Father's Day Specials

Father’s Day Specials

Father’s Day is June 18.  We have several great gifts for the dad in your life he will enjoy for years to come. 

Saturday the 8th through Saturday the 15th save 20% on Bat Boxes and ATZ Bluebird Houses, 10% on in stock Nikon Binoculars, 20% on Purple Martin Houses (very limited stock), 20% on Regal 24” Patio Lanterns, and up to 50% on some odds and ends and close-out items on the Bargain table. 

ATZ Bat Houses 20% off

Patio shadow lanterns 20% off

Purple Martin Houses 20% off

The Impact of Cicadas on Feeding Stations

Without a doubt our feeding stations were very quiet in the month of May due in part to the emergence of the two species of Cicadas.  During a month where we would typically sell approximately 8,000 lbs. of seed per week it was closer to 5,000 lbs.  As much as we disliked the impact of the Cicadas it very much dispels the myth that birds become dependent on our feeders.  Birds always take advantage of available natural food sources and Cicadas certainly were that.  That’s why our feeders get so quiet for a couple of months in the fall as plants and trees produce seeds, nuts and fruit.  The Cicadas provided ample amounts of protein helpful in raising babies.  Now that the Cicadas have mostly disappeared we may see an uptick at feeders, seed and suet.

Window Bird Feeders

We already know all about the enjoyment that bird feeding and watching brings us, but did you know it can provide your feline friends with hours of enjoyment as well?

            Window-mounted bird feeders, or Cat TV as we like to call them, are a great way to provide hours of stimulation for your cats to keep them occupied and (hopefully) cut down on the mischief they will get into if they become bored. Due to the reflective nature of your window glass, it’s difficult for the birds to see inside, so you and your cats can usually get a detailed look at the birds that would normally only be afforded with a pair of binoculars! With many schools closing soon for summer, these feeders can also make a fun and educational gift for kids, giving them an up-close look at the birds they normally only see from a distance.

The models we carry are simple but effective. We recommend using safflower, thus cutting down on the number of unwanted visitors to your new feeder. While your furry friends would be quite content to watch squirrels, grackles, or starlings, you might not enjoy the closeup as much. Installation is easy, too! Simply clean your glass, slightly wet the suction cup, and apply firm pressure for 30 seconds. To ensure they stay attached, every few days it is a good idea to “burp” the suction cup. All this entails is pressing firmly on it until you hear a faint popping sound. This is excess air that has worked its way behind the cup.

If you enjoy your new window feeder, keep in mind that as we get deeper into summer and into peak feeder activity for hummingbirds, we have several window-mounted hummingbird feeders as well!

Migratory Bird Day at Bell's Bend Park

With the cicada emergence in full swing, you may have noticed a reduction in activity at your bird feeders.  Despite this slowdown, we are staying busy here at the Wood Thrush Shop with weekly specials on items ranging from birdhouses to wind chimes, with many things in between!

This weekend, specials include 25% off ATZ Classic Bluebird boxes, 20% off ALL Heartwood boxes, and 20% off Corinthian Bells wind chimes! Other items are on sale as well, and with Father’s Day around the corner, now is the time to get that gift for Dad!

In other news, Bell’s Bend Park will be celebrating Migratory Bird Day this Saturday with activities ranging from a sunrise hike to talks from guest speakers. The fun will begin at 5:30 in the morning with the sunrise hike hosted by Lise Brown, and go till 4 PM with guest speakers including Chris Sloan, Cyndi Rutledge and Debbie Sykes. Admission is free for all events!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

The Mom in your life will love something from

The Wood Thrush Shop

Thursday May 9 thru Saturday May 11

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Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

And Specials

• Birdbaths and Fountains

• Our Favorite ATZ Bluebird Houses 25% Off

• New Whimsical Bird Clocks

• Heartwood Birdhouses           20% Off

• Solar Lanterns

• Corinthian Bells Wind chimes     20% Off

• Gift Certificates

• Bluebird & Hummingbird T-shirts 20% Off

• Hummingbird Feeders

• Bird and Butterfly Books      25% Off

• Doormats and Mailbox Covers      30% Off

 

Plus a few 50% Off Items!

Bird Bio: Swainson's Thrush

Swainson’s Thrush

This morning while I was sitting on my back porch looking into the forest I was stressing over the many things I had to get done today professionally and personally, and already experiencing some anxiety about tonight’s Predator-Canucks game.  The birds were very vocal as they are this time of year and suddenly my brain locked in on a different and beautiful song.  I was hearing the Wood Thrush and its incredible vocalizations but this other one is also quite unique.    I was hearing the Swainson’s Thrush, a spring migrant passing through TN heading northward to its breeding range in the upper northern region of the U.S. and into Canada.

Swainson's Thrush

Wood Thrush

This bird is heard way more than it’s seen because it prefers heavily wooded habitat.  It has an upward spiraling flutelike song that varies in volume.  They are known to move to another branch in between songs and vary their volume so one might think the bird has flown much farther away but in actuality gotten closer.  It is similar to ventriloquism.  When in their breeding range males will have singing duels in which volume and frequency escalates. Sometimes physical attacks and chasing may occur.  I have heard Wood Thrush do the same thing and it is unforgettable.

These birds are insect and fruit eaters and stay in the trees except for the occasion to pounce on an insect on the forest floor. 

The unique and memorable song of the Swainson’s Thrush immediately takes my mind to the Adirondack mountains in NY state where my family spent summer vacations.  The pine forest around the little lake was loaded with them.  Thanks to the Swainson’s Thrush the stress melted away and I just listened until I had to leave for the day.  To hear this bird either open your Merlin app, or go to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology site allaboutbirds.org to hear the various vocalizations of this unique songster.