Tracy Diaz presented the program “Caring for Your Backyard Birds” to the Heart-N-Hands Extension Homemakers Club recently at the Pursuit Church in White Hall.
Diaz’s presentation included: Helping birds survive with better foods, keeping bird cleaners clean, making birdseed ornaments and identifying bird families by a bird’s shape, according to a news release.
She gave each member a copy of the “Ruby-Throated Hummingbird” booklet. Ruby-throated hummingbirds often are found near abundant nectar-producing flowers and water, but they also frequent swamps. They nest in wetlands, often building their walnut-sized baskets on a downward-sloping limb near or over the water.
Hummingbirds are easy to attract and often revisit feeders. Feeders with glass jars and few moving parts are easier to clean and maintain. Dissolve one part table sugar in four parts hot tap water to make nectar. Change nectar every three days to prevent mold. Hang at least three feeders 10 feet apart. Never use insect sprays, bleach or petroleum-based products near feeders.
Diaz also passed out the “Arkansas Backyard Birds” booklet. Binoculars can be used to see birds with more detail without the need to sneak up on them.
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Helpful hints in identifying birds include: the general size of the bird, the main colors of the bird, the bill’s shape and size, and tail length and shape. Diaz also shared the benefits of belonging to a bird-watching group.
During the Heart-N-Hands business session, Delores Kelley encouraged members to bring cereal and macaroni and cheese for the Backpack Program at Pursuit Church.
Nancy Rosen thanked everyone who brought items for the Hope of the Delta’s Mommy Store. She said the club will be deciding on a project for the Heart-N-Hands 2025-26 Project Book.
Sandy Smith, club president, announced that the Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Council’s Christmas in July will be held July 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office. It is also the deadline for Holiday Foods recipes. Heart-N-Hands will be responsible for clean-up.
The JCEHC picnic will be Aug. 23 at Pursuit Church. Bingo will be played, and achievement points are due. The Holiday Foods Show is scheduled for Nov. 7 in Gallagher Hall at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Debbie James gave updates on the Southeast Arkansas District Fair and showed the craft that she will be teaching the JCEHC in July. Additional information was given.
Home economics and horticulture individual educational exhibit forms and entry tags for the fair are available at the extension office, 500 S. Idaho St. Entries will be accepted Sept. 21 from 2-6 p.m. at Hestand Stadium Fairgrounds, 420 N. Blake St. For additional information, contact Mary Ann Kizer at the extension office, (870) 534-1033 or e-mail mkizer@uada.edu.
Smith announced that the August Heart-N-Hands EHC meeting will be the club’s picnic month and members signed up to bring items. Also, Brenda Hendrix brought a birthday cake to celebrate Heart-N-Hands EHC’s 9th birthday.