https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:53:22 +0000 en https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/ https://cdn.shoplightspeed.com/shops/643582/themes/3581/assets/logo.png?2025082815445720200921071828 https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/how-to-help-wild-birds-in-extreme-winter-weather-a/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/how-to-help-wild-birds-in-extreme-winter-weather-a/ Sat, 03 Jan 2026 10:56:00 +0000 Cardinals are year-round favourites in many Canadian backyards — and in deep cold, premium seed and fresh water can give wild birds the energy they need to thrive.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/are-robins-a-sign-of-spring/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/are-robins-a-sign-of-spring/ Wed, 26 Feb 2025 18:27:00 +0000 Discover why American Robins aren't always a sign of spring. Learn about their winter habits, food searches, and why many stay in Canada year-round.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/ground-feeding-birds/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/ground-feeding-birds/ Thu, 02 Jan 2025 03:35:00 +0000 This blog explores the habits of ground-feeding birds like juncos, doves, and sparrows, offering tips on attracting them to your garden, including winter feeding strategies.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/suet-do-it/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/suet-do-it/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:12:00 +0000 What is suet and what good is it?]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/northern-cardinals-who-better-to-serve-as-december/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/northern-cardinals-who-better-to-serve-as-december/ Sat, 23 Nov 2024 22:45:00 +0000 The blog highlights Northern Cardinals, focusing on their diet, nesting habits, and spiritual symbolism. Cardinals enjoy seeds like safflower, and black oil sunflower. They prefer nesting in dense shrubs or trees with good cover. Males are bright red, while females and juveniles are more subdued in color. ]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/bird-of-the-month-for-november-chickadees/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/bird-of-the-month-for-november-chickadees/ Fri, 01 Nov 2024 20:11:00 +0000 This blog explores the charm and significance of chickadees, highlighting their characteristics, behaviors, and vocalizations. At The Birdhouse Nature Store, chickadees hold a special place as the beloved mascot, chosen by the original owner, Connie Crowe, nearly 31 years ago. A beautiful memorial carving by local artist Daniel Decouvreur stands as a tribute to Connie in the store's backyard. The blog also offers tips on attracting chickadees to your backyard and emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to protect these delightful songbirds.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/how-do-birds-stay-warm-in-winter/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/how-do-birds-stay-warm-in-winter/ Sun, 13 Oct 2024 09:27:00 +0000 Wild birds have developed remarkable strategies to stay warm during winter. Their physique, feathers, and metabolisms play a huge part as well as an ability to get friendly and snuggle with other birds.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/why-pet-fur-is-unsafe-for-wild-birds/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/why-pet-fur-is-unsafe-for-wild-birds/ Sun, 13 Oct 2024 01:24:00 +0000 Pet fur might seem like a soft and natural nesting material for birds, but it poses several risks. Chemical residues from grooming products, parasites, and the potential for matting and moisture make pet fur unsafe for bird nests. Read further for more information.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/discover-the-serenity-of-backyard-birding-a-pathwa/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/discover-the-serenity-of-backyard-birding-a-pathwa/ Wed, 02 Oct 2024 06:56:00 +0000 Backyard birding is a simple yet rewarding activity that can boost mental well-being by reducing stress, promoting mindfulness, and fostering a connection with nature. Observing birds encourages mindfulness and presence, allowing individuals to focus on the present moment and appreciate their surroundings. Additionally, creating a bird-friendly habitat and engaging with local birding communities can enhance the experience. By dedicating time to this therapeutic practice, individuals can cultivate peace and joy, enriching their mental health.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/managing-eastern-gray-squirrels-chipmunks-and-racc/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/managing-eastern-gray-squirrels-chipmunks-and-racc/ Fri, 13 Sep 2024 17:38:00 +0000 This blog explores effective strategies for managing Eastern Gray Squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons in a backyard birding space. It offers practical tips on choosing squirrel-proof feeders, securing waste, and modifying habitats to minimize disruptions while maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Emphasizing the importance of coexistence, the blog encourages bird enthusiasts to enjoy both avian and mammal visitors peacefully.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/embracing-seasonal-changes-attracting-songbirds-wi/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/embracing-seasonal-changes-attracting-songbirds-wi/ Tue, 10 Sep 2024 08:06:00 +0000 Attract diverse songbirds year-round with the Right Stuff Seed Blend. Fuel migration, sustain winter residents, and support breeding. Create a bird-friendly habitat with feeding tips and native plants.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/birding-for-stress-relief-a-guide-by-the-birdhouse/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/birding-for-stress-relief-a-guide-by-the-birdhouse/ Sat, 07 Sep 2024 17:56:00 +0000 This blog explores birdwatching as a stress-relief tool, offering practical tips, scientific insights, and equipment recommendations from The Birdhouse Nature Store to enhance well-being.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/hummingbird-migration-how-long-to-keep-your-bird-f/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/hummingbird-migration-how-long-to-keep-your-bird-f/ Sat, 07 Sep 2024 07:01:00 +0000 Discover how long to keep bird feeders out for hummingbirds during fall migration, ensuring they have energy for their journey. Learn tips on feeding and maintaining fresh nectar for these tiny travelers.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/top-10-bird-friendly-plants-for-your-ontario-garde/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/top-10-bird-friendly-plants-for-your-ontario-garde/ Sat, 31 Aug 2024 08:11:00 +0000 Discover the top 10 bird-friendly plants perfect for Ontario gardens. This guide highlights plants that attract birds, offering food and shelter. Enhance your garden's beauty and support local bird populations with expert tips and product recommendations from The Birdhouse Nature Store, your birding authority.

]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/troubleshooting-your-bird-feeder-expert-tips-from/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/troubleshooting-your-bird-feeder-expert-tips-from/ Thu, 29 Aug 2024 03:50:00 +0000 Some tips and tricks for bird feeder maintenance and feeding the birds.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/wondering-why-your-feeders-are-quiet-this-time-of/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/wondering-why-your-feeders-are-quiet-this-time-of/ Sat, 24 Aug 2024 10:06:00 +0000 Learn why your feeders went from hero to zero!]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/discovering-the-american-goldfinch/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/discovering-the-american-goldfinch/ Fri, 23 Aug 2024 06:52:00 +0000 Discovering the American Goldfinch and their habits.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/bird-molting-and-mites/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/bird-molting-and-mites/ Thu, 15 Aug 2024 10:33:00 +0000 Let's talk about bird molting and mites and what the differences are.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/creating-a-bird-friendly-garden/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/creating-a-bird-friendly-garden/ Sun, 11 Aug 2024 10:14:00 +0000 What to look for in a garden that will inspire pollinators and birds to make your yard their space.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/ranting-about-peanuts/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/ranting-about-peanuts/ Mon, 04 Dec 2023 09:02:00 +0000 Why are our peanuts so expensive? There is a very good reason for that.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/how-to-make-an-avian-haven/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/how-to-make-an-avian-haven/ Wed, 16 Aug 2023 22:56:00 +0000 If you've ever wondered how you can roll out the welcome mat for our feathered friends, well, we've got the scoop: native plants. Yep, those local beauties that make our landscape so unique!]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/beachside-birding-exploring-brightons-coastal-avif/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/beachside-birding-exploring-brightons-coastal-avif/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 02:17:00 +0000 Birding or Bird Watching is at its best in Presqu'ile Provincial Park here in Brighton Ontario. ]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/birds-of-prey-raptors-and-their-hunting-strategies/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/birds-of-prey-raptors-and-their-hunting-strategies/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 01:29:00 +0000 The circle of life can be brutal to witness, but is a necessary part of our local ecology.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/summer-birding-in-brighton-discovering-seasonal-av/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/summer-birding-in-brighton-discovering-seasonal-av/ Sun, 02 Jul 2023 15:11:00 +0000 Bird watching, whether it's in your own backyard or a local park like Presqu'ile Provincial Park is a healthy and grounding thing to do for yourself. But there is a way to up your bird watching game!]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/grackles-and-starlings/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/grackles-and-starlings/ Tue, 11 Apr 2023 20:03:00 +0000 Aside from squirrels and chipmunks, grackles and starlings, or bully birds, are the next least welcome at bird feeders.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/hummingbirds/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/hummingbirds/ Tue, 11 Apr 2023 02:41:00 +0000 When and how to put out your feeders to entice the jewels of our gardens to stop by and hopefully hang out for the summer!]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/orioles/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/orioles/ Sun, 02 Apr 2023 14:07:00 +0000 Is there anything quite so amazing as the first sight and first hearing of Oriole song in Spring? I personally get so excited about Orioles. I always hear them before I see them, which is probably a testament to 50+ year old eyes!]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/heartache-at-the-feeders/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/heartache-at-the-feeders/ Thu, 12 Jan 2023 05:13:00 +0000 Have the post-holiday blues about the price of bird seed in your feeders? Let's talk about it.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/she-feeds-the-birds/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/she-feeds-the-birds/ Sat, 06 Aug 2022 23:01:00 +0000 A beautiful chain saw carving memorial for a beautiful lady.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/factors-influencing-bird-feeding-and-seed-prices-m/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/factors-influencing-bird-feeding-and-seed-prices-m/ Fri, 18 Mar 2022 04:37:00 +0000 It's been a long road, the last two years, and it ain't over yet!]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/responsible-bird-feeding-during-hpai/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/responsible-bird-feeding-during-hpai/ Sun, 06 Mar 2022 19:39:00 +0000 Important info for feeding the backyard birds during HPAI.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/ice-storms-and-robins/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/ice-storms-and-robins/ Thu, 06 Jan 2022 07:46:00 +0000 Do Robins stick around in Winter? Yes!]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/hot-peppers-in-wild-bird-food/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/hot-peppers-in-wild-bird-food/ Mon, 03 Jan 2022 14:08:00 +0000 It's a hot debate - add heat to the seed to defeat the squirrels or no? Does it hurt the birds?]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/window-strikes-how-to-prevent-them/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/window-strikes-how-to-prevent-them/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 21:50:00 +0000 Birds can't see glass. What they see is the world reflected at them and it lures them in and kills them. It's up to us to make it safer.]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/heated-bird-baths/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/heated-bird-baths/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 23:41:00 +0000 Is there a good reason to have a birdbath in winter? Absolutely there is!]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/fall-migration-headed-south-for-the-winter/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/fall-migration-headed-south-for-the-winter/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 05:05:00 +0000 Does feeding the birds in Summer keep them from heading south?]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/are-birdbaths-worth-the-money/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/are-birdbaths-worth-the-money/ Sun, 20 Jun 2021 23:39:00 +0000 Is a Bird bath worth the money? You bet it is!]]> https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/what-to-do-with-an-injured-bird-in-my-yard/ https://the-birdhouse-nature-store.shoplightspeed.com/blogs/backyard-birding-blog/what-to-do-with-an-injured-bird-in-my-yard/ Sun, 16 May 2021 22:26:00 +0000 What to do (or not) when you find a bird that possibly needs human intervention.]]>