Where are the BIRDS?

[Tvflguy]

We have a nice bird feeder out front and a triple/decker birdhouse in the back. Love birds.

On a typical day we see a bunch of different birds at the feeder, and need to refill about every other day. The birdhouse has had 3 broods since early Spring. 2 chicks each in each of the 3 “apartments”. They all of course flew the coop. Little sparrow-like birds. The feeder attracts all types.

But for the last 10 days or so no action at all. No little birds going to the house, and I have seen NO birds at our feeder. And very few birds flying around at all.

Is it the heat or time of year??? Where are the birds?

[tophcfa]

We have a nice bird feeder out front and a triple/decker birdhouse in the back. Love birds.

On a typical day we see a bunch of different birds at the feeder, and need to refill about every other day. The birdhouse has had 3 broods since early Spring. 2 chicks each in each of the 3 “apartments”. They all of course flew the coop. Little sparrow-like birds. The feeder attracts all types.

But for the last 10 days or so no action at all. No little birds going to the house, and I have seen NO birds at our feeder. And very few birds flying around at all.

Is it the heat or time of year??? Where are the birds?

Food chain at work. Bird feeders draw in birds which draw in critters that feed on birds. When the birds disappear, it’s usually because they sense a lurking hawk, bobcat, or other critter looking to have them for a snack.

[pacjag]

Your feeders will also attract mice and rats, which will then attract snakes and coyotes. Be aware.

[vintageogauge]

No need to feed the little birds they have plenty to eat and by doing so you turn them into food for the birds of prey sitting up in a tree waiting for an easy meal when they come to your feeder. And yes there are rodents eating the bird food and snakes eating the rodents.

[Tvflguy]

Your feeders will also attract mice and rats, which will then attract snakes and coyotes. Be aware.

Not here at all. Had feeders since moving here 8 years ago. Never had any of these issues. Always attracted so many bird varieties. For done reason few visits in the last ten days or so.

[MartinSE]

Isn't it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground
You in mid-air
Send in the birds

Isn't it bliss?
Don't you approve?
One who keeps tearing around
One who can't move
Where are the birds?
Send in the birds...

[Michael G.]

Been feeding the birds for many years without any rodents.

We also use common sense (if there is any now days) to keep feeders away from the house.
Don't use "tray" bird feeders, use the "tube" feeders and only feed them small black sunflower seeds.
Mixed blends of bird seed are expensive and not all birds like the mix blends.

We also have a bird bath that we clean often.
We also have blue bird houses and feed them meal worms when there nesting.

Enjoy your birds

[vintageogauge]

Not here at all. Had feeders since moving here 8 years ago. Never had any of these issues. Always attracted so many bird varieties. For done reason few visits in the last ten days or so.

You have them now.

[Michael G.]

Did anyone read where it is against the law to feed the wildlife including birds in Florida?

I don't mean the ones that hang out at the square..........:22yikes:

[MartinSE]

Did anyone read where it is against the law to feed the wildlife including birds in Florida?

I don't mean the ones that hang out at the square..........:22yikes:

It is illegal in Florida to feed SOME birds. Mostly those that are protected species because feeding can disrupt migration patterns. It is illegal to feed MOST wildlife in Florida. It is recommended if you have a bird feeder to clean it regularly.

"Feeders

Bird feeders may aid in the spread of disease among different species of birds. For this reason, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends scrubbing all bird feeders twice a month with a solution containing one part bleach to 10 parts water. If the feeders begin to attract bears or sandhill cranes, residents must stop feeding until these animals stop coming to the location."

[thevillages2013]

[QUOTE=Tvflguy;2116099]We have a nice bird feeder out front and a triple/decker birdhouse in the back. Love birds.

On a typical day we see a bunch of different birds at the feeder, and need to refill about every other day. The birdhouse has had 3 broods since early Spring. 2 chicks each in each of the 3 “apartments”. They all of course flew the coop. Little sparrow-like birds. The feeder attracts all types.

But for the last 10 days or so no action at all. No little birds going to the house, and I have seen NO birds at our feeder. And very few birds flying around at all.
They are at my house eating the berries off the podocarpus in the back yard

[bobeaston]

MIGRATION time! During the hottest part of the summer, many birds leave. We noticed dwindling numbers of ever-present mocking bird songs about this time last summer. They were back about Valentine's Day.

Maybe they're vacationing in the Canary islands?

[Rwirish]

Please do not feed the wildlife.

[bowlingal]

Black birds leave here around the middle of June and come back about December. I have also noticed a lack of birds lately and was curious. My bird feeder which needs to be filled 2x a day in the winter, now goes days without having to be refilled. I take it in at night and surprise....no mice!!

[eddiekessler]

Does anyone have martin houses in The Villages? Do they live here? They keep your place free from mosquitos.

[RICH1]

Cats … Cats are one of the biggest problems birds have.. they take care of the bird poop problem ( bird seed attracts mice & rats) Storage of bird seed should be in a rat proof container

[Tvflguy]

Black birds leave here around the middle of June and come back about December. I have also noticed a lack of birds lately and was curious. My bird feeder which needs to be filled 2x a day in the winter, now goes days without having to be refilled. I take it in at night and surprise....no mice!!

Thanks for a (finally) direct response to my question rather than the naysayer rsps.

As I said we have had bird feeder and birdhouse for eight years here. The birds always enjoyed the seeds and occupied the house compartments and bred. Never had a single issue re rodents or birds chirping “don’t feed me it’s against the law”.

I simply do not recall in prior summers birds migrating to a noticeable degree. I guess they are, although I did notice four small sparrow like birds on the feeder yesterday. Perhaps from a recent brood, left the birdhouse in back a few weeks ago.

Also there seems to be far less Sandhill cranes around. More migration I guess.

Perhaps the “Snowbird” thing applies to them too.

[LucyP]

Michael G you are incorrect about the law. You are allow to feed birds. There are certain animals you are not allow like alligators.

[mkjelenbaas]

We have a nice bird feeder out front and a triple/decker birdhouse in the back. Love birds.

On a typical day we see a bunch of different birds at the feeder, and need to refill about every other day. The birdhouse has had 3 broods since early Spring. 2 chicks each in each of the 3 “apartments”. They all of course flew the coop. Little sparrow-like birds. The feeder attracts all types.

But for the last 10 days or so no action at all. No little birds going to the house, and I have seen NO birds at our feeder. And very few birds flying around at all.

Is it the heat or time of year??? Where are the birds?
I am sure the info you get on this site will be worth your time to follow????

[Tvflguy]

I am sure the info you get on this site will be worth your time to follow????

Of course. I enjoy and thrive on valid input from all sources. That said I have learned quite a bit from information shared on TOTV.

I try to be positive and open during conversations here. But, must say, the typical naysayers and quick-to-judge responses are irritating and time-wasting. As the one above.

[Larchap49]

Thanks for a (finally) direct response to my question rather than the naysayer rsps.

As I said we have had bird feeder and birdhouse for eight years here. The birds always enjoyed the seeds and occupied the house compartments and bred. Never had a single issue re rodents or birds chirping “don’t feed me it’s against the law”.

I simply do not recall in prior summers birds migrating to a noticeable degree. I guess they are, although I did notice four small sparrow like birds on the feeder yesterday. Perhaps from a recent brood, left the birdhouse in back a few weeks ago.

Also there seems to be far less Sandhill cranes around. More migration I guess.

Perhaps the “Snowbird” thing applies to them too.

Yes another bird feeder in an area where birds have an endless supply of natural food provided by nature. Attracting birds to sit on your neighbors house and any outside items, depositing poop on said items. Making your neighbors have to hose off the chairs, grill, etc regularly is definitely the neighborly thing to do. NOT. I enjoy pretty birds as much as anyone but don't want them messing all over my home and accessories. Think binoculars and nature trails and the exercise and health benefits that will provide. Oh and the rodents visit at night not when you're watching.

[Bilyclub]

I'm in the opinion that your neighbors are loving your bird feeders in some alternative universe.

[Vermilion Villager]

Does anyone have martin houses in The Villages? Do they live here? They keep your place free from mosquitos.

That is actually a myth going back 60+ years.
For many years people were putting up houses for Purple Martins and Bluebirds believing these birds ate mosquitoes. In Minnesota they did a study and it was shown Martin's and bluebirds actually ate some mosquitos but not more than any other bird, and not in enough quantity to make a difference. What was discovered was Martin's and bluebirds preyed heavily on dragonflies. Dragonflies are the biggest predator of a mosquito. What people were actually doing is killing the natural predator of the mosquito and making the situation worse.

[Vermilion Villager]

Michael G you are incorrect about the law. You are allow to feed birds. There are certain animals you are not allow like alligators.

So....if someone were to stake his neighbor's yippy yappy poodle out by the pond, would that be considered feeding an alligator? Asking for a friend.........:1rotfl:

[Rodneysblue]

We have a nice bird feeder out front and a triple/decker birdhouse in the back. Love birds.

On a typical day we see a bunch of different birds at the feeder, and need to refill about every other day. The birdhouse has had 3 broods since early Spring. 2 chicks each in each of the 3 “apartments”. They all of course flew the coop. Little sparrow-like birds. The feeder attracts all types.

But for the last 10 days or so no action at all. No little birds going to the house, and I have seen NO birds at our feeder. And very few birds flying around at all.

Is it the heat or time of year??? Where are the birds?
They are “Snow Birds” and went by north.

[Monika Greiner]

Do not feed the Birds. There have a duty. Pollinate the Blossoms so we can have Fruits , Veggies and flowers . Also take care of insects
Get the yard free of bugs. Do not give the Hummingbirds Sugar Water . They all need natural nutrients.

[A-2-56]

Is it the heat or time of year??? Where are the birds?[/QUOTE]

This is a difficult time for everyone, budgets are short, people are getting their proteins from unusual sources.

Those little ones are tough to catch too.

[MrFlorida]

A neighbor down the street was feeding the birds, he ended up with roof rats , and was unaware until another neighbor had them as well.

[DaleDivine]

Do not feed the Birds. There have a duty. Pollinate the Blossoms so we can have Fruits , Veggies and flowers . Also take care of insects
Get the yard free of bugs. Do not give the Hummingbirds Sugar Water . They all need natural nutrients.

Does anyone here have hummingbird feeders. I haven't seen any in TV...

:wave::wave::wave:

[Veiragirl]

Everything is against the law. Bird feeding too????? We are doomed

[Carlsondm]

Do you have a water feature? We have a fountain .. flowing water .. and many birds. Try That.

[Tvflguy]

Do you have a water feature? We have a fountain .. flowing water .. and many birds. Try That.


Yes we do, about ten feet from the feeder. Sometimes we see birds going under the fountain to “shower”. Love the birds. Which is why we miss them when they’re gone for a while.

[Bonanza]

Your feeders will also attract mice and rats, which will then attract snakes and coyotes. Be aware.

No need to feed the little birds they have plenty to eat and by doing so you turn them into food for the birds of prey sitting up in a tree waiting for an easy meal when they come to your feeder. And yes there are rodents eating the bird food and snakes eating the rodents.

That is actually a myth going back 60+ years.
For many years people were putting up houses for Purple Martins and Bluebirds believing these birds ate mosquitoes. In Minnesota they did a study and it was shown Martin's and bluebirds actually ate some mosquitos but not more than any other bird, and not in enough quantity to make a difference. What was discovered was Martin's and bluebirds preyed heavily on dragonflies. Dragonflies are the biggest predator of a mosquito. What people were actually doing is killing the natural predator of the mosquito and making the situation worse.

Yes -- Martins (plural) eat dragonflies but they are not in danger of being eradicated because of the Martins. Martins also eat crickets, worms, suet, and as you mentioned, mosquitos.

Not to worry, the dragonfly population is doing fine.

[joelfmi]

There with the snowbirds in Northeast waiting to get away from violence during the winter months

[Bellavita]

I feed the birds with three feeders I have lots of cover trees and bushes and yes I have rat baits to take care of them. Snakes and coyotes would be hard pressed to go after birds. Norway rats are everywhere all the palms and fruit trees. If you live in a new area with no shade it could be a problem. Btw I have plenty of snakes they eat other things like rodents and Lizards😎.

[merrymini]

Planting natural plants for the hummingbirds is best. The sugar water can go bad and hurt or kill the birds. I only put out worms for the bluebirds because I have a nest for them and hope to help this species of bird. I also have a great many nectar plants for all types of bird and butterflies. They manage pretty well on their own.

[DAVES]

It is illegal in Florida to feed SOME birds. Mostly those that are protected species because feeding can disrupt migration patterns. It is illegal to feed MOST wildlife in Florida. It is recommended if you have a bird feeder to clean it regularly.

"Feeders

Bird feeders may aid in the spread of disease among different species of birds. For this reason, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends scrubbing all bird feeders twice a month with a solution containing one part bleach to 10 parts water. If the feeders begin to attract bears or sandhill cranes, residents must stop feeding until these animals stop coming to the location."

Far as legal. In the course of conversation it came up that a person we know lives on a large property in Florida. Due to the property size they can own 5 and a half horses. Where do you get half a horse? Do you choose left half or right half or front or back.

Sandhill cranes, wow they are interesting. We're crossing the street. We are in no rush so just sit and wait for us. Yes, we can fly. Yes, it would be considerate we are permanent Villagers.
Aside, you never see squashed ones so they are playing with Villagers

[PugMom]

Thanks for a (finally) direct response to my question rather than the naysayer rsps.

As I said we have had bird feeder and birdhouse for eight years here. The birds always enjoyed the seeds and occupied the house compartments and bred. Never had a single issue re rodents or birds chirping “don’t feed me it’s against the law”.

I simply do not recall in prior summers birds migrating to a noticeable degree. I guess they are, although I did notice four small sparrow like birds on the feeder yesterday. Perhaps from a recent brood, left the birdhouse in back a few weeks ago.

Also there seems to be far less Sandhill cranes around. More migration I guess.

Perhaps the “Snowbird” thing applies to them too.

i noticed that too about the sandhill cranes, -they ARE around, just not in the usual places. i drive the area daily & noticed a lot of the birds were hanging out @ pond in the newer area on Marsh Bend Trail. i also heard birds will 'move out' before bad weather occurs.

[Michael G.]

i noticed that too about the sandhill cranes, -they ARE around, just not in the usual places. i drive the area daily & noticed a lot of the birds were hanging out @ pond in the newer area on Marsh Bend Trail. i also heard birds will 'move out' before bad weather occurs.

Coming from Wisconsin there's a interesting story about helping sandhill
cranes migrate to Florida.
They actually use piloted driven ultralight planes that lead a flock to the southland. Been doing that for years.

Also about feeding the birds, I miss Oriolos here in Florida.
We fed them oranges up north, so you'd think they would love Florida.

[Tvflguy]

OP update. Have seen quite a few Sandhill Cranes on golf courses. Nice. And our bird feeder had finally been visited by many small birds - looks to be the little sparrows that hatched from broods over a month ago.

Nice.

[Nick B]

Far as legal. In the course of conversation it came up that a person we know lives on a large property in Florida. Due to the property size they can own 5 and a half horses. Where do you get half a horse? Do you choose left half or right half or front or back.

Sandhill cranes, wow they are interesting. We're crossing the street. We are in no rush so just sit and wait for us. Yes, we can fly. Yes, it would be considerate we are permanent Villagers.
Aside, you never see squashed ones so they are playing with Villagers
You can own a quarter horse.

[Michael G.]

Far as legal. In the course of conversation it came up that a person we know lives on a large property in Florida. Due to the property size they can own 5 and a half horses. Where do you get half a horse? Do you choose left half or right half or front or back.



People that raise cattle, horses etc. on large property I heard get a big tax break in Florida.