Food For The Birds

Even though the weather cannot decide whether it is Winter or Spring, the sound of birds singing is a sure sign of Spring. For those looking to attract the feathered messengers of Spring a few websites offer tips and tricks on what types of feeders and seed to use.

The Minnesota DNR offers information of the types of feeders and seed to use based on what season it is. They also give recommendations for deterring unwanted visitors. You can also order the information in book form.

Minnesota Birds has a variety of information related to attracting wildlife. You can learn about not just feeders and seed choices, but also about how the types of plants and landscaping that will attract certain birds. You can also email them your birding questions.

National Bird Feeding Society provides information on bird feeding around the country. They have information on nests, habitats, feeders, seed and more. A great site to check out for those looking to go beyond the basic feeder and sunflower seeds.

The Minnesota Ornithologist's Union is the place to head to identify the birds that flock to your new feeders. You can also report your sitings and see where other birds are often found.

Spring will arrive like it always does, but this year you can insure that it brings with it a chorus of well-fed birds.

Snow Forts

With the recent falling of fresh snow and the likely hood of it happening again I thought I would share a few websites that offer tips on building snow forts. Snow people and igloos are not the only things one can construct, there are fortresses for snowball fights and other creations. Just use your imagination.

WikiHow has a step by step guide as well as tips, tools, and warnings for building your own fort.

The BBC has instructions for making a snow lantern, which is a pile of snowballs with a votive candle inside that then illuminates the snow. There is a picture on their site. If you scroll down there are tips on building snowmen and having snowball fights.

Enviro-Tech International takes an emergency situation approach to building a snow cave and the practical information one would need to keep in mind if building a snow cave for survival.

Calvin and Hobbes links to a gallery of their unique approach to the creation of snowmen.

Remember to stay safe, as for help and beware of melting and cave-ins when building. Winter does not stay forever, even if it may feel like it. So get outside and enjoy it while the snow's still shining.