🐦 Wild Bird Watchers Bulletin: April 2022 Edition

Happy Spring Everyone!

I know it has been a while since our last bulletin. Some of you were even concerned you may have been removed from the list but you are all still here! This past year has been a very challenging one personally for me as my father, Adrian Versluis, became very ill with a rare type of cancer and sadly passed away at the end of January. It was a very difficult experience in many ways and very disheartening on how some of it was handled but I can only find solace now in the fact my fathers suffering has ended. I know he is now at his favourite fishing spot catching that big one everyday! My dad played a big role in my love of nature as he made sure our summers were always spent away from the city and near the forest and lake when we were kids. Without that influence, The Preferred Perch probably would not be a thing so I am very grateful to have been raised spending so much time in nature that wild birds became such a big part of my life. Rest in fishing paradise Dad!

Spring is officially here!! It was some winter with all that snow and extreme temperatures, we are all ready for some nice weather. I feel like I will have snow in my yard till July with how much is here! The signs of spring are everywhere with the geese arriving and other reports including Western meadowlarks, Red-winged blackbirds, Dark-eyed juncos, swans and many types of raptors. I have always said the best thing about winter is how much better it makes spring feel! It’s just so invigorating to have these longer days and to see and hear all the new life. Things will only get better from here as reports continue to come in and the trees begin to flourish!

There is some concern in the industry with the rising prices of everything. Between the costs of fuel and shortness of supplies its a tough thing for businesses right now. In the birding industry, there is always competition for seed for human use as well as the birds. Black oil sunflower is in demand for many reason but the potato chip industry is a big one. Peanuts are used of course as snacks and peanut butter. Here are some explanations of price increases affecting everything not just wild bird products. We have not had some feeder models in 18 months now and have had a very difficult time getting any parts and other supplies.

Packaging Increase Reasons:

1. Cardboard has increased 9% on 4 occasions this year.
2. Plastic packaging is also increasing.

Food Price Reasons:

1. Drought. Lower crop yields.
2. Higher demand domestically and in a large part to China.
3. Biodiesel.
4. Biodiesel uses animal fat (suet) and soy and corn. Since the restaurant industry was reduced due to COVID, there is very little used cooking oil which is normally recycled as biodiesel fuel. This has meant the market has been buying corn and soy and food grade animal oils for making fuel.
5. Demand for collagen-based cosmetics.

Feeder Price Reasons:

1. Container costs (From $3,000 to almost $30,000 per container).
2. Sea shipping costs and port delays.
3. Warehousing overseas waiting for containers and ship appointments.
4. Raw materials price increases and shortages.
5. Labour cost increase.
6. Packaging costs.

We can only hope things are better this summer with crops, last years drought was significant so it is nice the season is starting off with lots of moisture to get us going and raise those river and lake levels too!

Getting Ready for Spring Arrivals!

Some of the first and most interesting backyard birds in spring are the variety of native sparrows. Not only are they beautiful but they are some of the most beautiful singers in spring! Some of the species to watch for include White-throated sparrows, Harris, Fox, Chipping, White-crowned, and many more! These are all mainly ground-feeding birds so they like to forage in the grass. One of their favourite foods is White Millet and can just be scattered on the ground to attract them as they pass through on their way to the Boreal Forest for nesting. Some, like the Chipping sparrow can stay and visit with you all summer. Don’t miss out on seeing these beauties as they will be showing up anytime now!

By mid-April we should start getting sightings of the beloved American goldfinch and that will warm us up for the big arrivals of orioles and hummingbirds! All of these birds require particular feeders and foods to encourage their presence. Goldfinches will come to general feeders filled with sunflower but can often be bullied out by other birds. Special feeders were designed to prevent those issues so be sure to see our full line of Finch Feeders on your next visit. We can’t forget about the spectacular orioles and their desire for grape jelly and oranges! These are my absolute favourite birds to attract and I cannot wait to see them! Some fun new feeders have come out for offering these foods including the cute and functional Orange Slice feeder. For the hummingbirds, our favourite feeders offer great perching, are easy to clean, and are wasp-proof! Be sure to have hummingbird and oriole feeders up at the end of April to ensure you attract them to your yard!

The anticipation and excitement of spring along with the joy of seeing all these beautiful birds is so uplifting and great for our spirit. With all the hard times this past year with the ways of the world and current issues abroad, I am thankful we have nature to bring such happiness. Whether its your backyard sanctuary or the cottage, we love to help you bring the joys of backyard birds to your life.It is important to stay positive and nature is our greatest medicine to help with that. Wishing you all the most exciting season filled with some special sightings and joyful times!

Thank you all for your continued support of The Preferred Perch and we promise to get back on track with our regular newsletters to enlighten you on all the birding news!