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Re: attracting the kinglets



I once made a sapsucker feeder to lure those birds close to a window 
for photography. I drilled approx. 1/4 inch holes in a fresh dead 
branch, and stuck this in a post hole. The holes I drilled in rows to 
imitate sapsucker wells. (I drilled the holes, say 1/2 inch deep, and 
slanted down when the branch was upright.) Into these holes I 
injected, with a syringe or turkey baster, cheap syrup, that is, 
imitation maple or Karo corn syrup. The sapsuckers loved it and came 
in immediately. R.C. Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers also took 
this very sweet sap. Red-bellied Woodpeckers also loved it. I was 
able to get some pretty good photos, since the birds came right up to 
my photo-blind rigged window to get the sap. A big problem was 
squirrels gnawing on the wells--had to replace the branch 
occasionally. Again, drill the wells in horizontal rows to imitate 
sapsucker wells.

For photos, see:
Red-belly:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/media/coin/pc11132b.jpg
RC Kinglet:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/media/coin/pc11131b.jpg
(They are very fidgety--probably need electronic flash for best results.)
Sapsucker:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/media/coin/pc11319b.jpg

You can see the birds coming right up to my artificial wells. In that 
sequence, I used an elm branch, which has deeply furrowed bark--that 
hides the too-round wells made with a power drill. Use fairly green 
wood--if it is too old the syrup will soak into the wood.

Good luck, if you decide to try this scheme.


At 3:16 PM -0500 11/18/01, John Daughtry wrote:
>My yard is full of both Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, but
>they will not come to my suet cakes or water.  I would be interested in
>hearing from anyone who has successfully attracted them to desired
>viewing locations.
>


-- 

Patrick Coin
Durham, NC
patrick@coinconsult.net