Wild Bird Feeders – Why not?

Ask any ornithologist of the importance of wild birds to a particular geographical eco-system and one will be met with a cacophonous response regarding delicate food chain balances, confusing statistical data pertaining to population decreases and the effect the decimation of natural habitats is having on their beloved winged friends.

But, for the most of us, the most appealing and luring attribute of the feathered sector of the evolutionary ladder is undoubtedly their outstanding aesthetic beauty. This, coupled with a vocal range unmatched anywhere in nature, is the reason why so many of us spend our hard earned on wild bird feeders.

Nuts about the Northern Flicker? Barmy about the Blue Hen Chicken?  Mad for the Mountain Blue Bird? If the answer to any of these, or indeed all of them is yes then you need to know the perfect feeders to allow you to ogle to your heart’s content.

Every ornithologist has a favourite bird. It may be the one bird that eludes him at every bird watching outing, the one he just can’t entice with his wild bird feeder, his prize catch. Armed with a little inside knowledge and an earnest desire, you can find the bird you’re looking for.

Wild bird feeders bring the normally more elusive of birds right into the arena of your own back garden, a perfect vantage point for bird watching in HD. With a variety of feeders to suit the most frugal of budgets, the most determined of pests, (those pesky squirrels!) and the most tiny of gardens, wild bird feeders allow anyone to have their own Technicolor bird watching movie-fest.

Added to this the fact that with the huge spectrum of decorative tables available, you can utilise it as a design feature to add panache to a mundane outdoor space, plus with a little bit of specialist insight you can even match the bird to your open-air decor. With a little research, you can choose the food and feeder to attract a particular species of bird and voila, instant coordination of flora and fauna. Who needs to pay the high prices of specialist gardeners?!

And for the more ecologically conscious amongst us, sleep well knowing that your little oasis might very well contribute to a coinciding rise in population numbers of your favourite bird, helping them feed and nurture their young in a safe and reliable environment. What more self-satisfaction could you get than knowing you’ve done your little bit to offset all the damage we inadvertently do to the natural habitats all around us?

With such minimal outlaying and maintenance costs, there really is very little reason NOT to have a wild bird feeder in your garden!

Looking for a Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder?

A squirrel proof bird feeder is a sought out feature for anyone who has had a bird feeder.  Many people have come up with many different homemade methods for trying to keep squirrels away from their bird feeders and suffered much frustration when trying to squirrel proof their bird feeder.  There are now many different varieties and models that fall under the category of a squirrel proof bird feeder.

Some squirrel proof bird feeders are mechanical and detects the weight of the squirrel and will  start spinning and throw the squirrel off the bird feeder, sometimes called twirl a squirrel.  Another type is designed so that the perches will collapse when the weight of the squirrel is pushed beyond the limit.  There are also caged squirrel proof bird feeders, which allows birds to easily pass through the small holes it isn’t possible for the squirrels to get through them. 
  
Keep in mind there aren’t any bird feeders that can keep a squirrel out 100% of the time.  With that being said there are a lot of designs out there that will keep squirrels out 99% of the time.

If you are tired of constantly re-filling your bird feeder to only see the squirrels empty it in a short time then check out one of these squirrel proof bird feeder options and you can get back to enjoying the birds and not fighting the squirrels.   Whatever your desire is you will be able to find a bird feeder that will suit your needs.   For more information visit here.

There is a Decorative Bird Feeder For Everyone!

Whether the simplest of designs or the most elaborate of designs, decorative bird feeders make the perfect accent to any yard or garden. Bird feeders come in an array of sizes and styles, can be made from many different kinds of materials and their price tags vary greatly. Not only do they attract beautiful wild birds, by providing food for them, they also add an attractive decor to any landscaping.

With all the different styles of decorative bird feeders, there certainly must be a style to satisfy everyone. Some of the materials they can be made from include wood, metal, rod iron, glass, ceramic and plastic, and they come in many shapes and sizes. They come in a variety of endless shapes such as; castles, houses, stars, suns, animals and so much more. They also come in a variety of sizes and are made to hang from hooks, stands or to set on the ground. There are so many choices when it comes to decorative bird feeders.

Bird Feeders are highly decorative and truly do add a hint of beauty to all landscaped areas. It is easy and fun to pick out a bird feeder and there is one to match any decor, plus it really is both pleasant and relaxing to watch the various types of wild birds that a bird feeder may attract. Everyone should look into purchasing a decorative bird feeder to add to the decor of their landscaping, whether it be for their personal yard or for the property of their commercial business.

Read more about Wooden Bird Feeders. Visit our site for lots of Decorative Bird Feeders Information.

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders – A Few Tips

You must be tired of the squirrels in your backyard that try to get something from the bird feeders you have put there for the birds visiting your backyard but with the squirrel proof, you can be sure they will not disturb you anymore. Bird feeders squirrel proof are meant to keep the squirrels and other animals you don’t want away and they come in various types.

You can get a bird feeder squirrel proof that collapses or spins with the weight of the squirrel. These are made to only support small weights such as those of the birds so that when the squirrels try to get the food, the feeder starts to spin and the squirrel falls to the ground. You can also use caged bird feeders which can only allow birds to get inside so that the squirrel will be too big for the space left. There are those that are only meant for the small sized birds to get inside depending on what you want hence the squirrel proof will prevent other larger birds you don’t want on your bird feeder as well as the squirrels.

You can also find ways of squirrel proofing your bird feeder which includes placing your bird feeder at a distance where the squirrel cannot reach as well as maintaining cleanliness around the area so the squirrels will not be attracted to the place. There are many companies producing squirrel ready bird feeders but important is to get one made of the best materials and is durable.

Read more about Bird Feeders Squirrel Proof. Visit our site for lots of Wooden Bird Feeders Information.

Outdoor Bird Feeders–What Food Should You Use

If you are trying to encourage birds to come into your yard you, not only, need to consider their homes but, also, their diets.  Different types of bird seed are suited to different species of birds.  Choosing the right type of bird feeder for your anticipated visitors and bird seed for the species of birds found in your area ensures that your visitors stay happy, healthy and well fed.  That will keep them coming back year after year.

Sunflower seeds are the ideal food for species such as sparrows, doves, chickadees, cardinals, blue jays and finches.  Most types of hanging feeders can accommodate sunflower seeds.  The only thing one must consider is that the bird feeder for the birds be hung fairly high off the ground.  You should, also, consider that the feeder offer some sort of protection against squirrels, since squirrels are, also, very fond of sunflowers. Another popular seed with birds is corn.  Corn attracts birds such as blackbirds, starlings and cardinals.  Most large song birds and some smaller ones enjoy corn.  So if you want to attract song birds, hang your bird feeder high off the ground with plenty of room around it so that the birds can congregate.  Providing platforms and perches at different levels will enable several birds to feed at the same time.  Wire caged feeders and mesh are ideal for corn because they keep squirrels and other unwanted visitors away from the feeding station.

It is important to keep your bird feeders clean.  Old seed shells and leftover seeds should be removed from the bird feeder periodically.  Spilled seed tends to attract rodents.  Make sure that the bird feeder gets washed with a soap solution or bleach and water on a regular basis in order to avoid mold and mildew.  Taking care of your bird feeder and providing the proper food will insure a happy experience for your bird visitors and you.

Squirrel Problems With Bird Feeders

There are truly two basic approaches to keeping squirrels out of your bird feeder. The first is to simply try and block them from getting to the feeder. There are 2 common types of feeders that do that. Squirrel proof bird feeders are very common.

Baffled Bird Feeder – By simply prohibiting access to the the food in the feeder, you frustrate them and they move off. The benefit of to using a baffle is that it nearly separates the squirrel proof barrier from the feeder itself, so the bird have free access to the bird seed, and any size bird can still use the feeder. This is frequently the more classy approach.

The disadvantage of this approach is that squirrels can leap enormous distances, and are incredibly flexible climbers, so they will often find a way to land on the actual feeder and evade the baffling. With the top mounted feeder you may also find a squirrel smart enough to climb down and cause the feeder to swing, and while they may not gain access to the feeder itself they may cause the bird food to spill to the ground, where they can get all the food they desire.

This is typically the case when you’re attempting to attract smaller birds.

The second approach to disposing of squirrels in your bird feeder is to move them out. The much more effective types of squirrel proof feeders are those that cause the squirrel to fall off or be thrown from the feeder. There are two types of those feeders as well, weight turned on feeders and the battery powered or electronic motorized feeders. While this won’t harm the squirrels they’re fun to observe in action…
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Glass Hummingbird Feeders and Gazebo Bird Feeders – What to put in, and not to put in, your feeders

A Sapphire twist glass hummingbird feeder works well by itself or as a pair of lawnornaments to deliver a blaze of color to your lawn and garden décor. I have written about where to place your hummingbirdfeeders to get the most traffic and where to place them to keep the bully hummers, the ruby-throated hummingbirds, from being the only hummingbird to grace your glass hummingbird feeders. These suggestions will deliver more traffic and maybe even a little less bullying. However, what is good to put in your sapphire twist glass hummingbird feeders?

If you have a favorite hummingbird food recipe that you like, and the hummers like, by all means stay with it. If you are wondering how to make hummingbird food there are many hummingbird food recipes out there to try. The hummingbird nectar that hummers go for first is natural, the sugary nectar from flowering plants like Columbine, Impatiens, Geraniums and more. This nectar gives the bird a sugar high that is most important before they make their trek across the Golf of Mexico. There are a variety of instant mixes out there to try in your Sapphire Twist Glass Hummingbird Feeders, my hummer friends seem to prefer this simple hummingbird nectar recipe. Mix one part sugar with four parts water, bring to a boil for one or two minutes. Cool and store in your refrigerator.

Because Honey ferments easily never use it in your hummingbird feeders. The fermentation will cause sores in a hummingbirdâ??s mouth. Artificial sweeteners are just that artificial, they have no food value. Most glass hummingbird feeders sold today have some degree of red in them, red attracts the hummingbird. Although there have not been any testing done on the effects of the dye on birds, please Do Not use red food coloring in the solution you use for your hummingbird feeders, it could harm your swift winged wonders. If you donâ??t feel there is enough red in your Sapphire Twist glass hummingbird feeder just tie a small red ribbon around your feeder.

As winter approaches adding decorative gazebo bird feeders to your backyard display of wooden lawn ornaments will not only enhance your garden décor birdhouses but will attract your feathered friends and makes sure they have enough to eat all year long. Placing your birdfeeders under trees where plants donâ??t readily grow will give an otherwise barren area new life and give protection to the visiting birds. Birds will frequent areas that have plenty of food and were they will feel safe.

Always have a source of water for your quest, even in the dead of winter; bird baths that wonâ??t freeze in the winter are available. What you put in your gazebo bird feeders can determine what type of birds you will attract. If your birdfeeders have black sunflower seeds, sometimes called oil seeds, they will attract cardinals, woodpeckers, blue jays, nuthatches and many more. Chickadees, titmice, and downy woodpeckers are attracted to gazebo bird feeders with safflower seeds, a slightly smaller seed than the black sunflower seed. A good food supply, water, and a safe environment will bring the migrating birds to your birdfeeders on their way south and will keep your local residents happy and coming back for more.

If you havenâ??t already seen the mess a store bought bag of mixed birdseed makes around your gazebo bird feeders then I am here to tell you, donâ??t buy mixed birdseed. They contain a lot of filler, like red millet, something most birds wonâ??t eat. It just gets kicked to the ground where it rots. Mixed birdseed for your birdfeeders is not a bargain. Plain and simple, buy the seeds you know your birds want.

Bird Feeder Plans – Choosing You Favorite Bird Feeder Design

Bird feeders plans are wonderful to help you build your favorite bird feeders. There is nothing like bird feeders to make your garden or backyard come to life and attract many species of birds. There are several different models for you to build if you want to attract specific kinds of birds.

Suet Feeders

This is a great bird feeder to attract bigger birds such as chickadees, cardinals, woodpeckers or blue jays. Suet is actually a piece of animal fat that you put inside a container covered with wire. The holes has to be big enough to allow the birds to pick at the fat. This is great food to feed the birds during the winter months.

Building a suet bird feeder is easy with two small plates of wood attached together with 6 inches long wood sticks, a rope to hang it with and some wire with holes of a half of an inch wrapped around the sticks, creating a caged area on the middle to put the suet.

Hopper Feeders

This is the most often sen bird feeder and it is easy to build one in any version you like. A large platform at the bottom can keep the seeds from falling on the ground and get wasted. The design consist in a little house with walls and a liftable roof for easy refilling. Making small openings allow the seeds to spill slowly onto the bottom tray.

This kind of feeder attract a lot of different variety of birds such as blue jays but also squirrels, especially if they are suspended under a tree. Try to put your feeder in a place where the squirrels cannot access it too easily.

Tube Feeders

The tube feeders you can buy at the stores are made of plastic and will not last very long. Soon the plastic will break with the cold and you will have to get new ones. Building one with wood is a great idea. To do so build a long rectangle box and drill one inch holes all around it. Adding perched under the holes will attract a large variety of small birds that cannot cling as easily as woodpeckers and finches can.

To attract larger birds, attach a bottom tray under the tube to collect the seed to they will land and feed there.

There are many more models you can make yourself for a fraction of the cost of what they sell for in retail stores.

Hummingbird Bird Feeders – Choosing the right one for your garden

Hummingbirds are beautiful as well as amazing to watch and many bird watchers and gardeners are keen to attract them in to their backyards. Specially designed hummingbird feeders are the best way to do this as they provide the very hard working hummingbird with an easy, quick source of food.

Hummingbirds diet consists of mostly of sugary nectar, pollen and small insects. They have a very high metabolism and need to consume lots of sugar to keep active throughout the day.

Hummingbird feeders come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes but there are essentially two main types of bird feeders , the saucer feeder and the inverted feeder. The saucer feeder is basically a dish that is filled with a sugary liquid, hummingbirds feed on this nectar through specially designed feeding holes. The saucer feeders are often smaller (and usually cheaper) than inverted feeders and are generally easier to clean, however they need to be refilled more often and depending on their size might not be that obvious to the hummingbirds.

Inverted feeders are larger (and often more expensive) , more visible to visiting birds and donâ??t require regular refilling. However inverted feeders can be difficult to clean and are poor quality feeders are prone to leaking.  Although there are advantages and disadvantages for both types of feeders most people choose the inverted feeders as they tend to be more effective in attracting hummingbirds. As well as deciding on the type of feeder, consider the following factors when deciding which hummingbird feeder to purchase.

Look for a feeder that is built using some red materials. Hummingbirds are attracted to red objects and are more likely to use your feeder if itâ??s got a red base or tube.  Also choose a feeder that is easy to clean and refill. Hummingbird feeders should be refilled twice a week or possibly more depending on the number of Hummingbirds in your garden.  Larger feeders are generally easier to clean and there are special brushes that can help make the cleaning process easier.

Its worth investing in a feeder that has one or more perches on it. Although it is fascinating to watch a hummingbird hover while feeder it uses a lot of energy and are more likely to feed if you provide a perch for them to rest on.

The sugary liquid in your feeder will obviously attract many insects including wasps if it leaks out of the feeder.  Many feeders have built in ant and bee protectors or you can purchase them to fit your bird feeders.

Once you have got your hummingbird feeders select a visible spot that is in the sun and ideally near a flower bed. It may take a while before you see hummingbirds and a little longer before they feel confident enough to feed using your bird feeders. After a while you maybe able to bring the feeder closer to the house so you can view from a window, however do not place too close to the window otherwise the Hummingbirds may fly in to the window and injure themselves.

Once your bird feeders are in place and filled with a sweet sugary solution, sit back and wait for these beautiful birds to start feeding â?? it is worth all the effort when you see the Hummingbirds feeing in your backyard.

Bird Feeders–Using Them to Attract Birds to Your Yard

There is no sweeter sound to be heard in a garden then that of chirping birds enjoying the environment.  During the winter months, when a person is closed inside the house, nothing brightens up a day as watching birds enjoying a meal at your bird feeder.  And this sentiment is shared by over 70 million people in the United States and Canada.

By providing food and shelter to these feathered creatures, these considerate humans are playing an important role in helping birds survive at a time when the bird population is taking a beating.

By knowing what plants satisfy birds, it becomes quite easy to attract them into a yard.  Grosbeaks and cedar waxwings look for an assortment of berries.  Goldfinches like their thistle, chickadees look for sunflowers, hummingbirds search for nectar and blue jays, of course, like to pick through compost piles.  Birds, will, of course, hang out anywhere where they can find a good habitat and an assortment of feeders.

Other birds prefer the cover of dense shrubs.

Also, important to keep in mind is that birds need access to water year-round for preening their feathers to ensure good insulation and drinking.  An outdoor water fountain, bird bath or pond can be an attractive garden accent and, at the same time, an important habitat feature.

Another consideration that must be made is in the styles of feeders.  An assortment of several types will provide you with more of an assortment of feathered visitors.  For instance, chickadees will eat from almost any feeder, including the palm of your hand.  Other types of birds will, only, eat from a specific type of perch, feeding port or roof.  The more of a variety of feeders provided guarantees a wider variety of visitors.

Feeders come in three primary types: platform, suet and elevated perching feeders.  Platform feeders, which are, generally, situated at or a little above ground level, will attract a variety of ground-feeding birds such as cardinals and sparrows.  Suet is a rendered beef-fat that attracts insect-eating birds such as nuthatches, chickadees and woodpeckers.  Perching feeders, usually, have one or more seed ports with a perch.  They are, usually, hung 5 to 6 feet off the ground.  These types of feeders serve the culinary needs of finches, chickadees, blue jays and grosbeaks.  Most perching feeders are designed to hold various seed mixtures.  Thistle seed, the preferred food of finches, has a fine texture and, consequently, requires a feeder designed, specifically, for that seed.

If providing more than one feeder in your yard, separating them will encourage more birds to feed at the same time.

There is much pleasure to be found for the price of a feeder and a few pounds of bird feed.  Either way, this activity can become a life-saver for a lot of feathery friends and a source of joy for the caretaker.  We carry a large selection of bird houses, bird feeders, indoor/outdoor water fountains and garden statuary to beautify your home and environs.  There is something for every taste and every pocket.  Come check us out.

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