Ask Chip
Annette Franke, Consolidated Cooperative
Q. Hi, Chip: Red-winged blackbirds entered my yard a week ago in a huge flock. Now I am having difficulty managing my backyard bird-feeding station. The blackbirds take over so other birds cannot feed. Also, they break my feeders. How do I get rid of the redwings?
Glenn Kimball, South Central Power Company
Q. Hi, Chip: Recently, I watched two deer in my yard taking turns licking each other's ears. This went on for at least five minutes. They were both full grown does. I have never seen this before. Is this usual behavior?
A. Glenn: Like you, I have never observed this particular behavior in deer, so contacted Clint McCoy with your question. He is the ODNR, Division of Wildlife, deer biologist, and here is what he had to say:
Ohio Cooperative Living magazine readers are fascinated with wild birds. I know that because each time I write an “Ask Chip” column about birds or birding, questions/comments from readers abound. Last month — May 2023 — was no exception. My monthly Woods, Waters & Wildlife column featured orioles and how to attract them to backyard birdfeeders in a story titled “Looking Good in Orange.”
Nancy Drake
