Father’s Day will soon be here! Our team members at Urban Nature Store are ready to show you a variety of gift ideas for your consideration. Before we delve into what we have to offer, have you ever wondered what the daddy birds in your backyard are up to? It certainly is a busy time of year for our feathered friends as they raise their young.
There has been a plethora of activity at feeders lately. Daddy birds are busily gathering seeds and bugs to feed the nestlings before they leave the nest, and will continue to feed the fledglings in the coming weeks. Here’s some fun facts about the ‘good dad’ birds:
- Downy Woodpeckers help mom with nesting needs including taking over the night shift incubating the eggs and continue to roost with the young until they fledge.
- Robins provide nourishment for mom as she builds the nest, and will continue to bring food to the nestlings.
- House Wrens build a number of nests to attract a female.
- Orioles and Cardinals are busy delivering food to the nest to feed their young.
- Grackles will soak seed in bird baths to make it easier for the nestlings to eat.
- Northern Flickers stay in the nest for most of the day and throughout the night.
- Ospreys share duties while mom has nesting duties, dad guards the nest and provides fish for mom and the young.
- According to Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman, Sandhill Cranes win the parenting award as both parents look after the nestlings, fledglings, and will stay together as a family throughout the fall migration, winter, and beginning of spring migration.
And then there’s the hummingbird dad… he does nothing… no help with the nest, incubating eggs, feeding, or raising the young. Good thing he’s cute.
Now for some gift suggestions for the dad in your family. Perhaps a new pair of binoculars or a spotting scope. We carry a wide selection of Vortex optics ranging from the new Triumph 10x42 at $159 (a good pair to have in the car in case he forgets his good ones, or spots something unusual when he’s not expecting it), to the high quality Vipers and Razors. While he’s out on his birding expeditions he could sport a jaunty new UV protected sun hat to prevent unwanted sun burns. Throw in a side gift of PiActive bug spray, he’ll be protected for 10 hours against mosquitoes, black flies and ticks.
If a new bird feeder is on his wish list, consider the outdoor entertainment Droll Yankees Flipper. This will bring some laughs as the squirrels attempt to access this feeder with no success as they go for a little spin. The Squirrel Buster Plus is also an excellent feeder to deter squirrels, and larger birds by adjusting the tension.
Other gift ideas include Heat Guard Cooling Ties to keep him cool if he’s doing yard work, golfing, or out birding. An up-to-date field guide would be a great idea, we have a wide selection to choose from. Does he like board games? Wingspan is a competitive game he could play with his fellow birders, a great way to spend a rainy afternoon or escape the heat of the day.
Please visit one of our store locations, or shop online. We’d love to help you make his day special!
Happy Father’s Day, and Happy Birding!
Jane Paradis
Brand Ambassador, Urban Nature Store
