Tag Archives: National Bird Day

National Bird Day – January 5th

Why National Bird Day?

  • The beauty, songs, and flight of birds have long been sources of human inspiration.
  • Today, nearly 12 percent of the world’s 9,800 bird species may face extinction within the next century, including nearly one-third of the world’s 330 parrot species.
  • Birds are sentinel species whose plight serves as barometer of ecosystem health and alert system for detecting global environmental ills.
  • Many of the world’s parrots and songbirds are threatened with extinction due to pressures from the illegal pet trade, disease, and habitat loss.
  • Public awareness and education about the physical and behavioral needs of birds can go far in improving the welfare of the millions of birds kept in captivity.
  • The survival and well-being of the world’s birds depends upon public education and support for conservation.

 

Bird Brain Trivia

Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is one of the smallest hummingbird species. (Photo by Hummingbirds Plus)

  1. What is the only bird that can fly backwards?  Answer: Hummingbird
  2. What is the average life span of a robin? Answer: 12 Years
  3. What is a group of owls called? Answer: Parliament
  4. What is a group of geese called? Answer: Gaggle
  5. How many eggs will the average hen lay a year? Answer: 227 eggs
  6. How much water can the pouch of a pelican carry?  Answer: 12 Gallons
  7. How long does it take to hard boil an ostrich egg? Answer: 40 minutes
  8. What is the maximum speed of a chicken? Answer: 9 miles per hour

 

 

 

 

A To-Do Activity:

Cheerios® Birdfeeders: To make each feeder, string Cheerios® onto a large pipe cleaner, leaving about an inch from the top. Hang the bird feeders on the trees outside.

Here’s another Cheerios® bird feeder recipe:

Ingredients:

  • Sharpened pencil
  • Sugar ice cream cone
  • Pipe cleaner (chenille stem)
  • Table knife
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Cheerios™ cereal
  • Birdseed

 

Directions:

  1. Use the pencil to poke a hole in the pointed end of the ice cream cone.
  2. Twist a knot in the end of the pipe cleaner. Thread the pipe cleaner into the ice cream cone and out the hole (the knot will hold the pipe cleaner in place).
  3. Use the table knife to spread the peanut butter on the outside of the cone. Press the cereal all over the peanut butter to cover the cone. Sprinkle the birdseed over the cone, pressing it into the peanut butter with your fingers.

 

For something unconventional to feed birds this winter, read this article from Bird Watcher’s Digest on the Top 10 Weird Things to Feed Birds by Bill Thompson, III.  Grape jelly and eggshells are among the list.

 

For the Birds – Joke

 

Parrot and Rottweiler

Introduce other pets to your Rottweiler early. Click here for ASPCA tips on how to prevent and solve Common Dog Behavior Issues.  (Photo by Rottweiler – Best Guardian Dog)

Mrs. Smith’s dishwasher quit working, so she called a repairman.  He couldn’t accommodate her with an evening appointment and since she had to go to work the next day, she told him, “I’ll leave the key under the mat.  Fix the dishwasher and leave the bill.  I will bring a check by for you later.”

“Oh and by the way,” she added, “Don’t worry about my dog.  He won’t bother you.  But, whatever you do, under NO circumstances, don’t talk to my parrot!”

When the repairman arrived the next day, he discovered the biggest and meanest looking Rottweiler he had ever seen.  But, as she said, the dog just lay there, watching him go about his business.

However, the parrot drove him crazy with his ceaseless squawking and talking.  Finally unable to contain himself he shouted, “Shut up, you stupid bird!”

The parrot replied, “Sic ’em, Rocky!

(joke copyrighted by Creative Forecasting, Inc., February 2008)

 

 

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