2011 Mailbag Monday Reader Question Archive

•Homeschooling About Birds

9/19/2011 – Submitted by Leann in California.

"I homeschool my son, and he's very interested in birds. Do you have any suggestions for lessons or educational activities?"More »

9/12/2011 – Submitted by Rachel in North Carolina.

"I want to buy a new bird feeder, but I'm not sure which one would be best. I have bluebirds, nuthatches and goldfinches in my yard, and I'd really like to attract chickadees. I can hear them nearby, but never see them at my feeders! Which feeder should I choose?"More »

•Praying Mantis vs. Hummingbirds

9/5/2011 – Submitted by Ellen on Facebook.

“Last night there was a big praying mantis on my hummingbird feeder. This morning a dead hummingbird, bill in the food port. Do praying mantises hunt and kill hummingbirds?”More »

•Hummingbird Migration

8/29/2011 – Submitted by Kellie in Ohio.

"My ruby-throated hummingbirds have fledged and are starting to migrate. Should I take down my feeders so they know it's time to leave?"More »

•Dead Birds

8/22/2011 – Submitted by Kenny in Nevada.

"I have spent the last few months planting shrubs, flowers, and trees for the birds, and I've seen more and more birds at my feeders. The problem is, I've found several dead birds too. They're different species and I find them in different areas of the yard, did I do something wrong? I feel so guilty, maybe I planted something that is poisonous to the birds?"More »

•Bald Cardinals

8/15/2011 – Submitted by Lyn in Michigan.

"I have a male cardinal coming to my feeders but he is completely bald, and I'm worried about diseases getting passed to my other birds. What is wrong with him, and how can I help?"More »

•Bird Identification

8/8/2011 – Submitted by many birders throughout the world.

"What bird is this?"More »

•Disappearing Orioles

8/1/2011 – Submitted by Lynda in New York.

"I have had about 30 orioles in my yard feeding and nesting this year. I feed them oranges and grape jelly in a special feeder I had built. The problem? They have all disappeared this past week. Isn't it too early for them to migrate? The weather has been steamy, but the other birds haven't seemed to mind. What has made the orioles leave already?"More »

•Birding Guides

7/25/2011 - Asked by Desiree in Califoria.

"My husband and I are planning a trip to Australia this fall, and Iwant to spend some time birding. Our budget is limited, but I want tosee some good birds. Should I hire a guide or go it on my own?"More »

•Hot Bird Baths

7/18/2011 - Asked by Karen in Ohio.

"I only have a shallow bird bath and I work full time, so when I gethome from work during hot days the bath is usually bone dry. What can Ido to help keep it filled?"More »