| Author | Content |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
January 29, 2008
9:42 AM Post #4468665
| in the mornings the neighbors will see you in the backyard wearing just your old pajamas and a sweat jacket, walking along all limbs in slow motion carrying your camera calling out strange sounds like chick-a dee-dee ,fee-bee-bee or Tsee- tsi- tsit.
Meanwhile the DH stands on the porch watching you with a bewildered look on his face slowly shaking his head from side to side. :-)
Please share your story.
Pelle
|
heyitsmejudy
Lawrenceville, GA
January 29, 2008
12:00 PM Post #4469153
| You know you're a bird nut when you hear a woodpecker but can't find it and go around your yard putting your ear up next to a tree to find what tree he... or she... is in. Once you locate the tree the pecking is coming from, you get your binoculars to get a closer look at what's making the noise! Brings a new meaning to the word "tree hugger!" |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
January 29, 2008
12:06 PM Post #4469174
| LOL, good one Judy! Thank You! |
indiana_lily
Jeffersonville, IN
(Zone 6b)
January 29, 2008
12:29 PM Post #4469297
| Good ones, Pelle & Judy! Pelle, I'm that way with my brugmansias -- I'll go outside at dawn or at night in my robe to smell the blooms.
Ok. You know you've become a birder when you think about your tax refund and what kind of trees and shrubs you want to buy to attract more birds to your yard. Chokecherry would be at the top of my list.
Also, you know you've become a birder when you are dismayed to find something (or someone) has completely emptied out the tray bird feeder while you were away at work.
This is scary to me since I just started this a few months ago!! |
burn_2007
Grand-Falls, NB
(Zone 4a)
January 29, 2008
12:42 PM Post #4469365
| You know your a bird nut, when your only Yard decor are bird feeders, back and front, and make more than one big batches of suet, to fill some up. Then go out in your Jammies to fight with the Starlings, so they'd leave the suet alone. |
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 29, 2008
2:26 PM Post #4469830
| You know you're a bird nut when you walk s-l-o-w-l-y inside your own house carrying your camera just in case you can get a pic thru the window! I even try to wash the dishes "quietly" so I don't scare the birds!
You are addicted when you get up at the crack of dawn and sit quietly inside your car just so you can see who shows up first! |
coo13549
Batavia, OH
(Zone 6a)
January 29, 2008
3:14 PM Post #4470001
| You know you're a bird nut when you stock up on 50 pound bags of bird seed before a surgery, just to make sure you don't run out during recovery. Also when you actively research the cheapest seed suppliers in town, just so you can justify buying more bird stuff than you can possibly manage to use.
Probably the large plastic storage bins with seed mixes to attract widest variety are a clue, too. Not to mention too much bird art inside the house. And frantically yelling at your best friend not to let the cat out on the deck, as he WILL CATCH A BIRD if he gets on that deck. Of course, another sign is the cat that makes a mad dash for the deck every time he hears the sliding glass door open, all the better if it's the unitiated doing the opening...he knows it's a lost cause with me, as I've been awed but highly traumatized by his fine hunting techniques. The only solace being that my other cat hunts leaves, and reaps high praise for the maple leaves. Poor Scout must be confused as to why he gets yelled at for catching a bird, while his brother Sky (the airhead) gets coos for stupid leaves.
Another danger sign: when your home is littered with binoculars, cameras, bird books, and a handy tripod in the corner, just in case.
But I already knew I was over the top. Just so happy to find these fun blogs on D'sG to help pass the time until I get to see the migrating birds in Spring. |
heyitsmejudy
Lawrenceville, GA
January 29, 2008
3:21 PM Post #4470023
| I'm loving this topic, Pelle!
I'm with you on the storage bins, Coo!
My current storage bin inventory: Finch seed, crunch 'n nut, suet cakes, BOSS, no-waste mix, birders' blend mix, suet nuggets, squirrel mix, peanuts (both in and out of shell) ... let's see... there's also a hook that was on clearance so I just HAD to have it... you never know when you'll need it.
Another sign: When you have SEVERAL assorted things in your garbage with holes in them that you've attempted to craft into a homeade squirrel baffler. My current inventory: Trash can lid, milk jug, cookie sheet, PVC pipe.
And another one: When your dog responds to the phrase "Sophie, go get that squirrel off Mommy's feeder," with the same gusto as she does to the word "treat."
One more and I'm out: When you can bring yourself to stomach picking 5,000 clinging mealworms off of newspaper packaging because buying in bulk just makes more economical sense.
They're going to be fitting all of us for those nice white jackets that tie in the back soon if we're not careful.
Admitting you have a problem is the first step, guys!
This message was edited Jan 29, 2008 2:28 PM |
Grandmaggie
Beachwood, NJ
(Zone 6b)
January 29, 2008
3:46 PM Post #4470095
| Yes, the storage bins! I currently now have 2 filled to the brim. Considering buying a third...
And getting into a panic if they call for snow. Do I have enough Black Oil Sunflower? Thistle? Maybe I better run to WBU and get some more...
And when I fill my metal seed bucket to go to the feeders my dog jumps off the couch without me saying a word he knows its time to feed the birds!
Of course the pajama thing... we all look so atractive taking out the trash cans in our flannel pants and hoodie with matching pink crocs! (after feeding the birds)
We have conquered the homemade baffell issue at my house. Aluminum sheets cut with tin snips and screwed together.
But I am always on the lookout for something bigger and better! GM
|
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 29, 2008
3:51 PM Post #4470112
| LOL! Judy I just got 10,000 meal worms. I have 5,000 in cornmeal and natural Quaker Oats for feeding daily and the other 5,000 are in the refrigerator.
You know you're a bird nut when your DH asks what's in the white bag in the frig and you just casually answer "oh...just some worms..it's too warm in the garage."
This is a funny thread!! |
burn_2007
Grand-Falls, NB
(Zone 4a)
January 29, 2008
3:53 PM Post #4470117
| Well at least some house work is being done Rose. Hee Hee Your not a complete bird nut yet.
Coo my cat must be related to yours, he does the dash for the door too. And plays with both leaves and birds a NO NO. And I have 2 large garbage can, full of different seeds.
Pelle I can't tell you how many time I've run out of the house for pictures in my jammies, did it again this morning and didn't even wear a sweater. DH had same reaction as your. :>)
Judy must try, listening to the tree next time I'm out there, I may find some different species of birds, I didn't know about. LOL
Indiana save some of the refunds for a Mountain ash, for waxwings. They come in bunches for it. Lots of pictures!!!
This message was edited Jan 29, 2008 4:18 PM |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
January 29, 2008
4:02 PM Post #4470137
| I think I'll try that "listening to the tree" thing the next time I know the DH is looking,lol.
|
heyitsmejudy
Lawrenceville, GA
January 29, 2008
4:08 PM Post #4470149
| It's crazy how clearly you can hear the pecking when you put your ear up to the tree... you'll definetly know when you have the one that's hosting the wood pecker! So make fun if you want, you pajama and croc wearin' people!
Grandmaggie... do tell me more about this sheet/tin snip combo. |
Grandmaggie
Beachwood, NJ
(Zone 6b)
January 29, 2008
4:15 PM Post #4470158
| heyitsmejudy I will get the details from my SE tonight and let you know. He made 3 for me and I figured out how to put them on my hooks.
I hold them up with bungies tightly wrapped around the pole under the baffel so it will not slide down. I will take pics up close when its brighter out also.
Maybe a "show us your baffles vol 1" in our future? Ha ha GM |
ceejaytown
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 29, 2008
5:39 PM Post #4470473
| ...when you come home and are sad to find all the berries on your holly tree gone, knowing that the waxwings have already visited and you missed them. Maybe next year :'(
The pajama thing is even worse when you live on the eighth tee of the golf course... |
linthicum
Linthicum Heights, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 29, 2008
6:47 PM Post #4470781
| You know you are a true bird nut when others start referring to you as an ornithologist and you start using the term 'Turdus migratorius' instead of American Robin. I have been called worse things in life.
Also, you are a wild bird nut when you will drive100 miles to "possibly" sight a somewhat rare specie, join in with other bird nuts, wait for hours in the cold to hopefully see the bird and then go home unsuccessful ... and then do it all over again the next day. I just call it perseverance !
|
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
January 29, 2008
9:57 PM Post #4471674
| You know you're a wild bird nut when you send the dogs outside with instructions to chase off the squirrels eating all the bird seed. |
grammyphoeb
Upper Hudson Valley, NY
(Zone 5a)
January 30, 2008
7:36 PM Post #4475426
| I'm just becoming a bird nut, but you all gave me lots of ideas! I already walk around the house with binoculars and my field book on birds so I can identify who is visiting the feeders. I'm always looking out my windows to see who's out there. I want to become as nutty as possible! LOL Eleanor |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
January 30, 2008
8:46 PM Post #4475768
| Jammies for sure.
Two food storage containers. I need a third one too.
Dog has learned the word squirrel and runs to the door to go get them.
Walk around with the camera or always have it in arms reach.
Suet in the fridge.
I spend time deciding which seeds they might like this week!
Under favorites on the computer I have listed at least 6 different sites that sell feeders and 3 sites for bird id's or information.
I schedule my housework around the birds schedule!
Trying to figure out a way to get another digital camera to have one upstairs at all time!
|
Shan71
Danvers, MA
January 30, 2008
11:09 PM Post #4476511
| You know you are a wild bird nut when your BF is out of town for the night and you spend the entire evening (5pm- ...) on Dave's Garden Bird Watching Forum. |
goldfinch4
Ripon, WI
(Zone 4a)
January 31, 2008
4:05 PM Post #4479264
| You know you're a bird nut when you have so many feeders that the neighbors watch your feeders too and then call to tell you there is a hawk in your tree and you may want to go chase it away. |
heyitsmejudy
Lawrenceville, GA
January 31, 2008
4:24 PM Post #4479329
| ... when your neighbors accuse you of "stealing " their hummingbirds.
I can't help it if their 1 feeder can't compete with my 8. |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
January 31, 2008
5:15 PM Post #4479539
| …and when your neighbor has 8 hummingbird feeders, you plant the garden red, fly red ribbons and buy even more feeders to steal hummingbirds back.
;) Hey Judy, is that right? |
heyitsmejudy
Lawrenceville, GA
January 31, 2008
5:22 PM Post #4479565
| Whose side are you on, Mrs. Ed?
:)
PS: I also planted a hummingbird garden where shrubs used to be... trumpet vine, columbine, some honesuckle, bee balm, salvia, etc. ... and bought a hibiscus... if I'm being completely honest. |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
January 31, 2008
5:44 PM Post #4479629
| hee hee.
Well, speaking as one who HAS planted a red garden and HAS bought more feeders to stea… I mean "entice" the hummingbirds, I can identify!
|
heyitsmejudy
Lawrenceville, GA
January 31, 2008
5:48 PM Post #4479638
| LOL.
If you can't hang with the big bird watchers stay on the porch. :)
|
coo13549
Batavia, OH
(Zone 6a)
January 31, 2008
5:54 PM Post #4479655
| Judy--8 hummer feeders? Is it safe to go outside with those little kamikazes? I'm waiting for the opportunity to get my DH to put up a new hook so I can move my ONE feeder, as it's too close to the outdoor loungers. Too much dive bombing to enjoy the view (of birds).
I don't even try to do battle with my neighbor; she's got 25 acres and decades of bird feeding on me. Luckily, there are enough birds to go around. But I will be planting more red salvia this year--couldn't believe how much the hummers liked it, especially if it's near the feeder. Gifts of red salvia might smooth some green feathers.
|
heyitsmejudy
Lawrenceville, GA
January 31, 2008
5:56 PM Post #4479667
| It's not safe to go out wearing red, Coo!
I take the girls from the office to my house for lunch on the patio and it's so funny to watch them duck when they hear "peep"s coming from the hummers fighting with each other.
but yes,... 8... one on each side of my house, three in the front and three in the back... and a hummingbird garden just for good measure. All feeders are several feet apart. |
tabasco
Cincinnati (Anderson, OH
(Zone 6a)
January 31, 2008
6:04 PM Post #4479695
|
I know I'm a wild bird nut because I went to 6 stores during rain and snow to look for the heated blue pet bowl that dellrose used for her bluebirds bath! (Finally found one at Walmart at Eastgate, coo! Welcome neighbor to DG, by the way!)
And I'm buying a new refrigerator to keep my meal worms in. How crazy is that?
And yes, we try to steal the birds from our neighbors' feeders too! But we let them have the hawks...
|
indiana_lily
Jeffersonville, IN
(Zone 6b)
January 31, 2008
7:24 PM Post #4479951
| Ya'll are hysterical!! And, I know exactly what you're talking about as far as enticing the hummers out of the neighbor's yard and back into mine!!! My 10 year old daughter went ballistic when the neighbor put up a hummingbird feeder and he was "stealing" our hummers. I think he heard her, because he took it down!! LOL!!
Need to look for the blue heated water bowl this weekend... |
dragonfly62
Nilwood, IL
(Zone 5b)
January 31, 2008
9:43 PM Post #4480531
| You know you are a wild bird nut when you stand at your dinning romm window and shoot 60 pics and can't stop. lol BEV 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
debilu
Fingerlakes Region, NY
(Zone 6a)
January 31, 2008
9:44 PM Post #4480534
| Yes, but you got a great pic! |
dragonfly62
Nilwood, IL
(Zone 5b)
January 31, 2008
10:42 PM Post #4480782
| Thanks Debilu!! |
LAINIMOO
Bloomingdale, IL
(Zone 5a)
January 31, 2008
11:12 PM Post #4480900
| Thank God there are others out there like me!!!
You know you're a bird nut when it's below zero outside and you've opened your windows slightly as to direct heat outside for the birds hanging out in your shrubs.
You know you're a bird nut when it's snowed and you shovel paths in your grass towards the feeders so the birds don't miss a meal. You even shovel the ground around the feeders for the doves. |
ceejaytown
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 31, 2008
11:43 PM Post #4481020
| A new refrigerator for worms? IMHO, that wins, hands down!! |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
February 1, 2008
12:17 AM Post #4481171
| Ceejaytown, I agree. Tabasco is the nuttiest… so far. :D
|
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)
February 1, 2008
8:48 AM Post #4481669
| Ok, DH turned me on to watching the birds. He goes out at 5:30am to shovel the snow around the feeders so the ground birds can get at the food. We have the binocs, bird book, and spotting scope ready. We have 2 large garbage cans full of food. Sometimes we have to fill twice a day.
In the summer when relaxing on the deck with friends, we are taking and the conversation comes to a complete stop if a humming bird comes close, or a waxwing, rose breasted grosebeak or an oriole comes in close.
The friends get confused at the conversation. It is too funny. They just don't get it.
"Look, come see the pileated woodpecker on the suet" and they say, "um, yeah, big woodpecker" We need new friends? |
coo13549
Batavia, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 1, 2008
10:07 AM Post #4481831
| Tabasco! You win, a fridge for the worms. Proud to be your neighbor. Don't really need a bird bath heater (we have a stream and the birds don't seem to care about the bath), but might have to check it out anyway. |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
February 1, 2008
10:50 AM Post #4481987
| T abasco, are you talking about one of those little ones?? I could do that!! |
tabasco
Cincinnati (Anderson, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 1, 2008
10:56 AM Post #4482002
|
No, a big one. Ha, ha! Because I have to store my bulb forcing project in there too!
Thaks to DG I'm 'addicted' on several fronts, happy to say!
And DH said "Great!" so how 'bout that?!! True love.
OK, coo, since you've admitted you have such a perfect bird habitat you now have to promise to post lots of pics for us!! |
sadie_mae
Central, KY
(Zone 6b)
February 1, 2008
11:40 AM Post #4482136
| You know you're a bird nut when you sit in your vehicle in 5 degree weather, with the window down, to do your duty in counting the birds for Project Feederwatch and so you can take pics until your fingers are numb :-) Note: vehicle not running because the vibration causes your pics to blur!!! |
sacajawea
Keswick, VA
February 1, 2008
12:29 PM Post #4482288
| At one time we had 5 English Bulldogs and had a room (heated) built for them off the carport. It has become my birdfood room. Inside are huge bags of birdfood, a counter, galvanized trash cans (the mice cannot penetrate them when they are around and about - not often). I am contemplating a small fridge (haven't told my husband yet). I make a mix for the finches (in addition to the regular thistle and finch mix) and make a fruity treat for the others (especially when it's cold). There are apples for the deer. Meal worms are now kept in fridge in the kitchen - for now.
Through the years the dogs died (we do have one bulldog and one cat) and my husband was thinking about a pool table for the "dog room"... the bird food moved in immediately and nixed that idea. He is not deprived - two rooms in the house are entirely his. I am permitted entry, however, I may not touch a thing! His decorating taste and mine sometimes don't jive. He has his space and I have mine and then we have the together spaces. He just loves to show people the bird food room!! Most laugh but a few "understand." |
coo13549
Batavia, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 1, 2008
12:47 PM Post #4482352
| You know you're a bird nut when you try to find the lyrics to Splish Splash for your stepdaughter, and (naturally) you end up watching a YouTube video of an eagle bathing to the tune of Splish Splash:
[HYPERLINK@www.youtube.com]
(this is very clean)
Tabasco--I have a great picture, will have to find it.
|
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
February 1, 2008
4:09 PM Post #4483069
| I love that, coo! Way too cute & funny!!! |
pford1854
Marion, AR
(Zone 7b)
February 1, 2008
4:19 PM Post #4483099
| You Know Your a Wild Bird Nut when...
You tell your wife and kids not to eat the bananas and oranges and grapefruit because you want to put the fruit outside for Mr. Mockingbird...
Sorry kids, but those are for the birds...
|
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 1, 2008
4:27 PM Post #4483122
| LOL! |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
February 1, 2008
4:32 PM Post #4483140
| pford, you may be tied with Tabasco for the nuttiest...LOL |
pford1854
Marion, AR
(Zone 7b)
February 1, 2008
4:35 PM Post #4483153
| Well...I don't think I'd trapse all over town just to look for a heated water bowl.
Come on -- that's gotta be pretty bad. :^)
Just kidding tabasco -- You have a special heart for the birds!!!
Everyone HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND. IT'S FINALY FRIDAY! WHO-HOO |
coo13549
Batavia, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 1, 2008
5:22 PM Post #4483344
| Just saw heated water bowls at Petsmart, too. 29.99 for smaller one. |
burn_2007
Grand-Falls, NB
(Zone 4a)
February 1, 2008
5:47 PM Post #4483410
| Well today this bird nut , decide to make a new suet feeder for the Starlings!!! The saying goes " if you can beat em join em."
Made a great big batch of suet, and added sunflower seeds, cat food hot pepper and rolled oats, filled the basket, and topped it with a plastic cover, so they would have to work for their food. As soon as it was put up, far away from the other feeders, mind you, their were takers. But now this lone squirrel claims ownership of it. It kept chasing the Starlings away. Must not have put enough hot pepper in it.
LOL
This is the suet feeder.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 1, 2008
6:26 PM Post #4483559
| Another problem may be that their are nuts in it.
My squirrels will brave a hot scolding mouth where nuts are concerned. :-) |
tabasco
Cincinnati (Anderson, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 1, 2008
6:34 PM Post #4483586
|
When your favorite bed time reading is "BIRDS BY BENT" on your laptop.
[HYPERLINK@birdsbybent.com]
(Coo just brought up Bent's compilation on another thread and I thought it was definitely worth mentioning here!)
|
burn_2007
Grand-Falls, NB
(Zone 4a)
February 1, 2008
6:46 PM Post #4483640
| No nuts, just peanutbutter, and less then usual, of the recipes I make. It was fun to watch him chase those Starlings though. |
scutler
Charleston, SC
(Zone 8b)
February 1, 2008
7:41 PM Post #4483847
| Hey, I want to play. (I'm starting to feel very normal around this crowd.)
You know you are a bird nut when:
- you can't go into the back yard for any reason until the cardinal finishes his meal because you don't want to scare him away from the feeder.
- you make the dog sit by the back door and wait to go out and do his business until the Bunting sitting in the tree by the patio leaves because, again, you don't want to scare him away
- in the heat of summer when the last hour or so before dark is the only time you can bare to be out working in the garden, you force yourself to come in 30 minutes early when you hear the cardinals chirping nearby to let you know that they have come to grab their evening snack before bed
- grudgingly you tolerate the abuse of one wayward and most annoying tufted titmouse as he completely destroy the screens on the back of your house
- while gardening you let the titmouse land on your head repeatedly and walk about plucking his choice of hairs from your head - eager to be friends with said titmouse, you actually reach up and pull out a hand full of you own hair and offer it to the bird
- you have freeze dried grubs in the pantry and live insects/grubs in the fridge (but only one fridge, mind you)
- the birds have their own jar of crunchy, natural peanut butter in the pantry
- you pick up an injured bird from the patio and take him to the vet prepared to pay for his visit
- you block angry, rush hour traffic to pick up an injured Mallard from the roadside and get him to rehab before he gets hit again.
- after your knee surgery you grit your teeth and drag a ladder around the garden to climb a small tree and get a sick hummingbird in hopes of getting him some medical help before he succumbs
- you court the wrath of the HOA and have heated battles with the landscapers because, not withstanding their views on when the small trees and shrubs 'should' be pruned and in spite of the 'loony tunes' looks they give you as they storm off, you refuse to permit them to prune even the most raggedy-looking trees and shrubs until after the dead blooms have formed seeds and the birds have eaten those seeds. Likewise, you refuse to have certain specimen trees tidied up in spring if doing so would prevent the formation of blooms and subsequent seeds upon which you know the birds depend for winter food.
- no matter how much it distresses the OCD landscapers you refuse to let them cut the top out of the large wax myrtle on one side of the house in order to train it to match the size of the one on the other side of house. You try to explain that the mockingbird's roost and nest in that tree and cutting the top out would leave them homeless, something you aren't willing to do just so the 2 trees can be the same size.
- when a 'lowly', common house finch builds her nest in the light fixture some 15ft above your front door, you refuse to allow anyone to turn that light on again until the young have fledged - even despite the angry looks you get from evening visitors and pizza delivery drivers who have to count change and read checks in the dark while you explain that you can't turn the light on because of the bird. |
heyitsmejudy
Lawrenceville, GA
February 1, 2008
7:44 PM Post #4483860
| You win, Scutler...
Seriously. Take a bow.
"you actually reach up and pull out a hand full of you own hair and offer it to the bird" |
pford1854
Marion, AR
(Zone 7b)
February 1, 2008
7:47 PM Post #4483872
| Yes, yes yes. Those are hilariously true.
Great Job Scutler |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 1, 2008
7:55 PM Post #4483903
| LOL, very entertaining scutler!!! |
scutler
Charleston, SC
(Zone 8b)
February 1, 2008
8:05 PM Post #4483958
| Oh, yes, I pulled my own hair out for the bird, but that was before I learned that he was quite adept at plucking hair for himself and he seemed to be rather particular about which hairs he preferred. After that I just let him walk around up there on my head plucking hairs as he saw fit - hey, it's not every day a bird lands on your head to 'shop' for nesting material, so I wasn't about to be rude to the feisty little fella. Anyhow, the Mrs was over on the fence belting out commands. I felt like he had to bring home the coveted hair or else. Much later in summer when I saw the whole family at the feeder I just beamed with pride knowing that I had given to a worthy cause.
Oh, and when the titmouse first started chasing me around the garden and dive bombing my head - back before I realized he was after hair - instead of chasing him away, I started 'wearing' peanuts in my hair for a while hoping to entice him back. LOL. Is there no end to what a bird nut will do?
Here is a pic of the titmouse on my head: [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com] |
scutler
Charleston, SC
(Zone 8b)
February 1, 2008
8:10 PM Post #4483979
| Thanks, everyone. It's great to find a group around which I can comfortably admit to my bird hi-jinks! |
tabasco
Cincinnati (Anderson, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 1, 2008
8:46 PM Post #4484108
|
You started wearing Peanuts in your hair?? That's hilarious! |
indiana_lily
Jeffersonville, IN
(Zone 6b)
February 1, 2008
10:43 PM Post #4484602
| Scutler, I so loved the stories of the crazed titmouse, turned hair aficionado!! I've also learned NOT to read your threads at work, because I will bust out laughing, which causes my attorneys to look at me as if I've lost my mind (I'm now on your Heidi Chronicles).
I forgot about having the special peanut butter in the cabinet for the birds and not wanting to go out when it's feeding frenzy time! But no, nothing compares to what you've done to accommodate our feathered friends. :)
|
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
February 2, 2008
9:49 AM Post #4485706
| We are an interesting group, I'd say!
I had forgotten about your crazed titmouse, scutler!! lol |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
February 2, 2008
10:00 AM Post #4485741
| Scutler, I thought that the pulling of the hair was the winner, until I read about the wearing of the peanuts in the hair. Really, you've taken 1st place away from Tabasco, IMO. You are indeed the "NUTtiest" of the nuts. |
burn_2007
Grand-Falls, NB
(Zone 4a)
February 2, 2008
4:00 PM Post #4487010
| Yes Scutler, your pretty special, to give hair and limbs for those little creatures. LOL .
I'm with them, you deserve the award. A bronze Peanut on a special Plaque, with the inscription the" Nuttiest of the nuts". Keep up the good work.Those little critters needs people like you, and us nuts too. |
indiana_lily
Jeffersonville, IN
(Zone 6b)
February 2, 2008
10:21 PM Post #4488496
| Ok, my daughter just accused me of this after grocery shopping.
You know you're a wild bird nut when you buy more food for the birds than your own child... |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
February 3, 2008
12:59 AM Post #4488952
| To Scutler for Nuttiest Achievement.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
grammyphoeb
Upper Hudson Valley, NY
(Zone 5a)
February 3, 2008
6:30 AM Post #4489389
| I bought another bird feeder and hung it up without telling DH hoping it won't notice it hanging on the pole!! Eleanor
p.s. - I'll let you know if my deception worked! |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 3, 2008
8:47 AM Post #4489486
| LOL-indiana!
Good one Mrs Ed!
Eleanor, My car trunk is always hiding bird things.
I keep a roll of scotch tape in my car to remove price tags. |
debilu
Fingerlakes Region, NY
(Zone 6a)
February 3, 2008
9:22 AM Post #4489534
| Or buy something but leave it in the car or closet for a week or two, and when DH asks if it's new - respond with - I've had it for awhile! |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
February 3, 2008
9:56 AM Post #4489610
| LoL, Mrs. Ed that is good!!
grammy, I do that one too! I also do it with plants and it does work sometimes. He gets the story that "it just didn't do well last year,but really has taken off this year!" |
tabasco
Cincinnati (Anderson, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 10, 2008
11:55 PM Post #4522432
|
So funny. Yes, the hide it in the closet and then take it out and when asked say, "Oh, no, dear, we've had that for a while!" is a great one!
I'm so glad I'm not alone with that one, but do you really think it puts one over on them??!
The Peanut Plaque is so cute. Is that something that you put out for the birds, too?!
I'm sorry I didn't win it, but I have to admit the wearing peanuts in the hair is way beyond me on the nut-o-meter! Congratulations! |
ceejaytown
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 11, 2008
12:12 AM Post #4522515
| I think pulling hair from the head and offering it up for nesting material surpasses even the peanuts in hair... I mean, we're talking bald spots and pain! Nut-0-Meter should at least be capitalized in this case!!
I gotta go check to see if Scutler is having any more wildlife episodes! This is probably down time...
Scotch tape in the car to remove price tags. Hmmm...I hadn't thought of that. |
tabasco
Cincinnati (Anderson, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 11, 2008
12:21 AM Post #4522541
|
Yes, I agree! It's important to have some pain when you're competing for an elegant prize like the Peanut Plaque.
I just take my hair out of the hairbrushes and put it on the bushes to provide A+ nesting material...that wouldn't win any prize, though, but it's painless!
The birds seem to hair treated with Clairol's 'nice 'n easy' Light Auburn the best! |
scutler
Charleston, SC
(Zone 8b)
February 11, 2008
12:23 AM Post #4522546
| Hi, Everyone!
Thanks for all the votes I got for Nuttiest Nut! Mrs_Ed, wow, way cool statue! (holding it up now...) I'd like to thank the academy, my Mom, Mr, T, all those who voted...
Sorry to have 'run off' and stopped responding. I was a bit sick when I 1st responded to this thread. Then my illness took a turn for the severe. I was in pretty bad shape for about a week there so I was off line. Finally, up and around and feeling good again now, however, and happy to see that I've won this prestigious award.
tabasco, I really thought you should win. I mean, eh, I though wearing peanuts and other bird treats in your hair while gardening was normal - although it did take a bit of perfecting to keep that stuff up there. And now when I think about it, I'm not sure just what made me think the bird was flying around my head in search of food when there had never been any up there before. Oh, well, the things we will do for our bird friends. But buying them their own fridge, that's pretty good. Maybe we should share the title. : ) |
scutler
Charleston, SC
(Zone 8b)
February 11, 2008
12:31 AM Post #4522567
| OMG, tabasco, are you saying that you've noticed the birds are attracted to hair with a red tint? My hair has a red tint, and I wondered if that had anything to do with the bird's apparent obsession with having some for the nest. I've read that in some species the males have to find items of a certain color for the nest in order to please the female.
'Guys', I didn't pull out that much hair, not a huge chunk. I did it on the spot instead of using the hair from my brush because, well, because the bird was standing right there beside me on a branch just about 2 feet from my hair. He kept flying over to my head, trying to pull out some hair, flying back over to the branch and repeating again. That was his 1st try, and he was a little uncertain about it, so I thought I'd help him out. I pulled a small bunch of strands quickly and held them up to him. Now, come on, you know you would do the same? It's for the birds. |
tabasco
Cincinnati (Anderson, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 11, 2008
12:35 AM Post #4522581
|
Yes, you said it, not me, "It's for the birds"!! The cookoo birds.
Yes, I believe tests (on my online friend, scutler) have shown that the birds like auburn colored nesting material the very best! Very scientific research.
You'll have to get a wig for next year's breeding season! |
scutler
Charleston, SC
(Zone 8b)
February 11, 2008
12:48 AM Post #4522616
| Now about that idea of buying something new, sneaking it in and hiding it with the 'old' stuff so hubby won't know, I'm convinced that one really works. I used to do it - although I never thought to carry tape to remove price tags, LOL. It works because they don't pay that much attention to the existing stuff - because it's not their hobby and they're not that interested. Consequently, once the new stuff is mixed in they can't tell. It's like adding a few more grains of salt to the pile of salt. Still looks like salt. But I would like to add this word of warning to those who practice this deception...
Many years ago I had a really bad African Violet habit. I had exotic, variegated varieties in small sun room. My boyfriend at the time had insisted I stop adding to this awesome collection. I had promised not to buy anymore. Then one day when I was at the mall shopping the local chapter of the African Violet Association was having a show and display in the mall. I was awe struck by the dazzling beauty of all those gorgeous, award winning plants; the winning plants were for sale BTW. As much as I hated to break my promise, it was just one little, er, well, big plant. How bad could that be? Surely, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire the blue ribbon plant. I had to, so I figured I would just run home and stick it in the sun room with the other - as I'd done once, maybe twice before - and he would never know.
I bought it, and mind you this blue ribbon plant was about 18" in diameter, and most incredibly, as the automatic doors at the mall exit opened, I stepped out right into a group of reporters for the local news media. All 3 of our major news groups were there doing a bit on the African Violet Show (we don't have a lot of big news here). As I stepped out they shoved mikes at me and asked about my purchase. There I stood, evidence held out chest high in front of me on live news KNOWING that my boyfriend was avid fan of the evening news and would never miss an episode, and I was oh, so busted! |
tabasco
Cincinnati (Anderson, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 11, 2008
1:10 AM Post #4522692
|
LOL! 'So busted!' is right!
"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!!"
|
ceejaytown
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 11, 2008
1:45 AM Post #4522774
| I have always avoided the reddish tints, but if you say so...
Scutler, you have such a full life!!! LOL!
DH never notices my shoes, although he thinks I have too many - a weakness of mine. I am unable to pass up a good shoe sale, so my purchases go in the closet to be brought out at a later time. I just don't wear them right after I've been to the mall. He really doesn't notice. Just more salt (in shoe boxes)... We're both bad about buying plants though, so neither of us can complain. |
debilu
Fingerlakes Region, NY
(Zone 6a)
February 11, 2008
7:55 AM Post #4523042
| Love the news bust!! |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
February 11, 2008
9:22 AM Post #4523230
| Well, thanks to Burn_2007 for the inspiration to create the Nutty award.
I think next I'll work on a hat that can hold hair from my hairbrush and BOSS! I call that patent by the way!!! |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
February 11, 2008
9:30 AM Post #4523265
| LOL, scutler!! |
coo13549
Batavia, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 11, 2008
10:11 AM Post #4523404
| OMG, love the news story. And the hair brush idea. Might have to redden up my hair tint, too. Egads, we're sick!
I tend to get pent up demand to buy bird stuff, and work near a great source (Ed's Feed & Seed--loved that you mentioned that T)...so every once in a great while, or more frequently, I buy a bunch of bird stuff that I'm going to need help installing. Then stick it on the back of the shelf in the garage while I'm waiting for the right moment. The best part is that it's always a welcome surprise when I'm cleaning out the garage.
Oh, and the right moment seems to be at Home Depot. He is in a great mood, and barely even notices what I'm buying...though I did get a question on why the blue bird house couldn't just be mounted on a 4x4. Though I haven't figured out how to get him to carry the 60 pound cement bags down the steep hill so I can finally set up the martin house, the only thing I asked for for Christmas of 2006, and it's still not up. Guilt hasn't worked on him, and now I fear that he's working on using it for an excuse to buy a tractor. Help!
Never forget the day we went to Home Depot to buy a chain saw. They didn't have quite what we needed. He sat in that aisle for 30 minutes. I kept going back to the gardening section. Cart was getting quite full. Finally, exasperated, I told him to just buy the one labeled "Wild Thing" before I spent any more money. You know he wanted it, just needed a push. I get a lot of mileage out of the Wild Thing...we all have our weaknesses :-) |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
February 11, 2008
10:42 AM Post #4523562
| LOL. Wild thing.
So, the Martin house has possibly lead to a Tractor. It's a dangerous game! My DH's weakness is electronics. Now if I can somehow marry the birding and gardening with THAT, I'm golden. |
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
February 11, 2008
12:37 PM Post #4524085
| DH has 4 tractors...I have over 20 birdfeeders and counting! hmmm...sounds pretty even to me!! Now that I think about it I'm gonna order that heated bird bath I've been wanting!! No matter how hard I try I will never catch up with his toys!! LOL! |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
February 11, 2008
12:49 PM Post #4524131
| hee hee. BOYS!
DH has a friend with excavating equipment… I keep asking to have him over and dig me a pond!!!
He doesn't mind my bird stuff much though. He even gets interested in the SPARROW babies! He's protective of them and gets mad at the approaching grackles. DHes are so cute. |
coo13549
Batavia, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 11, 2008
2:14 PM Post #4524425
| Mrs.Ed--My DH has the electronics thing going, too, and has asked me, ever-so-sweetly, as if I don't know what he's up to, if I've heard of the new wildlife web cams that are set off by movement. Tee hee.
Oh! And he wants a pond bad (so do I, but I let that be his thing). Excavator co-op anyone?
Dellrose--you go girl, get that heated birdbath. |
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
February 11, 2008
2:59 PM Post #4524563
| LOL! I am checking the $ on heated bird baths and WILL order today!! I just put out more Boss for the ground feeders and refilled a few feeders that were full this morning!! They are all in a feeding or should I say freezing frenzy with this crazy weather. Now I have to try and make it to town to buy more seed as that is all that is left. That's 50 pounds since yesterday morning!!!
We had a new pond put in a few months ago and it is going to be wonderful. I am hoping to attract the geese and whoever else to it. DH had that put in so I am guilt free as far as the spending on the bird stuff goes!! LOL!
If I don't check back in a few hours call 911 and have them check the ditches for my mini-van!
Rose |
angele
Elephant Butte, NM
(Zone 7b)
February 11, 2008
3:15 PM Post #4524615
| LOL, all these stories are so funny!
I'd be proud to jump in the nutbowl with you so my proofs of nuttiness are as follows:
1: I talk to and name my birds and worse I believe they like me, lol.
2: I have heard a neighbor's child call me "that crazy bird lady"
3: I go outside at 6 or 7 in the morning with the intention of quickly getting my birding chores done only to traipse off into the desert to follow a new bird sound I've heard. Hours later a tolerant husband finds me and hands me house keys because he has to leave. I say I am sorry and he just rolls his eyes.
|
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
February 11, 2008
3:29 PM Post #4524664
| HA! Love that the neighbor's child calls you a crazy bird lady, Angele!
Rose, careful out there.
And COO, lucky you. "Oh No DH, I have not seen those cameras, do you think we should get one?" : batting eyes:
We had a pond at our old house and kept a tank deicer in it all winter. We have a larger space at this place for a pond, but sorry to say that new windows and roof had to come first! So now that area is my hummingbird garden.
|
coo13549
Batavia, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 11, 2008
3:48 PM Post #4524730
| 50 pounds, Rose? In a day? Wow, you might need a trophy of your own.
Angele, welcome to the club! Do the birds yell at you when you're out of food? Can you tell the differences between individuals? I always wanted to do that.
Sorry about the roof, Mrs. Ed, we bought a fixer-upper so I can relate. Great bird watching, not so nice inside. How bad is that? |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
February 11, 2008
9:22 PM Post #4526015
| Hey Rose, let us know what birdbath you get and where! |
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
February 11, 2008
9:37 PM Post #4526076
| We are back from town...what a trip on the ice covered roads! DH decided he'd better drive instead of letting me go alone. He thinks I went to get heifer feed but I've got plenty of that...but I was out of Sunflower Seeds and was in a panic about the birds in the morning as we are expecting another inch of ice tonight!! But I've got my Boss so all is well in the world...if I could just find my ice walkers I will be a very happy camper!
Coo...I opened the 50 pound bag yesterday and fed the last of it earlier today...so less that 50 pounds a day! They only eat that much because of the weather...they give the weather forecast better than the weatherman in our area. I am also feeding all the Starlings in the area...they are pigs I tell you!!
Nanny...I am still checking all the websites for my birdbath but haven't found the perfect one yet. I would really love something very pretty and not just a run of the mill one. I am willing to pay extra...after all DH got a big pond...and I get a fancy heated birdbath! LOL!
You know you are a bird nut when you fill 20 birdfeeders plus platform feeders and then an hour later and several more times throughout the day you take an ice pick and unstick all the feeders due to an ice storm!! One consolation is that the only one driving by is the snow plow (and they already know you are nuts)!! |
burn_2007
Grand-Falls, NB
(Zone 4a)
February 11, 2008
9:46 PM Post #4526131
| You guys makes me laugh. Mrs_Ed, so glad you were able to fabricate the trophy for Scutler. Nice one too.
Coo, and Rose, can I ever relate, DH will try similar things with me too, For him, it's electronics and tools. We just got a mini van (mostly for me), so pretty sure the big plasma TV, is in the works. It's not often I get the big stuff. So this will be an even deal.
Well didn't have enough birds in the yard, so will be adopting a small Finch for the house, that someone didn't want anymore.I seem to always be adopting other peoples pets. I took on fishes, dog, cats, turtles, and more fishes, now bird. It drives DH (NUTS) LOL |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
February 11, 2008
9:49 PM Post #4526149
| What type of Finch burn?
If you still have a cat be sure to keep the finch where he can't get at it;they love Finch. |
burn_2007
Grand-Falls, NB
(Zone 4a)
February 11, 2008
10:44 PM Post #4526482
| I still don't know which one. It's someone that my friend knows, that owns it. She will be bringing it to me. My friend already have a budgie, and 2 trained cats, . She had a cockateil once, and had train the cat and the bird to eat in the same bol. The bird would walk in front of him and he wouldn't even touch the bird.
I 'll be using a spray bottle to train my cat, to leave the bird alone. He hates water sprays.
I'm going to hang the cage up out of reach. And when I do the cleaning part, the cat will be behind close doors. Just in case he flies out.
I've been reading up on finches for their care and needs. the draft part, worries me a bit. because I won't be able to put him in the kitchen or the Livingroom, I will have to put him at the end of the hall. Not my first choice, as I like talking to the bird. But I'm sure, I'll be going out of my way, many time during the day to visit him. |
cwwebwatcher
Rocky Mount, NC
February 12, 2008
11:50 AM Post #4528144
| I'm a little late on the "you know you're a nut..." part but I think I truly qualify. We went to our mountain cabin a couple of weeks back for the first time since New Years Day. I keep a mixture of birdseed outside in a large trash can with the lid weighed down with a heavy rock and the guy who does our yard fills at least one feeder for me while we are away. We got to the cabin about 8:00 pm and the temp. was 20 degrees with wind gusts up to about 25 mph. I bundled up from head to toe and went out to fill up all the feeders (there was still snow on the ground from two weeks earlier) since I knew it would be even colder in the morning. I could only see the ground in front of me for a short distance since my face was pretty well covered with both baseball cap and hood tied up as tight as possible. I figured all was well since I could see where my feet were going and I wouldn't trip over anything and fall. What I totally forgot was the low-hanging Bradford pear tree limbs and, of course, I ran smack-dab into one and nearly yanked my head off. At least with all the padding on my face I didn't poke my eyes out or get scratched. My neck and back weren't too happy about it for a couple of days. During the night we had -17 degree wind chill. It was worth it all to see the birds feasting the next morning. I do love my birds. (And squirrels, deer, turkey, etc...
This message was edited Feb 12, 2008 10:54 AM |
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
February 12, 2008
12:00 PM Post #4528185
| You are a good bird nut cwweb...it does your heart good to see them eating in bad weather doesn't it? I can relate to the slipping around...that's what I've been doing all morning with our icy conditions. How great that you have someone feeding your birdies while you are away. :0)
Rose |
cwwebwatcher
Rocky Mount, NC
February 12, 2008
12:18 PM Post #4528273
| Thank you, Rose. Only other bird lovers understand that you're willing to actually pay someone to feed and water your birds while you're on vacation. I can't bear the thoughts of them not having fresh water. Sometimes when "I'm troubled in mind" as the old spiritual goes, it seems there are always a few feathered friends to cheer me up. My best friend gave me a feeder 15 years ago and I've been hooked ever since. It's one of my favorite gifts to give now. When my granddaughter was three she was pointing to birds in the yard at her house and doing her best to say their names. Her mom and dad were totally perplexed until it dawned on them that "Grammy" had been teaching her. Since they no longer have cats at their house, Laila now has her own bird feeder. What a special thing to share with a grandchild! |
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
February 12, 2008
1:12 PM Post #4528500
| That is so sweet cwweb especially about Laila! She will never forget the birdie moments she has spent with GM!! I agree that as we nourish the birds we are in fact nourishing ourselves!
Rose |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
February 15, 2008
1:39 PM Post #4542308
| Your out after dark trying to track and chase the Barred Owl with the camera to get and photo... 3 nights in a row... and you still don't have one!! |
tabasco
Cincinnati (Anderson, OH
(Zone 6a)
February 15, 2008
2:03 PM Post #4542398
| ha ha! nanny, When you get it I'd love to see it! Good for you! A true fanatic! |
