NOTE--To see an on-line version of this newsletter, copy this link and paste it into your web browser: http://www.birdsandblooms.com/rd.asp?id=391&firstname=$$firstname$$&emailaddress=$$email$$&refurl=$$refurl$$ Please do not reply to this email. If you have questions or wish to unsubscribe, see the instructions at the bottom of this email. ---------- Dear $$firstname$$, Happy holidays from Birds & Blooms magazine! It's time to celebrate the season with family and friends...and don't forget your favorite backyard birds! Below, you'll find some fun and festive ways to spread good cheer both outdoors and indoors. Read on to discover... >A "Berry" Stubborn Bird >Lone Star Christmas Tree >Birds Get the Last Laugh >Share Some Holly-Day Spirit >They Trim with Treats >Craft a Di-Vine Tree >Keep Birdbath Ice-Free ---------- A "Berry" Stubborn Bird EARLY one December, Byron D. of Lynchburg, Virginia noticed that a dogwood tree near his driveway was still loaded with berries, even though most of the others in the yard were almost bare. He wondered why. "The answer became obvious one day when we noticed a northern mockingbird sitting in the tree," Byron says. "The mockingbird was very territorial and would chase away any nearby birds--even crows. It was always perched in or near the tree, and we had great fun seeing it intimidate birds twice its size." Byron and his wife even saw it chase away two large pileated woodpeckers. But this duo was more persistent than the other birds--they'd sit and eat for a while, enduring the mockingbird's diving attacks, before eventually flying away. "Those woodpeckers kept returning, so the berry supply finally began to dwindle. By January, the tree was as bare as the others...but the stubborn mockingbird continued to sit in the tree for a couple more weeks before finally abandoning its well-protected territory." To view a photo, visit: http://www.birdsandblooms.com/RD.asp?ID=385 ********** New Trips, Lots of Excitement and Big Savings for Birds and Blooms Newsletter Subscribers FOR GOOD TIMES, good food and fascinating travel with friendly folks like you, our friends at World Wide Country Tours have announced an exciting new lineup for 2005! From an all-new deluxe cruise along Russia’s Historic Waterways...to the new Wonders of Iceland...to perennial favorites like River Barging -Autumn Adventure, Summer Celebration...Alaska & the Yukon...and the Panama and the Panama Canal cruise/tour combo...there are OVER 45 DESTINATIONS to choose from throughout the U.S., Canada and Internationally. Plus, as a subscriber to the Birds and Blooms Newsletter, you're entitled to a FREE BONUS HOTEL NIGHT up to $150 value with any 2005 vacation through World Wide Country Tours. it only takes a $250 per person deposit to reserve your place, and don't forget to mention code BL07 to claim your free bonus night! Visit our web site for complete itineraries and savings information: http://www.countrytours.com/rd.asp?id=831 Exclusive Tour Operator of Reiman Publications 1-800/344-6918 ********** Lone Star Christmas Tree WHEN Mary W. and her husband started landscaping their small city lot in Snyder, Texas, planting trees was an early priority. "Shade trees were important for relief from the hot sun here in West Texas," Mary says. "But we also added fruit trees, pecan trees and other decorative trees. Then we took on a special challenge--a Douglas fir. "According to our garden books, Douglas firs prefer cooler and more humid climates. But we tried one anyway, planting a seedling on the north side of our house in partial shade. It's done just fine with regular slow soakings and occasional misting...now it's as tall as our house!" Because of their extra effort, Mary and her husband are the only ones in their area who can decorate a "real" evergreen in their yard for the holiday season! ---------- Birds Get the Last Laugh WE'VE ALL HEARD a lot of jokes over the years about holiday fruitcakes. But Marion L. of Humboldt, Indiana says that around her place, the birds are the ones who get the last laugh. "We place fruitcake leftovers in our suet feeders and never lack for winged visitors--woodpeckers, mockingbirds and blue jays seem to love this treat," she explains. "I've even made my own fruitcake for them with finely chopped nuts and dried fruit. But most of the time, there's plenty left at the end of the holidays!" ---------- Share Some Holly-Day Spirit WITH its bright green leaves and red berries, holly has long been used as a symbol of Christmas. But this familiar perennial shrub also makes an attractive addition to any landscape, especially in the southeast, where winters are milder. And it's easy to propagate--after requesting information in Birds & Blooms, Carl and Edna V. of Vernon, Illinois were surprised by the number of ways readers have started new holly plants from existing shrubs. "Most agreed that the easiest way to start holly is to bury part of a branch while it's still attached to the plant," Edna says. "To make sure it stays in place, hold the branch down with a weight or wire. Some people suggested scratching the bark off the branch where it touches the soil." Other readers simply cut some branches for Christmas decorations and root them in a vase of water. Once roots appear, place the branches in a small pot filled with potting soil. Keep in a warm place with ample light. Another method involves taking cuttings, dipping the cut tips in rooting hormone and placing them in a rooting or potting mix that drains well. Keep the cuttings covered with a vented transparent lid. They should be moist, but not wet. Remember, to produce berries, at least one male plant is needed for every two or three female plants. So whatever method you choose to propagate your holly plants, start both male and female varieties. ---------- They Trim with Treats WHEN her children were younger, they'd often get restless and bored during their winter break from school, says Pamela S. of Charleston, West Virginia. She always had an antidote--trimming a tree in the yard with edible "ornaments" for feathered friends. "This activity became a winter tradition," Pamela adds. "Our efforts are always rewarded with hours of fun as we watch the birds flock around the tree and feast on these edible ornaments." One treat the birds really enjoy is a garland of peanuts (still in the shell). To make a peanut garland, just string together peanuts with a strong needle and heavy thread (a thimble really helps!). This treat will attract blue jays and woodpeckers, to name just a couple birds. For ornaments, spread peanut butter onto pinecones and roll them in seed. They're easy to hang--just tie a string around the top of the pinecone. "These treats are simple to make but very messy," cautions Pamela. "Spread out lots of newspaper first!" To view a photo, visit: http://www.birdsandblooms.com/RD.asp?ID=386 ----------- Craft a Di-Vine Tree SHE LOVES garden projects that are inexpensive, quick and made from ordinary household items, says field editor Barbara C. of Clyde, North Carolina. One of her holiday favorites is a vine Christmas tree. "All you need are a tomato cage, some ribbons and honeysuckle vines (or any other vines, such as grapevine, ivy or clematis). "Trim the stake wires off the tomato cage with a wire cutter, or turn them under with a pliers so the cage will stand without wobbling. Then wrap the vines around the tomato cage, weaving the ends in and out to keep them from unraveling. Use as much vine as needed to cover the cage. "Weave a few ribbons in and out to add color. Dried flowers also add visual interest and texture. At Christmastime, I add lights and ornaments to create a holiday theme. For other holidays, I decorate my tree by simply changing the ornaments and ribbons." ---------- Keep Birdbath Ice-Free USING only 50 watts, our electric heater keeps birdbath water from freezing in temperatures as low as -20 degrees F! Natural-colored, powder-coated aluminum heater and 18-inch-long cord blend in easily and can also be spray-painted to match your birdbath. It's thermostatically controlled and easy to clean, too. Measures 6-1/2"L x 2-1/2"W x 3/4"H. To order the Birdbath Ice Eliminator from Country Store On-line, visit: http://www.countrystorecatalog.com/rd.asp?id=1254 *********** Featured Item Ice Carpet, visit: http://www.countrystorecatalog.com/rd.asp?id=1255 *********** THIS NEWSLETTER is from the editors of some of your favorite magazines, including... Birds & Blooms brings beautiful backyards from across America into your living room through vivid, full-color photos. It's like a friendly "chat" over the back fence with your bird-and-flower-loving neighbors. To subscribe or give a gift on-line, visit: http://www.birdsandblooms.com/RD.asp?ID=392 To visit our website, visit: http://www.birdsandblooms.com/RD.asp?ID=393 Backyard Living is the all-new, one-of-a-kind magazine that's guaranteed to help you improve and enjoy your backyard like never before. Each issue is packed with easy projects, great gardening hints, luscious recipes for backyard entertaining, and more! To subscribe or give a gift on-line, visit: http://www.backyardlivingmagazine.com/RD.asp?ID=73 To visit our website, visit: http://www.backyardlivingmagazine.com/RD.asp?ID=74 ---------- This email was sent to: $$email$$ HAVE A FRIEND who enjoys bird-watching, bird feeding or backyard gardening? Feel free to forward this newsletter! If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please use this link to sign up for yourself. http://www.birdsandblooms.com/rd.asp?id=387&pmcode=$$refurl$$ Please do not reply to this message to unsubscribe. 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