One of our daily goals for over 20 years at Songbird Station has been to, “Help families enjoy nature together.” In today’s electronic age, where it seems everyone has their eyes glued to a cell phone, iPad, video game or computer, I truly feel this goal is more important than ever for you and your family! Some of my favorite moments this month were observing hummingbirds with my grandsons Eli and Harrison. They’re often determined to hand-feed them. Check out a video of this at YouTube.com/songbirdessentials. I’m thrilled that our 2-year old grandson Harrison’s favorite book is “C” is for Cardinal. He brings it to me each time he visits and loves to point at the cardinals, hummingbirds and goldfinches on our deck, then find them in his favorite book. We have great fun making the turkey gobble sound when he turns to the “w” for wild turkey. I encourage you to try this book with your young ones. If you don’t have a hummingbird

feeder up, get one up soon! They’re really hungry as they prepare to leave on their southern journey this month and into early October. Kids love watching hummingbirds. It’s easy for them to help you mix nectar & fill feeders with the Super Shaker Nectar Maker™. If you are tired of all the time and scrubbing to clean many of the hummingbird feeders on the market, come see us for Hummeze™. It’s a new product that I’ve just finished testing. Simply put your feeders in a bucket of water, add Hummeze™ and watch the water change colors as it cleans. No scrubbing, and it’s safe! Another product I’m getting ready to test is a new solution for suet feeding called You Do It Suet®. The 100% silicone mold allows you to use leftover grease from cooking meat to make your own suet cakes. Rather than putting your grease down the drain or trash, feed your high energy leftovers to the birds! Get little ones involved! Whip up your own special recipe. Add some great, locally formulated seed mixes we offer at Songbird Station. Our first batch will include Clinger’s Candy™. Speaking of suet, check out our three new Songbird Essentials suet blends (Pg 5 - On Sale Now!). I mentioned seeing goldfinches on our deck with my grandson. If you want to attract goldfinches to your yard, try our Clinger’s Only feeder on a deck hook. As I write this, our Clinger’s Only is completely covered in goldfinches. We filled it with one of their favorite seed blends: Songbird

Essentials Hearty Hearts™. In a five minute span, a nuthatch, chickadee, downy and even a big redbellied woodpecker all stopped by to “cling & grab” some Hearty Hearts™ as a noon time snack. An extra bonus to this feeder, when it seems every dove in the country is hiding from hunters in our yard, the Clinger’s Only is dove proof! One last feeder I wanted to mention that my grandsons enjoy is our Songbird Essentials Window Suet Feeder. We had seven different birds stop by for a high energy snack while we tested our new suets. The birds at my window loved them and my grandsons and I loved to watch them up close. Now is the best time to reseed in your yard. We’re blessed to work with Jeff Zimmerschied at The Lawn Company. Their all-natural products / seed mixes get the best results in central Missouri. We have what you need for do-it-yourself projects, but call Jeff at 573-442-5296 for help with bigger projects. Ask our staff for Lawn Seeding info on your next visit. Lastly, don’t miss Deborah’s great article (pg 2) “Keeping feeders full now for a yard full of fall/winter feathered visitors.” Plus, bring the family to the Monarch Seminar on September 24th. Enjoy your family time this fall & don’t forget, “Nature is a stress reliever from God. Take time today to listen to the birds sing!”

NEWSStories • Specials • Events and More to Help Your Family Enjoy Birding!

SongbirdStationFall 2016 (Sept./Oct.)

Look Inside

• Ready to Welcome Fall / Fall Seed Sale • Garage Sale / Going Batty! • Wingman’s Fun Feathered Facts • A Bird For All Seasons • October is Squirrel Awareness Month • Ask Bird Man Mel • Monarch Seminar & 21st Anniversary

Make Fall a “FUN” Family Time! By: Bird Man Mel

Clinger’s Only Feeder - Green

SE7012

“C” is for CardinalAP35339

You Do It Suet®Suet Cake Mold

YDISUET

Suet Window FeederSE539

Martha, Mel & Harrison Toellner watching the birds

2

Summer will be coming to a close soon and fall will be upon us. I for one am very excited for fall to get here and leave this year’s extreme heat behind. With this in mind, it is time to get our bird feeders ready for colder weather. It really is very important to feed backyard birds throughout the fall and winter months as natural food sources become harder to find. One popular myth is that if you fill your feeders too soon in the fall, the birds won’t migrate. This could not be more untrue. A reliable food source is only a small migration factor. Daylight levels, climate, and instinct are big factors for seasonal migration. In fact, feeding birds in the fall doesn’t prevent migration, it helps it! Migrating birds need lots of calories for the energy required to make their voyage. Your feeders help provide an energy boost to passing migrants as well as help resident birds build up fat reserves for the cold months ahead. What you do as days grow cooler lets resident birds know you are serious about keeping them around. If you wait until severe weather arrives to start feeding, you could be missing out. For example, birds like the Tufted Titmouse

may not be spending lots of time at your feeders yet, but count on them to stop by as fall approaches. Birds that are visiting quite often in autumn are most likely scouting. They want to be ready for winter before it arrives and know just who has the feeders kept full. They cannot afford the luxury of time or trying to find food after the weather has already turned extreme. For this reason, they will remember where food is plentiful, so start providing food now for lots of enjoyment later. Cold weather will dramatically increase the need for more calories and with no insects or berries to eat, they will become increasingly dependent on seed and suet supplied by us. I suggest offering suet year-round, but especially in fall and winter. Suet is a great source of calories, and birds really need the extra fat to survive those bitter cold temperatures. Come check out our newest suet from Songbird Essentials. Available in three popular flavors: High Octane™, Peanut Jamboree™ and Smokin’ Hot Pepper™, this suet is made from only the absolute

best ingredients and contains a high energy formula that provides a quick source of energy for insect eating birds. We can also help the birds through the seasonal transition by leaving those brush piles in the backyard. This can be as easy as gathering limbs that have been trimmed or fallen and piling them up. Make your brush pile loose at the outside so birds can get in and out quickly. The center inside should be tighter so birds can hide away from predators. As their habitats become increasingly threatened, they will flock to, and love, the shelter provided by a simple brush pile. If you have a garden, a small brush pile is ideal. Your flowers and vegetables will really benefit from the birds eating the bugs up. Many do not want the cluttered appearance of a brush pile on their lawn, so a great way to still enjoy even a small brush pile is to plant flowers or bushes to conceal it. You will love seeing the different wildlife and birds it brings while giving back to nature. Enjoy!! Drop by Songbird Station with any questions. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you. And remember, a healthy bird is a happy bird!

By: Deborah IrvingSongbird Station

ManagerGetting Ready to Welcome Fall

Tufted Titmouse

Smokin’ Hot Pepper Suet Cake 11.75 oz

SE682

Fall Migration - Snow Goose

40# Black OilSESEED137

Super Fall Seed SaleBuy Now and Save!

Bag of 12 Ear CornSEEC101

Q. We can’t make it in, can we still order?A. Yes! Call your order in to 573-446-5941 or email

Deborah@songbirdstation.com. All we need is your order and a credit card number!

Come in and pick up your order the week of October 10th OR when you need it! We’ll store it through February 2017!

Backyard Brush Pile

“Super Clean” Black Oil Sunflower Seed ..........40 lbs. $14.95Songbird Essentials Mixes................$1.00 off on 20# or 40#“Hi-Energy” Suet Case of 12.........................................$9.95Ear Corn for Squirrels - Bag of 12 LARGE Ears................$2.99

$2 - $5 - $10 - $20 TABLES!!

World’s LARGEST Bird Seed, Feeder, House & Accessory Sale

Many items are simply in “damaged boxes”, are overstocks or discontinued lines.

These little furry animals that fly seem to be half-bird, half-mammal, and ugly to look at. But in these times of conservation consciousness, they are being properly recognized as valuable assets to mankind and the ecological system. A single little brown bat can eat 3,000 to 7,000 mosquitoes each night. Bats are the world’s most important predator of night-flying insects. Bats are generally quite harmless to people. They very rarely bite or carry disease (they are less likely than domestic pets to carry rabies), and they are too smart to get tangled in your hair. Bats sleep during the day and hunt at night. They are the only mammals that can fly. Baby bats are born alive - they are not hatched from eggs. Bats can fly as high as 10,000 feet and travel as fast as 60 miles per hour. Using only sound, they can follow and catch prey in total darkness. This amazing sonar system is called echolocation. Many bats hibernate during the winter. Like many other species that roost or nest in hollowed-out houses, bats are feeling the housing crunch. Their favorite roosting sites - in old hollow trees, barns, and old houses - are rapidly disappearing. As a result, bat populations are declining at an alarming rate. If you are interested in helping bats, consider attracting them to your yard by providing a place for them to live. Songbird Station carries bat houses and bat house kits. We offer the best bat houses made as Songbird Essentials is the maker of Organization for Bat Conservation Bat Houses (OBC). OBC houses are best there is with highest capacity rates.

Songbird Station Warehouse SaleSaturday, October 8th at 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

in Mexico - 1600 Bassford Drive 65265 ALL items AT LEAST 50% OFF!!

Going Batty at Songbird StationBats are cute...Once you get to know them.

10% OFF

Coupon Expires 10/31/16Bat Houses, Kits & Books

OBC Single Chamber Bat House Kit

SE571

Directions: From Columbia go east on I-70 to US 54. Take 54 north to the first Mexico exit (Bus. 54 North). Turn left on Lakeview (by the Presbyterian Church). Turn right on Bassford.

Tons of bird feeders, houses and baths.Including Home Decor & Wine/Beverage Lovers Items.

PLUS - SUPER SEED SPECIALS - Cash & Carry!!

Sale!

October is Bat Appreciation Month!There are tons of scientifically proven earth-friendly reasons why we should devote an entire month to the appreciation of bats. And though it is unclear exactly why October is the chosen

month to celebrate a mammal that is more notably active in spring, it is likely due to their popularity around Halloween. We for one won’t argue!

Want to learn more about this amazing flying mammal?

Come in the store today to see our selection of items for Bat Lovers.From bat houses to books & items for the kids, Songbird Station

wants to help you appreciate bats the month of October - and beyond! 3

4

A pair of barn owls eats 2,000 rodents in a year. Talk about good pest control! In the Middle East they actually encourage Barn Owls to roost on farms as they are seen as natural pest controllers. Other owls are also great at pest control and Songbird Station has housing for both Barred Owls and Screech Owls.

Wingman’s Fun Feather Facts By: Grant Toellner

Birds have a unique sound-producing organ known as the syrinx which is not found in any other animal. It is located in a bird’s chest and as air flows out through the lungs it passes through the syrinx, causing membranes to vibrate producing the sound. I personally think out of all bird groups, warblers have the best “songs.” A great book for warbler lovers you can pick up at Songbird Station is the The Warbler Guide published by Princeton Press.

Syrinx

A Clark’s Nutcracker which is a type of small crow, may bury a food store of more than 30,000 pine seeds in the fall months in preparation for winter. Other known birds who bury or hide seeds include those who visit your feeders frequently such as nuthatches and blue jays. A great food source to feed these food mongers is the Clinger’s Candy™ mix. It is loaded with nuts, seeds, and cracked corn that is a favorite among clingers like nuthatches as well as jays.

30,000

2,000

In late summer months you may notice what looks like millions of blackbirds gathering together foraging for food. Well, you could be right as huge flocks of red-winged blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds, and starlings come together to forage for insects and seeds as fall approaches and the groups reach the millions on occasion. If it seems like you have a million in your backyard a good way to combat these birds is switching the seed you feed. Safflower is a great alternative to sunflower seed as blackbirds don’t seem to favor it as much. Also, use an upside-down suet feeder instead of a tail prop as blackbirds can’t cling as easily and usually give up over time.

Millions of Birds

What’s NEW & Popular at Songbird Station!!!From unique bird feeders to stylish wind chimes, must-have birding essentials & beautiful yard decor,

Songbird Station has added several GREAT NEW items for lovers of the backyard! Here are just a few. Come into the store today to see more!

Cowboy BH SE3880213

Clark’s Nutcracker

Upside Down Suet FeederSERUBSUDF100HD

Safflower

Screech Owl HouseSE519

Clinger’s Candy™SESEED116

The Warbler GuidePR9780691154824

Kick a little dust up with our new “Western-themed” Birding Items!

Red Tractor ChimeSE3361023

Cowboy Hat BHSE3880212

Celebrate Fall inside & outside with our new wall prints, doormats & more. Great as gifts!

Autumn Whitetails LED Wall Art 16x12

REP1764

Tall White Pumpkin Luminary DS411001

Screech Owl

Lantern Festival Matmate MAIL11411

Fall Friends Mailwrap

MAIL01225

With the coming of fall, one of the biggest questions is when are the birds migrating? This is a tricky question because the exact times of fall migration vary, but you can watch for some clues. The change in foliage and birds molting are two main ones. What is molting? This is when many male songbirds, such as the goldfinch, molt into what is called a non-breeding plumage. This is a duller and much more camouflaged color than the bright spring and summer color. This helps protect them in the winter months.

Even birds that won’t be migrating can have a different attire that can be a signal that fall is on its way. For instance, watch juvenile birds as they mature; the more they begin to look like their adult parents, the closer fall migration will be. Birds will not migrate until their offspring are mature enough to take care of themselves. Birds that breed in the late summer will typically migrate later. Many migratory birds,

especially swallows and swifts, form huge flocks in the fall just before they get ready to leave for the winter. When you see these birds in huge flocks, typically upon wires or roosting somewhere, migration is getting ready to begin. Food is another key factor as to when birds will begin migrating. As summer foods (insects, crops, fruits) are less available, birds know it is time to move on to areas that have more natural food sources. In cases of extreme situations, such as a severe drought or other conditions that reduce food sources, birds will migrate earlier. There are a few easy things you can do to help birds migrate. • Plant flowers that bloom late in

summer to help attract migrating birds.

• Leave berries, fruits, and seed-bearing flowers intact until late fall to help provide food for birds stopping to refuel.

• Winterize your bird houses in the fall so birds can use these during migration. For those who stay, it will be a safe and warm shelter. Also, try nest boxes / pockets! Songbird Station offers a variety of pockets that the birds love as they keep them warm and safe from the elements.

By keeping these tips in mind, you will be able to more easily spot the signs of fall migration; thereby, letting you enjoy and help with the migration process.

By: Deborah IrvingSongbird Station ManagerA Bird For All Seasons

Male American Goldfinch in Breeding Plumage

Male American Goldfinchin Non-Breeding Plumage

Hanging Grass Roosting Pocket

TeardropSE938

New Suet from Songbird EssentialsAvailable ONLY at Songbird Station

SE680 - High Octane™ 11.75 oz SE681 - Peanut Jamboree™ 11 oz SE682- Smokin’ Hot Pepper™ 11.75 oz5

Suet provides a substitute for insects that become scarce in the cold winter months, and is also ideal for year-round feeding.Songbird Essentials Suet Cakes are made with only the absolute best ingredients!

• Lovedbywoodpeckers,nuthatches,titmice,chickadees&more!• Providesmoreenergyforyourwildbirdsperbite• Greatforprovidingayearroundfoodsourceforwildbirds• AllofoursuetcakesaremadeintheUSA

Fall is here and October is just around the corner. Not only is October popular for the celebration of Halloween, but did you know October is also dedicated to the awareness of your backyard furry friend (or enemy): The Squirrel? I myself would consider these backyard acrobats my furry friends, because I enjoy watching their antics and gymnastic skills as they move from feeder to feeder; however, lots of folks consider them enemies because squirrels love to eat and eat and eat. In fact most squirrels eat their entire body weight of 1.5 pounds worth of food each week. That’s a lot of black oil sunflower in a year! One reason squirrels are able to maneuver and twist and get to feeders is because their hind legs are double jointed. This helps them run up and down trees quickly. Before we get into discussing how to keep squirrels from making your backyard a fast food joint, I am going to talk about some products that are entertaining that squirrel’s love. If you are looking for the #1 selling feeder for squirrels, look no further than the Squngee from Songbird Essentials. This feeder is essentially a bungee cord feeding device for squirrels. You

attach an ear of corn to the bottom end and hang it a few feet off the ground. Then watch and laugh as squirrels make continuous jumps and bounces up and down when they hold onto the corn for a quick bite. Another feeder I find amusing that they seem to love is the Squirrel in a Jar feeder. This feeder simply attaches to a tree and features a large jar that squirrels go in and out of for a meal. I like to use Squirrel’s Referral from Songbird Essentials. Squirrel’s Referral contains whole corn, black oil sunflower, peanut pieces, whole peanuts, grey striped sunflower and pumpkin seeds, all of which squirrels love! I also like to use a bag of pumpkin seeds from Chuck-A-Nut to lure them inside. If you are on the opposite side of the fence and have no desire to make your bird feeders a hangout spot for squirrels, don’t worry because there are several methods to help deter them. A simple way to protect your feeders and feed is by adding a baffle to either the top of the feeder, or to the pole if your feeder is pole-mounted. This helps prevent the

squirrels from climbing down or up to your feeders. One thing you should ensure is that the feeder is still several feet from the tree trunk itself. Squirrels can jump, with some being able to jump up to 20 feet, so make sure the squirrel doesn’t use the trunk to propel himself to your feeder. Another great tactic to try is to add some Flaming Hot Squirrel sauce from Coles. This habanera flavored additive is perfectly safe to use for both the birds and squirrels, however birds can’t taste the hot ingredients but squirrels sure can! Let’s just say most don’t care to like their seed spicy. You can also buy a squirrel resistant feeder from popular lines like Songbird Essentials, Droll Yankee, Brome, & others. Our recent favorite is the Squirrel Defeater by Songbird Essentials.It makes it very challenging for the squirrels and helps save you seed. Not to mention how entertaining it is to watch the squirrels try to get to the seed. If you want to know more about Squirrel Lover products or Squirrel Resistant products pick up some free tip sheets at Songbird Station that are loaded with information.

6 Coupon Expires 10/31/16Coupon Expires 10/31/16Coupon Expires 10/31/16

By: Grant Toellner

SqungeeSESQUNGEE

16 oz Flaming Squirrel Seed Sauce

COLESGCFS16

20” Hanging BafflerSESQ84

Yankee FlipperDYYF

October is Squirrel Awareness Month

Squirrel’s Referral™SESEED151

Squirrel

Squirrel Jar FeederSESCS412

SAVE 10% SAVE 30%Hanging Baffler

with purchase of Hopper Feeder

Whole Peanuts with Purchase

of Peanut Feeder

Squirrel Defeater Seed Feeder

SAVE 10%

Feed the birds Not the Squirrels!

Pictured:SESQ84 - 20” Hanging BafflerSERUBHF500 - Hopper Feeder

Pictured:SE6020 - Red WreathCOLESGCWP02 - Peanuts

Pictured:SE980 - Squirrel Defeater Seed Feeder

SAVE 10%

Matching Fall Flags, Doormats,

and Mailbox Covers

Coupon Expires 10/31/16

AskBird Man Mel Q. Should I shut up my Bluebird boxes now that

nesting season is over?

Q. Any tips to help the birds this fall/winter and encourage them to use my yard?A. You bet! #1: As I often suggest, please leave your flower beds and garden untidy this winter. Do not deadhead zinnias, cosmos, coneflowers and many others. The finches, juncos and others will say, “Thanks so much for the winter treat!” Also, insects seeking cover in leaf, flower and garden residue can provide life saving snacks during cold months ahead. #2: Make sure you provide heated water. Allows for year round bathing to keep feathers fluffed out and warm, a must for 100% seed eaters like finches to properly digest food. Try our Songbird Spa (SE995) and Multi-use & Birdbath De-Icer (SE994) heated products.#3: Provide high energy foods in the form of suets, Hearty Hearts™ sunflower kernels and nut containing mixes like Clinger’s Only!#4: Put out some woven grass roosting pockets for small birds to use for shelter.

Bird Man MelOwner of

Songbird Station

A. Please don’t! Many bluebirds over-winter in central Missouri and often seek shelter in nest boxes from harsh winter weather. In fact, you’ll often see multiple bluebirds. I’ve seen 6 or 8 come out of one box! To help their survival chances, use weatherproof tape to close roof and bottom vents. Then add a layer of dry long-leaf grass in the bottom after taking out this year’s nest and cleaning the box. Remember to also double check that your predator baffle is still attached correctly to the pole to make sure cats, raccoons and other predators can’t raid your house - now or next breeding season!

A. Actually, I just filmed hummingbirds using our new Tweet Heart Birdie™ Hummingbird Swings on my deck. Check out the video at YouTube.com/songbirdessentials. Tweat Heart Birdie™ Swings make great presents for that special Tweet Heart in your life. This summer I also tested a red plastic device that holds fruit for fruit flies to develop for hummers. It was ok, but not any better than simply hiding plates of rotting fruit in my flower beds.

Q. You mentioned in a previous newsletter a couple fair trade projects you had with villages in Bali. How’s that going?A. Actually quite well. We’re excited that our “Tree of Life”, hand-cut by our Bali craftsmen, has been featured on the cover of National Geographic catalog. Come check out all the great cut glass items at Songbird Station. Don’t miss the new fall color and holiday pieces too!

Hearty Hearts™ 20 lbSESEED126

Tail Prop Suet FeederSERUBSF100H

Songbird SpaSE995

Hive Pocket - SE937Round Pocket - SE936

Teardrop Pocket - SE938Multi-Use / BB De-IcerSE994

Clinger’s Candy™ 20lbSESEED116

Q. Are you testing or filming anything new?

SAVE10%

SAVE 10%

Largest Selection of

Woodstock & Music of the

Sphere Chimes

SAVE 10%Fall Wind Spinners

Coupon Expires 10/31/16 Coupon Expires 10/31/16Coupon Expires 10/31/16

High Octane™ SuetSE680

Tweet Heart Birdie™ Swing Copper Color

SE802

Fall Colors Waterfall Chime

GEBLUEG521

Snowman MobileGEBLUEG533

MIZZOU Items

7

SAVE 10%Optics by Carson Optical

and Vortex Optics. Great for game day and birding!

Coupon Expires 10/31/16

Santa with Toy BagGEBLUEG517 Tree of Life Chime Featured

in National Geographic

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

STORE HOURSMonday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Closed on Sunday

If you would like to receive your newsletter via email and help our environment in the process, please email Dawn@goldcrestdistributing.com

with the email address you want us to send your newsletter to.

Garage Sale - Seed SaleSee inside for details

Songbird Station’s 21st AnniversaryMonarch Butterfly Seminar

When you shop locally at Songbird Station a portion of your purchase is given back to the community supporting: Bird

Conservation, Environmental Education and Outdoor Birding Recreation. Your business is appreciated!

Songbird Station is Spooktacular!

Project Feeder Watch

Witch Bicycle SpinnerPD25998

Tall Orange PumpkinLuminary DS411000

Witch Cat Gdn FlagMAIL31227

Black Cat DoorstopFE70

Black Cat SuncatcherGE184

Squatty White PumpkinLuminary DS411061

Fun in the Fall with Songbird Station!

Woodpeckers Seminar

Stop by and help us celebrate 21 years of “Helping families enjoy nature together!” Thursday through Saturday (September 22nd-24th), receive 21% OFF any one item, excluding seed or yard care. Also don’t miss out on our “Fall Super Seed Sale!”Buy now and save on 40# Black Oil Sunflower Seed at only $14.95. High Energy Suet Case 12 only $9.95. More information inside, or call the store for details.

September 22nd - 24th

Join us Saturday, September 24th at 10:00 am as we learn about the Monarch Butterfly. We will discuss why they are in danger and what we can all do to help. Presented by Robbie Scholes & Stacey Barr.

For more information, please contact the store. The Monarch Butterfly seminar is always very popular. RSVP’s are not required, but appreciated.

September 24th - 10:00 am

For those of you who have participated in Project Feeder Watch in the past - Thank You! Your efforts help scientists track winter-feeder-bird populations and are much appreciated. PFW is already gearing up for their 30th season (November to April), & they want YOU to join. Join in September & receive a thank you gift from PFW. Learn more at FeederWatch.org.

Come see what’s NEW and HOT at Songbird Stationfor Fall and Halloween indoor and outdoor decor.

November 12th - 10:00 am

Join us Saturday, November 12th at 10:00 am as we learn about Woodpeckers. This seminar will be presented by Jim & Julie Lundsted.

For more information, please contact the store. RSVP’s are not required, but appreciated.

Also available in White!

Also available in Orange!