DEAR JOAN: Some time again you talked about, I imagine, one ought to put out dryer lint for birds to make use of as nesting materials. Is that this the time?
— Nancy Toledo, Santa Clara
DEAR NANCY: It’s by no means a superb time to place dryer lint out for the birds. It’s a tempting alternative, being so fluffy, nevertheless it doesn’t maintain up beneath chick-raising circumstances, and may dissolve within the rain or an aggressive sprinkler, making the nest unstable.
Most birds have already constructed their nests, though they may proceed so as to add materials right here and there. Initially of subsequent yr make small twigs and leaves, grass clippings (so long as you don’t use chemical substances in your garden), and small items of straw obtainable. Some birds use mud to both construct or shore up their nests, so leaving a muddy patch of floor unadorned could be appreciated by them.
Many birds use fluff from vegetation and weeds to line their nests, supplying you with encouragement to develop native vegetation and forgiveness in case you’re a tad behind on pulling weeds. Some use the surprisingly robust spider webs to assist maintain their nests collectively, in order that’s one other plus for letting spiders reside in our gardens.
In addition to dryer lint, don’t be tempted to place out yarn or human hair as nesting supplies. Birds, particularly younger chicks, can turn out to be entangled in them, resulting in deaths or the lack of a foot. Canine and cat fur can be dangerous, particularly if the pet has been handled for ticks and fleas.
DEAR JOAN: I seen just a few days again that the extent of liquid in my 4 hummingbird feeders wasn’t taking place.
I additionally seen that I’m not seeing or listening to the hummingbirds.
The place have they gone?
— James Reedy, Campbell
DEAR JAMES: Though their disappearance out of your feeders might sound alarming, most probably there’s nothing to fret about.
When the migratory birds return to the Bay Space from their winter houses, becoming a member of our loyal round-year resident hummers, they arrive drained and hungry. Yard birders usually discover their feeders swarmed
In time, nevertheless, the birds get busy with different issues, reminiscent of visiting all of the spring flowers, feasting on bugs and beginning households. A small portion proceed their journey northward.
Feeding habits additionally change, relying on the provision of pure meals obtainable. It might sound that hummers rely closely on our feeders, however the meals we give them represents solely a small portion of their every day consumption through the spring and summer time.
Neighborhood circumstances can also change. The looks of wandering cats and birds of prey can deter hummers from visiting feeders.
The pendulum will ultimately swing again and also you’ll once more get pleasure from being eaten out of home and residential by these stunning little birds. Within the meantime, hold these feeders glowing clear and the nectar recent.
DEAR JOAN: If I’ve a 10-gallon aquarium, what number of fish can I’ve?
— James J., Los Gatos
DEAR JAMES: The final rule of thumb is 1 inch of fish for each gallon. If all of your fish are that small, you’ll be able to have 10. Elbow-less fish nonetheless want elbow room.
Initially Revealed: April 28, 2025 at 6:30 AM PDT
