Maryland Backyard Birding

On May 13, 2022   /   Birding Blog, Fall, Lawn and Garden, News from Sneade’s Home Center, Outdoor Living, Spring  
Maryland Backyard Birding

When the raspberry bushes produce, and the cherry trees blossom in Maryland, you know spring has arrived. It’s a time when many birds migrate back to our beautiful state. This means there’s a serious uptick in action for those who enjoy backyard birding. It’s time to prepare your backyard feeders and keep the binoculars handy. Let’s learn about four of the most common birds that return to Maryland backyards in the spring. Red-Eyed Vireo This small bird has a lot to sing about. You can hear their short warbler-like song all day long. Sometimes a single male will sing over

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The Great Backyard Bird Count with Audubon

On January 18, 2022   /   Birding Blog, Fall  
The Great Backyard Bird Count with Audubon

Many bird enthusiasts know that birdwatching can bring such personal joy. With different colored feathers, various calls, and beautiful songs, birdwatching can often be quite entertaining. In February, birdwatchers can not only enjoy the pastime, but they can also help the National Audubon Society track birds for the benefit of conservation. Every February is the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Birdwatchers will count and record all the birds they see in their backyard or favorite area. Participants should count birds on one or more days of the four-day event. There is a minimum counting time of 15 minutes, but there

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Help Birds Survive the Winter

On January 19, 2018   /   Birding Blog, Fall, News from Sneade’s Home Center, Sneade’s Helpful Hints  
Help Birds Survive the Winter

Help Birds Survive the Winter Winters in the Chesapeake region are unpredictable for certain. Heavy wind and rain, sleet and snow, coupled with fluctuating temperatures create challenging outdoor living situations, especially for non-migratory birds. While birds are very well equipped to survive on their own, studies have shown that birds with access to bird feeders and birdhouses survive at a higher rate. Additionally, ornithologists have suggested that amateur bird-watching and feeding is a beneficial hobby for humans as well. Here are some tips to help birds survive the winter. Ensure Seed is Accessible and Dry If the food in the

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Squirrel Proofing Tips

On October 16, 2017   /   Birding Blog, News from Sneade’s Home Center, Sneade’s Helpful Hints, Spring  
Squirrel Proofing Tips

Squirrel Proofing Tips, Whether You Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em Most folks either love ’em or hate ’em. Here are some squirrel proofing tips to help. They are clever, relentless and can become an nuisance when trying to feed the birds. In fact, many people may become disenchanted when feeding birds because squirrels can be so destructive. They have voracious appetites and will eat their way through all of your birdseed within hours. But, we have a few squirrel proofing tips that will dissuade squirrels from feasting at your bird feeders. You may even learn to love their antics! Just

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Tips to Help Birds Survive the Winter

On October 4, 2017   /   Birding Blog, News from Sneade’s Home Center, Outdoor Living, Sneade’s Helpful Hints  
Tips to Help Birds Survive the Winter

Tips to Help Birds Survive the Winter Winters in the Chesapeake region are unpredictable for certain. Heavy wind and rain, sleet and snow, coupled with fluctuating temperatures create challenging outdoor living conditions, especially for non-migratory birds. While birds are very well equipped to survive on their own, studies have shown that birds with access to bird feeders and birdhouses survive at a higher rate. Additionally, ornithologists have suggested that amateur bird-watching and feeding is a beneficial hobby for humans as well. Here are some tips to help birds survive the winter. Ensure Seed is Accessible and Dry If the food

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Expert Tips, How to Attract Birds this Winter

On October 10, 2016   /   Birding Blog, News from Sneade’s Home Center  

Expert Tips, How to Attract Birds this Winter Tip 1 – Add water and make a splash! Adding a bird bath will significantly increase the amount of birds in your yard. Throughout the year birds get a significant amount of water from their food, such as insects and berries. When supplies dwindle, birds will seek out additional sources. Migrating birds seek out these much needed watery rest stops. Additionally, keeping a bird bath or fountain throughout the winter will actually help birds stay warmer. Birds use the water to clean their feathers which promotes natural oils and helps birds stay

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Go for the Gold. “Gold Finches”

On August 21, 2016   /   Birding Blog, Spring  
Go for the Gold. "Gold Finches"

As I look out my windows and see “Lots of Gold–Gold Finches” on a nearby feeder.  Many people call what I’m looking at “wild canaries.” The male’s bright yellow body and long warbling song fit the name well.  Check out your favorite field guide, and you’ll soon discover that these common familiar birds are formally called American Gold Finches. When they have a place to perch and fresh seed, gold finches will put on quite a show. Gold Finches are recognized by their black wings and tail and black cap.  Females have a greenish and a yellow front and no

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How-to for Hummingbirds

On July 11, 2016   /   Birding Blog, News from Sneade’s Home Center  
How-to for Hummingbirds

Mel often shares the phrase “Nature is God’s Stress Reliever–Take a Moment Today to Listen to the Birds Sing!”  Whether it’s Purple Martins, Cardinals, Bluebirds, Hummingbirds, Orioles, Goldfinches or others–we’ll do our best in the months ahead to help you successfully attract and enjoy your favorites. Want more hummingbirds?  Tie a big red ribbon around an old oak tree.  Dig out hose Christmas decorations and attach red bows on your deck, yard crane, or other places you want to attract hummingbirds.  Red = Food for hummingbirds, and they’ll come by to check out your bow.  Then have some red blooming

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Tips to Attracting Bluebirds To Your Backyard!

On February 15, 2016   /   Birding Blog  

“Somewhere over the rainbow, Bluebirds fly.”  That famous lyric from the “Wizard of Oz” helped immortalize the beautiful Bluebird.  Since early colonial times, people have loved Bluebirds because of their beauty, their feeding in open areas around houses and farms, and their endearing habit of readily nesting in man-made boxes. In the U.S. there are three different types of Bluebirds.  The Eastern Bluebird that occurs East of the Rockes is by far the most numerous. Across the Western one-third of the U.S.A. you will also find Mountain Bluebirds and Western Bluebirds.  One important thing to remember when providing housing for

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Cardinals Bring On the Color

On January 23, 2016   /   Birding Blog  
Cardinals Bring On the Color

What a beautiful contrast the crimson red Northern Cardinal gives against pure white fresh snow.  Can you think of anything more enjoyable to put you in the holiday spirit?  No wonder it is often referred to as the winter holiday bird. A Holiday Icon How many images of the Northern Cardinal do you use as holiday decoration? Is one of your favorite ornaments a Cardinal?  What about the tablecloth, outside doormat, holiday wreath, gift wrapping paper?  Notice in November and December every time you see the image of a Cardinal as you do your holiday shopping. While the Cardinal may

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