Let's be "Bear Aware", as we approach the season when Connecticut black bears are actively searching for food after emerging from hibernation.

Below are simple ways to enjoy the hobby of bird feeding responsibly!

1. We recommend hot pepper food products only, especially during the time the bears will be searching for food sources during March and April and also October. If you choose not to use hot pepper food products, which are undesirable to bears, then the next recommendation is to consider taking your feeders down while they are active. The use of hot pepper products during active bear season, (March thru November) is highly recommended. Please note, we have had great success with our WBU Hot Pepper Food Products in conjunction with our recommendations. We do offer a free sample of our SunFire® Chips and Fiery Feast®.
2. You can opt for a bear feeding pole system. This system will keep all food sources out of reach from bears. We do carry two different pole systems for you to consider, which are displayed in our store.

 

What is Happening during the month of April?

  • Project FeederWatch ends this month, www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw
  • American Tree Sparrows depart; Chipping Sparrows arrive.
  • Courtship activities begin for Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Mourning Doves and Chipping Sparrows.
  • Hooded Mergansers, Gray Catbirds, Barn Swallows, Eastern Phoebe, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Hermit Thrushes and loons return.
  • Black Cherry in bloom.
  • Adult deer ticks become active in early April.
  • Skunks are digging for grubs.
  • Coyote pups are born between now and May.
  • Towhees, thrashers, wrens, Barn Swallows, Chimney Swifts return this month.
  • Wood Ducks are nesting.
  • Flowering Dogwoods and Daffodils begin blooming.
  • Rhododendron bushes begin blooming in early April.
  • Shadbush blooms this month.
  • Black Bears emerge from their dens.
  • Lyrids meteor shower, late-April.
  • Earth Day, April 22.