Simple & Fun Squirrel Feeder

Have fun watching your backyard squirrels with this entertaining feeder.

This feeder provides an unusually clear view of the squirrels that frequent it, because the bold critters actually climb inside the feed jar to eat!

James M. of Manor, Texas shares the fun design. His "squirrel under glass" feeder provides a whole lot of entertainment in his backyard. As a side benefit, it helps keep the squirrels from raiding the bird feeders in his yard. Just mount it on the end of your yard opposite the bird feeders, and keep it filled.

James designed the squirrel feeder with entrance holes large enough for the furry critters to crawl through, but snug enough to make the structure feel like a nesting box. While the feeder was designed with squirrels in mind, it has attracted a few other interesting visitors, too.

"I've found birds feeding in it, particularly during bad weather," James says. "They seem to like being able to feed where it's dry."
Another plus is that this feeder requires only a minimum of materials. All that's needed is a 6-foot fence board, a handful of screws and a 1-gallon glass jar. If you don't have the glass jar, or don't want to eat a year's supply of pickles to build this feeder, ask local restaurants, schools or other establishments that buy food in bulk if they have an extra jar to spare.

"Offer to trade a finished feeder for a supply of jars," James suggests. "If you can't find a free jar, a sun tea jar bought at the store will work, too." Just be sure it has an inside diameter of at least 6 inches, so squirrels can dine in comfort.

Butterflys - Flowers with Wings

Small-Space Butterfly Gardens
There's no doubt that a container garden can add an instant punch of color to balconies, patios, porches and small yards. But did you know that planting the right selection of flowers can transform these small spaces into culinary havens for butterflies, too?
Imagine the excitement of watching as a myriad of butterflies—from small skippers to sizeable swallowtails—drift from one pot of flowers to another. They'll uncoil their tongues and sip nectar from each bloom...right before your eyes!
Just about any nectar-rich flowering plant, shrub, vine or small tree will grow in a container. Garden centers and nurseries offer a variety of pots and planters in various styles, colors, materials and sizes.
Container Chic
Options include plastic, wood, metal, stone, glazed pottery or clay, as well as lightweight planters made of polyethylene, fiberglass resin or other materials.
And, if you think beyond the confines of a standard pot, you'll uncover a wealth of items to recycle into creative containers. For example, a rustic wash basin, worn wheelbarrow or leaky birdbath can make stylish containers for butterfly plants.
Pots as small as 10 inches in diameter are fine for single plant displays, but 18 inches or larger is best when growing shrubs, trees or multiple plants. Larger containers are also less subject to temperature changes, and because they hold more soil, plant roots stay moist longer.
Whatever container you use, be sure it drains well. If a pot lacks adequate drainage, add holes to the bottom. Elevating containers on pottery feet, bricks, stones or even an upside-down pot also helps improve drainage.
Design Strategies
Want to know how to create a stunning plant display? The same design elements that make winning plant combinations for people to enjoy are also essential for attracting butterflies.
The key is to balance unity with variety—having some of the same colors and plant types in a container while still varying the heights, hues and bloom times. This will create multilayered and multi-season container gardens that appeal to many types of butterflies.
Plants arranged at varying heights also draw a diverse crowd of butterflies because they offer nectar flowers at different levels. Achieve this by mixing plants with trailing, bushy and upright growth habits.
For instance, grow a butterfly buffet featuring a chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) with catmint and trailing scaevola underneath. Or grow butterfly bush in a container with coral bells and garden verbena or sweet peas spilling over the edge. Garden phlox with candytuft and trailing geraniums (Pelargonium) also make an attractive combination.
If you find that a single tree or shrub looks lonely in its pot, fill it out by adding low-growing or trailing flowers, such as sedums, trailing lantana or verbena.
You can also feature a single species in a container and create the multilayered appeal by grouping several containers at varying heights. Use items like bricks, cement blocks, plant stands, pedestals, wooden stools or upside-down pots to raise the containers.
Blooms for Butterflies
While a flower's color, shape or scent will attract butterflies to some degree, the biggest draw by far is the bloom's nectar.
Adult butterflies typically have very cosmopolitan tastes, best served with a smorgasbord of nectar-rich flowers, especially those with flower clusters or daisy-like blooms, such as purple coneflower, mums, yarrow and butterfly weed, as well as tubular or bell-shaped flowers.
Not every nectar flower is suitable as food for butterflies. The amount of nectar a flower produces can vary within the species. Sometimes more fanciful double-flowered varieties are bred to impress the eye and not the appetite. So go with species plants whenever possible, rather than cultivars.
Don't Forget the Caterpillars
In addition to attracting adult butterflies, you can transform any small area into a butterfly nursery. Just grow a few containers of host plants, such as milkweed, mallow or asters. Adult female butterflies lay their eggs on these plants, and young caterpillars feed on them after hatching. Growing caterpillar foods also will bring in more butterflies for longer periods of time. You might even catch sight of species you've never seen before.
Unlike adult butterflies, caterpillars are very picky eaters. As a result, each species seeks out a specific plant or plants for its eggs.
Monarch caterpillars, for example, feed exclusively on milkweed, while skippers mostly feed on grasses, sedges and legumes like wisteria and peas. Host plant preferences can vary within a species. Tiger swallowtails seek out trees like poplars, cherries and tulips, while black and anise swallowtail caterpillars dine on dill, fennel and parsley.
Some winning container combinations to attract several species are milkweed, fennel and grasses; and dogwood and violets with mallow.
With a little planning, you can also make your container garden do double duty. Some nectar sources, like penstemon and nasturtium, also are tasty meals for caterpillars.
Remember that a butterfly container garden isn't limited to patios, decks and entrance areas. Use potted plants to fill in bare spaces in a newly planted perennial bed or garden border. Stagger them on steps, encircle a tree or use them to line a walkway or path. Northern gardeners will need to provide protection for their overwintering plants and shrubs.
One thing is certain: A group of containers in a bright, sunny area can go a long way to providing habitat for butterflies...and a beautiful oasis for you.

Five Steps to Feeding Hummingbirds in Your Hand

This worked for me. I promise it will take your breath away the first time you feel the wind made by the wings of these little guys.

This is by Stacy Tornio, from Birds and Blooms

It's one thing for a hummingbird to eat from a container that you're holding. But it's another thing to actually feel one of these jeweled fliers in your hand.
Abigail Alfano from Covington, Louisiana was determined to touch a hummingbird. And with a little practice and patience, she finally did. Here's how she did it.
Get hummingbirds used to your yard by offering multiple sugar-water feeders.
As the traffic around your feeding area increases, start spending time out there so the hummingbirds get used to you. Even if you scare them off at first, be patient. They will come back.
Once they get used to your presence, hold the sugar-water feeder in your hand. If you are patient, they should eventually start feeding from the one you're holding.
When you have good hummingbird traffic one day, remove your other feeders. Next, place a small feeder filled with sugar water in the palm of your hand (Abigail used an old milk jug lid).
Now you just have to sit outside and

Coffee Can Bird House

Fun's Brewing With This Coffee-Can Birdhouse
Sit down, relax and have another cup of coffee. You'll need to empty the can first to make this simple birdhouse.

Here's a terrific birdhouse that's as enjoyable as the aroma of the morning's first pot of coffee.
And it has a lot more going for it, too. The house is simple to build, costs pennies to make and is a great way to recycle coffee cans and scrap wood. As a bonus, it's a breeze to clean out after nesting season—just slip out the dowel and empty the can.
You don't have to paint it, but you might want to dress it up.
"These are great projects for children's groups, and they cost about $2 to make," Jean says. "Have your friends and neighbors save their coffee cans and precut the wood yourself. Then let the kids paint and assemble them. (If you plan to decorate your birdhouse, youo might want to sandand paint the pieces before assembly.) They're easy as store-bought pie to make, and sell faster than a cup of coffee in a doughnut shop.
Here's What You'll Need...
Two scraps of 3/4-inch-thick pine board, measuring at least 4-1/2 inches square
Two 1/4-inch-thick plywood or paneling scraps, measuring at least 6 inches x 9 inches each
1/4-inch dowel, 8-1/2 inches long
1-1/4-inch finishing nails
One 11-ounce coffee can
Hooks, wire or a chain for hanging the birdhouse
Recommended Tools...
Table saw
Power drill

My "KIDS"

Toughy our 4 year old 'rescued' Jack Russell and our 8 year old Yellow Lab, Sable.





All my 'kids' wear fur!!

One Board Bird House

While this birdhouse is as simple as it gets, it has a lot going for it. It can be made very quickly...uses minimal materials and tools...and boasts a sleek look that will make any budding woodworker proud to say, "I built it all by myself!".
Here's What You'll Need
One 5-foot 1- x 6-inch No. 2 pine board
1-5/8-inch galvanized deck screws
2-inch galvanized finishing nails
Recommended Tools
Power drill
Appropriate-size spade bit
Hand saw
Let's Saw That Board!
Using the full width of the 1-inch x 6-inch board, cut out the pieces as shown in the board layout below.
Drill a centered entrance hole about 2-1/2 inches from the top of the front piece. For eastern and western bluebirds, the hole should be 1-1/2 inches (for areas with mountain bluebirds, use a 1-9/16-inch hole). Chickadees and tufted titmice prefer entrances of 1-1/8 and 1-1/4 inches, respectively.
Attach the front to the sides with 1-5/8-inch deck screws. Predrill the holes in the front piece to prevent the wood from splitting. After nesting season when it's time to clean out the birdhouse, remove these screws for easy access.
Attach the back to the sides with 2-inch finishing nails. Predrill the holes, making sure each one is straight.
Cut about 1/2 inch off each corner of the floor for drainage.
Recess the floor 1/4 inch up from the bottom of the house, then attach it with 2-inch finishing nails from the sides and back. Do not nail the floor from the front or you won't be able to open it for cleaning.
Attach the roof to the sides with 1-5/8-inch deck screws.
You're finished! Your board is a birdhouse.

Attracting Cardinals to Your Back Yard

Cardinals usually are the first birds to feed in the morning and the last to feed at night. They need a feeder with a roomy tray or open bird table because they require ample space to perch comfortably. They often feed from the ground.

Cardinals eat a variety of foods: sunflower seed, safflower seed, cracked corn, suet, suet mixtures, peanut hearts, peanuts and nutmeats of all kinds. They also like melon seeds, pieces of raisins and banana, cornbread and white bread.

If you want to set up a feeder for just cardinals and maybe some small birds such as chickadees, set your feeder in the midst of a bush or shrub, no higher than that bush or shrub. Cardinals nest in bushes and they love to eat in a secluded place. Replicating cardinals' preferred habitat by your feeding set-up is one way to keep other large birds, such as doves and pigeons away because they are too large to use a feeder located in this fashion.

Water also plays a very important part in attracting cardinals and other birds, both in summer and winter.

If you are lucky enough to have more than one pair of cardinals at your feeding station, you may see one or two males trying to keep all the others from the feeding tray. This is very common among finches - the family of birds to which the cardinal belongs. However, sooner or later every one gets its turn. Even the male cardinal who won't let his mate eat with him all winter eventually relents. When spring comes he begins to regard his mate in a new light. Instead of chasing her from the feeding tray, he now begins to offer her shucked sunflower seeds and other choice tidbits. When the cardinals have their young they will bring them to the feeder and teach them how to feed themselves.

SCI Takes To The Hill for Lobby Day 2008

SCI Takes To The Hill for Lobby Day 2008

This annual event is one of the reasons SCI is truly FIRST FOR HUNTERS.
We are a force to be reckoned with, we are sportsmen, conservationist, and environmentalist, WE ARE HUNTERS. I have lobbied for many years to support the Farm Bill, the Endangered Species Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act and many others over the years. SCI has a great reputation of providing sound scientific studies to back their position, and providing facts rather that lip service and emotions, giving us the respect and attention that our issues deserve.

I was unable to attend our lobby week this year, but am pleased to be able to give you this report from Patrick O’Malley.


Rep Duncan Hunter (R-CA) is joined by SCI’s Cindy Marlenee on Capitol Hill

The word was out on Capitol Hill that SCI had come to town, and it was perhaps no coincidence that congressional negotiators finally get serious about finalizing the Farm Bill. Congressional speakers at the breakfast briefing for SCI’s 2008 Lobby Day gave the audience a firsthand, real-time look into the final steps that would send the farm bill to the president’s desk.

Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Florida) addressed the SCI leadership duly assembled, after first belatedly accepting his Federal Legislator of the Year Award. The young firebrand from central Florida noted the early hour and joked that the crowd looked “awfully sleepy for a bunch of hunters.” West coasters catching up on jet lag flocked to the coffee urns while Putnam offered his observations.

Putnam offered a homeland security take on the farm bill. He noted that only 1.5 percent of the American population is involved in food production, but that America’s food security and independence stands in stark contrast to our reliance on imported oil – precisely because of the farm bill.

He lamented the fact that the farm bill had become a vehicle for funding unrelated programs such as food stamps, but also noted the political realities of needing to secure support from Congressmen representing urban areas in order to pass the bill. He urged the SCI members who would be meeting with their Congressman that day to urge their support for the final farm bill compromise, given that it contained substantial funding for critical conservation programs. He rounded out his comments with enthusiastic support for SCI’s annual exercise in legislative activism, noting that our opposition is well represented on Capitol Hill. “Elections matter,” he said, “we are trying to kill bills on the House floor that would never have been conceivable eighteen months ago” under Republican leadership. He concluded with a tribute to our hundreds of years of peaceful domestic governance, saying: “We fight these things out on the House floor because we don’t fight them out on the street.”

Next up was Congressman Bob Latta (R-Ohio). Latta is serving his first term, having first served as an Ohio state legislator, and he recounted numerous issues from his service in the state capital – Sunday hunting prime among them. In his introduction, SCI President Elect Merle Shepard noted that Latta was a fellow bowhunter, and Latta spoke to the challenges hunters face in recruiting and retaining newcomers to our ranks. “The land I’ve hunted for years for free is now under an expensive lease, so I personally feel the importance of ensuring access to productive public lands,” Latta observed. Finally, he echoed Putnam’s comments about the importance of SCI’s Lobby Day, saying: “These are just a few of the reasons to let the politicians know you’re out there – and put the fear of God in them.”

Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) addresses SCI members during their visit to Capitol Hill as part of the May Board Meeting activities in Washington, D.C.

SCI President Dennis Anderson introduced the next speaker, Congressman Gary Miller (R-California) as his own Congressman from Southern California, representing the district where Anderson lives and runs his business. Miller demonstrated his bona fides quickly, noting that his brother-in-law and father-in-law were both gun dealers. Miller himself came to the Congress after a successful career as a developer, and shared with the audience his own frustrations with the rigidity of the Endangered Species Act. Miller also spoke at length about America’s energy crisis, noting that our nation stands alone among industrialized countries as one that largely does not utilize its own energy resources. “Even when we’re paying outrageous prices for gas, the Congress is ignoring a resource – ANWR – that could produce a million barrels of oil per day.”

Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) addresses SCI members during their visit to Capitol Hill as part of the May Board Meeting activities in Washington, D.C.

The SCI leaders reviewed the contents of their briefing packets, covering the issues they would be supporting and opposing in their visits. The audience was then briefed on the day’s events, including a press conference to announce the farm bill compromise.


Rep. Don Young (R-AK) addresses SCI members

The timing of Lobby Day was perfect, as SCI members were able to urge their Representatives and Senators to support the farm bill compromise legislation – a key request, given that many Members objected to the bill’s monstrous cost and failure to reform commodity subsidies. And Congress heard the message that SCI delivered that day, passing the farm bill by the overwhelming votes of 318-106 in the House, and 81-15 in the Senate.

Sensory Safari at Youth Day

YOUTH DAY 2007 by Susie Hughes
Lakeshore Sportsmen Chapter of SCI
This was the first year we were able to attend and display our own Sensory Safari trailer at Youth Day. As one of the charter and founding members of YOUTH DAY, we have been active since the first event 14 years ago, beginning with just a table and some photos and mounts from members’ homes, to borrowing a Sensory Safari trailer from other chapters. This Youth Day, with our own Lakeshore SCI Sensory Safari, we made this a spectacular event.
As a charter member of Sportsmen for Youth, we are proud to be a part of this great event. Area sporting groups join annually on the first Saturday after Labor Day to put on a FREE event for youth. This year we invited 1,300 kids and 800 adults to travel the world in the Lakeshore SCI Sensory Safari.
This is a project that not only entertains, but opens the door to educate all age groups about the renewable wildlife resources that we as sportsmen strive to maintain for future generations of hunters. We were able to promote the sport of hunting, reinforce sportsmen as conservationists, and also educate and entertain the public.

Nothing compares to the smile on a child's face as they feel the sleek pelt of beaver or look into the eyes of a full-mounted African lion. And nothing protects our hunting heritage like a child turning to his parent and saying, "Dad, how long before I can go hunting with you?"
We left this event with such enthusiasm for our new Sensory Safari that we have already scheduled trips to several schools, a nursing home, a Boy Scout event, and a Harvest Festival at the State Park in the month of October. Every place we look we see another potential location or venue to promote SCI and the proud hunting heritage we all love, using our Sensory Safari.

I would like to thank Howmet, Verizon, Lee Manufacturing, and the Fruitport Lions for their generous donations to this project.

The 2008 Youth Day Event will be held September 6, 2008.
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon, in cooperation with the Muskegon Area Sportsmen for Youth, will host the 15th Annual Sportsmen for Youth Day on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The event is hosted each year with the cooperation of area sportsmen and women who volunteer to introduce young people to outdoor sports. For the event, the park's large beach area parking lot will be converted into an outdoor sports show where young people can be given the opportunity to try their hand at archery, shooting sports, fishing and many other outdoor activities.

Also at the event, there will be special live animal programs such as Birds of Prey by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Michigan Snakes by Nature Discovery and Michigan Turtles by the Gillette Visitor Center.

Participants 17 and under will receive a tshirt, other souvenirs, raffle tickets and a lunch coupon. Many of the exhibitors also will be giving away prizes of outdoor equipment and experiences through a raffle process.

There is no fee for this special event, but a Michigan State Parks Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter the park. Permits are available at the entrance for $6 for a daily resident permit, and $24 for an annual resident permit. Non-Michigan residents can obtain permits for $8 for a daily, and $29 for an annual.

Lakeshore Sportsmen Chapter of SCI

Lakeshore Sportsmen Chapter of Safari Club International

A little about us:

We are dedicated to promoting good fellowship among those with a love of the outdoors and the sport of hunting.

Promoting the conservation of wildlife and habitat, and continue the renewable resource of our hunting heritage. Promoting conservation efforts, with our projects and in the field.

Educating the public, and to encourage their support and involvement in the conservation and use of sport hunting as a management and conservation tool.

Educating youth in the safe and proper use of firearms and sporting equipment, to promote their understanding and support of the conservation responsibilities of asportsman or sportswoman.

Sharing our hunting traditions, experiences, and knowledge,with future generations.

Lakeshore SCI operates as a non-profit organization, dedicated to the promotion and enjoyment of the outdoors, assistance to it's members, and the conservation and protection of the wildlife and habitat of the world around us.

Our Chapter does this by supporting and funding local projects such as:

Adopt a Stream(The Purple Loosestrife Eradication Program)

The Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center

Sensory Safari Trailer

Sportsman For Youth Day at Hoffmaster Park

The Muskegon County Sheriff's Dive Team

Norton Shores Police Dept. Hunters Safety Program

Pheasants Forever Youth Rendezvous

Michigan Involvement Committee

Michigan DNR

Membership is $65 and includes local chapter membership as well as membership in Safari Club International.

For more information: http://www.lakeshoresci.org/

Bird Crazy

I love the birds, and feed year around. I hope you enjoy at look at some of my feathered friends.

Squirrels…….I have adopted the philosophy that since I choose to put out a free buffet, I can’t pick who gets to come………….Squirrels.