Modified: September 2, 2009
Here we will post answers to frequently asked questions about birds.
- Bird Friendly Buildings How to avert bird collisions with your windows and how to remodel or landscape in a bird-friendly way.
- Woodpeckers are pounding on my house; what can I do? Suggestions for deflecting woodpeckers from using your house
- Bird Feeding Advice on feeders and maintenance
- Keep your bird feeders safe for the birds you are attracting.
- I found a bird on the ground; what do I do? How to help injured birds or nestlings on the ground
- Swallow Nest Box Plans
- Owl nest platform Directions for a nesting platform for Great Horned Owls and Gray Owls
- Boreal Owl Nest Box Plans Building plans for a Boreal Owl nest box
- The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology has detailed plans for nest boxes for many species of bird including Tree Swallows.
- The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has good directions for building and placing houses for cavity nesting species such as Tree Swallows, Chickadees, woodpeckers, etc.
- Information about times to avoid vegetation clearing to protect migratory birds can be found here
Do you have a bird-related question?
Send it to us in the comment section below and our biologists will answer your question and post the question and answer on this page
When do the ospreys return to Fairbanks?
Heather,
Ospreys arrive about mid-April, though it depends on whether or not there is open water available to them.
The biologist on Fort Wainwright says that her records show Ospreys building nests in the very beginning of May. They may be scoping around for a bit before starting to build.
When i feed the black capped chickadees, i often sing like they do when i approach the feeding area. They will respond instantly and fly over to me from trees all around the yard. They also like my dog. If i sit on the deck next to the food they will hop on the ground all around me and act playful, sometimes making chirping sounds. I have had one land on me. Is this normal for a wild animal? they seem to have accepted me almost as if i were one of them. The chickadees will even sometimes follow me across the yard when i am out playing with my dog.
Hi, Colleen -
Chickadees are very bold and interactive with humans. Many people had them feed out of their hands. They are very social and travel in small flocks that have a dominance hierarchy. Your birds associate you with positive interactions – tasty energy-rich food. Enjoy them!
why do Robins sing? we have been hearing the sing quite a bit the last few days. Do mated Robins sing or only the single ones looking for a mate?
Thanks
Sandra
You have it right! Single males will call to attract a female; a paired male will sing to protect a territory.