Do I have a Mutant Cardinal
At My Feeder?

No, you simply have a bald Cardinal. They are normal Cardinals, and spotting a bald one is not that unusual. Click here for more details about bald Cardinals.

Have You Found an Injured
or Orphaned Bird?

Click here for information from
Oxley Nature Center about what to do

When Should I Open My Purple Martin House?

In the Tulsa area, you should open the house around March 1st, if it was used by Martins last year. But if this is a new house that has not been previously used, then it should be opened between Mar 15-31. This is because adults return first and normally use to the same nest box, but first year males arrive a few weeks later and are the one which colonize new houses. Please visit the Purple Martin Conservation Association for more information on attracting Purple Martins.

When Should I Take Down My Hummingbird Feeder?

Hummingbirds migrate in response to hormonal changes triggered by day length, so your feeder will not keep them from migrating. Prior to their journey south in the Fall they nearly double their body weight and will make good use of the nectar from your feeder. A good practice is to leave your feeder up for a week or two after seeing your last hummingbird, to help any stragglers refuel. Visit Hummingbird.net for more information.

I Found a Banded Pigeon.
How Do I Return It?

Click here for some resources on caring for lost pigeons and how to read their bands.

"Killer" Sparrows, Starlings?

The Action Line column of the Tulsa World recently has had several articles about House Sparrows. They are a problem for our native birds, and there are various thoughts on how to control them. Click here for a page of information on House Sparrows and Starlings.

Woodpeckers "Pecking"
On Your House?

Woodpeckers are fascinating birds and an integral part of our natural environment. With their striking coloration they are easy to spot and identify and therefore one of the better known backyard birds. But how do you remain on friendly terms when they move from knocking on the tree in your yard to knocking on your house? It can be a frustrating and difficult problem to deal with. Here are two links with further information, from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the Colorado Extension Service.