January 11, 2023 | Myrna Pearman, Chin Ridge Seeds (en-CA)
January is a difficult time of year for many people. The bustle of the holiday season has come and gone, the dark and cold of winter still envelopes us, and the return to everyday realities can be challenging. One of the best ways to cure the January blues is to enjoy nature!
December 02, 2022 | Myrna Pearman, Chin Ridge Seeds (en-CA)
As we head into the holiday season, bird watchers will be marking their calendars with an additional yuletide activity – the 123rd annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Interestingly, the CBC-now the longest-running and most important bird census in the world - didn’t start out as a wildlife-friendly activity. Prior to the turn of the 20th century, hunters engaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas "Side Hunt."
October 28, 2022 | Myrna Pearman, Chin Ridge Seeds (en-CA)
Setting out backyard bird feeding stations is one way that we can help birds in winter. Bringing birds into our yards and gardens can also liven up our cold prairie winters. There are two main types of bird food that can be offered in the winter: seeds (including nuts) and suet.
August 29, 2022 | Myrna Pearman, Chin Ridge Seeds (en-CA)
For folks who enjoy being outside and regularly find solace in the natural world, recent research that confirms the healing power of nature comes as no surprise. But it is reaffirming that empirical evidence now validates the intuitive understanding and long-held belief that nature is a balm for the human body and soul.
July 12, 2022 | Myrna Pearman, Chin Ridge Seeds (en-CA)
Birds, like humans, require water to drink and bathe. In a backyard, they will be readily attracted to any suitable water source. In fact, water will attract more bird species into a backyard than bird feeders will. A great way to learn to identify, and to become familiar with the habits of backyard birds (including those species that pass through your yard on migration) is to spend time watching a busy bird bath.
June 06, 2022 | Myrna Pearman, Chin Ridge Seeds (en-CA)
People who enjoy feeding backyard birds often have wider interests in nature and are engaged in a range of outdoor activities, from gardening and hiking to birding and wildlife photography. In many cases, backyard birds have sparked an interest in these other pursuits.
May 05, 2022 | Myrna Pearman, Chin Ridge Seeds (en-CA)
The H5N1 subtype of Avian Influenza virus is spreading in Canada. It is causing severe illness and mortality in domestic poultry flocks and has been detected in waterfowl and birds of prey. It is not currently considered a disease threat to songbirds, including species that frequent backyard feeders.
May 05, 2022 | Myrna Pearman, Chin Ridge Seeds (en-CA)
Spring is officially here! Some of the early migrants have already arrived while most species will be arriving and/or moving through the province throughout the month and into early May.
March 14, 2022 | Myrna Pearman, Chin Ridge Seeds (en-CA)
March means spring! While it will be mid-April before most migrating birds start showing up or moving through Saskatchewan, two notable species—Mountain and Eastern Bluebirds—usually appear as early as mid-March. Both species are strikingly beautiful and, as secondary cavity nesters, will take up residence in nestboxes.
February 22, 2022 | Myrna Pearman, Chin Ridge Seeds (en-CA)
February, despite the lengthening hours of daylight and being the shortest month of the year, is still locked in the full clutches of Old Man Winter. It can be long and dreary, so Valentines’ Day is the bright spot of the month for many Canadians.
