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Recent content by nikiapple

  1. nikiapple

    Virginia usa Small Black Bird

    I'm so glad you figured out what type of bird you were seeing. They're very prevalent in my area most often seen in large flocks. They can deplete a birdfeeder pretty quickly and not let the more desired songbirds eat.
  2. nikiapple

    Tree Swallows

    If I was to venture a guess, I would have to say the reason for dumping it in a water source such as the pool is to mask the odor so no predators know there are nestlings around or Tree Swallows just simply prefer the water as their form of sanitation. Sincerely, Monique Applewhite
  3. nikiapple

    Should I give up birding?

    You never know unless you try. You seem to be ready but your friends and family are not appearing to me to be very supportive which is giving you doubts. You should join the Audubon Society of North Carolina for $20 a year. They may have a local chapter in your area. Going on a field trip...
  4. nikiapple

    Newbie-? on Mockingbirds

    Hi and welcome to the forum! I'm from Mississippi and our state bird the Northern Mockingbird is usually found alone or with a mate and they are very territorial. As someone mentioned, it was probably family groups honing in on a place to stay. You getting to see so many at one time is a treat...
  5. nikiapple

    Orlando and Area- Help!

    Hi Len, I think your best bet to answer your questions is to contact the Orange Audubon Society: http://www.orangeaudubonfl.org/index.html Looks like they're going on a field trip to Orlando Wetlands Park on October 20, 2012. If you're a member of any chapter of the Audubon Society, you...
  6. nikiapple

    Virginia usa Small Black Bird

    Hi and welcome to the forum! Without a picture it would be hard to make an identification. If it is a Lark Bunting, it is very far away from it's normal habitat. It is possible that it could be a male Bobolink, they have the white on their wings. They're migrants that could be passing...
  7. nikiapple

    Where all da birdies at? Hurricane Issaac?

    I live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and fortunately came out of this storm unscathed. I worried a lot about the birds but I believe they are more resilient than we think. Didn't take but a few days for the birds to come back to the feeders. It appears that the birds are more active than they...
  8. nikiapple

    frustrated

    All bottle feeders are not created equal and there are many types and brands on the market with some working better than others. I would like to know the specific feeder(s) you're referring to. As someone suggested, the saucer-shaped hummingbird feeders work very well with no leaking...
  9. nikiapple

    Sugar water...boil or not?? Cloudy sugar water!

    If all the variables are the same as in the past (water, white sugar, pan) you might just have to experiment to see which of these elements are causing the sugar to become cloudy and stay that way. Usually when you make a sugar solution and leave it out of the fridge until it becomes room...
  10. nikiapple

    My bird feeder destroyed by blackbirds!! :)

    I'm sorry that you have had this problem. If it is red-winged blackbirds, they are rather aggressive and will shoo your wanted songbirds away. Never thought about them chewing up a feeder. I agree with DownyWP, a squirrel-proof feeder is what you need. There are several different types on...
  11. nikiapple

    Can Minnesota birds have grapes?

    Yes, grapes are a suitable food source for attracting birds. If they're not organic, be sure to wash them thoroughly with a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda to remove the waxy buildup and pesticide.
  12. nikiapple

    OT sort of: What kind of wild animal poop is this at my feeder?

    Although it is easy to make a mistake visually in identifying scat, I feel that it is from a squirrel. Given the size and shape plus it being common to find around birdfeeders is the reason I believe this even though they're not considered nocturnal.
  13. nikiapple

    Hello from the Mississippi Gulf Coast

    Love this site, definitely the best birding forum on the web. I'm an avid backyard bird watcher and have created an online bird store for others that share my passion. Birdwatching is so addictive, it's a different show every day...love it!
  14. nikiapple

    What bird killed my baby robins?

    You could be right but I thought with the coloring of a Blue Jay that it would be easily identified. Sometimes immature males and/or females and also different times of the year can look totally different in species which sometimes makes identifying them difficult.
  15. nikiapple

    Mealworm and Jelly Feeder Height

    I don't think that there is a specific height that the feeder needs to be. The most important is where it is located and should be protected from the elements to keep the mealworms fresh. We sell a 5 foot post so that or higher would be a good height.
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