you hunt in the state of Alabama, you need to remember that the Alabama state hunting laws & using good horse sense in safety. Get out in those fields, have a lot of fun! The cooked quail make for excellent food, and there is nothing at all like the Alabama outdoors to enjoy a lot of fun hunting. By the way… Roll Tide!

Read more on Hunting Quail Alabama at Alabama Quail Hunting

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Birdwatching Advice: The Best Wild Bird Feeders for Your Yard

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Joining millions of bird lovers in creating a backyard aviary can be easy and rewarding with a little help choosing and maintaining your wild bird feeders. Begin by imagining your backyard as a birdwatching paradise and picture the desired sights and sounds that will become your goal.

Start by considering the types of birds that you wish to attract, and the ones you do not want to see. If you’re a beginner, asking neighbors or co-workers which types of birds frequent their backyards might prove useful. Understanding that your target is to attract finches or cardinals, for example, will assist you in selecting the optimal wild bird feeders and creating the right birdwatching environment.

Bird feeders are available in a number of styles. Some of these kinds include platform and ground feeders, tube, thistle, suet and wood. There are even specifically crafted feeders designed to attract a particular type of birds, such as hummingbirds. Taking the time to learn about the features of each one will increase your chance of success.

After selecting your feeders, fill them with food that is preferred by your species of choice. The largest number of birds will be attracted by simple black oil sunflower seeds. To attract rarer species, seasonal fruits or occasional nuts will draw birds in summer. Some birds have specific likes, such as woodpeckers who prefer peanuts.

To curb shelling out too much on bird food, consider selecting squirrel-proof wild bird feeders or positioning your feeders away from squirrel-friendly landscaping so they have difficulty climbing or jumping up to reach the seeds. You may even consider purchasing types of seeds that squirrels aren’t very interested in, such as thistle seed.

If you’re like most birdwatchers, your desire is to attract a variety of species. Offering an array of feeders rather than one type is a way to enjoy regular backyard visits from a number of birds even throughout the seasonal changes.

You may notice a particular area that is popular; this is a good chance to set up an entire bird feeding station for spectacular results. If you prefer not to have birds concentrated in only one area, however, placing several wild bird feeders throughout the yard can be rewarding as you’re likely to experience wildlife when looking out many of the windows in your home.

When you’re finished setting up, make sure to take some quiet time to enjoy the results of your original vision. Study up, though-you’ll want to be ready to identify that unusual backyard visitor your hard work attracted!

To learn more about Best Bird Feeders and birdwatching, take a look at my website for great deals and reviews on Droll Yankee Feeders and other top feeders.

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Want to Learn How to Feed Hummingbirds in Your Backyard?

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

You can do various things to your garden to make it hummingbird friendly and attract more of these birds. Even if you stay in the city’s middle and didn’t have any luck getting these birds in the past, you can soon have them around your garden by following some simple steps.

As most of the birds, hummingbirds virtually have no sense of smell. Apparently, these birds depend on sites and are directed by the flowers to find their nectar source. Some of the plants which you can consider to plant in your garden to attract the birds are, cardinal flowers, bee balm, columbine, cypress vine, honeysuckles, petunias, geraniums, fuchsias, Indian paintbrush, salvia, mimosa, azalea, manzanite, butterfly bush, etc. If you are having any doubts regarding their growth in your area, check with the local nursery to find which of them will grow in your garden.

You should remember that none of the above mentioned plants needs to be red colored, though red color is attractive to the hummingbirds. After growing the plants, avoid using pesticides for killing the insects as the insects can serve as good sources of protein to the birds. The pesticides if ingested by the hummers can kill or sicken them.

Setting up hummingbird feeders is a very popular method to attract hummingbirds to the garden. You can use the homemade nectar solution of sugar water in the feeders to feed the birds. Hanging some red flowers or planting them near the feeders will make the hummingbirds easily find the feeders.

Planting a hummingbird garden with their favorite plants will attract more and more of the birds. A few plants which you can consider planting are manzanita, butterfly busch, azalea, honeysuckle, bee balm, coral bells, columbine, cardinal flowers, petunia, shrimp plant, etc. You should note that none of these plants have to be red colored to attract the birds. Also, you can check with your local nursery if having any doubts, whether any of them will flourish in your garden area.

Never try using artificial sweeteners or honey for feeding the hummingbirds. The quick fermentation of honey in the feeder can cause sores in the birds’ mouth or promote a fatal fungal disease. You have to clean the feeders and change the nectar solution every 3-4 days, or more frequently if the weather is hot. Use a good bottle brush to clean the inside of your feeder if any mold formation occurs. Some sand and water can also be added inside the feeder and shaken to remove these molds. Instead of using soaps and detergents, you can use hot water with little white vinegar to wash and rinse the feeders, as the birds do not like any traces of soap.

Insects like ants and bees may invade your garden and feeders and drive away the hummingbirds. You have to use the feeders with built-in bee guards and attach moats or nectar protectors on the feeders to control their invasion. These steps will ensure that your garden continues attracting the hummingbirds.

Finding the best information about Attracting Hummingbirds at Home can be overwhelming at times. One of the best places we found online to get the straight facts is attract hummingbirds.

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How To Pick A Great Pair Of Bird Watching Binoculars

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

Birds are beautiful creatures that have fascinated mankind for thousands of years. If you have an avid interest in birds and bird watching, you likely understand the curiosity and temptation to want to see a bird up close. However, this is not always a possibility to do so without invading their habitat or possibly scaring them away. A good pair of bird watching binoculars can help you view these birds at a much closer range, properly.

Bird watching binoculars can cost anywhere from $50 to hundreds of dollars, depending on the type you use and the features. There are many features and functions to consider when looking for a good pair of binoculars suitable for bird watching. You may have to experiment with different types of binoculars to see what works best for you.

Consider the amount of magnification that you need when you are watching your birds. With the higher magnification you choose, your field of view will also decrease. The same applies reversed and likewise; the lower magnification you choose, the more your field of view will increase. You should try to experience different magnification to see which is the most comfortable for you to use.

Search for binoculars that you know you can focus easily. You should be able to easily adjust them and they should adjust fairly quickly. They should still be able to offer you a crisp image in the meantime. The higher quality of your binoculars, the finer your focusing will be. This is something to consider when you are looking at different prices for binoculars available.

Another important aspect to take into consideration regards the sizing of the binoculars lens. Just because you have a huge lens, it does not mean that you will have a crisp and perfect view of the birds you are watching. It is recommended to get something around a 35mm or 45mm lens. Generally there are too many people that are willing to pay too much money for binoculars with huge lenses, who later realize that they receive poor viewing quality afterwards.

Those who wear glasses need to make considerations towards the eye cups on the binoculars that they have interest in. If the eye cups are made out of soft rubber they will allow you to have better viewing from your glasses being closer to the lens. You can also find binoculars with adjustable eye cups, however these may cost extra in price.

Be aware that you may have to try various types of binoculars before you find a pair that work correctly to your liking. What one person likes, another person might not prefer in their viewing experience. Consider asking your friends if you can borrow their bird watching binoculars so you can experience the differences.

You can have a lot of fun bird watching, especially when you have the right pair of binoculars to help you. You will see the birds closer than ever before and begin to truly appreciate their full beauty. Bird watching binoculars are a true necessity to those who are addicted to seeing birds.

Bird watching binoculars along with a great tripod and a digital camera hooked to your favorite spotting scope can all be found at Perception Optics. Click now to see our discount prices with free shipping.

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Bird Feeders – Bird Feeding Tips for the Newbie

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

Are you new to bird feeding? If therefore, then you might be happy with the actual fact that having bird feeders in your garden or close to your home will give you a source of natural music but also a decorative fixture that you just and neighbors can surely love. Needless to mention, the type of bird feeder you decide on can create a lot of birds happy. If you want to grasp additional about bird feeders and bird feeding, then browse on

First of all, a bird feeder provides your garden or space with functionality and ornamental elements. Since feeders return in different designs, designs and materials, you’ll choose one that’s appropriate to your home’s general theme. To be nearer to nature, though, you’ll go for the natural-finished wooden bird feeders. If you’ve got no plan how to make your own bird feeder, then it’d be nice news to mention that you’ll simply get one currently in the look and size you prefer. You’ll opt for to by fro the standard pet shop, home offer store or even from various specialty stores online. Shopping for online can additionally offer you with extra benefits as you are given additional selections and higher costs while not having to hop from search to shop.

Here are some useful bird feeding tips for newbies such as you:

1. Choose your location carefully. You should not place your bird feeders on wide open areas that are simply seen by bird predators. There should be something (a tree, a bush or even an out of doors ornament) that may enable them to fly to and from your feeder while taking cowl from predators. You need to additionally opt for your location rigorously therefore you’ll avoid places with high traffic or abundant noise and pollution.

2. Select high quality bird seeds. If you wish your bird feeder to figure by attracting the foremost attainable range of birds, then you should select your bird seeds carefully. For starters, you can forever use whole sunflower kernels. Choosing top quality bird food can attract the popular song birds. As a rule of the thumb, you must invariably choose the higher forms or bird seed as birds tend to go to a bird feeder that offers higher meals. Therefore if you want your bird feeders to serve their purpose by attracting a sensible range o birds, then build positive that you invest in sensible bird seed.

3. Create water continuously on the market on your bird feeders. Another excuse for birds to come back back to your bird feeder is when you have got sufficient offer of clean water. Also, it is vital to use heated water (in the proper temperature, please) throughout the winter season.

4. Observe patience. You can’t your bird feeders to right away attract a throng of birds. Like in virtually everything, you wish patience for this to happen. Relying on the area or the final location, birds can go to your bird feeder in a very matter of days, weeks or even months when set up. You’ve got to recollect that birds conjointly want familiarization with a new feeder as they’re creatures of habit.

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