It’s that time of year again when we take the time to recognize and appreciate our dads, and father figures in our lives!  

Have you ever wondered what the roles of our father feathered friends are up to as we’re celebrating with our own families?  Depending on the species, some dads help with building the nest, while others spring into action once the chicks have hatched… they are on full time food delivery service to mom and the kids.  These dads don’t get a day to kick back and relax.  I’d like to share with you some fun facts about some of the birds we enjoy watching:

• 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.

If you’re wondering what gift you’d like to give to your father, here’s some ideas for you to consider:

If you’re wondering what gift you’d like to give to your father, here’s some ideas for you to consider:

• Optics are a great choice whether it’s a spotting scope, monocular or a new pair of binoculars.  Does he have a favourite brand?  We carry Vortex, Zeiss, Hawke, and Nikon to name a few, and if you want to go all out, we also carry Swarovski!
• Does he enjoy doing puzzles or playing board games?  We offer a great variety  of nature themed and artist collection puzzles, as well as the very popular Wingspan board game.
• Perhaps a new UV protected stylish sun hat for him to wear on his birding expeditions, or just relaxing in the backyard.  You could add a bottle of PiActive to this gift to protect him from mosquitoes, black flies and ticks.
• A Heat Guard Cooling Tie will be sure to keep in cool all day whether he’s on the golf course, hiking, or working in the garden.
• A squirrel-proof bird feeder is always a welcome gift!  You can choose from our Squirrel Buster collection which gives you a choice of finch, peanut (out of the shell), suet, and seed feeders.

Our team members would be happy to help you make the right decision for your dad.  You’re welcome to visit any of our 9 store locations, we’d love to see you! 

Happy Father’s Day, and Happy Birding everyone!

By Jane Paradis

Brand Ambassador- Urban Nature Store