Most people stare in disbelief when they learn of the number of birds that annually visit their Lancaster, South Carolina climate.

Many little suspect, what rare and elegant visitors from Mexico, from Central and South America, and from the islands of the sea, are holding their reunions in nearby neighborhoods.

The Secrets Of Attracting Wild Birds To Your Yard:

The life of birds, especially of our migratory song-birds, The home instinct is strong in birds – once they have a home they will return to it every year.

The Needs of Birds and how PurpleRoosterOnline can help you find the right birdhouse in South Carolina;

Birds needs are simple but must be provided in the way that various species desire and require. If you follow a few rules you should have no difficulty in supplying what is needed to attract wild birds to your yard.

The chief needs of birds have to do with the;

• securing of food and water,
• rearing of their young,
• protection at all times from the dangers to which they are exposed
• You can learn to identify wild birds and their song, and turn your yard into a bird sanctuary!

There are many bird clubs in South Carolina that can help you.
It takes little money – precious little when you consider the many hours of enjoyment you gain – for Mother Nature to send the birds to you!

From your friends at PurpleRoosterOnline

From your friends at Purple Rooster..

When mounting a wooden bird house

Be sure to look at our extensive bird house collection at the Purple Rooster Online in addition to placement for a specific species,
consider accessibility for convenience and safety when monitoring and cleaning.

Be sure houses are securely mounted.

Don’t crowd a yard with nestboxes. Wrens may build nests in several boxes before selecting one, but too many boxes may deter other birds.

Bluebird nest boxes should be about 100 yards apart although swallow boxes can be placed within 10 yards of the bluebird boxes and make good neighbors as they are less intimidated by sparrows.

Woodpeckers, Chickadees and Owls do not migrate south in winter and may use nestboxes in winter. Mounting in the fall or winter will give the box a chance to weather before spring.

Place 1 or 2 inches of dry wood chips in the boxes intended for Woodpeckers, Chickadees and Owls. Sawdust will not ventilate and dehydrate as well as chips and chips are easier for birds to rearrange or pack in and out. Fill a box intended for a Flicker. They will excavate the chips.

For all other birds, no nesting material or food should be placed in a bird house. Don’t put bird houses near bird feeders. Face away from prevailing winds and out of prolonged direct sunlight.
Hanging/swinging birdhouses are preferred by some species and rarely used by others. Wrens like them. Chickadees and Tree Swallows will use them occasionally.

From Your Friends at Purple Rooster Online

Insects

Shop for your favorite bird feeder at the Purple Rooster

Misconceptions

Weird Fact

Significance

The purple martin is the biggest swallow that lives in the United States. In the eastern part of the country, this bird lives almost solely in birdhouses that are set up by citizens and conservationists.

Like all swallows, the purple martin is an excellent flier, using this ability to both eat and drink.Pelicans are also big South Carolina birds that hang out on the coast and they eat fish and are friendly if you feed them fish Insects.

The purple martin eats flying insects that it captures while in flight. It is capable of eating thousands of flying insects, catching them with its bill as it glides through the air.
TypesSpecies of bugs that wind up on the purple martin’s menu are moths, butterflies, common houseflies, grasshoppers and dragonflies, which are a favorite food.

MisconceptionsMosquitoes make up as little as 2 percent of a purple martin’s diet, despite claims by birdhouse companies that exaggerate how many of the pests martins eat.

Fun Fact

Purple martins also eat honeybees, but only those that occasionally fly high enough to become prey; martins do the majority of their hunting for insects quite high off the ground.
SignificanceMany people will put out oyster shells and eggshells on a raised platform near a purple martin colony; the birds eat them quickly for an excellent source of calcium.

Sincerely,

From your friends in Lancaster, South Carolina, Purple Rooster.

Do you have the appropriate backyard birdfeeder to attrack the rare yellow bellied sapsucker?

These are some of the most colorful and strange birds you will see from South Carolina coasts to urban city area.

The song of the Cardinal is o beautiful it is almost enchanting. Get the appropraite home for it at the Purple Rooster.

The Pelican is a very bold creature, he will come quite close to you if you have fish. He will hardly take his eyes off you, being quite comic in his moves,he will amuse you for sure.

Yellow Bellied Sapsucker

On to more of the species you will see in the South. The large birds along the coast seem to be very colorful.

The Great blue Heron seen up and down the east coast, the Green Back Heron, a much shorter legged variety.

These birds spend their time in marshes and coastal inlets looking for food. The smaller species, Sandlings, Terns and Gulls tend to stay closer to the open bodies of water. Roaming about the shore at low tide to grab whatever creatures aren’t quick enough to make
it back to the sea on the outgoing tides.

As you walk along the South Carolina shore line this fall it seems there are many differenet kinds of sand birds Plovers, pipers and terns.

They stay in large groups poking thier long thin bills into whelk and clam holes in the sand. I noticed that they stand on one leg and hop most of the time.

They rage in size from a few inches in height to about a foot. It is so odd to see he Gulls do a “tap dance” in one spot trying to stir up the soft sand so to eat small sea creatures that are buried in the sand. The beaches are a playground for the birds.

Sincerely,

From your friends in Lancaster, South Carolina, Purple Rooster.

Which Pot is Right For You?

So many pots, so little time.

Selecting the right pot for your garden is an essential part of raising beautiful flowers from seeds.  Choosing plant pots and containers is something we may not give much thought about, however, there are a surprising number of options! Picking out the best types can make a big difference to the success of young plants.  Here is a brief list comparing the pros and cons of different pot materials.  After reading this post, you’ll know which pot is right for you!

Terra Cotta Pots

These pots are traditional and decorative, but porous and dry out quickly.  Many are not frost-resistant.  Stone and Concrete terra cotta pots are good for maintaining soil temperature and moisture. They heat up, but also insulate. Both can be left out over winter, but not great choices if the planter needs to be moved. They’re great if you need a planter that pets can’t knock over, and you don’t plan on moving your plant.

Wood & Metal Pots

Wood pots have good water retention and help nurture your flowers. Hard woods are better preventions against rot, but all wood planters can be treated with preservatives. Look for good construction and joints, since wood will shrink and expand with moisture. They’re also okay for winter planting.

Metals pots are generally heavy, so they are excellent for stabilizing tall plantings. They don’t just dry out, they heat up and need frequent watering or the roots could bake. Often a good choice for winter containers.

Synthetic Pots

Fiberglass and resin: They are light, durable, inexpensive and often frost-resistant.

Plastic Pots

These pots are lightweight and moisture conserving. The semi-flexible pots work best for cold winters and are also good as liners. Plant directly into the plastic pot and then slip the plastic pot into the more decorative container. You get the benefits of both.

Please join us at our next blog on

Which Flowers Survive Best in South Carolina

"So many seeds -- so little time."

Creating the Garden of Your Dreams

"Cultivate the garden within."

Need some help adding color to your garden? Not sure which accessories to use for your precious plants? Look no further! Picking out the right pots, decorations, and posts can be extremely difficult, especially if your garden boats a wide variety of flowers and crops. From small vegetable patches to extensive botanical gardens—this list has something to suit both needs! Here are some decorative items and ideas that are sure to add style to your garden.

• Stepping Stones – Make a mini natural trail around your yard with stepping stones. Easily add walkways or place garden stepping stones as decorations. Give your landscaping a classic look with charming accents.
• Bird Feeders and Baths – No garden is complete without something for the birds! Attract friendly attention to your garden with copper, aluminum, or stone baths, crafted bird houses, or feeders.
• Sculptures – Further accessorize your garden with statues. Try out a simple animal sculpture or an abstract masterpiece! Some of the most popular animal statues are turtles, swans, and deer.
• Furniture – Give your garden a comfortable setting by adding a hammock or a swinging bench. Lawn chairs, benches, and wooded tables also make wonderful additions. Relax, and take in the view!
• Fountains – For a fancier look, try adding a marble fountain! The pleasant flow of water helps block background noise and enhances the tranquility and peacefulness of your outdoor living areas and patios.

PS Be sure to join us on our next blog about South Carolina Gardening!

Which Pot is Best For You?

The Three Tier Planter allows you to experiment with different flower combinations!

Ceramic Pot

Terra Cotta Pot

Plastic Pots

Hanging Baskets

Three-Tier Planter

With a wide variety of choices, the possibilities are endless!  In the end, it’s important to choose the pot that best suits you.

P.S.: Check out our next exciting blog post, Garden Accessories ideas