We have lots of loblolly and long leaf pines on and around our property that are favorites of many birds. For 3 years in a row, every Spring during mating season, this male pileated (I assume it is the same one) spends most of every day (for at least a month) at my car admiring his image in the side mirror. When I'm at work, he settles for my hubby's I have never had a problem with him pecking the mirrors or windows. I have tried covering the mirrors, but he sits there staring at the covered mirrors waiting for that good looking female pileated to return
Sorry that the pics are washed out, but nature doesn't always oblige me with good shots in good light. I hope he visits again this year.
This year, we have some male bluebirds who like to look at themselves in the side mirrors but none of the pileated have done so ----thank goodness!
Rhonda, you did great getting those photos! My pileated make me play ring around the rosy with them when I try to take pics. Round & round & round we go around the tree trunks.
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
Name: Glen Ingram Macleay Is, Qld, Australia (Zone 12a) (Lee Reinke X Rose F Kennedy) X Unk
I am going to try suet. I haven't seen it being used in Australia before. The only thing I could find is Tandaco prepared suet mix. It has aerated flour added to it. I hope it works. How do you put it out or hang it up for the birds. Do you have trouble from ants?
The problem is that when you are young your life it is ruined by your parents. When you are older it is ruined by your children.
BTW, I searched all kinds of online stores in Au for wild bird seed & supplies --- not much out there & certainly no suet. Looks like you'll have to make your own. You like cooking right?
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
Name: Margaret Near Kamloops, BC, Canada (Zone 3a)
I have made suet for the birds and they liked it, during the winter it is fine, but early spring and the sun gets stronger it melts, and it is messy when it drips on the ground, not easy to clean of the grass, ugh. I can leave the store bought stuff up most of the year and it is fine when hung in the shade of a tree.
Name: Glen Ingram Macleay Is, Qld, Australia (Zone 12a) (Lee Reinke X Rose F Kennedy) X Unk
Many thanks Ann. I have made eight bars using the peanut butter and oats recipe. I have now ordered my suet holders. They are from OS so it will be weeks before I hang my first up.
The problem is that when you are young your life it is ruined by your parents. When you are older it is ruined by your children.
Gleni said:Many thanks Ann. I have made eight bars using the peanut butter and oats recipe. I have now ordered my suet holders. They are from OS so it will be weeks before I hang my first up.
My pleasure Glen! Let me know how well it holds up in your heat please. We are not into the 90's yet or even the upper 80's so I will be curious to find out how it really does in the high heat. I have bought some no melt suet cakes but I would prefer to make my own as the ones I buy are cross contaminated with wheat & since I am a celiac, I never feel comfortable handling anything that is cross contaminated even though I'm not eating it myself.
Until your holders come, if you have some chicken wire or wire with smaller openings even than chicken wire --- you could make your own holder at least for temporary use.
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown
Name: Glen Ingram Macleay Is, Qld, Australia (Zone 12a) (Lee Reinke X Rose F Kennedy) X Unk
It is funny. Since I ordered the suet baskets from OS, google has noticed and I am getting ads for them on the side bars from within Australia. I wish they had turned up before the fact!
The problem is that when you are young your life it is ruined by your parents. When you are older it is ruined by your children.
I am a strong believer in the simple fact is that what matters in this life is how we treat others. I think that's what living is all about. Not what I've done in my life but how I've treated others. ~~ Sharon Brown