Wholesale bird feeders

bird cages

2010-07-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

Stainless Steel Bird Cages - Things To Know Before Buying A Bird Cage

As wholesale bird feeders became a free resource and a small shop for promoting bird supplies, we are continuing to provide the reader along with the vendor with knowledge and information about their favorite bird supplies.

Today we are going to talk about another type of bird accessories. So let's dive right in the subject. Some buyers would suggest that a bird cage made of stainless steel is suitable only for a setting where there is heavy use, such as a breeding facility, a pet store or a veterinarian hospital. Others may think that a bird cage made out of this material might only be suitable for a modern setting. It would look out of place, after all, in home decorated in the Victorian or country style.While those statements are true, there are several other reasons why you should consider investing in stainless steel bird cages for your birds.

One constructed of stainless steel is heavier than the average bird cage. In addition, the construction is heavy duty. As a result, it is substantial and long lasting. Its weight and stability mean that the cage itself will not be easily knocked over. The cage will not wear out easily and will out last several bird cages made of other material. The stainless steel used in the bird cage is medical grade. This means it does not contain chrome. Chrome would contribute to rusting. So not only is the cage easy to keep clean, it is rust proof, again, a factor that means this type of cage will outlast any other.

The medical grade steel used is smooth. It is not textured and has no other finish or texture on it. Not only does this contribute to the ease of cleaning, it also means that bird droppings and dander will not stick to metal components. In addition, if your bird happens to be a chewer, the stainless steel material is ideal, since the bird cannot chew off and ingest pieces of the metal.

It is correct that the cost is considerably higher than purchasing a cage constructed from aluminum for example. Take into consideration that the aluminum cage has a usable life of only half to a third of that of the steel option. This means that the steel cage is a much more cost effective option, especially if you are housing several birds in the one cage. When purchasing a stainless steel bird cage, you are not limited to a few sizes or configurations. These cages are available in all the basic sizes. If heavy duty use, cleanliness and long term economy are factors in choosing a bird cage, then stainless steel is an option that cannot be ignored.

Corner bird cages

2010-05-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

why one of the best bird cages is the corner bird cage

You are looking for a great home to your birds, you are confused where to get them and what to chose. And you are wondering what is the best for your bird. In our opinion, Corner bird cages are a recent phenomenon and should be considered a unique bird cage. It was designed to save space for bird owners whose homes do not have a lot of space. It is actually a great idea because most cages are designed so that you cannot put the cage in the corner. One of the reasons is the design of the seed catchers. Most seed catchers have to be put together in fours, or else it will not stay in place. As a result, most cages are placed near a corner of the room but it still takes over a lot of space.

So what are some of the benefits of owning a corner bird cage other than that being a space saver? For one, by placing all the way at the corner, it solves the problem of the bird throwing all its food out. By placing the food dishes by the wall, any food that gets thrown out will rebound off the wall and falls back into the cage. That is two sides of cleaning that you have to worry less about.

Another benefit of corner bird cages is that they are typically big bird cages. Big bird cages allow plenty of room for the bird to fly, whether you have a parrot or a small bird. The bar spacing is good enough for most birds so that it is a very flexible bird cage to have.

The last big benefit is that the corner becomes a great hiding place for the bird or parrot. That does not necessarily mean bad. Having a corner in which the bird can hide will help place the bird in ease when it feels unsafe. It is almost like a sanctuary. That is why sometimes a round cage would not be a good one because they do not know where the best place to hide is. This is the case for bigger parrots.

Some of the cages actually have a round outer edge, while others have three sides point out of the edge. It is entirely up to you in terms of the design you are looking for. The most ideal bird cage is probably the one with three or four sides.

Having straight sides allow the bird or parrot to climb much easier. After all, to the bird, having a straight panel to climb on is quite a delight. This is one of the unique cages that have not been around on the market for too long. But it is a wonderful and popular bird cage to purchase. Be sure to look out for one that you like. Wholesale bird feeders reserves all rights to this articles.

Homemade bird feeders versus wholesale ones

2010-05-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

When we first started wholesale bird feeders, we were aiming at attracting resellers of the bird niche to buy from us. Then later on, we decided that the community of bird watchers and those who like to attract wild birds are more frequently visiting us. Now here is two points we need to clarify before moving on to what we have to say:

1- This does not mean that we ditched our wholesale seekers. On the contrary, we love new inquiries and requests. After all this is our prime expertise.

2- We did not follow the crowd of websites that try to monetize from every unique visitor they receive, instead, we started to build trust between our content and our readers. So the site turned into a combination of informative resource about how to attract birds, how to keep birds coming to your backyard or garden, how to choose the best feeders as it's our expertise and how to even make homemade bird feeders yourself at your very own home without having to spend a dime on our "meant to sell wholesale bird feeders" site. We then made it possible for those visitors who really came accidentally to buy individual items through our picks of amazon feeders. So if you come looking for wholesale bird food, seed or feeders and you happen to stumble onto this kind of individual supplies, just ignore them and contact us.

I hope you get the whole point, we turned from just the solely a sale phase to the source-of-all-bird-shop era. Our readers deserve to gain knowledge and not just buy and leave with no actual mental gain about their everlasting habit: bird watching.

This good intention actually took us to a whole new level. Wholesale bird feeders site has become a dictionary for those attracting birds to their window or garden feeders. We helped them know how to make it happen and we will keep teaching bird lovers all the new tricks to keep getting even more birds.

Now back to the main point that actually made me write this post while i am terribly in need of sleep. I might just lie down on the garden grass and nap even. Lol.

The great gap between.....

wholesale bird feeders and the homemade ones

Why would people buy bird feeders wholesale? From what experience has told us, it's either because they want to resell them for profit, or want to buy only one bird feeder with the "price of wholesale per item". while the second type of buyers is desperately on low budget, the first type - resellers - can fulfill the needs of such buyers and still be making profit. Without helping this type of bird feeder buyers, you are actually enforcing them to make their own homemade bird feeders because they simply can't afford to buy with the market price. And you wouldn't want me to tell you how many people are starting to make their own homemade bird feeders. Let's just say they are so many to the degree we're teaching them how to do it simple and easy right on this website. Or let's just declare that the traffic we receive from this type of visitors is more than you would imagine. Have you considered the term "how to make bird feeders"? or "how to make homemade bird feeders"?

Looks fine to us still, if a visitor is going to learn from our site without spending, then great. Money comes by other means anyway. Intellectual knowledge is gold, and we are giving it away. We never started liking our own wholesale bird feeders site until it became informative. Try it on your own bird accessories site, you will really know the meaning of providing your visitors with not just a quality product, but also a favor. Become a hopper that jumps from the vendor status to even someone that donates important info as well. stop thinking financially for a while and render content that helps.

But, financially thinking, here it comes:

Let's take a live example, the method i am going to discuss is not a rocket science nor new, it's so simple that i can't believe there are wholesale resellers out there not using it to the bone. It made us $2000 offline per week in our hometown and oh boy we didn't even invent it.

You are a wholesale reseller and you bought 100 pieces of bird feeders for say 10 dollars each to resell for $20 each. Instead of getting onto the high hopes train and spending weeks trying to sell away your feeders with such price, you simply drop the price too low down to say $10.45 each. Look me in the eye and tell me you won't be selling them faster than a lightening. Well, not that fast but you get the idea. It's the popular quantity game. sell so many and earn so few per sale. They all add up and you end up in profit. Oh wait, isn't this the whole concept of "wholesale reselling"? Right, but seems people are doing it wrong.

Why do we get those people - "bird feeders" potential buyers - to hate our industry and try learning to make feeders on their own while we can give them what they want? why not give them the ability to have an inexpensive but quality product? Why not make them happy to use our ready made stuff? Simply because we're greedy. Well, not anymore, not in our case. Our shop sold extremely competitive bird feeders for a profit as low as 9 cents per piece, we made it to the 2000 dollars a week and we made our local competitors scratch their heads thinking we went nuts selling at such low price. At the end of the month, we made net profit, sold out all our large inventory base and, most importantly, built our reputation in no time as the most affordable bird feeders in the area. Did you notice the bold words? i said affordable. That's the point. You and the customer end up satisfied. Let your competitors scratch their heads.

See that was not so hard.

On the run note before i am off to go, i would like to point out that this is the first post i publish to my fellow wholesalers. I have seen many people doing things wrong. And as much as i would love to maintain less competition in the bird feeders field, i couldn't hold this point in the closet. Just like i will not stop writing for readers even if they are not becoming buyers at my site. Come to think of it, there will always be buyers but those who are not .....surf the web too.

Dear fellow wholesale Birdfeeders resellers, i will be posting more material on our niche later on. To your success.

Medo Joe.

Bird Cages | Small | Large | Wooden Bird Cages

2010-05-08T00:03:00.000-07:00

Insight of different sizes of wooden bird cages

In the past most bird cages are made out of weeds, rope or bamboo. It was the Egyptians who started to keep birds as their pets as they believe that the souls of the ancient Egyptians were depicted with the body of a bird. Bird cages are usually made of wire mesh to ensure the safety of your bird pets. They come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and colors. The ideal shape of cage that you should go for is square or rectangular cages. They are easier to clean and are safer for your feathered friend.

Small bird cages are ideally for small birds, however it is not necessary that all small birds should be kept in small cages. Most small birds are more active and they require more room. They love to climb from perch to perch and fly around inside their cages. One good benefit of this size of cage is that it is lightweight and is easy to transport anytime and anywhere, very useful for traveling. These cages are cheaper and don't take up a lot of space. One could easily fit anywhere in your home especially if you have a small place.

On the other hand, large birds will require a bigger cage. Large bird cages are sturdy in order to accommodate large active birds. Your birds need a home that is comfortable for them to live in. They need an ample space to spread their wings widely and do some exercise. Remember that birds are also like humans, they need enough exercise to become healthy and freedom to move around. Larger cages are available in a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, iron, stainless steel, and acrylic.

From small to large bird cages, let us now look at the visual aspect of a cage. Wooden bird cages are considered as the most beautiful cages in any style. They are usually made of cherry, oak, pine, maple, and laminate. Despite the beauty of these cages, most wooden cages are difficult to clean. So if you really want one of these cages, bare this in mind when making your purchase. They are not recommended for parrots, since parrots love chewing wood.

Choosing the right bird cage for your pet needn't be that difficult. Simply consider the comfort and safety for your bird, along with what you find to be visually appealing. Copyright 2010 Wholesale bird feeders.

bird feeders | yankee bird feeders | Hopper Feeders

2010-02-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

Wholesale bird feeders special

Hopper Feeders And Bird Watching
As a novice bird enthusiast you will want items in your garden that will entice the birds to come and visit. Besides providing water for them to drink and bath, a safe place to eat some food is a must. There are lots of bird feeders that you can put in your garden, but Hopper Feeders are probably an excellent choice for the beginner.

These bird feeders are also sometimes called Wood feeders. This feeder is very good because birds will feel comfortable here. The Hopper Feeders blend in quite well with the rest of your garden environment. A Hopper Feeder that is kiln dried and made from good quality Western Cedar wood will last for a long time and it will weather to a beautiful silvery gray color.

You can use Hopper Feeders right throughout the year. The Hopper Feeders have all-weather screws to help the feeder withstand whatever type of weather your region will experience. The top of the feeder can be easily opened to store bird feed and to make cleaning the Hopper Feeders easy. Since the Hopper Feeder is made from wood the rain will run off the top leaving the seeds inside nice and dry.

There are some birds that like to eat from a feeder that has a solid perch or platform for their eating ease. Northern Cardinals, Bluejays, Chickadees, Finches and others will come visit this sort of feeder. Owning large

sized feeders like the Hopper Feeders will allow you to keep several pounds of sunflower and other seed mixtures in it without any hassle.

wholesale bird feeders crew think that this means that you will spend less time refilling the feeder and more time spent on bird watching. A larger seed capacity is very important during the winter. The cold winter season means that with less food in the wild, the birds will depend on you. Your Hopper Feeders will then provide them with a valuable source of food.

The Hopper Feeders can come in many sizes but a good sized Hopper Feeder will measure about 11 ½ inches in length. 9 ½ inches in height and its width will be 9 ½ inches. As these feeders are made from wood you should take care where you will place them in your garden. Squirrels will demolish any Hopper Feeders that have no protection around them.

For this reason make sure that your wooden hopper bird feeders are in an area that has no trees or jumping points nearby for squirrels to take advantage of. Purchasing a good squirrel baffle is also another way to deal with the pesky problem. If you like these furry creatures however you could just place some extra seed away from your Hopper Feeders for the squirrels to enjoy. Whatever you decide, buying any of the Hopper Feeders available will only enhance your garden and bring a great many birds to your bird feeders.

squirrel bird feeders | Cheap Bird Feeders

2010-01-31T17:40:00.000-08:00

Bird Watching Guide - Cheap Bird Feeders
We love to feed the birds that flock to our gardens or that decide to live there. To make this habitat even more attractive to these birds we’ll even place bird friendly items around the garden. Some of these things are very expensive and yet they’re needed. The best way to be able to provide suitable things like bird feeders is to make cheap bird feeders from items that we have at home.

There are lots of things that we can use. An old onion bag is good to hold suet cakes or balls. Suet can be made from any meat fat. This is easily obtainable at your butcher’s or meat department. Melt the fat by boiling it and combine it with fruits, peanuts, peanut butter, grains or seeds to make a high energy meal. Place this cake into the onion bag and hang it outside where birds like Woodpeckers, Bluebirds and Nuthatches will enjoy this treat from cheap bird feeders like this.

You can also create a tasty pine cone bird feeder. You need to tie a strong string piece or twine around one end of a pine cone. Roll the pine cone in peanut butter very thickly; coat the entire peanut butter pine cone in bird seeds of your choice. Use the twine or string to hang it up near a tree.

Other cheap bird feeders can be made from an old plastic 2 liter drink bottle. Wash the bottle out thoroughly with warm water only. When the

bottle dries completely replace the cap back on the bottle. Turn the bottle over so that the fat end is facing you. Cut 3 triangular flaps in the bottle. These flaps shouldn’t be very big or very wide. The pointed end of the flaps should face towards the bottle cap when they are pulled outwards. These flaps will act as the bird perches of your “new” cheap bird feeders.

Everyone loves to eat Shish Kabobs. This food type does not have to be restricted to humans alone. You can give birds a fruit and vegetable “Shish Kabob” too. What you need to do is to choose some fruits, bread pieces and vegetables that you can give the birds. Pierce these foods together with a metal hook to create some tasty cheap bird feeders.

More, easy to make yet cheap bird feeders are trays that you fill with bird seeds. You can put these up on tree stumps or knee high tables to make platform feeders. You should however keep an eye out for cats who might decide to make a meal out of your birds.

Whatever you decide to make your cheap bird feeders from, remember to keep sharp edged items away from them. The birds can be hurt from these edges. Besides this anything that will hold bird seed and suet cakes are good cheap bird feeders that you can make and keep in your garden. There’s no better way to enjoy the birds that live in your area. Wholesale items are also available for merchants. Make sure to check the nearest vendor in your territory.

platform bird feeders | Garden Bird Feeders

2010-01-31T17:36:00.000-08:00

Garden Bird Feeders
By Tony Harries
Let's Begin With Some "Feeder Facts"

When bird feeders are first offered in your yard, it may take the birds a few weeks to discover and recognize them as a source of food. Bird feeders are containers resembling lanterns into which solicitous humans place seeds or other types of bird feed, to attract and feed the birds in the surrounding area.

Bird feeders are the the surest and fastest way to attract birds to your yard .Bird feeders are a must for home birdwatching, and many people have webcams trained on their feeders, where birds often congregate.

Bird feeders are an attractive inclusion to the gardens, courtyards and terraces and are easy to put up and easy to take care of.

Hanging bird feeders are usually hung in trees or below the eaves of a porch or patio.

Stationary bird feeders are available in two types: those that can be attached to a tree, and those that are perched on top of a pole.

Squirrels may visit the bird feeder and hoard all the seeds, not to mention, scare away all the birds, but very few bird feeders are truly squirrel proof. Platform bird feeders are for the birds that like to eat off the ground.

Window bird feeders are a great way to bring birds close to your house. Squirrel proof bird feeders are also a great way to protect your bird seed from being eaten by other animals, but if you like squirrels

too, then this feeder is not a consideration for you.

Many times, bird feeders are only used during the winter since thats when their food source is the lowest. Although there are all styles and types of bird feeders, the most successful bird feeders are dependent upon the placement of the feeder and the type of food source on the wild bird feeder.

Pole Bird Feeders are great for encouraging lots of bird types to your garden, but having a Pole Bird Feeder is also a great way to discourage bird-eating cats from pouncing on your feathered guests.

Three basic types of bird feeders are available: hopper, tube and platform. While bird feeders are thought of as winter projects, urban and suburban areas can benefit from bird feeders year-round.

Stone bird feeders are generally available in marble, granite, sandstone and soapstone.

Technical structures of bird feeders are so important to consider because these things will determine the quality and the kind of seeds needed to supply the birds' daily meal.

With a natural gift for life, bird feeders are uplifting, relaxing and entertaining. After your bird feeders are up, make a covered notebook and keep track of all the birds you see.

You've heard the saying about a gift that keeps on giving, well, bird feeders are truly the gift that "keeps on giving" enjoyment all year long. Wholesale for all type of bird supplies are low-priced and everywhere, if you are a retailer, take advantage of this and get them for cheap prices.

perky pet bird feeders | Droll Yankee Bird Feeders

2010-01-31T17:32:00.000-08:00

Bird Watching Guide - Droll Yankee Bird Feeders
By Bredd Hamilton

Droll Yankee Brand bird suppliers are very popular with bird enthusiasts. They have a great many bird feeders that you can choose from. All of these Droll Yankee Bird Feeders come with a Lifetime Warranty. For any damage that’s caused the company will replace any defective parts and free of charge. This lasts for as long as you own any Droll Yankee Bird Feeders or other items. The warranty doesn’t cover any misuse, neglect or accident caused by you.

While there are many types of Droll Yankee Bird Feeders to choose from only two of them are mentioned here. The first of these is the Tube Feeders. These feeders can be mounted on a pole or hung from any place that you deem as being good for you to see the birds that come to your garden.

The seed is poured into the clear tube and the feeding stations provide access to the seeds through small openings. This feature provides the tube with its squirrel resistant feel, but birds can still get to the seed without a lot of harassment from the squirrels. The tube can’t be eaten-through by the squirrels either.

Unlike other tube feeders the Droll Yankee Bird Feeders includes an extra long extended-top area. This area acts as a storage facility for extra seeds. When the level of feed gets very low you it refills the tube with what’s in the top area. Therefore there’s less chance of hungry birds at the higher placed

feeding stations. To let the birds eat in peace each feeding port comes with its very own perch of which there are 4-8.

Another of the Droll Yankee Bird Feeders is the Hummingbird Feeders. These feeders are easy to clean and refill, with the top lid snapping on and off easily. As the feeder is a horizontal circle you get a clear view of any Hummingbird that stops by the feeder.

The nectar guard tips, which is a trademark feature, and fits securely on to the port feeding stems and blocks ants and bees from entering the Hummingbird Feeder and getting to the nectar. There are 8 feeding stations. Each of these ports comes in the shape of a red flower. The outside edging of the feeder provides a sitting ledge for the hummingbirds while they drink the nectar that’s in the bird feeder.

The feeder is made from UV stabilized impact resistant plastic. It’s 10 inches in diameter and will hold 1 quart of nectar. The feeding ports are easy to remove and clean and the brass hanging rod is very durable and looks great too. You’ll also find a nectar recipe engraved on the lid of these Droll Yankee Bird Feeders.

As you can see from these two Droll Yankee Bird Feeders buying one will have many advantages for you. And with so many of these bird feeders to choose from you know that you can’t go far wrong. Droll Yankee Bird Feeders are some of the best on the market. We have not contacted droll yankee for wholesale supplies yet. Any further info will be provided as an update to this post.

Window bird feeders | Platform bird feeders

2010-01-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

Platform Bird Feeders
By Pam Caouette
What are platform bird feeders you may be wondering and what is their purpose with feeding birds? Well to put it simply a platform bird feeder is designed for birds who like to eat bird seed off of the ground. Platform bird feeders can be places slightly above ground, or the can be mounted off a deck a tree or a stump. You can also order a platform pole mount to mount your platform bird feeder on a pole.

The main difference between hanging bird feeders and platform bird feeders is that with a hanging bird feeder the bird seed is dispensed through a crack or a small opening in the bird feeder. With a platform bird feeder the bird seed is placed on a platform, or a plate and the birds peck the food from a pile or scattering.

With a platform bird feeder, or a tray bird feeder the birds that are attracted depends on

the seeds, but if you are using a platform bird feeder, or fly thru feeder then you may end up seeing a cardinal and other various birds.
Platform bird feeders can also be squirrel proof. By having your platform bird feeder hang, squirrels are less likely to reach your bird seed, saving you money and allowing the various birds to eat. Some platform bird feeders, or tray bird feeders come with a screen big enough for the birds beaks, but too small for the hands of the squirrels, this is a great feature.

Platform bird feeders and tray bird feeders also know as ground bird feeders are easy to maintain and clean, and will bring different types of birds to your backyard than that of a hanging bird feeder. If you decide to buy a platform bird feeder, be sure that you have an adequate location in your yard before you make the purchase. Same thing goes with those aiming at buying wholesale bird products.

Wooden bird houses | Types of bird feeders

2010-01-30T06:43:00.000-08:00

Bird Feeder Plans - 3 Options To Build Easy-to-make Bird Feeders

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.

Wood bird houses | Window bird feeders

2010-01-30T06:40:00.000-08:00

Which Type Of Window Bird Feeders Is For You?

There are two types of window bird feeders that you can choose from. One will attach to the window allowing you a close view of the birds feeding but still offer the thin piece of glass as a partition between you and the birds. The other type could be referred to as a window sill bird feeder since it is made to sit on the window sill. This sometimes requires an open window and also can mean that you risk the birds flying into your house, a child trying to touch them or a pet reacting to prey sitting at their window. These need you to be more careful, and perhaps imaginative, in the management of this type of feeder.

If this bird feeder that you chose to attach to your window is going to be on the outside then you will need a method of attachment. Many of the use suction cups. For those you simply suction them on to the window at a good height to protect he birds from cats while still being able to see them sitting at your

window. Window bird feeders are a wonderful tool for teaching your children about the beauty of wildlife. They are able to watch the birds feed without any distraction to the birds. They will get used to seeing people as they feed. So, as long as there are no sudden movements you and your family will be able to enjoy hours of bird watching.

The other type of window bird feeders, the ones that sit on the window sill are kept in place by different means. The best kinds are made to sit on the windowsill but still manage to keep the window closed. This is done because they have sides that can be adjusted to fill the open window area. The window is closed on top of the feeder with the side pieces extended. In that way the feeder is right on the windowsill but the birds cannot get into the house or be bothered by curious little fingers. If you choose to use a feeder that sits on the windowsill it is best to consider this type.

Wild bird center | Window bird feeders

2010-01-30T06:37:00.000-08:00

Window Bird Feeders Bring Nature To You

For years people have looked to birds as sources of inspiration. They frequently stand as symbols of freedom. It's no surprise that bird watching is a popular hobby and having birds in your garden and around your home can be quite relaxing. After all, who doesn't delight in looking out the window and seeing birds flit about?

But what if people don't have the patience or time to sit outside waiting for a bird to flit by? There are several techniques that a bird lover can use to make their yard more attractive to our winged friends. Bird baths, bird houses, and bird feeders all help to make your yard a more bird friendly place.

There are several different varieties of bird feeders available to the aspiring bird watcher. There are feeders on poles that must be buried in the ground. There are feeders with stands that sit on the ground. There are feeders that hang from tree branches or poles. The best type of feeder, however, if you want to get right up close and really see your backyard birds, is the window bird feeder.

Window bird feeders come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all work in essentially the same way. The

feeder attaches to a window and is filled with feed. After that, the birds come to you. You can sit inside your house and watch as birds fly up to your window, or you can sit outside to watch them.

Now their are some caveats, of course. One is that you must use a window that the birds will feel save going to. Try to pick a spot that is somewhat secluded or has a bush or cover nearby. The other thing is to be sure to buy strong suctions cups with your feeder since you don't want it falling off onto the ground while your birds are trying to eat!

Window bird feeders are particularly well suited for the elderly or other homebound. They require little maintenance, and can help bring nature to those who can't actively pursue it. They also make a nice addition to windows in an office, where they can provide a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of the modern work world.

Feed for bird feeders usually consists of seeds and grains that have been sterilized to prevent them from germinating. It's readily available at most home improvement stores as well as many pet stores and supermarkets in most major cities and small towns alike.

Suet feeders | Sunflower Seed Bird Feeders

2010-01-28T00:32:00.000-08:00

Sunflower Seed Bird Feeders Come In A Variety Of Designs For A Variety Of Wild Birds
By Larry Jordan
Bird watching and wild bird feeding has become a fascinating and enjoyable pastime for many people around the world. We love watching the variety of birds visiting our homes and yards. If you are interested in setting up bird feeding stations around your home there are some things you need to know about different species and their feeding habits as well as the different types of bird feeders available. Sunflower seed bird feeders come in many forms which serve different purposes.

The Caged Triple Tube Bird Feeder can not only be used for feeding sunflower seed but can be used for feeding three different types of seed at once. The tube parts of the feeder that hold the seed are fitted with metal ports (on the quality tube feeders) that will help stop house sparrows from raiding your feeder. Also the cage around the tubes keeps your feed safe from the larger birds like Jays and Grackles and keeps the squirrels out too. If you want to feed only sunflower or one type of seed Single Tube Caged Bird Feeders are also available.

These tube feeders are loved by Chickadees, Evening Grosbeaks, Titmice, Nuthatches, Jays, House Finches, Purple Finches, Redpolls, Woodpeckers and Cardinals. If you want to restrict their use to smaller birds use a tube feeder without a tray. Take away the perches and you will restrict the feeder use to only species that can cling like finches, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice and small woodpeckers.

There are also wire mesh constructed sunflower

seed bird feeders. These sturdy feeders are squirrel resistant because they are made entirely of metal. No plastic and no wood. Some of them hold as much as 6 pounds of sunflower seed! Wire mesh feeders come in several designs, some with perch rings and trays and some without.

So the first thing you need to do when deciding on which types of feeders to use for your bird feeding station is to decide which species you want to attract to your yard. If you don't know what birds live near you, check with your local Audubon Society. They should have a list of birds for your specific area.

Read up on the wild birds that live in your neck of the woods, or grasslands, or desert, or even in your city, and decide which species you want to watch, close up. Many songbirds prefer sunflower seed because of its high fat content. Sunflower seed bird feeders take advantage of this, offering you the biggest bang for your buck considering the number of different wild birds that will be attracted to these feeders.

In conclusion, having the right bird feeders and mounting them in the proper locations is essential for attracting the species you want to observe to your backyard. Sunflower seed bird feeders will attract a large variety of birds and should be one of your first choices for your feeding station. You will probably want to add other types of feeders to your yard also because the greater the variety, the more different species of birds you will attract.

Woodpecker feeders | Bird Feeding Stations

2010-01-28T00:29:00.000-08:00

Bird Feeding Stations
By Syahrul Azlan Idris -
What is a bird feeding station? It’s simple. It’s an area within your yard or your property where bird feeders are set up. Most bird feeding stations are set up near the deck or a window, so that the birds are easier to view when they come.

A variety of feeders of different kinds should be used for attracting and feeding a wide variety of species. As for the food itself, bird seed is still popular, but fruit, suet, peanut butter, nectar, and mealworms are also great choices. If you want to attract a specific type of bird, though, there is a specific type of feeder and food that each species favor.

When placing your feeders, it’s recommended that you pick a spot that can be seen while indoors, yet close enough to bushes or trees, so the birds can quickly fly to safety if danger should happen to be near. It’s also advisable to separate the feeders for the smaller birds from those of the larger birds. Doing so will allow the smaller birds to enjoy their food in peace, and not have to compete with the other, bigger ones. They will appreciate you for it and will reward you by more frequent visits.

A curious thing will sometime happen when you place your seed bird feeders near or within a garden, because sometimes the seeds will sprout! Now, some people may not like the idea of pulling out sprouting plants, especially if they have a well-manicured garden. If so, they can choose to get shelled seeds instead. They will also have the bonus of not having to deal with discarded shells, although the downside is that shelled seeds tend to mold faster. Others may just let the seeds sprout (sunflower seeds for example) and grow a natural

sunflower forest for the birds.

I have seen some bird feeding stations that have long branches along with the feeders; these are very nice. These branches can either be tied onto the feeders or pushed into the ground, thus adding some helpful perches for the birds to sit. Some people also use these branches to hang pieces of fruit, while others grow vines up the branches. Vines are useful for breeding insects for the birds, as well as adding some decorative touches. If you want to use vines, though, I suggest using red trumpet-shaped flowering vines, since these help attract hummingbirds and also provide nectar.

A great focal point for your bird feeding station, if you can find one, would be a dead tree (or snag), with the dangerous limbs removed. Woodpeckers and other insect-feeding birds can use the top of the tree, while the other feeders can be hanged on the lower branches. But avoid putting nesting boxes on a snag that is being used as a feeding station, as parent birds do not like lots of other birds around their little ones.

One critical ingredient in having a good bird feeding station is having a water source for the birds to drink and bathe. Never put a bird bath or pond too close to the feeding station, though. Aside from the fact that preening birds prefer some peace and quiet while arranging and drying their feathers, birds will avoid baths that have lots of other activity around them. Lastly, plant some flowers and plants near the bird feeding station to provide nectar and seeds for your visitors. Zinnias, coneflowers, and sunflowers are good choices. Birds will devour these seeds, especially during the autumn season.

Peanut feeders | Wild Bird Feeders

2010-01-28T00:25:00.000-08:00

Wild Bird Feeders - Quality Check
By Michael Rasco

Wild bird feeders can be found in countless styles and designs. There are tube feeders, platform feeders, hopper feeders, squirrel-resistant bird feeders, feeders for particular species of birds, and many more. Though the forms and functions of wild bird feeders are multitudinous, one thing should remain consistent - a high standard of quality. Poor bird feeder construction is not only potentially dangerous for birds, it will ultimately lead to frustration and more money spent on the part of the aspiring bird watcher. The good news is that a well-constructed wild bird feeder usually only costs a few dollars more than a shabby one. If you are in the market for a wild bird feeder (and you should be - bird watching is a very fulfilling hobby), make sure you purchase a well-made product. Following are a few things you should look for.
General sturdiness is imperative. A good, sturdy wild bird feeder will last for many years. Immediately inspect your new bird feeder both visually and with your hands. Look for cracks, rust, loose parts, or anything that seems awry to you. If the bird feeder is broken, or if there is anything about the bird feeder that you have questions about, bring it to the seller's attention. Most people in the birding business are after more than just profits; they want to share their love of bird watching, and are therefore very eager to help. If you want to purchase a wild bird feeder online, the same applies. Look into the return policy of online retailers before you buy, so you know what your options are. In most cases, it is very hassle free; they want your business and your referrals, so they need you to be satisfied.
Most tube style wild bird feeders are made of plastic and metal. The plastic should be strong and, again, free of cracks. The metal parts will likely be made of rustproof material, but check it all the same. The feeder ports, or the holes through which birds can access the seed, will be fitted with a grommet, usually

made of metal. Ensure that the grommet is not loose or easily removed. It is there to reinforce the hole in the plastic and prevent cracking. It will often have a little perch attached at the bottom, also. The fact that your beloved backyard birds will alight on that perch is all the more reason to be sure that the grommet is stable.
Look at the method of construction. Screws and welds are strong and long lasting. Few, if any, nails should be used in its construction. Nails will come loose easily if the feeder is dropped, or even just through temperature changes, during which wood, plastic, and metal will expand or contract. The same is true of glue. Nails and glue should only be used on nonessential parts, such as decorative aspects.
These days, many wild bird feeders have moving, even motorized parts. This is particularly true of squirrel-resistant bird feeders. Check to make sure that the parts move easily, without grinding or catching. Motorized parts should not be moved by hand, as it could jam up the machinery. Motorized parts of wild bird feeders are usually weight-activated; to check them, simply apply a little pressure with your finger, if you can do so without hurting yourself or the feeder. If not, use a stick or a pencil, or wait until a squirrel tries to get at the seed. The only sound should be the whir of the tiny motor and possibly the angry chattering of the retreating squirrel. You should not hear squeaking (except from squirrels) or grating. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance.
Once you deploy the wild bird feeder, watch it for any issues that may not have been apparent in the initial inspection. Contact the seller as soon as possible if you see any problems. Most wild bird feeder stores will be very understanding as long as the problem did not arise through misuse or abuse.
Now that you are confident in the quality of your wild bird feeder, it is time to fill it with nutritious seed, and enjoy the birds!

Bird Feeders

2010-01-28T00:22:00.000-08:00

Bird Feeders - Keeping Your Bird Feeders Clean Will Keep Your Birds Healthy

Backyard bird feeding has become an increasingly popular pastime in recent years. Millions of people have discovered that bird watching from your own backyard can be a very rewarding and educational experience. It is important to note that along with the joy and entertainment we humans extract from this interaction comes a responsibility to our partners in this endeavor, the birds themselves.

We must take proper precautions to keep our native birds safe while offering them a variety of foods from which to choose. Birds at backyard feeders are exposed to the risks of disease and predation. It is our duty to make sure they are safe from both by following a few simple practices.

Placing bird feeders in safe locations is your first consideration once you have made the decision to join the millions of backyard bird watchers in North America and around the world. Ground and tray feeders need to be placed in the open where birds can see predators like house cats and escape to the nearby cover of trees or bushes. Hopper or tube feeders may be hung or placed on poles with a predator guard to keep the birds safe.

If you have bird feeding stations set up for some time, you may eventually see a hawk around your feeding stations. You should enjoy these beautiful birds of prey while you are able to get an exceptional, close-up view of them. If they become a problem by hanging out at your feeders for easy meals, you can take down your bird feeders for a week or so and the hawk will most likely move on.

The second factor of vital importance and the problem most often overlooked by backyard bird watchers and bird feeders is that of disease caused by dirty bird feeders. It is important to always keep your seed dry and fresh. Store your bird seed in waterproof containers in a cool dry place. Once bird seed gets wet it can develop mold and make your birds ill.

Keep the ground under your feeders clean. Periodically sweep or rake any discarded hulls away from your feeding stations. Ground feeding birds will be tempted to feed under theses feeders where there is likely to be bird droppings mixed in with the remaining food and the chance of spreading diseases

like salmonella increases. Offering ground feeding birds a clean tray or ground feeder will reduce this risk also.

Clean all of your bird seed feeders at least once a month with a dilute bleach solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. I take my feeders apart and use my large laundry sink to thoroughly wash all the parts in warm soapy water before rinsing in the bleach bath. If you don't have a large sink, a bathtub works well for this job if you have large feeders to clean. Good quality bird feeders can be taken apart easily for cleaning.

Hummingbird feeders need to be cleaned more often than seed feeders. Hummingbird nectar or sugar water needs to be consumed or changed after five days to prevent mold or fermentation. The feeders need to be cleaned at least once a week with hot water and a brush. I rinse them thoroughly with hot water every time I refill them. You want to make sure to remove any mold or insects you see and rinse the feeder with the same dilute bleach bath, then rinse them thoroughly with clean fresh water before refilling.

This is important. NEVER use honey in a hummingbird feeder. Honey ferments easily and grows mold that can be fatal to hummingbirds. Use only nectar made for hummingbird feeders or a solution of one part granulated (white) sugar to four parts water.If you have problems with ants, bees or wasps there are a few things you can do. The best advise is to use "saucer" style hummingbird feeders. These feeders are nearly impossible for bees and wasps to feed from because the nectar level is too low for them to reach. Many of these also have built in ant "motes" to keep ants out. If insects are still a problem, try moving the feeder to a different location.

Backyard birding is relaxing and can be a lot of fun when it's done right. You will see many species of birds if you put up a good variety of bird feeders located in the right places with the proper protection. Make sure you protect your birds by keeping all those quality bird feeders clean. You will be helping future birders by allowing our native birds to breed and produce young for future generations of humans to enjoy.

Happy Birding!

Glass Hummingbird Feeders | Gazebo Bird Feeders

2010-01-27T01:37:00.000-08:00

Glass Hummingbird Feeders And Gazebo Bird Feeders – What To Put In, And Not To Put In, Your Feeders
By Hank Turney
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 hummingbird’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 don’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 don’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 won’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 haven’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, don’t buy mixed birdseed. They contain a lot of filler, like red millet, something most birds won’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.

Garden bird feeders

2010-01-27T01:35:00.000-08:00

Garden Bird Feeders
By Sarah Taylor
Generally in garden, we use bird feeders as an asset to increase the decor of the garden. Bird- table or bird feeder is a platform on which food for birds is placed. Bird feeders offer the best way to turn your own backyard into a mini oasis for the wild birds in your area. They are usually filled with a variety of grains to suit the different species of our feathered friends. The most popular varieties of seeds include millet, safflower, sunflower and thistle.

Not only it satisfies the hunger of the birds, it also provides an excellent ornithological treat. Another surprising thing it brings is the gatherings of the rarest species of birds are often witnessed in our very own backyards rather than go miles in search of a bird sanctuary. To capture the essence of bird behavior, modern bird feeders are come in different varieties and design depending upon the species of bird they cater to. The most common types are ground feeder, seed tube feeder, humming bird feeder, suet feeder, oriole feeder etc.

Due to the popularity they come either with tubes or hoppers. Mainly these feeders are laden with sunflower seeds to attract birds like chickadees, nuthatches, siskin and finches. They usually have a partition to segregate the different types of seeds. A suet feeder consists of a cage like structure made of metal, coated with plastic. It is this plastic that contains a cake or suet. Suet is basically a bird feed containing

animal fat, which prevent the feed from turning rancid and protect it from the adverse effects of moisture. Also they could be hung from windows or any tree tops thus giving us a clear view of the birds in action.

The humming bird feeder is quite different from others as it offers the feed in a liquid form. This usually consists of sugary syrup solution that is particularly preferred by humming birds. To attract the bird, the solution is painted in bright color. But care should be taken while choosing the coloring material, for often birds fall ill to harmful coloring agents.

Apart from the quality of the feed provided in a feeder, the success of a feeder largely depends on the strategic location on which it is placed, its remote proximity from intruders like squirrels and cats. Squirrels pose a persistent problem for the birds as they tend to carry away the feed to their home. The best way to deal with them is to build feeders that can withstand the weight of a bird and collapse under any further weight.

The negative impact of a bird feeder will arouse if not maintained clean, as it would lead to spread of diseases among birds as they come in contact with one another. It also leads to the growth of certain dominant species leading to an ecological imbalance. So choose the appropriate bird feeder for your garden and provide a good maintenance as well to view enchanting feather friends in your garden.

bird seed feeders | Bird Bath

2010-01-27T01:32:00.000-08:00

Make The Most Of Your Garden Bird Bath
By Janet Ashby
Garden bird baths and garden bird feeders are excellent ways to attract wild birds to your garden. Place a bird bath in a quiet part of the garden well away from any bird feeders as birds like a quiet place to bathe and drink.

To keep your birdbath at the correct temperature for your bird visitors to drink or bathe the whole year round you could either buy a bird bath with a heater installed or attach a heater to an unheated birdbath. Birdbaths equipped with heaters either use a cord plugged into an electric outlet or have solar panels to collect the sun's energy to power the heater. Solar power bird baths are easier to install, are cost free and need very little maintenance. They can collect enough of the sun's energy to keep your bird bath ice free even on very cold days. In addition to heaters you can also purchase de-icers to keep the water accessible to the birds.

A heated bird bath will usually be longer lasting than an unheated one as constant freezing and melting of the water results in cracks and damage to the concrete, stone or marble materials unless you keep the bird bath empty throughout the colder weather. maintaining the water at a constant temperature will ensure that the bird bath is undamaged and will give your bird visitors warm water to bathe in and to drink all the year round.

To attract the birds and also to agitate the water to prevent mosquitoes laying their eggs you could consider adding a bird bath dripper. This can be as simple as a pipe that drips water into the bowl, making the pleasant sound of running water which will attract the birds. More

elaborate drippers can be purchased that are shaped like dragonflies, climbing ivy, butterflies and more, usually made from copper to look more attractive. Birds will love to bathe in the dripper as it simulates the feeling of raindrops on their feathers. For smaller birds such as hummingbirds or warblers you could use a mister in your garden or on your bird bath. Misters do use up more water than drippers however.

In addition to attracting the birds a dripper will keep the water agitated and prevent mosquitoes from settling on the water surface to lay their eggs. There are also other ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding including using a water wiggler or mosquito dunks. Water wigglers run on batteries and produce vibrations which cause ripples on the water surface. They are easy to use and, being battery operated do not need any elaborate installation. Just add the batteries and attach to the bird bath. They are quiet so they do not disturb the peace in the garden or frighten away the birds.

Mosquito dunks are a natural method to stop the mosquitoes breeding. They can be placed in bird baths and also ponds, barrels, gutters etc, in fact anywhere were standing water accumulates. Place one dunk for one hundred square feet of water surface once a month. As you only need a small amount for a bird bath break off a piece and save the unused pieces for later. Dunks are environmentally friendly and are a good alternative to chemical treatments. They work differently to the drippers and water wigglers as they do not prevent eggs being laid but kill the larva before they can mature.

Oriole Bird Feeders

2010-01-27T01:30:00.000-08:00

Oriole Bird Feeders

Orioles are characterized by a bright orange plumage and black head. Their call is almost as pretty as their feathers, a cheerful whistle, and a welcoming sign of spring. While they feed on insects, orioles are similar to hummingbirds in that they also feed on sweet nectar and fruit. Hang an oriole fruit or nectar bird feeder to attract on of these beauties to your yard.

Orioles are migratory birds, appearing in early spring, and flying south for the winter months. Hummingbirds have a long beak, making trumpet shaped flowers and faux flowers on hummingbird feeders their preferred method of feeding. Orioles have a short beak, so any feeder with a flower guard will not work if you are trying to attract one. While hummingbird feeders and nectar are typically bright red, a bright orange feeder will work to attract orioles.

To fill your oriole feeder, you can use the same formula used for hummingbirds. In general, you can dissolve one part sugar

to four parts water for easy oriole or hummingbird nectar. Orioles have a big sweet tooth, so a nice and sugary grape jelly will also be appealing to orioles. Some oriole bird feeders even hold fruit, such as a slice or orange, or a quarter of an apple. No mater which method of feeding you choose be prepared to keep your oriole bird feeder full. They will be quick to move on if the food supply is gone.

It pays to have a variety of bird feeders in your yard. If you only provided regular bird seed feeders, you would miss out on the beauty of birds like orioles and hummingbirds. Bird watching is a wonderful activity that can be enjoyed all year round. Welcome spring with the new sounds of migratory birds. Enjoy watching new hatches grown through the summer months. Or nourish little feathered friends in the winter months when food is more scarce. Year round, a little research always pays off when attracting a specific bird, such as the oriole.

hanging bird feeders | squirrel-proof

2010-01-27T01:07:00.000-08:00

Secrets To Keeping Squirrels Out Of Your Bird Feeders
Squirrels are cute to look at, but if you love to watch birds at a feeder on your lawn, then you will need to know how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders. Knowing how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders is a trick because they are persistent and intelligent when trying to find food. Don’t let the feisty rodent keep you from enjoying your birds – you can fight back!

Squirrels are crafty little critters that try anything to get at their favorite foods like, cracked or whole kernel corn, and sunflower seeds. In fact they’ll eat their entrée of food in that order. Of course the beautiful blue bird and cardinal love the same types of snacks too. This presents a problem on how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders, but it can be solved with several approaches. You’ll just need to be patient in trying to figure out how to keep them away from the delicatessen of bird food.

One way on how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders is to buy a bird feeder that keeps squirrels out. This type of feeder includes those that are weight sensitive, and some are designed with dimensions that are not right for a squirrel to poke its head through the perch bars and gobble away. Other types of feeders have a baffle that will close if a squirrel attempts at feeding, and some will spin the squirrel right off. Watching a squirrel spin away, but not hurt, provides hours of entertainment.

If you already a have pole mounted bird feeder, and don’t want the hassle to move it, there are techniques you can use to protect it. If possible remove anything that a squirrel can jump off of, and land on the feeder. Make sure it’s 12 feet away at least. Another

How To Keep Squirrels Out Of Bird Feeders

2010-01-25T14:57:00.000-08:00

How To Keep Squirrels Out Of Bird Feeders

Maybe you have been trying to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder but you haven't had great success in keeping them away. Even if you buy the bird feeders that are categorized as squirrel proof many find that they are not squirrel proof. When it comes to keeping squirrels out of unwanted areas it may be hard due to the determination of the squirrel. When the squirrel sees his favorite seed the sunflower seed, he or she may go after it no holds barred no matter what the case may be. Sometimes it depends on where the bird feeders are placed, if they are placed conveniently next to a tree it is less likely that you will keep squirrels away. Finding tips that will help keep down the squirrel population on your bird feeder may not be enough. You may have to find products that will help you keep the squirrels away. There are a few things you can try before you make the decision to go buy a product. Moving your bird feeder away from trees or other objects squirrels can use to jump off of may help. Another suggestion is to not paint the metal pole of the bird feeder. When you do paint the metal it makes it easier for the squirrels to climb up. Choosing a feed that the squirrels are not especially fond of may be hard to do but keeping away from their favorites may help.

When all else fails there are actually safe products on the market that will allow you to keep the birds happy by keeping the squirrels away. There are

actually products that you can place directly on the bird feeder and the birdseed that will not harm the birds but will deter the squirrels from coming around. Some of these products are also used to keep squirrels out of attics. When you use these products correctly they are effective and safe in deterring those squirrels from the birdfeeders.

When finding a product that will keep the squirrels out of your bird feeder it is important you pay attention to exactly what a product does. Products that are on the market to deter squirrels away from your property have different uses. Some products deter the squirrels from bothering plants and vegetation, while others stop them from entering indoor areas. When you need a product to do a specific thing it is important to know what product does what. When you are trying to keep squirrels from your bird feeder you must find a product that is designed specifically to do that.

Some may find that if they create a perimeter wall with a squirrel deterrent it may help but it may not keep them completely out of the bird feeders. Again, depending on where the feeders are and how determined a squirrel is may determine how well a repellent will work. The best way to keep the squirrels away from the bird food is a repellent that's only purpose is protecting bird feeders from squirrels. When you know what each product does you will choose the right one to get the job done.

cheap bird feeders

2010-01-25T14:54:00.000-08:00

Bird Feeders: The Ultimate Garden Accessory
By David Wilson
Want to spruce up your garden or yard? Nothing else does the job quite like a bird feeder does. A bird feeder will brings dozens of beautiful birds into your garden and yard, giving it a colorful, lively feel. To get the full benefits of a bird feeder, though, you must first learn about the different types and varieties of bird feeders, and how you can go about the best on for your needs. It isn't complicated, but knowing a few things can go a long way towards making your bird feeder a success.

The first thing to consider with any bird feeder is the look. If it doesn't fit with your garden and house, its not going to do you any good. Fortunately, you can get bird feeders in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can get sheet metal bird feeders, wood bird feeders, hanging feeders, standing feeders, solar powered bird feeders, and many more. Look with what fits in with your garden, and make your decision. While a stone angel feeder may look great in one yard, the gazebo style might be a much better choice for yours.

You also need to consider what type of feeder you want. The most common type of feeder is the traditional birdseed type feeder. These feeders take the traditional mixed birdseed, which will attract a wide variety of different birds. If you have a lot of finches in your area, a finch feeder maybe be for you. Since finches have long, narrow beaks, and can eat different types of seeds, you can attract these birds with a specialized finch feeder.

These can be a great compliment to your regular feeder, as it will provide some nice variation. Finally, you can get a hummingbird feeder, which feeds liquid sugar to hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are always fascinating to watch, so getting one of these feeders is a great idea.

You should also consider some special features for your feeder. The most important feature, in my opinion, is squirrel proofing. If you have squirrels in your area, they will get into your feeder if you let them, no doubt about it. You will find out how outlandishly clever squirrels are once you start trying to keep them out of your feeder. Even though many of the squirrel proof designs aren't perfect, if you don't have this, you're just giving them a free lunch.

Another interesting feature you can get with your bird feeder is a lighted feeder. Powered either by battery, or a rechargeable battery powered by solar panel, you can watch birds feed into the evening and in the early morning with the feeder. This makes it a great conversation piece for those summer outside parties. A very unique and wonderful choice for a bird feeder.

Overall, you can see that choosing a bird feeder isn't an extremely easy decision, but neither is it that hard. Just make your choice among the wide variety of styles and options available, and you will get to enjoy the relaxation and aesthetic appeal that only a bird feeder can bring to your yard or garden. Just keep those squirrels away!

squirrel free bird feeders

2010-01-25T14:51:00.000-08:00

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders: How To Discourage Squirrels From Stealing Bird Food
By Betty Hammond
Keen bird watchers value bird feeders as an integral part of the backyard landscape. Now wherever there is bird food there is bound to be squirrels; welcome or not. If you want success at feeding wild birds, you will have to look at squirrel proof bird feeders . Here are some squirrel facts to consider.

Squirrels are agile, bold and persistent. They are rodents; so their teeth never stop growing and adults require up to two pounds of food per week. They are adept at climbing up a wide variety of surfaces, including brickwork. The harder the access to feed, the more they turn into ninja squirrels truly ingenious acrobats. They are seldom outwitted, but they can be deterred and diverted.

Think about the best feeder types and optimal location in your backyard always bearing in mind that squirrels can leap up to ten feet across a gap, jump as high as five feet off the ground and are happy dropping eleven feet from a height!

Feeders can either be suspended or pole-mounted. Choose to suspend them from an isolated branch of a deciduous tree (less dense foliage than pine) or you could try hanging them from a wire between two trees (although this makes refilling quite tricky). Always suspend from a metal chain or wire and hook, otherwise the squirrels will chew through the cord to make the feeder will drop.

A good squirrel guard is a baffle. Made from either heavy plastic or metal, it forms an umbrella over the top of both suspended and pole-mounted feeders. The squirrels simply slide off them. Baffles

can also be placed about four feet above the ground below pole-mounted feeders â€“ greasing the pole with Vaseline can also be effective.

Caged bird feeders are a good option because they allow small birds access to the feed, excluding squirrels and larger birds too.

You can always opt for more high tech squirrelproof bird feeders . They are weight-activated. When a squirrel lands on one, a spring mechanism causes a metal shield to come down over the feeder or its perches give way. Another, which is also very funny to watch, has a battery-driven motor that spins the squirrel (harmlessly) off it.

Squirrels eat a wide range of foods, but another way to fend them off is to offer the birds safflower seed, thistle seed (niger), and /or pure suet (without seed), because they are simply not that fond of them.

Of course, you can look at this from a completely different angle and get a squirrel feeder complete with trapeze, tightrope and springboard. You can give squirrels their favorite foods in return for them putting on a wonderful circus performance for you. So while they are distracted, the birds get to eat too, everyone wins.

Let's face it, squirrels will always be a part of our backyard gardens, and with strategic planning of bird feeder type, location and bird food type, we can ensure not only that the birds get their fair share but also that we are entertained by funny squirrel antics.

Window bird feeders | Bird baths feeders | Bird House

2010-01-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

Window Bird Feeders - What You Need To Know

Window bird feeders provide enjoyment different than any other type of bird feeder. They allow you to view the birds up close...very close! You can watch them, learn about their habits, and even take some great photographs.

These feeders are offered with or without a roof. Those with coverings, keep the birds protected from inclement weather. They also help keep the bird seed from getting wet or moldy.

The feeders without a roof don't provide these advantages. However, because the top is open, larger birds can visit, such as woodpeckers. The birds that visit will depend on the type of bird seed that you provide. To attract woodpeckers, for example, provide peanuts. Cardinals love sunflower seed.

There are even specific window bird feeders made for hummingbirds.

A window bird feeder must have good suction cups to prevent the feeder from falling off the window. I once had a very inexpensive one and it was very frustrating, as it did not stay on the window for very long periods of time. You can buy one made of clear plastic or wood. The wood ones, if made well, are very long lasting and can be quite decorative as well. Some of the wooden tray feeders

have a mesh bottom so that water does not collect there.

They also come in various sizes and hold different amounts of seed. The larger ones are nice because it means that you have to fill them less often. I wouldn't worry about the seed going bad. Enough birds will visit and the seed will be gone before you know it.

If you have some bird friendly shrubbery outside your window along with the window feeder, a nice habitat for the birds can be created. They will have food, shelter and a place to perch all in one area. Add a nice solar powered bird bath, and the birds will think they are in heaven.

When placing a window feeder, select a window that is a good viewing place. Also, make sure that you can reach it from outside to fill it with the bird seed. Speaking of filling the feeders, be sure that you purchase one that removes easily from the window. For example, I have a wooden tray feeder with a lip on the top. I just lift it up and out, and it comes off. Some feeders with coverings are made so that the roof lifts up. This works also.

Window bird feeders provide more fun than any other type. Add one to your window and I think you'll agree.

Rustic bird feeders | Finch Bird Feeders | Wild birds

2010-01-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

Wild Birds- What Do They Prefer At Their Feeding Station?
By Neisha Bjorklund
Each and every wild bird has their own favorite meals, but the popular sunflower seeds are known to be the favorite among seed-eater birds. This is important information for bird enthusiasts who may want to attract a variety of wild birds to their backyard feeders. This information also explains why sunflower seed is the major ingredient in wild bird seed mixes. There is a wide variety of wild bird seed mixes to choose from for bird feeding, but most mixes are not a favorite among wild birds. There are three main tips for purchasing wild bird seed. The first tip would be to check the label. Smart shoppers usually check the label when they buying food for their families these days. Labels should also be checked when buying seed mixes as well. If you want to attract a variety of wild birds to your feeders, stay away from wild bird mixes that contain oats, cereals and/or "mixed grains." Most wild birds dislike these ingredients. Another tip is to avoid fillers such as the mixed grains. Some bird seed mixes contain “filler” seeds, which add weight to the bag, but usually

end up in a pile under your bird feeder because birds know what they like, and simply put, it’s not “fillers.” Birds often sweep their bills through their seed and dump the ones they don't want or they dislike on to the ground. Even ground-feeding birds may even ignore the spilled seed. The final tip in purchasing wild bird seed is to select clean bags of food. Most bird seed is 94 to 95 percent clean, which may sound pretty clean, but a 40-pound bag of seed may include over two pounds of inedible material, which means more debris that will find its way to the ground. Some vendors are required to sift the bird seed three times to remove any empty shells, sticks, leaves and other debris which is commonly found in other vendors’ seed bags.

So to wrap things up, I hope you found this information helpful to you. Now you know the basic tips on what your wild birds want and prefer. Take these three simple steps in consideration next time you purchase your wild bird seed and take notice at the increase in wild birds feeding at your feeders.
Neisha Bjorklund is the webmaster for

Finch bird feeders are a remarkable way of luring finches to your garden. These feeders can get the seed-eating birds right onto your porch, if you want. You can choose from a wide array

of finch bird feeders. Most bird feeders are specially designed to meet the requirements of a specific type of bird. Finches will definitely benefit from this type of bird feeder.

Blue bird feeders | How To Make Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

2010-01-24T00:31:00.000-08:00

How To Make Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
By Lee Dobbins
Do your backyard squirrels get all the bird seed before the birds do? There are many backyards that have problems with squirrels getting into the bird feeders. During cold months, these pesky squirrels will try any tric to get at this food.

If you want your backyard birds to exclusively benefit from the birds seeds on the bird feeder, then you need to consider squirrel proof bird feeders.

So, how do you make your bird feeders squirrel proof?

You can do this by putting your feeder in a suitable place where no squirrels can access it. Hanging it in high places will do the trick. Large poles will also help in mounting your feeders, but you need to be sure the squirrel can't climb up the pole!

You should also use a type of feeder which is designed to be squirrel-proof. There are feeders designed with screen and the likes which help prevent squirrels from eating the seeds. By doing so, you can place the feeder anywhere without worrying about squirrel attacks.

If you're also wondering why some feeders are topped or covered with large dome of plastic, the answer to it is because it helps prevent squirrels from invading the feeder. The logic is quite simple. The squirrel will try to climb onto the device from a pole or suspension lines but will encounter a baffle which in turn will prevent them from getting an access.

The squirrel often falls on the ground along with few seeds which will provide him a sort of small meal in every attempt. Some squirrels are also smart enough to know how to completely spill all the bird seeds on the feeder once they bounce from it.

More complex, sophisticated, and of course expensive feeders are now made to avoid access through the use of a "mechanical principle". These equipments utilize equal baffles wherein it closes the port of access when an animal weighing as heavy as the squirrels comes to invade. New designs which use the principle of exclusion are appearing every now and then, and some latest models feature a cage that does not permit squirrels

and other large birds, while letting the smaller ones access the feeder.

One smart solution includes a system which is homemade wherein a bird feeder is hanging from a transverse wire and made up with baffles. This will prevent animals like squirrels from scurrying across like what they do when they are crossing on a telephone wire.

You can also make a blockade for squirrels to prevent them from further climbing into the feeder. This is cheap, quick and very easy to make and use. Here is how you can make a blockade:

1. Gather any pots such as planting pot which has a minimum of 12-inch in diameter. You will also be using corner braces about 4 pieces to hold the pot.

2. With the use of a scissors, cut the lid of pot to make the edge smooth. The logic here is that squirrels will have nothing to hold on to which in turn prevents them from climbing.

3. Cut a hole at the center of the bottom pot. The size of the hole is 1/4 bigger than the diameter of the pole.

4. Mount the corner braces with the use of screws or hose clamp about 6 to 7 inches below the feeder.

5. Lastly, place the pot in an upside down direction. Remember to place the feeder about 8 feet away from any branches to prevent squirrels from jumping to the feeder.

The next approach in solving the conflict between the squirrel and bird feeder is to utilize foods that squirrel hate. You can try replacing bird seeds with safflower seeds in the bird feeders so that when squirrels eat it they will dislike it and eventually discourage themselves from going back.

You can also apply some oil or grease on the poles to prevent animals from climbing it. If all else fails, you can opt in feeding the squirrels with their food of choice to prevent them from climbing the feeder anymore.

Bird house feeders

2010-01-24T00:28:00.000-08:00

How To Choose Bird Feeders For Your Backyard
By Thomas White
Your local garden center or online retailer is likely to have a massive selection of bird feeders to choose from in various sizes, shapes, colors and prices and it can be difficult to know which bird feeder will be the best for the birds in your garden or backyard. Regardless of the type of bird feeder you decide to purchase it should be built of sturdy material, easy to clean and squirrel proof!

The most popular choices are tubular bird feeders and platform feeders. Tubular feeders are built using a plastic or metal tube with various holes to allow the seed to come out. Many of these feeders have perches for birds to rest on while feeding. Look for a tubular bird feeder that has a solid hook or chain to hang it from a tree or pole, a large tube so you are not refilling everyday and a mesh or dome to protect your food from squirrels.

Platform feeders can be simply be a sheet of plywood raised off the ground and covered with seeds, fruit or other food. A platform feeder about one foot off the ground is perfect for attracting birds that feed on the ground such as sparrows, doves or juncos. You can also hang a platform feeder from a tree or mount on a pole to attract a vast array of different birds. Again remember to look for protection of squirrels and ensure any wooden surfaces have been protected from the weather.

Hopper feeders are a bit more expensive but are usually easier to look after and come in

a variety of interesting styles, including a Victorian house! The main advantage is this type of feeder automatically restocks the feeder until the feed has been exhausted from the hopper – this means you don’t have to refill the feeder every day. Look for hopper bird feeders which hold a decent amount of seed and are easy to clean. You’ll attract many kinds of birds with these feeders including woodpeckers, cardinals and jays.

Window feeders attach to a pane of glass and allow you to see the birds while they are feeding from the comfort and warmth of your house. It may take slightly longer for the birds to feel comfortable feeding in this way but soon you’ll have a variety of birds feeding right next to your living room window!

The final types of bird feeders are the suet feeder and nectar bird feeders. Suet feeders are usually consist of a wire cake that suet cakes are attached to – suet feeders can be difficult to clean but do attract a variety of birds in winter and summer. Nectar bird feeders are designed to attract hummingbirds and Orioles. The birds ‘suck’ a sugary water from an inverted bottle or from a saucer that drips the liquid through the feeder.

Large bird feeders | Types Of Bird Feeders

2010-01-24T00:25:00.000-08:00

Types Of Bird Feeders - Suet Feeders

Looking for a new type of bird feeder for your backyard? Try a suet feeder, which uses beef fat (suet) to attract wild birds. While birds will be attracted to suet alone, try mixing it with other ingredients such as berries, seed, and nuts to make an extra enticing treat, or to target a specific type of bird. Suet cakes can be purchased just like bird seed, but you can also opt to make your own suet cake.

There are two ways to obtain suet for the base of your bird feeder. You can get suet from your local butcher shop, or simply purchase a tub of lard from the grocery store. Once you have your suet or lard ready to go, think about what other ingredients you'd like to add. Adding a cup of peanut butter to the mix with help the suet mold better. Think about the types of birds you would like to attract. Corn, sunflower seeds, nuts, birdseed, and rolled oats are a few options that can be incorporated in your suet cake.

Perhaps you aren't really a hands-on type of person, but making your own suet cakes is really not that difficult. First, melt your suet or lard to a liquid

consistency. It might be a good idea to do this outside or in the garage. Once you have your liquid fat, add in your other ingredients. Then pour into a mold of your choice. Stick your mold in the fridge or keep it outside if it is a cold day. As the fat cools, it will harden and be ready to be removed from the mold. Place your suet cake in your suet feeder and set it outside as a tasty treat for your feathered friends.

You have several options for selecting a suet feeder. Suet feeders can be purely utilitarian, or simply have a beautiful design. Your suet feeder can be as easy as hanging a suet cake in an old pair of nylon stockings. The best place for a suet feeder is in an area sheltered from the harsh elements such as sun and rain. Dry, cool suet will last longer. It's also just as important to place your feeder in a spot where you can enjoy watching the various types of visitors that will feed on your suet cake. There's nothing better than watching the cardinals, woodpeckers, blue jays, and other wild birds get nice and fat on a snowy day right in your own backyard.

Opus bird feeders | Winter Bird Feeders

2010-01-24T00:22:00.000-08:00

The Best Winter Bird Feeders - Suet Feeders
Of course winter is a tough time for birds. For birds looking for berries, most plants have lost those long ago. Flying insects and crawling grubs are hidden safely away the winter months, and if there was some source of food out that a bird might eat much of the time it is hidden under a several inches of snow.

Traditionally one of the best feeders for the winter bird population is a suet bird feeder, as opposed to a more conventional seed hopper or tube feeder.

Suet is a popular choice because it has several advantages for use in the winter. It holds up to cold weather well. At temperatures above 70 degrees F it will melt, so don't leave it out year round. Since it has a large percentage of fat it has a lot of calories, and is usually mixed with other high energy foods like peanuts for additional protein to give an additional energy boost. Finally suet cakes will last for quite a while so you don't need to refill the feeder too often.

Suet was used many years ago by the settlers in America. It comes from raw beef or mutton fat, it's often made from the fat found around the loins and kidneys. Our ancestors found many uses for it like candle-making. To make suet the fat is rendered in a process where the fat is heated to produce a wax like material. Once it cools slightly this wax like material is shaped and stored like soap.

Once you have the raw suet, to make it usable in a feeder it is usually prepared in a block similar in shape and size to a sandwich. To increase the protein in the food it's common to add other ingredients like cracked peanuts or seeds which are mixed in before the suet solidifies so they are distributed through the food block. There are many types of commercially available suet blocks. There are also many web sites featuring suet recipes targeting different bird species if you are inclined to make your own

suet.

Usually a suet feeder looks like of a small wire cage feeder where the suet block is placed. This can be hung from a tree or simply nailed to the trunk of a tree. Another common favorite is a traditional bird hopper feeder that also has suet cages on the sides.

What type of birds can you help feed with a suet feeder? Birds that are attracted to suet feeders include woodpeckers, goldfinches, juncos, cardinals, thrushes, jays, bluebirds and wrens. Some folks consider it unfortunate that they will also attract starlings. If you are one that doesn't want to attract starlings try finding a suet bird feeder with only bottom access, since starlings can't hang upside down to feed. Squirrels are another creature attracted to suet feeders than many (including the birds) consider a pest. To keep squirrels out you need to make sure the feeder cant' be accessed by climbing or jumping from a nearby roof or tree. If you still have a problem often using baffles will help keep them away.

Suet bird feeders come in many of styles and shapes. The most common of all the suet feeders are the simple cage feeders. These house the suet in a protective cage that can hang from a tree. For those wanting something more esthetic there are decorative suet feeders. These are often mounted on a pole that can be freestanding in your yard, hopefully safe from your squirrel friends.

While winter is a tough time of year for our feathered friends, with a suet bird feeder you can help the birds in your area come through ready for spring in good health.

outdoor bird feeders | Decorative Bird Feeders

2010-01-22T21:07:00.000-08:00

Decorative Bird Feeders - How To Feed Our Feathered Friends While Adding Style To Your Patio

Decorative bird feeders easily and inexpensively add a layer of beauty and charm to your home's exterior spaces. Place decorative feeders in the back or front yard, on the porch, or in the garden and watch as your bird feeder becomes an important stop for a variety of wild birds. You might also consider varying the types of feeders you purchase - not only aesthetic variety, but also to attract different species of birds. For example, the placement of tube feeders in one area and dish feeders in another, as well as filling each with a specific type of seed, will encourage a variety of birds to gather at your home.

Many of today's bird feeders are available in a wide variety of decorative styles. Whether you choose a bird feeder adorned with dragonflies, frogs, pine leaves or grapevines, your bird feeder should represent your unique tastes and decorative style. No matter what style of wild bird feeder you choose, looks for materials that are sturdy and weather-resistant, such as rust-free aluminum. The bird feeders should also offer easy refilling and cleaning options.

For example, you can put tube feeders in one area and dish feeders in another. Different birds will prefer one type of feeder over another, so you can encourage a variety of birds to flock to your yard. In cold weather, suet feeders filled with fatty, nutritious and calorie-laden suet provide essential feeding for wild birds during these difficult months.
Bird Feeder Basics

Dish feeders either hang from an attached chain or sit at garden-level - perfect for attracting bluebirds, blackbirds, or jays. Birdseed is scattered across the dish feeder's wide, gently sloped basin.

Tube feeders operate by way of a Plexiglas tube, which provides both you and your birds with a clear view of seed levels. Gravity helps the seed continuously flow from four generous openings in the tube's base, which also provides a sturdy perch for the birds to rest while eating. Typically, tube feeders include a generous overhang to provide protection from

the elements.

Suet feeders are another great way to attract wild birds to your backyard and bring nature to your home. In cold weather, suet feeders filled with fatty, nutritious and calorie-laden suet, provide essential feeding for wild birds during these difficult months.

Easy-to-access and easy-to-clean, these bird feeders use cake-style seed to attract even the most discerning wild birds. Wide openings placed throughout the bird feeder create ample opportunities for birds to grab a quick bite.

Wild bird feeders are an effective way to attract a wide variety of exciting birds to your yard. Once birds detect the presence of a bird feeder with a reliable food supply, they'll keep coming back--and bringing more birds with them. With the passage of just a bit of time and faithful care and maintenance of your feeder, your property can become a Grand Central Station for birds from all over! Wild bird feeders don't come in just one design. In fact, many styles of feeders exist. It's important to become familiar with these different styles before buying. This is more than an aesthetic consideration for the look of your yard. Different birds are attracted to different feeders, and some birds simply will not use feeders with designs that are incompatible with what they prefer.

Thus, if you're bent on attracting doves to your property, you'll want the bird feeder that doves prefer. This happens to be a platform, or dish feeder. The other most common styles of bird feeders are tube feeders and suet feeders. Tube feeders are shaped like a tube and are often filled with seed or other dry foods. These feeders allow many birds to feed at once in a tiered formation.

Suet feeders are often house or lantern shaped. These feeders are designed to securely hold blocks of suet, a fatty, high-calorie food that's packed with nutrients for wintering birds. There's a generous selection of beautifully crafted wild bird feeders in dish, tube, and suet styles that are sure to delight both you and your avian visitors!

Metal bird feeders

2010-01-22T21:05:00.000-08:00

Tips To Help You Find Proper Metal bird Feeders For your wild or house birds

Many people think that the best way to relax and achieve a more calm and soothing sense is to experience it through nature. Migratory birds visit from one backyard to another. Well, they are to some extent right. Metal bird feeders are our way to supply the same comfort to our birds.

As homeowners, therefore, if you wish to enjoy watching and listening to them, then you need to provide the birds will all the necessary bird feeding materials. When looking for the right metal bird feeder, in which to put lots of wild bird seed, you have a lot of options to choose from.

As there are various types of feeders today, from the conventional tube feeders, suet bird feeders and the squirrel proof feeders, to the more elaborate decorative bird feeders, you have a lot of options to choose from. Some people would say that it don't matter if you buy a metal bird feeder or any other type. Providing the right feeders and food will always make birds come back. One of the most popular and commonly used bird feeder is the tube variety. So why do we talk about metal bird feeders here. Because simply, my experience says they are gold. And actually there will be a comparison between metal bird feeders and other types.

They are specially designed to efficiently hold seed blends or seed mixes, or even sunflower seeds or chips. Being the most popular type of feeder, it is available in different sizes, ranging from just six inches to over three feet long. There are some skinny feeders too, as well as wide ones.

Its competitor type of feeders that is very common among homeowners is the hopper feeder, which is indeed ideal for the birds because it can accommodate and feed so many different species of birds. These are durable and affordable, and are made purely from hardwood, yet you can find some made from cedar wood with clear plastic sides.

Another but less competition, a suet feeder, which is considered to be a squirrel proof bird feeder. Two common examples of suet feeders are the log feeders, with drilled holes on its edges, and the sandwich feeders, which are comprised of two pieces of wood secured together, with the suet placed in between.

These feeders are ideal to keep nuisance animals, such as squirrels and raccoons, away from the food. There is also another type of feeder today called Duncraft "Cling a Wing," which was primarily designed to feed small clinging birds like Nuthatches, Chickadees, and more. I would love to talk about this subject more now But we are talking about metal bird feeders here so, moving on.

If you are looking for the right feeding equipment today for the birds that come to your place, then you basically have hundreds of options to choose from. As homeowners, it is a joy to provide for visiting birds. Additionally, Metal bird feeders should always be kept clean. By providing an easy to find feeder, green garden, a water source for birds and lots of wild bird food, getting these flying visitors will become an everyday experience and you will even wonder why you have not done it long time ago. Also remember that taking care of your garden and constantly providing seed to the flying birds will reward you and your guests with a great view.

bird feeders houses | Hummingbird Bird Feeders

2010-01-22T21:02:00.000-08:00

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 don'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 it'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 - it is worth all the effort when you see the Hummingbirds feeing in your backyard.

making bird feeders - Squirrel and Bird Feeders problems

2010-01-22T20:59:00.000-08:00

Squirrel Problems With Bird Feeders
By matt soufle
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.

How to build bird feeders | Squirrel-proof Bird Feeders

2010-01-21T22:04:00.000-08:00

Had Enough Of Those Pesky Squirrels? Try Squirrel-proof Bird Feeders

There are several species of ground squirrels and tree squirrels in North America that can create problems for bird enthusiasts. If you have squirrel problems, a squirrel-proof bird feeder may be your best solution. The Fox Squirrel and the Eastern and Western Gray Squirrels are species of tree squirrels that are most commonly involved with causing problems for home owners and bird watchers.

Squirrel-proof bird feeders come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. They range from the weight activated hopper feeders like the Homestead Super Stop-A-Squirrel to the simple baffle-topped feeders. For the serious backyard birder there is the Droll Yankees' Yankee Flipper that uses a battery operated device, activated by the squirrel's weight, to (harmlessly) propel the squirrel off of the feeder.

One of the major problems bird watchers have with squirrels is that the squirrels take over the feeders and scare the birds away. But that's not the only problem. The squirrel's diet is made up mostly of nuts, fruits, plant buds, seeds and flowers, depending on the season and what's available locally. However, squirrels are not vegetarian. They also eat bird eggs and nestlings that they will snatch right out of a birdhouse. They may pounce on unsuspecting birds at feeders also.

There are two clear strategies for solving the problem of keeping squirrels away from your feeders and birdhouses. You can prevent the (cute) pesky rodents from gaining access to your treasures, or you can give them a better, alternate place to dine.

Let's tackle the preventative strategy first. There are some very simple ways to keep your birdhouses and feeders safe from squirrel damage. And let me add here that it is imperative to keep your birdhouses safe from possible predation. You can build your own predator guard from my plans or you can purchase squirrel baffles, which come in a variety of styles, sizes, shapes and colors.

What you want to do is to keep

squirrels away from your feeders and birdhouses right from the start. Squirrels are very persistent and once they find an easy source of food, they will try to overcome any obstacle you may put in their way.

Squirrels are extremely agile and can leap eight feet or more and climb almost anything. For this reason alone, if you have squirrel problems in your yard, keep your bird feeders and birdhouses at least eight feet away from any tree limbs or man-made structures and install baffles on the supporting posts.

If you must hang your bird feeders in trees, you will want to keep them away from the main trunk and equip them with a dome baffle or simply use a squirrel-proof bird feeder that is designed with a dome-type top.

Another popular style of squirrel-proof bird feeders is the caged feeder. The caged feeders consist of an inner feeder that contains the seed, surrounded by a wire cage that prevents squirrels from getting to that seed. They simply put the food out of reach for the hungry squirrel.

Even the most persistent squirrels should be thwarted by any of these squirrel-proof bird feeders or baffle feeder combinations. So let's consider the second strategy of giving the squirrels a better alternative than your bird feeders or birdhouses for their banquets.

This strategy involves setting up a squirrel feeding station somewhere away from your bird feeders with the food stuffs that squirrels really like. There are several different squirrel feeders that not only let the squirrels enjoy the nuts, sunflower seeds and fruit they like the most, there are some that let you watch their antics as they feed on one of their favorite foods, corn on the cob.

So whether you love squirrels or hate 'em, these are some solutions to the "squirrel dilemma" that many birders face. You may even have some new thoughts on how you can live with squirrels and keep your bird feeders and birdhouses off limits to these cute, furry critters.
- Unique And Useful Birdfeeder And Bird Care Products
By Martin B
Nature offers some wonderful things that are relaxing and joyful. Feeding, watching and spending time with the birds is one of them. It is a treat to watch the amazing variety of British birds, their interactions with each other and their methods of feeding. To watch birds you may go to woods or country parks or alternatively set up feeders in your garden to attract a variety of bird species. If you are wondering where to find the right type of birdfeeders, wild bird food then simply go to Birdfoodbypost online to buy bird food and all accessories like nest boxes and bird baths that are required to attract wild bird to your garden.

Birdfoodbypost online aims to offer complete solution and easy purchase of bird care products from bird foods for all seasons to bird books and from bird feeders of different designs to bird tables. You can even type the name of a bird to find related products and information. Online purchase process is simple and hassle free. It also gives you an overview of the entire range of products and you may be surprised and pleased to find an item that you have never heard of or planned to buy for your favorite bird. After browsing through the items and selecting the products click the Add To Cart button to order. There is fixed delivery charge for all orders. The products are delivered mostly within next day, only in U.K. and the payment is accepted by debit or credit card and PayPal.

The website offers amazing collection of hanging feeders to feed the birds with niger seeds, peanuts, fat balls and mixed seeds. If you do not have trees or garden space then there is window mounted feeders for you. Different types of window feeders, for feeding peanuts, niger seeds and mixed seed are available. When you have problem with squirrels that eat up bird foods then you can choose a Squirrel Proof Feeder. Feeding trays that can be moved from one place to other is ideal for ground foraging birds like thrushes and Blackbirds. The website offers combo packs of feeder and bird food that may interest you if you are on a budget. If you want to be stylish then select from the range of cute bird tables like simple Flat Pack, Chislet, or York to sophisticated nest boxes with a colour camera system.

Birdfoodbypost online offers bird food all year around as well as special packs for different seasons. The top selling bird food includes Sunflower Hearts from Vine House and Harrisons, bird seed and Energy Mix with mealworms from Vine House and dried mealworms from Harrisons. Once you have bird feeders you need something to clean and refill them. The website has impressive collection of rain guard and feeder guardians to protect the bird food from getting wet and limiting which birds feeder from the feeders. There are various types of scoops and brushes to fill and clean the birdfeeders.
Martin B always tells your more about Birdfoodbypost online which aims to offer complete solution and easy purchase of bird care products from bird foods for all seasons to bird books and from bird feeders of different designs to bird tables.

Buy bird feeders | Clean Glass Bird Feeders | house bird feeders

2010-01-21T21:57:00.000-08:00

Clean Glass Bird Feeders Mean More Birds, express your love for birds uniquely through glass bird feeders. The artful designs done on glass feeders are sure to make your bird cage, porch, or garden a little more interesting and

lively. The intricate designs, placed around the feeders so that you can view the patterns from any standpoint, will surely give a sense of authenticity to your enthusiasm for birds.

Also basking In The Backyard Heat With Gazebo Bird Feeders is awesome.
Summer! Next to Christmas, summer is everybody's favorite time of the year. Backyard barbecues, fruit shakes, pitching somebody's little tent in the lawn, your kids trying to cool

off in their inflatable swimming pool. Best of all, you get to spend days and days with your loved ones as you watch the various types of birds flocking in your bird feeder station.

Feeding Wild Birds Responsibly

On March 19, 2009, the US Department of the Interior released a new report on the national "State of the Birds." The report states that "(b)irds are bellwethers of our natural and cultural health as a nation... The results are sobering: bird populations in many habitats are declining-a warning signal of the failing health of our ecosystems." Considering that conservation efforts have been going on for at least the last 50+ years (since Rachel Carson's Silent Spring), this is indeed a sobering report. Obviously our conservation efforts were too little, too late.

According the Report, 75 million Americans, 1 in every 4 consider themselves birdwatchers. In excess of 50 million are feeding wild birds. In spite of so much interest and support, loss of habitat continues unabated in the rush to develop more land. Natural nesting sites and food resources are lost. To help stop the decline the single most important thing we can do as individuals is restore natural habitat on our own property. Take an active, responsible role in managing your habitat. If you manage property, you are managing habitat and wildlife.

Why Feed Wild Birds?

People are feeding wild birds for a variety of reasons including entertainment, relaxation, observing and/or studying nature, provide meaningful support to local populations, and so on. As stated above, many wild bird populations are declining. Reasons for the declines include habitat loss, environmental degradation, seasonal changes, local weather, climate change, inadequate forage, and so on. Wild birds have a relatively high metabolic rate that requires food on a regular and consistent basis. Many birds die during the winter, during droughts, cold spells, prolonged rains, and any other conditions that reduce the availability of forage leading to stress,weakness, reduced resistance to disease and parasites, and starvation. Feeding wild birds can help sustain populations when natural food supplies are hard to find.

Feeding Preferences of Wild Birds

Whether your goal is just to attract wild birds to a feeding station for your own enjoyment or to provide birds with the minimum nutrients they need for optimum health and reproduction, feeding preferences of birds are very important in determining what type of food products will best meet your needs.

In general, wild birds can be grouped together by the types of feed they eat. This does not necessarily mean that granivores (seed-eaters), for example, eat only seed. Granivores prefer seed to other foods and specific types of seed to others. Since it is rare in nature to find a food that is readily and always available, it is important to remember that most birds select food in order of their preferences.

While there are a number of types of feed, feeding wild birds usually involves only four:

a. Granivores - seed or grain feeders like finches and sparrows. Many seeds and seed mixes are available for

granivores.

b. Frugivores - fruit feeders like tanagers. There are dehydrated fruit products for frugivores.

c. Insectivores - insect feeders like blue birds and woodpeckers. There are a number of live and dehydrated

insect products.

d. Nectarivores - nectar feeders like hummingbirds. There are several commercial nectar diets available.

In addition to the importance of feeding preferences when feeding wild birds, feeding behaviors of wild birds should be considered when selecting feeders. Some wild birds including robins and doves forage on the ground. Others like woodpeckers and nuthatches forage on the bark of trees. Goldfinches and other granivores forage on the seed heads of grasses.

Casual Bird Feeding

The vast majority of people who are feeding wild birds are casual participants. For them feeding wild birds is primarily a part time activity involving offering wild birds treats and enjoying the benefits of watching their behaviors. The casual participant is one who may on impulse, while shopping at the supermarket, grab a bag of seed or a suet cake. They do not feel any responsibility for feeding wild birds anything more then bird candy. Wild birds are free to forage for their own nutritional needs. If your interest in feeding wild birds is casual, there is an entire industry devoted to meeting your needs. The primary function of the products offered is to bait or draw birds to a feeding site designed to provide maximum visibility for your viewing pleasure. All the feed products including seeds, seed mixes, suet products, and other specialty products are formulated for their ability to attract birds. Nutritional value is not a consideration. Seeds, seed mixes, and suet products offer at best incidental, supplemental nutrition. Even if it were possible to formulate a seed mix that met all the nutritional requirements of birds, it would fail because birds will preferentially select only the seeds they like, the most preferred being oil-type sunflower seed. Seed preference studies have demonstrated time after time that, oil-type sunflower seed, white proso millet, and Nyjer® are the preferred seeds of most species of birds that frequent feeders.

Seed Mixes

Seed mixes are best viewed as bird candy. The preferred seeds provide a burst of energy but little nutrition. Birds are like children, they eat what they like rather than what is nutritionally best for them.

In selecting seeds or seed mixes you should consider what seeds are in the mix. The cheaper the seed mix the higher the content of filler seeds like corn, milo, oats, wheat and others that the majority of birds find unpalatable. They usually end up on the ground under the feeding station. There is a growing trend in new housing communities to ban bird feeding because of the seed accumulation under the bird feeder and the pests that they attract. Another factor in the pricing of seeds and seed mixes is the grading of the seeds according to quality and any additional processing like cleaning or dehulling the seeds. Premium seed products are cleaner, contain the best grade of seeds, contain a larger proportion of the most palatable seeds like oil-type sunflower seed, and may be dehulled. The reality is that, with the exception of products that contain a higher percentage of the more palatable seeds, none of these added value, higher priced seed mixes make any difference to the birds. They are primarily for human market appeal. You are far better off buying the three individual seeds; oil-type sunflower seed, white proso millet, and Nyjer®. Even the millet is questionable as it attracts alien, invasive house sparrows which should be discouraged.

Bird feed should never be exposed to rain or direct sun both of which will cause deterioration in nutrients.

Suet

Wild bird suet products are available in a variety of shapes and formulations. The shapes typically include the standard cake, plugs, balls or "berries", bells, and so on. In addition to plain suet, formulations consist of suet incorporating small amounts of attractants like, berries, fruit, insects, nuts, and seeds to appeal to different wild bird species. While the attractants have a small influence on the kind of wild birds that are attracted to a particular suet product, their real impact is in appealing to human consumers . The primary nutritional

component in wild bird suet products is beef fat. It provides energy, which is vital to wild birds. Suet cakes and other suet products attract bark-climbing wild bird species like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and so on. Wild bird suet cakes, like seed and seed mixes may improve survivor rates in the short term and they are very economical. In selecting suet products, the consumer should look for the softest products that will meet the conditions at their feeding station. Softness indicates a relatively low melting temperature. The lower the melting temperature, the easier the product is for wild birds to digest.

Over the past five to ten years there has been a trend among suet processors to develop wild bird suet products with increasingly higher melting temperatures. This is just another marketing scheme that is designed to appeal to human consumers at the expense of the best interests of birds. Do not be fooled. It is in the best interest of wild birds to consume fats that contain the least amount of saturated fats and triglycerides. Wild birds are attracted to fat because of its high energy content. However, birds must expend energy, not only to access and consume fats, but to digest them. The melting temperature of a fat is directly related to its degree of saturation. The higher the saturation, the higher the melting temperature, the more energy necessary to digest it.

Responsible Bird Feeding

The growing awareness that many wild bird populations are in decline has generated a need for a new type of wild bird feeding. One that goes beyond human centered motivations to taking responsibility for the health and welfare of local wild bird populations. The single most important thing we can do as individuals is restore natural habitat on our own property by natural landscaping with native plants that provide both shelter and foods, remove all alien, invasive plants, increasing natural and artificial nesting sites, provide a source of clean fresh water, Take an active, responsible role in managing your habitat and all of the wildlife that live on it; from soil organisms to megafauna. Feeding wild birds responsibly can engender a more wholistic view of their local wild bird populations as well as other local wildlife. If you owner manage property, you are responsible for all the living organisms that occupy it either as transients or permanent residents. You are by definition a habitat/wildlife manager.

Responsible wild bird feeding involves, at a minimum, feeding wild birds nutritionally complete wild bird feed on a year 'round basis, maintaining a source of clean fresh water, using properly designed feeders, keeping feeders and feeding sites clean, Set up a control plan to eliminate alien species like house sparrows and European starlings from your habitat by any means that are ethically acceptable. At the very least destroy their nests and eggs, and keep cats inside . Cats are an introduced alien species and they are proficient predators of birds, small mammals, reptiles, and many other life forms. Capture stray cats that wander onto your property and turn them into the local humane society. Encourage all cat owners to act responsibly by keeping their cats inside for their own safety-coyotes love the taste of cats-and the safety of their potential prey.

Nutritionally Complete Wild Bird Feed

Nutritionally complete wild bird feed products take feeding wild birds to a new level. Nutritionally complete wild bird feed products are complete processed diets formulated to provide birds with all their nutritional needs. Processed diets consist of flours, meals, nutrients, and binders processed into a suitable shape of uniform consistency. They are formulated to meet the minimum nutrient requirements of wild birds based on research by the National Research Council. Veterinarians and animal care professionals recommend processed diets as the main food (50% minimum) for all birds. Since a processed diet is of uniform consistency, birds can not preferentially select what they eat. Nutritionally complete, processed, wild bird diets provide a nutritional safety net for wild birds during periods of poor forage availability. Wild birds with unrestricted access to nutritionally complete, processed, wild bird diets will not experience the nutritional slump associated with winter or other periods of inclement weather that interferes with forage availability. As a result, adult birds will over-winter and initiate nesting activities earlier in the season, will nest more frequently during the season, lay more eggs per nesting, fledge more offspring, and nest later into the season. Over the long run local populations of those species accessing feeding stations will first stabilize and increase.

When feeding nutritionally complete wild bird feed products for the first time, you may encounter reluctance in wild birds to accept the new food. Wild birds are very wary of any change including new and different foods that they may not initially recognize as food. In this case offering oil-type sunflower seed that birds recognize as food along with the processed diet will usually entice them to feed. Once feeding has begun, gradually reduce the oil-type sunflower seed over a period of time. When feeding a nutritionally complete, processed, wild bird diet, it is important to restrict availability of other foods. This particularly applies to seed mixes and suet cakes (bird candies) that are formulated to attract birds for entertainment rather than meeting their nutritional needs. Suet cakes and seed mixes are not nutritionally complete and will dilute the desired effect of complete diets.

Most nutritionally complete, processed, wild bird diets incorporate a binder. A very few use vegetable fat as a binder. From a nutritional point of view, the lower the melting temperature of a fat the easier it is for birds to digest. Vegetable oils are very low in saturated fats and triglycerides so they are preferable to suet or any other binder. It is in the best interests of wild birds to use vegetable fats with the lowest melting temperature that will work in a particular situation or feeder.

Feeding a nutritionally complete diet on a year-round basis expands the food base in an area, thereby improving the overall survival and reproductive rates of many species. In the long run, you will see earlier nesting activity, increased reproduction rates, increased fledging rates, and increased survivorship rates. If you want to make a meaningful contribution to the health and reproduction of local species, you should incorporate nutritionally complete, processed, wild bird diets as a major component of your bird-feeding program.

Conclusion

Suet and seed mixes are of value to wild birds as dietary supplements only. Birds readily recognize seeds as food so seed mixes are best used when establishing a new feeding site . Once birds are feeding at a new site we recommend switching to a nutritionally complete, processed, wild bird diet. Once your feeding site is converted to a nutritionally complete, processed, wild bird diet we recommend feeding seed mixes as a treat in small amounts (no more than can be eaten in one day) on a random, once a week basis.

Nutritionally complete, processed, wild bird diets are a great addition to the struggle to stop population decline in those species that will access them.

Suet Bird Feeders - Winter Bird Feeder - make your own bird feeders

2010-01-21T21:53:00.000-08:00

Suet Bird Feeders - Winter Bird Feeder For Your Yard

Winter time - the plants have dropped their leaves, the insects and grubs are hiding in their cocoons or burrowed in hiding places, and if there is something out that a bird might eat it is often hidden under a few inches of snow.

If you are looking to help the birds by feeding them, what's the best approach? A common winter time feeder is a suet bird feeder. So, why use suet, what is suet, and why would you want to use it in a winter time bird feeder?

Suet has a few advantages for use in the winter. It holds up to cold weather well (and in fact starts to melt at temperatures above 70 degrees F). It is a high energy source of food for the birds, it can be mixed with other high energy foods, and the suet cakes will last for a relatively long time so you don't need to refill the feeder often.

Suet comes from raw beef or mutton fat, often made from the fat found around the loins and kidneys. It was a common material in hundreds of years ago since it found many uses for the settlers like candle-making. It has to go through a process called rendering in order to be useful for most applications. The rendering is a process where the fat is heated and results in the cooking off of the wax like material. The result is a wax like material which can be shaped and used in a variety of ways.

Once you have the raw suet, it is usually prepared in a block similar in shape to a sandwich. To this you can add other ingredients like bird seed and peanuts which

are mixed in so they are embedded in the block. This results in a block of high energy food that will survive well in the wintertime. You should note it can go rancid in the summer heat, so don't leave it out then. Most people will just purchase the suet blocks, but you can also find a variety of suet recipes which are tailored for different bird types.

Usually a suet feeder looks like a small wire cage feeder where the suet block is placed. This may be placed on the trunk of a tree or suspended from a branch. Another common style is a bird feeder that has the usual hopper for seed, and has suet cages on the sides to hold the cakes. Another way you can use suet it to smear it onto pine cones which can be hung from a branch.

Suet feeders are often used to attract many varieties of birds, including woodpeckers, goldfinches, juncos, cardinals, thrushes, jays, bluebirds and wrens. Often they will also attract starlings, which some folks don't care for. If you don't want to attract starlings you might consider using a suet bird feeder that only allows access to the food from the bottom, since starlings can't hang upside down. If you end up having problems with squirrels in your feeder you need to make sure it can't be accessed by climbing, and using baffles can help keep them away.

Suet feeders come in a variety of styles, ranging from simple cage feeders that simply hang from a tree branch, to decorative styles that can be freestanding in your yard.

Ground bird feeders | Suet Bird Feeders

2010-01-21T21:39:00.000-08:00

Suet Bird Feeders - Big Secret To Help Bring More Birds To Your Yard

Suet bird feeders are a staple feeder in the wild bird feeding stations of many people and beef suet is a favorite food of many insect eating bird species. It has a high fat content providing internal heat to keep birds warm in the winter and to prepare birds for migration and recuperation after migration. Chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, creepers and jays are all fond of this food source and suet is practically the only food that will attract woodpeckers consistently. Raw beef suet, which was easy to find in grocery store meat departments seven to ten years ago, is hard to find these days. However, several companies in the wild bird feeding industry have developed suet cakes which are made to fit in modern suet bird feeders. These suet cakes, in many cases, have been refined such that they do not melt and drip in warm weather like the old raw suet did making it much easier to feed. They are also inexpensive and readily available at most department and hardware stores and at any bird specialty shop. The manufacturers are even making suet cakes with bird approved additives such as seeds, fruits, peanut butter and freeze dried or dehydrated insects to attract even more species of birds.

There are a number of different ways to serve suet to your backyard birds. The simplest is in a wire suet basket, approximately 6 by 6 inches in size, made especially for this purpose. These baskets may be pole mounted or mounted to a fence, wall, tree, or they may be hung from a wire or tree branch. We even mount them on the sides of our hopper type bird feeders.

Woodpeckers are big time suet eaters. These birds utilize their stiff tails as props for balance when they eat. Several companies have developed a tail prop suet feeder. These feeders have an additional solid space below the suet basket to accommodate the stiff tail of the woodpecker making feeding more natural. These are made of wood such as cedar or recycled poly lumber made out of recycled milk and drink bottles with the wire basket built in. The woodpeckers feel comfortable feeding from these feeders and the clinging birds such as the chickadees, nuthatches and titmice are also able to use them.

In some areas larger suet eating birds such as starlings and jays make serious inroads on the suet supplies provided by backyard birders. If this is the case in your area, try an upside down suet bird feeder. These feeders generally consist of a roof with the suet

basket underneath the roof. The birds approach the feeder from the bottom and hang upside down to eat from it. The starlings and jays have a hard time hanging from the feeder to feed while the smaller suet eaters, who have extremely strong legs and toes, are generally more acrobatic and have no problem eating from these feeders. These feeders are also made of wood such as cedar and recycled poly lumber. They are also attractive looking in the backyard decor.

For home bound birders, at least one company has developed a window mounted suet bird feeder. It attaches to a window by two suction cups and brings the birds up close and personal for easy observation from inside your home.

Traditional suet eaters include woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, creepers, titmice, wrens, thrashers, jays, starlings, sparrows, finches and bluebirds. All of these will eat suet from one or more of the above mentioned feeders. Suet, when chopped into tiny pieces and spread out on a platform or tray type bird feeder, will often attract wintering warblers such as Myrtle Warblers, Orange-crowned Warblers, Yellow-throated Warblers and Palm Warblers.

Some areas, like the area we live in, do not have an abundance of traditional suet eaters. Our Cactus Wrens, Curve-billed Thrashers, House Finches and an occasional White-crowned Sparrow in winter come to eat from our suet feeders so we always keep at least one full of suet. The other suet feeders in our yard are sent into multi-tasking mode. Several are filled with half an orange in spring, summer and fall to attract orioles, mockingbirds, tanagers, catbirds and more species which do not readily come in to our seed feeders. During spring and early summer other suet feeders are stuffed with cotton and yarn tailings for the birds to use for nesting material. This draws nearly every species of bird in the neighborhood because they all have to build nests. We have seen flycatchers, gnatcatchers, wrens, vireos and warblers coming into this source of nesting material.

Suet bird feeders are, indeed, a staple feeder in the yards of many backyard bird watchers. Some species would not visit your yard without the suet and other species enjoy suet as a treat. However, you do not even have to serve suet in every suet feeder in your yard. With a little innovation you can draw even more bird species to your property. Suet bird feeders are a big secret to bringing more birds into your yard!

Easy bird feeders | Cedar Bird Feeders

2010-01-20T21:08:00.000-08:00

Cedar Bird Feeders

Cedar bird feeders are the most popular form of hanging bird feeders, and the most popular style of cedar bird feeder is the gazebo bird feeder. Cedar bird feeders can be used to attract many different types of wild birds ranging from finches to cardinals to chickadees and woodpeckers as well as many other forms of grosbeaks and flickers.

As with any bird feeders, with a cedar bird feeder you need to use bird seed. Once again depending on the type of wild bird you wish to attract will depend on the type of wild bird seed you use in your cedar bird feeder.

Cedar bird feeders are a great addition to any home or garden. If you are looking for a bird feeder that compliments your home and garden, a bird feeder that has a simple elegance as well as a rustic feel, then the cedar bird feeder is the one that you are looking for.

Cedar bird feeders can also come

in many shapes to feed one or two wild birds or they can be larger to accommodate many wild birds. To have many wild birds come to your bird feeder choose a cedar bird feeder that has an open design that will attract all types of birds while providing protection from the weather. Cedar bird feeders can also come as a tray bird feeder or a platform bird feeder to mount to your deck or to a bird feeding pole. There are many styles of cedar bird feeders to choose from, but what ever style, you are sure to get a great viewing of wild birds!

Choosing a cedar bird feeder greatly depends not only on the wild birds, but also on your taste! Because there is a wide variety of choices we have offered you some of the most common cedar bird feeders as well as some of the more unique. What ever you decide to buy, it can be found here with these reputable bird feeder suppliers.

Cage Bird Feeders | Wooden Bird Feeders

2010-01-20T21:04:00.000-08:00

Wooden Bird Feeders

Wooden bird feeders make a nice addition to any back yard or patio. They are great to give as gifts, especially for someone who enjoys bird watching. A bird feeder can provide a great deal of joy, as well as keep backyard birds very happy.

A good, wooden bird feeder should be built to last outdoors. It should have a hinged top or bottom for cleaning. There are many companies that manufacture wood birdhouse.

and cedar bird feeders that are designed like country cottages, cabins and barns. They have copper roofs and little, bird-shaped weather vanes. They are quite charming and look great in any backyard. They also attract birds and hold seeds well for a long time.

To decide what style bird feeder is right for you, first consider what type of birds you want to attract, and then what will look good in your yard or on your patio. For a formal garden you may want to choose a simple but elegant wood and copper design, but for a country garden you may want a whimsical design with bright colors.

There are also several attractive bird feeders that are easy enough for anyone to make. For natural-looking bird-feeders, a branch with drilled holes stuffed with suet, a hollow gourd with an opening in the side, or a pinecone filled with peanut butter make great bird feeders. For a more decorative look, use a bouquet of dried flowers with seeds, such as sunflowers or coneflowers, as a bird feeder.

peanut butter bird feeders | Decorative Bird Feeders

2010-01-20T21:02:00.000-08:00

The Many Faces Of Decorative Bird Feeders
By Mayoor Patel
For many people their gardens are a part of their home that they take a lot of pride in. They will paint the fencing in such a way that the garden is almost an expression of the artist in them. The plants they choose will reflect this as will the garden furniture and even the type of bird feeders they pick. Many people will purchase decorative bird feeders that will add color and style to their gardens while still being a truly functional piece of garden equipment. The variety of bird feeders styles that can be put in your backyard will answer anyones taste. They come in small feeders that will sit well in a little backyard or on a balcony or large ones that better suit a big yard to show them off.

Interestingly some people even collect these as works of art. Some feeders will be in the style of Asian culture while others might be like miniature country houses. This decorative style can spread through any type of bird feeder. For example, you can put a tube feeder in your backyard to attract smaller birds. You can make it a simple structure or an unusual one. Perhaps the tube feeder will look instead like a lighthouse. Or maybe the decorative bird feeders you will choose are ones

that are hand blown glass made to resemble flowers so that they attract the hummingbirds. Depending on the style you like these feeders have quite a price range. Something simple like a lantern style feeder may cost less than twenty five dollars. But if it is an elaborate feeder you are looking for, perhaps one styled like a cottage or a gazebo, you can expect to pay over a hundred dollars.

The fact is that there is a style for everyone's preference but if you do not find what you like there are many places that will custom make any type of bird feeder that you want in any style you desire. They can look like small houses, apartment structures, giant mushrooms, the local post office or a gilded cage. If you find what like but the color scheme does not match your garden, buy it anyway and repaint it so it fits in. The birds do not honestly care what shape or color it is, this is for your own pleasure to reflect your tastes. There is no end to what one's imagination can conjure up in the shape that decorative bird feeders can take. You even have the option of making it yourself if you cannot find the style you want. Just use your imagination, build it and the birds will come.

Glass bird feeders | Homemade Bird Feeders

2010-01-20T20:59:00.000-08:00

Crafts For Kids: Homemade Bird Feeders

There is nothing more enjoyable than eating breakfast and watching birds flutter and dance outside the kitchen window on a snowy morning. Unfortunately, while children often wonder at the birds and wish to take part in helping to feed them, there is rarely anything a child can do to help. Here are a couple of suggestions to help them get involved and to let them make their own special bird feeders.

Most children hate eating crusts of bread, but birds love them. Next time, rather than tossing the crust, hand them over to your child with a pencil or straw and have them poke a hole through the slices, about 1 inch from the top. If they wish, food coloring can be used to lightly dab some color on their bread slices, letting them make special designs for their bird friends. The bread should then be left to sit on the counter overnight so that it will dry out. The next day, thread a piece of yarn through them, hang the bread from the branches of a nearby tree and watch feathered friends flock to their new bird feeders.

With a string of yarn, a straw, and some Cheerios, even small children can help create these

fun bird feeders. Take the yarn (about 24 inches works well) and tie it around the middle of the straw. This will provide a base, allowing your child to thread the yarn through the cereal, not only making an effective bird feeder, but helping develop motor skills. When they have threaded the cereal up to the top, carefully hold the top of the string and then untie the bottom from the straw. Knot the two of these ends together, forming a circlet of cereal, which can be hung outside as a great bird snack. This can also be done using different colored fruit cereals, helping your child with repetitive pattern exercises.

Letting your child become more involved in tasks like this, not only helps them learn but gives them a sense of responsibility as well. Have them keep track of how long it takes for their homemade bird feeders, so they know when it will be time to make more. Have them make charts or draw pictures of what kinds of birds come to their feeders and let them look through books, to identify who their new feathered friends are. Not only will the birds thank you, but your kids will have a great time too.

How To Make Finch Bird Feeders

2010-01-19T21:06:00.000-08:00

How To Make Finch Bird Feeders
By Mayoor Patel
Sometimes the best thing about having bird feeders in your garden is sharing those moments of bird watching with your children. It is a wonderful opportunity to teach them about the wildlife that flies past your window as well as a nice time to spend sharing something beautiful with your kids. If this is something you want to do perhaps you also would like to make some of the bird feeders with them. Depending on the age of your kids this can be another sharing and learning opportunity. One of the feeders you could make is the finch bird feeders. They are a little more complicated than making the simpler platform feeders which are very simple, but not so hard that you could not construct one.

Since finches are such tiny birds what is used as a finch bird feeder is often a tube bird feeder. The first thing to do is to find all the materials that will be needed. Start with a narrow plastic tube. This can be something that was used as a medicine bottle, spice jar or soda pop bottle. Then you will need something to use as perches. The best thing to use for this will be doweling. Doweling are round pieces of wood. You will want them to be no wider than a quarter of an inch. This allows

the birds to grab onto them easier. How long they are is completely dependent on the width of the tube you are using. On average each piece of dowel should be around six inches long. This measurement allows the perches to be a few inches long for the birds to sit on. It the tube you use is very wide you will need longer pieces of doweling. You will also need a small hook which has a screw at one end, a hot glue gun or strong glue, paint, using non toxic is a must and a drill with a few bits so there are ones that are big enough for the multiple purposes you will need them for.

Take the drill and make holes for the dowel to go into. Leave them longer on one side so the bird has a place to sit on the perch then glue them in place. Depending on how big the tube is you can make at least six perches by alternating them on all the sides. Use the screw hook to attach the top of the feeder to your tree. If you want to make it more attractive for your garden you can paint it. This is the simplest way to build finch bird feeders. You can do this with your children, having each of them build one to put outside their bedroom windows, so that they too can they watching the birds feed.

wholesale bird feeders | Cardinal Bird Feeders

2010-01-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

wholesale Cardinal Bird Feeders for your bird luxury

Cardinal bird feeders are a great way to attract cardinal birds to your backyard. whether wholesale or retail, these feeders will attract these beautifully colored birds right to your door, if you wish. There are different types of wholesale bird feeders for this type. Many feeders are designed for birds that weigh more. Cardinals need these types of bird feeding.

Cardinals will eat sunflower seeds and other bird seed from hanging bird feeders (which come in a wide variety of styles and types including wooden,gazebo as well as suet or hopper bird feeders (which have a trigger to release the seeds). Also platform ones (ground or tray bird feeders). All can come in wholesale. The Cardinal type can hold a variety of seed from sunflower seeds to cracked corn and even peanuts!

Cardinals will attract other birds as well, so don’t be surprised if you see a flurry of color at your backyard bird feeder with the red cardinal bird as well as other wonderful species. Some of the them that are attracted to the feeders are Evening Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Blue Jays.

Cardinal bird food for your feeders may include black oil sunflower, buckwheat, black and gray stripe sunflower, and safflower seeds are his and grosbeak's favorites. But the grosbeaks have prominent, seed-cracking bills. Which is why they tend to favor these types of seeds.

Buy your cardinal bird feeder online and have it delivered right to your house. This is a great way to shop for cardinal bird feeders not only do you get to see a variety of cardinal bird feeders, but you can choose the cardinal bird feeder that you want. You can also buy premium cardinal bird seed online and attract beautiful cardinals and other grosbeaks to your yard. Alright guys, time for me to go shopping. Thanks for sticking around on wholesale bird feeders. Cheers.

Gazebo bird feeders | Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

2010-01-19T20:59:00.000-08:00

Ideas To Find Ideal Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
By Trevor Price
There are hundreds of squirrel proof bird feeders, but do any of them actually work? Squirrels are intelligent, acrobatic, capable of leaping distances of almost 12 feet and intent on eating your lovingly placed bird seed - making them a challenging nemesis to keep out of your backyard bird feeder.

Squirrels don't simply eat the seed at a feeder, they also dissuade birds from perching there and can cause major damage to the feeder because of their weight and aggressive feeding. So, if you're tired of watching squirrels take over your backyard bird oasis, keep reading for an overview of some of the best squirrel proof bird feeders available today.

The Squirrel Buster Plus

The Squirrel Buster Plus looks like a simple tubular feeder. However, its small, circular perch is actually weight-sensitive. So, when a squirrel jumps on, the platform will lower and close the feeding doors at the same time. Eventually, the squirrels get frustrated and leave. It's very effective, doesn't require batteries and is quite affordable at $49 retail.

Suet Sandwich Woodpecker Feeder

If you love listening to and watching woodpeckers, then the Suet Sandwich is the perfect solution to keep your winged friends well fed and the squirrels out. The feeder works by encasing two slices of suet beef fat between two pieces of fake bark. Because the woodpecker is long-tongued, they're able to access the tasty treat, but the squirrels are kept out. It retails for around $35.

Droll Yankees Squirrel-Proof

Feeders

The Droll Yankees line of bird feeders first came out in 2000. Basically, the perch is motorized and starts to spin when a squirrel sits on it. The idea is that the squirrel will go flying. The battery requires recharging every eight to twelve weeks. For the past two years, the company's line of squirrel-tipping feeders has been extended to also include models with weight-activated, collapsible perches or trays. These models start at $79 and go up to $119.

Buy a Squirrel Feeder

If you can't beat them, feed them. To keep squirrels off your feeder, try a block of birdseed placed on the ground. These all-in-one feasters come in a hefty size and hold several pounds of seeds and nuts in one compressed block. The squirrels will nibble away and (hopefully) leave your bird feeder alone.

Make Your Own

Instructables, a popular how-to website, has step-by-step instructions, including pictures, on how to put together your very own squirrel proof bird feeders for less than $10. By relying on lightweight cable ties as perches, this ingenious design makes it impossible for squirrels to steal your bird seed.

Though this approach takes more time and effort, the cost savings and satisfaction of creating your own feeder helps to make it a worthwhile endeavor, especially if you work together with a friend or child.

artline bird feeders | Bird Seed

2010-01-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

Why Use Bird Seed?

Why use bird seed when the bird can eat what is found in nature?

Well bird seed is a great way to attract birds to you home. Bird seed also helps keep the birds nourished and healthy. In the winter or in dry seasons it may be hard for birds to find appropriate food so bird seed is a great way to keep birds nourished.

What bird seed do I choose?

When you choose a bird seed for your birds look for ones with high fat and protein content. This will ensure that your birds will be well nourished and well feed. There are different types of bird seed that you can offer the birds around your home. Depending on what type of birds you want to attract will depend on the bird seed and the bird feeder. For some bird seeds hanging bird feeders or tube bird feeders are best. While for others birds platform bird feeders or suet bird feeders are the better choice. To see what kind of bird seed is most preferred by birds, here is a useful bird seed chart.

When do I use bird seed?

Bird seed can be used year round. There is nothing wrong with feeding birds in the

summer and spring this way they will receive the nutrient that they need while they are nesting. It is important that if you start feeding wild birds in the winter that you continue to feed them. Once wild birds find a reliable food source they will keep coming back to eat there.

What is suet?

Suet is a great bird food. Suet is animal fat and should be made with the highest quality beef kidney fat. Suet is processed so that it will not spoil or become soft and melt with different temperatures, because if this happens then all your bird seed will end up on the ground. Here is more information about suet.

What is wild bird seed?

Wild bird seed is all of the seeds mentioned above and in the chart. Wild bird seed can be mixed together for different types of bird feeders, or to attract different types of birds. Wild bird seed is made for wild birds, made for the nutrition that they need and how they prefer to eat. When you are looking a buying a bird feeder online, be sure to check out all the different types of wild bird seed for that type of bird feeder.

cleaning bird feeders | Humming Birdfeeders

2010-01-18T20:39:00.000-08:00

Humming Birdfeeders
By Tommy Yeo

Everyone loves to watch Hummingbirds as they dart among the bright flowers in our gardens. Besides nectar from flowers hummingbirds enjoy eating insects and drinking nectar syrup from Humming bird feeders. With over 18 different species of Hummingbirds in America itself, there is always the chance that you’ll see 2 or more types flitting in the flowers.

As Hummingbirds eat more than half their body weight daily having humming bird feeders placed at different spots in your garden can help them in their constant quest for food. There are varieties of Humming bird feeders that you can display in your garden. You can have functional feeders which are only for the purpose of feeding Hummingbirds or you can create a stunning landscape with decorative Humming bird feeders placed in various designs, the choice is yours.

A Humming bird feeder from HummZinger can be hung near plants and flowering trees or shrubs that Hummingbirds are generally attracted to. This feeder has yellow flower shaped feeding ports with all around circular perches to let lots of hummingbirds sit and drink nectar from the feeder. It’s made from UV stable polycarbonate, which is considered to be the most durable plastic that is available. The HummZinger Humming bird feeders are also dishwasher safe making it easier to clean them.

Perky Pet Humming bird feeders offer endless designs for you to choose from. Some models come in the shape of strawberries or apples. Their body shape is bright red, which

helps to attract the birds’ attention as Hummingbirds love the color red. The green base is drip resistant and it has 3 feeding ports that are in the shape of white flowers. While this feeder doesn’t have any perches for the birds it’s shatterproof and holds about 48oz. of nectar.

Hummingbirds love to drink nectar from the Trumpetvine flower and there are feeders made of glass that are in this shape. The design style is that of a non-turning Ferris Wheel. Each of these Trumpetvine feeding stations have their own perches which are next to the metal baskets that the individual flowers are set in.

There is a Humming bird feeder that is based on an early 1900s perfume bottle. The feeder is made of clear hand blown glass. Each of the feeding stations are in a hexagonal bottle shape. The feeding ports are red flowers to entice the Hummingbirds. Each “perfume” bottle in these Humming bird feeders holds about ½ a cup of nectar.

You then have the Hummingbird Oasis feeder varieties from Perky Pet. These Humming bird feeders have a built-in ant moat that is between the feeding ports and the rod. With 6 feeding stations each has an individual perch and yellow flower feeding port.

Generally the body of most Humming bird feeders is red. This is an invitation to dine in your garden to any hummingbird passing by and attaching more red in various methods will also bring the little birds in droves, bringing a profusion of color to your garden.

droll yankees bird feeders | Cheap Bird Feeders

2010-01-18T20:36:00.000-08:00

Cheap Bird Feeders
By Bakhru
We love to feed the birds that flock to our gardens or that decide to live there. To make this habitat even more attractive to these birds we’ll even place bird friendly items around the garden. Some of these things are very expensive and yet they’re needed. The best way to be able to provide suitable things like bird feeders is to make cheap bird feeders from items that we have at home.

There are lots of things that we can use. An old onion bag is good to hold suet cakes or balls. Suet can be made from any meat fat. This is easily obtainable at your butcher’s or meat department. Melt the fat by boiling it and combine it with fruits, peanuts, peanut butter, grains or seeds to make a high energy meal. Place this cake into the onion bag and hang it outside where birds like Woodpeckers, Bluebirds and Nuthatches will enjoy this treat from cheap bird feeders like this.

You can also create a tasty pine cone bird feeder. You need to tie a strong string piece or twine around one end of a pine cone. Roll the pine cone in peanut butter very thickly; coat the entire peanut butter pine cone in bird seeds of your choice. Use the twine or string to hang it up near a tree.

Other cheap bird feeders can be made from an old plastic 2 liter drink bottle. Wash the bottle out thoroughly with warm water only. When the

bottle dries completely replace the cap back on the bottle. Turn the bottle over so that the fat end is facing you. Cut 3 triangular flaps in the bottle. These flaps shouldn’t be very big or very wide. The pointed end of the flaps should face towards the bottle cap when they are pulled outwards. These flaps will act as the bird perches of your “new” cheap bird feeders.

Everyone loves to eat Shish Kabobs. This food type does not have to be restricted to humans alone. You can give birds a fruit and vegetable “Shish Kabob” too. What you need to do is to choose some fruits, bread pieces and vegetables that you can give the birds. Pierce these foods together with a metal hook to create some tasty cheap bird feeders.

More, easy to make yet cheap bird feeders are trays that you fill with bird seeds. You can put these up on tree stumps or knee high tables to make platform feeders. You should however keep an eye out for cats who might decide to make a meal out of your birds.

Whatever you decide to make your cheap bird feeders from, remember to keep sharp edged items away from them. The birds can be hurt from these edges. Besides this anything that will hold bird seed and suet cakes are good cheap bird feeders that you can make and keep in your garden. There’s no better way to enjoy the birds that live in your area.

gardman bird feeders | Easy Bird Feeders

2010-01-18T20:34:00.000-08:00

Easy Bird Feeders

Is taking care of birds one of your hobbies? Well, you probably aim to propagate or multiply the number of these pets by knowing more tips on choosing the best deal with regards to maintaining your hobby. Some start by breeding their own though they can also attract some birds to come along by letting them feel at home with attractive bird feeders. Birds are territorial; as one of the best ways to attract them is to put out multiple feeders that are spread equidistant from each other. Though, starting to feed birds, especially the wild ones may be complicated if you have take into consideration various kinds of easy bird feeders.

Simply putting out some seed makes to attract wild birds to your backyard and you can easily scatter seed on the ground, but most of this seed will inevitably be eaten by larger birds or scavengers. Furthermore, scattering seed as grits or cracked corn can distract your birds by other animals. By this, you have to learn about different types of easy bird feeders to allow birds enjoy their meal and at the same time attract smaller birds as well.

It is necessary to keep your birds into cages with feeders that are conducive to them. Such bird feeders can fit the eating habits of specific bird as some of these become attractive to birds depending on their placement

and kinds of seeds contained, since different species have different preferences. Some are enclosed in wire cages where you can hang somewhere while others are placed to ground to prevent seeds from rolling. Among the types of bird feeders you can acquire and choose from were the Tube Feeders, Platform Feeders , Bowl Feeders, Hopper Feeders, Suet Feeders and Nectar Feeder.

The most popular easy bird feeder is the Seed Tube Feeders that can hold a mixture of seeds or one type of seed in each partition allowing you to easily clean the feeder area where several perches and feeding ports are seen. On the other hand, platform feeder can accommodate tons number of birds, including squirrels and other mammal that easily depletes the largest platform's supply that is why it placed on roofs. Bowl feeder is a typical type suited for all birds, less likely allows them to walk across the seed, so the upkeep is not quite as demanding as it is with platform feeders while suet feeder is suited only for clinging birds, conducive for the birds to share for suet cake. Hopper feeder is like a little barn or covered bridge where you can access the filling from the top as Nectar feeders are made of glass or plastic tubes that have small feeder tips at the bottom assuring that it to be insect-resistant.

oriole feeders | Window Bird Feeders

2010-01-17T16:12:00.000-08:00

Window Bird Feeders
By Ray Lam
There are many stages that we go through in our lives that call for adjustments. Starting as a child we need to adjust to the different spaces that we are put in. We go from a crib to a toddler bed to a twin bed. We adjust to sharing our bedroom spaces to having a space of our own. When we go on to college we often have to adjust to once again sharing out space with others in dorm rooms or shared housing. Fro some people this is not an issue, but for others it is a difficult transition. When we marry or move in with our partner we need to adjust to them. My mother is going through one of the hardest adjustments that we need to make in life. She is adjusting to not only being alone after fifty-one years of marriage, but also moving to a much smaller space.

After my father died it became obvious that my mother could not take care of the five-bedroom farmhouse that she and dad had shared for over forty years. The house was large and old and she was not safe trying to go up and down stairs to do laundry and to get to the upstairs bedroom area. We considered remodeling the house, but we were also concerned about her living out in the country by herself with a large yard and the need for snow removal services in the winter. She agreed to move into a senior high rise building in the small town that was located close to

the farm. Moving from a five-bedroom house in the country to a one-bedroom apartment in town was quite an undertaking. She needed to get rid of many belongings. My mother loved being outdoors so the biggest thing for her to get used to was opening her door and being in a hallway. We wanted to give her some reminders of being of the farm so we bought window bird feeders for her to have in the living room and bedroom. She had always fed the birds at home so this was something that she could still enjoy.

The window bird feeders were shaped like a small house. They are made of clear plastic so they are lightweight and they suction cup to the windows. The roof of the house keeps the seeds dry. At first we were concerned that the window bird feeders would not stay on the windows, but the instructions that came with them worked. We were instructed to clean the space on the window where the suction cup would be with rubbing alcohol. We then put a very thin layer of vegetable oil on the suction cup and stuck it on the window. The suction cup fit very firmly. We filled the dishes with food and within a day the birds were coming to eat. We kept the bag of food in the closet and each time someone visited we would put more in the feeders. Mom gets a great deal of enjoyment watching the birds come to her window bird feeders.

wild birds | Tube Bird Feeders

2010-01-17T16:10:00.000-08:00

The Advantage Of Tube Bird Feeders
By Lee Dobbins
Some of the fondest memories of childhood are the discovery of the biords nesting on our backyard. The bird feeding in our backyards is the easiest way to enjoy the world of wild life. People of different ages can enjoy doing this.

It does not matter whether you're living in the suburban or renting an apartment. You can easily hear the chirping of birds coming form your windows or backyards. These chirps can even create music in our ears. Life would surely be dull without birds.

Bird watching is one of the most convenient recreations. You don't need to cash out even a penny just to enjoy it. All you'll need is some piece of leftover food and some water to feed the birds.

A lot of bird feeders are now available in the market. There is the platform feeder, hoppers feeder and also the tube bird feeder. Each feeder has its own advantages. Each also attracts different kinds of birds.

The tube bird feeders are long and cylindrical in shape. It also has perches on its feeding ports. It is one of the most popular bird feeders and they usually come in upside down or seed tray models.

The tube bird feeders usually discourage competing animals such as the squirrels. The perches on the feeding ports also discourage the large birds from eating the bird seeds.

Tube feeders attract birds such as the titmice, chickadees, woodpeckers, finches and nuthatches. Be sure to see to it that there is no dead space which occupies the bottom of the feeder. The seeds may rot in there which may cause illnesses to birds.

You can start by picking a location where it is quite easy to get and reach. This is because when the weather gets bad, which is also a time wherein birds need a lot of food that they can possibly get, it would be much better if the feeder is an easy-to-reach places.

Try to pick a location wherein the droppings of bird seed's shells will not be too much of a problem when cleaning it. Place

your feeder where squirrels will not be able to reach it also. The squirrels are one of the ultimate competitors of birds when it comes to bird seeds. They even often scare the birds so that they'll just be the sole beneficiary of it.

You can hang your tube bird feeder from a branch of strong tree or mount it using a pole. Try to put some baffles around it to avoid other animal intrusions. Don't over hide your feeder just because you're avoiding the squirrels to see it. Your main point here is to actually appreciate viewing the birds eating.

If ever you see squirrels on your neighborhood, it would be safe if you'll assume that they will invade your feeder at any given time. So choose the place wisely. You can hang your feeder at a height where they can't reach it.

You should also avoid the plastic or wooden tube feeders because squirrels tend to chew this off just to take a bite form the bird seeds. Choose a tube feeder that is metal mesh protected.

So what are the best foods to feed the birds? Seeds are your best option. Do not try to waste you money purchasing those mixed bird seeds bag on the supermarket. They may look yummy for the birds but then the tendency is that they will choose the tastiest seeds on it. So instead of birds consuming everything, what will happen is that the seeds with the least flavor will just be put into waste.

It would be best to offer one kind of seeds to each feeder. You can try sunflower seeds which most pet stores offer. Cracked corn and peanuts are a good option too.

The bottom line here is that every type of feeder is just the same thing. What matters is that you are enjoying watching the birds eating and at the same time being able to feed them is spiritually rewarding. Just remember the simple tips and advices on how to make your tube feeder a squirrel proof one. Start purchasing your own bird feeder to enjoy the therapeutic effect of the bird watching brings.

wild bird house | Bird Watching Gifts

2010-01-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

Bird Watching Gifts - Holiday Gift Ideas
By Nomad Rick
Bird watching is one of the fastest growing interests in the world. If you’re buying for a bird watcher, here’s a primer on ideas for bird watching gifts.

Bird Watching Gifts

Bird watching may seem the simplest of tasks. In truth, there are lots of gadgets, which gives you an opportunity to find great bird watching gifts

1. Binocular Pack Straps – Where you find bird watchers, you’ll find binoculars. Binoculars are the staple equipment item of all birders. The problem, however, is binoculars have a habit of flopping around your body when walking and putting a strain on your neck. Any bird watcher would love to find a solution and binocular pack straps are the answer. They look like backpack straps and snuggly hold binoculars to your body while you walk. Brunton is a great brand and you can expect to pay $30 or so.

2. The Birder’s Handbook – The Birder’s Handbook is a great companion piece for any birder. Over 600 species are covered and all can be found in North America. This book is an excellent list for bird watching enthusiasts to compare

their life lists against. The list price of the book is $20.00 and you can find it at any only bookstore.

3. Bird Cams – If backyard bird watching is the primary bird watching activity of the person your giving gifts to, bird cams are great gifts. The bird cam sits inside of the bird house and lets birders see the birds in action. A fascinating view of a bird’s life. Night-Owl and NovaBird make solid cams. You can expect to pay $80 to $300 for a solid cam.

4. Nomad Bird Watching Journals – A little self-promotion. Nomad Bird Watching Journals are great gifts for bird watching enthusiast. Whether they enjoy bird watching tours, backyard birding or bird watching vacations, these journals let bird watchers keep track of sightings, conditions, locations, people met and impressions of the birding experience. A great Christmas gift, you can see the journal by clicking the link in the byline of this article and expect to pay $25 for the journal with case.

Bird watching is sweeping the world. Now you know what to buy bird watching enthusiasts for the holidays.

Feeding birds | Copper Bird Bath

2010-01-17T16:04:00.000-08:00

The Simple Beauty Of A Copper Bird Bath

Paying details to details is the key to successful landscaping techniques. Things like a copper bird bath and other small eye catching items make the difference in a front or back yard. Flowers and small statues interspersed with greenery plantings add interest and appeal to a yard.

The simple lines of a copper bird bath and the changing colors of a bright copper color to a Bettina is part of the simple beauty. The Bettina blends in with the surroundings of the patio and the surrounding landscape. The birdbath brings in the birds and they add interest to the yard. If you position the birds bathing area near a window where they can be easily enjoyed, it will add to the homey feeling of your yard.

Bird feeders are another yard product that

can be put at various points in the yard for interest to add to the yard. They can be positioned near the bath to make it convenient for the birds.

One of the great aspects about copper is that is can be molded into many interesting shapes so that you need to have just a standard design. These baths can come with fountains and this draws the birds especially in the hot summer or cold winter. They can also be heated so that ice is not a problem. This does require an electrical outlet for a water heater or water pump for the fountain. The heated water allows for easy care when it gets cold. The fountain in a copper bird bath also creates a soothing sound in the yard.

Select The Right Bird House Online | bird houses and feeders

2010-01-16T22:07:00.000-08:00

Birds Love A Good Bird Bath
By Morgan Hamilton
In case you like birds you must know that there is nothing more welcoming to the feathered creatures than a bird bath. That nice installation filled with clean, fresh water will be like an oasis for the neighborhood birds. And if you decide to make one, your kindness will be fully repaid by the daily visits of our entertaining and delightful flying friends. Just watching a bird bathing is quite a pleasurable and repaying experience itself.

Of course people may decide to build such a place for people too, but in fact a nice bird bath can simultaneously be the perfect garden accessory and service a good purpose. And if you manage to choose the right style to design it in, you’ll definitely improve your garden setting. In the end you’ll have something for all to enjoy – both birds and people.

A bird bath is the perfect device for bird watchers to use for attracting birds. Taking the time to create such bath is always rewarded by the view it offers afterwards.

It gives the birdwatchers the possibility for a close proximity watching, and most of them guarantee that you can in fact attract more birds with a bird bath than with seeds.

This is absolutely true, because bird feeders, wonderful in my opinion, still do attract only seed-eaters and that’s why the species that gather around them are much more limited. From time to time you can spot a finch or a bright red cardinal, but you are more likely to find around always the same visitors – mostly blue jays and sparrows is what you you’ll see hovering near the feeders.

There are lots of birds that prefer fruits and insects to the seeds. Although species like waxwings, wrens and catbirds won’t offer a great variety to your garden, they can not be found anywhere around the seed feeders. That is the main difference between the two, and areas with bird baths are much more abundant in species than the seed feeders as not all birds do eat seeds, but all birds drink water.

squirrels bird feeders | Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

2010-01-16T22:04:00.000-08:00

It Is Not So Easy To Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

One of the problems with wanting to put out a bunch of bird feeders is that they tend to attract other animals as well. These other creatures include chipmunks, squirrels and an assortment of small rodents. Since this is not what you want in your garden you need to find a way to make them not available to this other seed seeking small animals. What you will need for your garden is squirrel proof bird feeders. These feeders will have some type of device that makes it impossible, or nearly so, for the animals to get to the bird seed.

Some bird feeders try to solve this problem by using plastic shields on the sides to keep the seeds in. There are some problems with this method of making squirrel proof bird feeders. The side pieces will keep the squirrel from eating huge piles of seeds. But what they learn to do is to fly at the feeder, knocking a bunch of seeds to the ground as they go. Then, when they fall, moments later, they have a meal waiting for

them. Some of the smarter ones get very good at this and learn to take a flying leap that spills large quantities of seeds. If this becomes too much of a problem, there are other alternatives. One is buying a more expensive feeder that has been made squirrel proof by the manufactures.

The other alternative is to do things that will mean the squirrels and other small animals are unable to gain access to the bird feeder. One method is to use a system that will put wire screening around the bird feeder and so prevent small animals and, unfortunately, large birds from getting the food. One other suggested method for making squirrel proof bird feeders is to hang empty plastic pop bottles on a line above the feeder. This can prevent the small animal from being able to get to the feeder and usually results in them falling off the line, where they land just fine, only to try again. Eventually when they are unable to get to the feeder they will give up.

backyard bird feeders | Homemade Bird Feeders | birdfeeders online

2010-01-16T21:59:00.000-08:00

Homemade Bird Feeders

You love to watch the birds outside your window. You start to see the same types of birds, and they all have their own personality. You love feeding the birds, especially in the winter, because you enjoy watching them so much. Making homemade bird feeders is a wonderful way to involve your family in the process, especially if you have small children. Here are some tips on different homemade bird feeders you can make.

One of the simplest homemade bird feeders to make involves pinecones, peanut butter, and seeds. Have your kids spread peanut butter all over the pinecone and in between all the cracks and holes. Then roll the pinecone in birdseed. Tie it with a string and hang it from a tree. Sit and wait with your child for the first bird to feed at it. Take a picture so you can capture the memorable moment.

You can also pop popcorn

and string it together, as if you were making a Christmas tree garland. Instead of putting it on the tree, put it outside for the birds to enjoy. Make sure that you place it in an area where birds tend to go.

Another simple birdfeeder you can make involves a milk jug. Cut the side of a milk jug out with a scissors or sharp blade. If making the bird feeder with your child, you can cut the side out. Then, give them the feeder to decorate and fill with seeds. Tie a string through the top and hang it from a tree. If you need more details, look online or in a craft book to see which part of the jug to cut.

Making homemade birdfeeders is a great way to bond with your children. Pick a birdfeeder that is easy and fun to do together. Fill it, and wait together for the birds to come. This is a fascinating process for children and adults.

Different Types Of Bird Feeders
By Hope Mason
When shopping for bird feeders you are likely to encounter a number of different styles and designs. The type of bird feeder that is best for you might depend on the type of bird you want to attract and how close you want to be to them in terms of an observer of their daily habits.

For a real close up view of feeding birds you might want to consider window bird feeders. These types of bird feeders are attached to the window glass with suction cups. You can buy these types of feeders for smaller birds and also humming birds. Be sure to make sure this type of feeder extends far out enough away from the window so that the bird does not fly into the glass.

The screen tray birdfeeder, also known as steel mesh birdfeeder is a tubular silo that is filled with different types of seeds or nuts depending on what kind of bird you aware most interested in attracting. These are hung from a tree and can also be quite popular with squirrels. The most popular type of food used to fill a screen tray bird feeder is peanuts. However they can also be filled with raisins, mealworms, black oil or sunflower seeds.

If squirrels and other rodents are feasting too much on your bird seed you can also buy types of bird feeders that are the weight activated and spring shut once it detects the presence of a heavier small creature. You can also buy cage protected feeders or ones that are totally housed in metal. Other protective devices for your wild bird feeders include spinners, dippers and flippers. The purpose of these gizmos is to throw the squirrel off balance should it attempt to venture onto the feeding platform.

Decorative bird feeders are brightly painted because the purpose is to fool the bird into thinking they are feeding from a fruit tree. These are excellent for attracting songbirds, especially the oriole. To attract singing birds choose decorative birdhouses in colors such as yellow, orange, red or pink. These types of bird feeders are often made of plastic and

might even seem a little tacky or not to your taste but it is this type of bird feeder that will appeal the
most to different types of song birds, as well as humming birds.

There are many different types of humming bird feeders on the market. Perhaps the most popular are the large pink plastic vessels shaped like large bulbs or blossoms. These types of bird feeders have tubes that allow the hummingbird to suck up nectar in the same way as he or she would suck up nectar from the throat of a flower. However if you really want to observe a hummingbird up close then you might want to install window feeders.

If you want to attract wild birds, a wild bird feeder can be as simple as a wooden trough, a plastic plate set out on a table or a ball of suet hung in a tree. These should be placed some distance away from the house so the birds are not intimidated by a human presence.

You can make your own wild bird feeder from an old milk carton that is glued to a paper plate. A little door cut out of the bottom of the carton serves as the dispenser for the food and the top of the carton is left, as it is so more food can be added to the feeder as needed. The feeder is then hung in a tree with a long piece of invisible thread or skinny wire to discourage squirrels from getting at the food. This is one of those types of bird feeders that makes an ideal craft project for kids.

You can purchase a bird feeder in a retail store but sometimes you can save quite a bit of money by purchasing birdfeeders online. One benefit to purchasing a bird feeder online is that often you can buy one that is more eclectic or creative than one that you find in a store. There are also many niche sites that you should check into when purchasing birdfeeders online. These web sites are like small boutiques that specialize in particular types of bird feeders. Choosing a creative and unique design for your birdhouse can also prevent your backyard looking just like every one else's on the block.

duncraft bird feeders | Wild Bird Seed In Our Backyard Feeders

2010-01-16T21:51:00.000-08:00

Wild Bird Seed In Our Backyard Feeders

Wild bird seed, once placed in backyard bird feeders will encourage numerous trips from many bird species. Wild seed consists of several assorted forms for attracting different wild birds to our backyards. Bird watching is now a popular hobby for many homeowners. If we have several wild bird feeders and use various wild seeds we will have a variety of birds visiting our backyard.

The seed we use will depend on what birds we would like to see using our wild bird feeders. It is best to know what bird seeds are preferred by the birds in our area. Backyard bird watching is great fun but we need to remember not to overload the feeders. Once the wasted seed hits the ground you may end up with unwanted critters. I have devised a list of some of the seeds and which backyard birds enjoy them.

Black-oil Sunflower Seeds: This feed is considered to be the number one seed. Black-oil sunflower seeds have a high quality of protein because of the large amount of meat contained. Its outer shell is soft enough for the small backyard bird. The wild birds that enjoy this seed are nuthatches, goldfinches, finches, and chickadees. The high content of oil in this seed keeps the wild birds warm and dry during the winter.

Striped Sunflower Seeds: This feed are not as popular and is cheaper than the black-oil sunflower seeds. The smaller wild birds find that the tougher shell is harder to crack which make it more difficult to eat. The wild birds that are known to eat this tougher bird seed include the cardinal, blue jay, and woodpecker.

Cracked Corn: The cracked corn seed can be used in attracting larger variety of bird species such as jays, eastern bluebirds, pheasants, and game birds. If cracked corn is used all year in one of the bird feeders it just may attract some of the birds that do not use the other feeders that have other types of feed.

Millet:

This seed is a large part of many mixes and is very tiny and round. This can be used in tubular feeders, hopper feeders and tray feeders. Some backyard birds that enjoy millet include sparrows, quail, juncos, doves, cardinals, buntings, and bobwhites.

Thistle Seeds: This seed is a tiny black seed that does not come from the American thistle that we can see by the side of the road. It is usually imported from Ethiopia and India and is referred to as Nyjer seed. Since the seeds are so small it is best if used in tube feeders or any type feeder that has wire mesh surrounding the feed. Some of the bird species that enjoy this seed include the purple finch, house finch, and goldfinch.

Safflower Seeds: This seed is a large seed that has a white coating. They very often are used in place of black-oil sunflower seeds because some of us do not the starlings, grackles, or house sparrows visiting the bird feeder; these birds do not like the safflower seed. The safflower seed will attract the same birds as the black-oil sunflower and also the jay, grosbeak, and cardinal.

Nuts: The nuts that we are referring to here are peanuts and peanut hearts, which are sometimes sold separately, but are usually found in wild seed mixes. Some of the birds that enjoy this bird feed are cardinals, chickadees, goldfinches, mockingbirds, nuthatches, titmice, and woodpeckers.

Wild Bird Seed Mixes: The wild bird seed mix usually consists of black-oil sunflower seeds, striped sunflower seeds, millet, and one or two other types of seed. These mixes will attract most varieties of birds. They are available in most grocery stores, the wild bird suppliers at many pet centers, and wild bird centers.

seed bird feeders | Wild Bird Seed

2010-01-15T19:23:00.000-08:00

Wild Bird Seed - How To Fill Your Feeders And Attract The Most Desirable Birds Species

In order to attract the kind of birds you want at your bird feeder, you will need to know what kind of wild bird seed each species prefers. For example, black oil sunflower seeds will attract a variety of songbirds including chickadees, finches, cardinals and grosbeaks, siskins and buntings but won't necessarily attract orioles, tanagers and doves. Orioles and tanagers like suet and fruit, even nectar while doves and other ground feeding birds prefer corn, millet and milo. Woodpeckers, on the other hand, prefer suet.

Not only do you need to get the right kind of bird seed, but a good quality seed as well. It is best to get your seed from a high quality distributor. Those mixed bird seed bags you find at the "Big Box" stores have often been sitting around in a warehouse for a long time and are very far from being fresh. Those bird seed mixes also have a lot of filler type seed like milo and wheat that birds don't particularly like and have poor nutritional value. When offering such mixes, you'll often find that the birds will kick all the filler seed out of the way in order to get to any of the better quality seeds that remain. Even worse, the milo may attract undesirable species like cowbirds, grackles and starlings as well as uninvited squirrels and even rats.

Although these types of mixed bird seed bags are cheaper, you really end op spending about the same if not more than you would on higher quality mixes. Perhaps half or even more of

it ends up on your deck, porch or in your yard, makes a mess and is wasted. Sometimes you even have to fight the weed seed that starts sprouting in your lawn. So try to get your bird seed from a local bird shop or an easier way is from an online bird seed store.

A lot of people will buy sunflower seeds, but don't realize all sunflower seeds are not created equal. There is black oil sunflower and striped sunflower seeds. Go for the black oil. Yes, they cost a little more than striped, but black oil sunflower seeds have twice the calories per pound than striped. Also, their smaller size and thinner shells are easier to crack open for a wider variety of birds than the thicker, harder shelled striped seeds that only birds with big seed-cracking bills can eat. If you love your birds, you will give them black oil. Enough said.

Now, if you don't want to just serve sunflower seed, you can make your own mix of wild bird food. Try mixing hulled sunflower seeds, white millet, cracked corn, red millet, peanut pieces and hulled millet to attract a variety of species like doves, goldfinches, white-throated sparrows, house finches, indigo buntings, juncos, purple finches, quail, towhees, white-crowned sparrows and other species. If you don't want to make your own, try to get a mix that is labeled "No Waste". These mixes have no filler seeds and are usually all shelled so there is virtually no waste and less mess with no hulls piling up below the feeder.

solar bird feeders | Wild Bird Feeders

2010-01-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

Wild Bird Feeders - Location, Location, Location Or Where Shall I Place My Feeders?

The bird feeders in my garden are set up in such away that they attract a very large variety of birds. I also have managed to keep the squirrels away.

How have I done this?

* I have chosen particular types of bird feeders to attract many different types of birds.
* The feeders are either squirrel proof, used in conjunction with a squirrel deterrent item, or placed in an area were squirrels cannot get to them.
* I use a very good seed mix which contains various seeds favored by different birds.

I have four different feeding stations. In one of these stations I have more than one feeder.

This consists of a pole with two arms. On each of these arms is a tube feeder. One is a little larger than the other and has a tray attached to the bottom. The Cardinals love this tray as they like to perch on something substantial when eating the bird seed. They eat from the ground also.

I attached a baffle about half way up the pole. The pole and feeders are set out in the open lawn, away from any trees or house. The combination of the baffle and the open lawn make it nearly impossible for squirrels to get at the feeders.

The next area is another tube feeder but a very long one. I have this hanging from a branch of a tree. However, to deter the squirrels, I have a large, plexi-glass baffle above it. The squirrels cannot jump onto the feeder from the tree since they would land

on the baffle....and off they go!

I also have a window bird feeder. The squirrels cannot get to this. I would say that I enjoy this one the most. It is a wooden tray that slips into a plexi-glass holder suspended by suctions cups. I can be in my kitchen and watch the birds up close...very close! The cardinals are the most jittery and seem to spot me quickly, unless I stay perfectly still. The Titmice and the Chickadees are quite friendly and don't seem to mind me watching them. The yellow finch are quite a rowdy bunch and not very polite to each other!

On the side of my house, also hanging from a tree, is a tube feeder which is made to be squirrel proof, and it is. It has a grate over it and there are perches. The grate has larger openings where the birds access the seed. When the squirrel goes onto it, his weight lowers the grate over the openings so that access is denied. Yes, it works!

Over the last few years, we have seen about fifteen different varieties of birds. We have enjoyed seeing the following birds: cardinal, blue jay, titmice, eastern towhee, house finch, yellow finch, bluebird (only twice), chickadees, robin, phoebe, hummingbird, grackle, blue bunting, cowbird, dove, red winged blackbird, and three different kinds of woodpeckers.

We feed them bird seed that is a good mix of high quality seed. The mix has seed that is liked by different kinds of birds and thus brings the large variety of birds as visitors.

bird feeders plans | Wild Bird Feeders

2010-01-15T19:20:00.000-08:00

How To Make Sure The Wild Bird Feeders You Buy Will Be The Right Bird Feeder For Your Garden

Having the right kind of wild bird feeder can often mean the difference between seeing a varied variety of bird activity to in some cases nothing at all.

First and foremost it is advisable not to use ornamental or bizarre bird feeders as these often look very attractive, but are not really very practical.

When choosing a material it is always better to use hard materials that are more robust such as metals and light alloys, these tend to survive quite well, even when being eaten from by wild parakeets or dropped to the ground by mischievous hungry squirrels. Bird feeders that are made of wood or plastic don't tend to last to well.

A bird feeder enemy such as the squirrel will make short work of a plastic or wooden bird feeder, which will leave more food on the floor for the rats rather than in the feeder for the birds. There are slide down mushroom cones that can be added to most suitable bird feeders, which will protect it from predators. Predators cannot hold onto the smooth cone shape, but also if they do manage to it actually slides down to protect the feeder.

Locating the bird feeder is also quite important,

if it is too low or close to a climbable surface such as a tree or fence the probability of a cat stalking birds visiting the feeder would be quite high.

Where possible a bird feeder should always be placed fairly high, using S hooks if need-be and with a bit of cover offering protection from flying raptor (Hawk) attack as well as keeping the contents of the bird feeder out of direct sunlight making them stay fresher for longer.

Sometimes it may be necessary or worthwhile to make-up a lifting tool for placing higher bird feeders onto the S hook. This can easily be achieved by using a sturdy pole or piece of wood with a U type hook fitted into the end.

It is always better to have two or even three bird feeders so as to offer a variety of foods such as nuts, seed, and suet shapes to the visiting birds. The type of seed obviously depends on the type of wild birds in that area.

A nice finishing touch to any bird filled garden is to offer somewhere for the birds to wash and drink by means of a bird bath, as well as a bird table to offer the birds the everyday tit-bits such as bread and maybe even some meal worms.

droll yankee bird feeders | Sunflower Seed Bird Feeders

2010-01-15T19:16:00.000-08:00

Sunflower Seed Bird Feeders Take A Variety Of Shapes

Bird watching and wild bird feeding has become a fascinating and enjoyable pastime for many people around the world. We love watching the variety of birds visiting our homes and yards. If you are interested in setting up bird feeding stations around your home there are some things you need to know about different species and their feeding habits as well as the different types of bird feeders available. Sunflower seed bird feeders come in many forms which serve different purposes.

You can feed three different types of seed at once with the caged triple tube bird feeder. The tube parts of the feeder that hold the seed are fitted with metal ports (on the quality tube feeders) that will help stop house sparrows from raiding your feeder. Also the cage around the tubes keeps the squirrels out and keeps your feed safe from the larger birds like Jays and Grackles. Single Tube Caged Bird Feeders are also available if you want to feed only sunflower or one type of seed.

These tube feeders are loved by Chickadees, Evening Grosbeaks, Titmice, Nuthatches, Jays, House Finches, Purple Finches, Redpolls, Woodpeckers and Cardinals. If you want to restrict their use to smaller birds use a tube feeder without a tray. Take away the perches and you will restrict the feeder use to only species that can cling like finches, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice and small woodpeckers.

There are sunflower seed bird feeders that are constructed of wire mesh

also. These sturdy feeders are squirrel resistant because they are made entirely of metal. No plastic and no wood. Some of them hold over 5 pounds of sunflower seed! Wire mesh feeders come in several designs, some with perch rings and trays and some without.

So the first thing you need to do when deciding on which types of feeders to use for your bird feeding station is to decide which species you want to attract to your yard. If you don't know what birds live near you, check with your local Audubon Society. They should have a list of birds for your specific area.

Read up on the wild birds that live in your neck of the woods, or grasslands, or desert, or even in your city, and decide which species you want to watch, close up. Many songbirds prefer sunflower seed because of its high fat content. Sunflower seed bird feeders take advantage of this, offering you the biggest bang for your buck considering the number of different wild birds that will be attracted to these feeders.

In conclusion, having the right bird feeders and mounting them in the proper locations is essential for attracting the species you want to observe to your backyard. Sunflower seed bird feeders will attract a large variety of birds and should be one of your first choices for your feeding station. You will probably want to add other types of feeders to your yard also because the greater the variety, the more different species of birds you will attract.

hopper bird feeders | Window Bird Feeders

2010-01-13T20:44:00.000-08:00

Things To Know Before Buying Window Bird Feeders
By Limoeg Veigroeg
Window bird feeders are maybe the right mode to watch the birds closely in your court. Window bird feeders are very comfortable for bird fans that live in flats and some in nursing home. If you have one window bird feeder, you will spend very long time with pleasure when you look at the birds how they feast in front of you. Some wonder about pesky squirrels how they get the bird feed. The truth is that a determined squirrel can get the food you provide. Many squirrels avoid window bird feeders .The squirrels scare from the nearness to the home and windows.

Window bird feeders are different types and forms. The size you desire depends on the number of the birds at the feeder together and how often you wish to provide again the feeder. For old people who need friends to replenish the feeder, a bigger model could be excellent.

There are some types of window bird feeders. Some of them are affixed to the window via suction cups or clips, or Velcro.
Some people donâ€™t know the strength of the appliances. They are constructed to hold several birds to feed. Other window bird feeders could be inside the windowsill.

If you have already bought a window

bird feeder you must decide where to put it. The excellent choice is to choose a window that you could look freely. Maybe close to the table where you eat constantly. You have to know which part of the dwelling is visited often from birds. You will prefer the backyard instead of a window before the dwelling in case you are living on a busy boulevard. You can start to use your window bird feeders when you wish, but you will be more satisfied in spring or end of the year

The birds around your house will start to use the window bird feeders (not immediately) after some time. You must be sure that the bird seed you are giving is for the birds that are indigenous to your area. You must avoid to use seeds which magnetize definite species
You must be patient for around a month before the birds notice your window bird feeder. When they notice it they would be back certainly to your window bird feeder.

You must not forget to provide a window bird feeders to friends or person of your family.
You would get incomparably pleasure to look at the birds near.
A window bird feeders suits people who have not the opportunity to go out very much.

tube bird feeders | Wild Birds

2010-01-13T20:41:00.000-08:00

Create A Backyard Habitat For Wild Birds With A Bird Feeder

With a little imagination and very little effort, you can transform your backyard into a natural habitat for birds. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, or simply want to invite nature a little closer to your home, birdfeeders put down the welcome mat for our avian friends.

According to the Audubon Society (audubon.org), a bird feeder comes in one of four basic designs. Ground feeders are flat and open, have a screened bottom, and rest off the ground and should be situated ten feet from nearby trees or bushes so that birds can fly away from any predators. Ground feeders can be made squirrel proof by utilizing wire mesh over the bird feeder.

Tube birdfeeders are cylindrical in shape and typically have openings that allow birds to access the seeds. They should be hung off the ground and, for maximum enjoyment, near a window so that family members can witness the wild birds that come to visit.

Suet and hopper bird feeders are typically shaped like houses. A suet bird feeder, made for wild birds that peck at the seed mixed into the suet, is usually hung, while a hopper bird feeder can either be hung or placed on a post for easy access by wild birds. A hopper bird feeder contains a large quantity of seed, which is released when the wild bird steps on the feeder trigger. Hopper birdfeeders attract both small and

large birds, including the cardinal.

Unlike the tube and hopper birdfeeders, the thistle bird feeder is designed with very small holes, allowing only small-beaked finches to access the food. Thistle birdfeeders should be hung, and can be made squirrel proof.

The Audubon Society also provides helpful tips on making your backyard friendly to hummingbirds by populating it with humming bird feeders. They suggest that you use several humming bird feeders and fill each with sugar water, being careful to avoid using red food coloring and honey. In addition, you should change the solution in the humming bird feeder weekly, or more often in hot weather.

It is certainly possible to make your own bird feeders, but there are several great birdfeeders available on the market, including those made by Droll Yankee, Opus, Woodllink, and Duncraft.

To get the most out of your bird watching experience, the Audubon Society suggests that you utilize several different types of bird feeders and that you place them at various heights and locations. In this way, you will attract a wide variety of wild birds. In addition, be sure that your efforts to create a backyard habitat don't harm the birds you are trying to attract. Keep birdfeeders three feet away from windows to avoid collisions, and make sure to keep your cat indoors.

bird feeders poles | Tube Bird Feeders

2010-01-13T20:38:00.000-08:00

Tube Bird Feeders Exclude Large Birds
By Mayoor Patel
Tube bird feeders are given this name for the obvious reason; they are a tube shaped bird feeder that makes use of this unique design to offer a little something different to the birds that come to eat. The cylindrical shape makes it harder for a pest to latch on to it if they are going to try to steal seeds, or whatever it is you choose to feed, because they have nothing to grab onto. This means you lose less feed to the squirrels, chipmunks or other rodents who otherwise might see the bird feeder as a free meal. As well these kinds of feeders are more likely to bring you the smaller birds, so if you have a preference between smaller birds or larger birds that may be a deciding factor on whether you want this type of bird feeder or not.

Theses tube bird feeders can be a variety of sizes and so hold different amounts of food. But that is not why they attract the smaller birds as opposed to the larger ones. The reason for this is the size of the perches. These feeders tend to have perches up the sides of the tube which allow the birds to eat at different levels on the feeders. This is

unlike the platform bird feeders where they all eat on the tray at the bottom. With these there is a tray to catch falling seed, but the birds can eat while sitting on a perch anywhere on the feeder. This means that you must keep the bird feeder full to allow the perches to be useful places for them to eat from. They can also eat from the tray, which may allow for some larger birds to hop on, but as very little will fall it is better to count on this type of bird feeder being for smaller birds.

Therefore if this is the type of bird feeder you want to use you will need to understand that you will not be seeing any jays, doves, cardinals, grackles or other large birds eating from it. If on the other hand you like chickadees, finches or nuthatches then you will be happy with this feeder. Tube bird feeders can hold a variety of birdseeds from the small Niger seeds to the much larger sunflower seeds. Check before you make your purchase because some will come with different sized holes for the use of certain types of seeds. You will also need to know what the birds in your area prefer to eat.

discount bird feeders | Landscaping For Birds

2010-01-13T20:31:00.000-08:00

Bird Feeders: Landscaping For Birds
By Kelvin Brown
As people learn to enjoy the beauty of birds around their home, they may wish to improve the "habitat" in their yard so that more birds will visit their property. Let’s look at planting a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers to attract birds. These can provide good nesting sites, winter shelter, places to hide from predators and natural food supplies that are available year-round.

Beautiful landscaping isn’t only for attracting birds. It can increase your property value, provide natural beauty, and become a playground for young ones as various wildlife is attracted to your yard.

Landscaping for birds involves nine basic principles:

1. Food
Every bird species has its own unique food requirements that may change as the seasons change. Learn the food habits of the birds you wish to attract. Then plant the appropriate trees, shrubs, and flowers to provide the fruits, berries, seeds, acorns, and nectar.

2. Water
You may be able to double the number of bird species in your yard by providing a source of water. A frog pond, water garden, or bird bath will get lots of bird use, especially if the water is dripping, splashing or moving.

3. Shelter
Birds need places where they can hide from predators and escape from severe weather. Trees (including dead ones), shrubs, tall grass and bird houses provide excellent shelter.

4. Diversity
The best landscaping plan is one that includes a variety of native plants. This helps attract the most bird species.

5. Four Seasons
Give the birds food and shelter

throughout the year by planting a variety of trees, shrubs and flowers that provide year-round benefits.

6. Arrangement
Properly arrange the different habitat components in your yard. Consider the effects of prevailing winds (and snow drifting) so your yard will be protected from harsh winter weather.

7. Protection
Birds should be protected from unnecessary mortality. When choosing the placement of bird feeders and nest boxes, consider their accessibility to predators. Picture windows can also be dangerous for birds. They tend to fly directly at windows when they see the reflection of trees and shrubs.
A network of parallel, vertical strings spaced 4 inches apart can be placed on the outside of windows to prevent this problem. Be cautious about the kinds of herbicides and pesticides used in your yard. Apply them only when necessary and strictly according to label instructions. In fact, try gardening and lawn care without using pesticides. Details can be found in gardening books at the library.

8. Hardiness Zones
When considering plants not native to your area, consult a plant hardiness zone map, found in most garden catalogues. Make sure the plants you want are rated for the winter hardiness zone classification of your area.

9. Soils and Topography
Consult your local garden center, university or county extension office to have your soil tested. Plant species are often adapted to certain types of soils. If you know what type of soil you have, you can identify the types of plants that will grow best in your yard.

bird pole | Bird Houses | Birdbaths | Bird Feeders | wooden bird house | Oriole Feeders

2010-01-12T21:29:00.000-08:00

Oriole Feeders Will Add Some Colorful Magic To Your Bird Friendly Yard

With its brilliant orange and black plumage, the oriole's arrival is eagerly awaited by backyard birders during each spring migration. It is a magical moment when you hear the very conspicuous and fluent song announcing the arrival of the oriole. All birders are ready to welcome this beautiful bird with oriole feeders bearing assortments of fruit, nectar and oriole food. To the oriole, the oriole feeders look like a grand buffet after a long and hard migration.

You can prepare for the arrival of these gorgeous birds in early spring by placing orange halves on your oriole feeders. The color orange attracts orioles because it is the color of the fruits they have been eating in the tropics all winter. Orioles will also eat cherries, berries, grapes and figs. After seeing a few orioles at your feeders, you can add some grape jelly to your feeder. In late spring or early summer add some nectar to your feeders to keep the orioles coming back for more. Many oriole feeders can accommodate fruit, jelly and nectar.

Like many birds, orioles are territorial and will defend their food source. Having multiple feeders throughout your yard is a great way to attract more birds.

There are a few things to consider when choosing oriole feeders for your backyard. Because of their specific food preferences, oriole food has to be offered in special feeders. When offering fruit, you can use a platform to attach fruit halves of oranges, peaches, and apples or place them on a tree with a nail.

Like hummingbirds, orioles are attracted to nectar. But you will need a special bird feeder for feeding

nectar to orioles. A hummingbird feeder is not a good choice since an oriole's beak will not fit into the feeding ports. Fortunately, nectar feeders made for orioles are available.

Your local nature or birding shop probably carries oriole nectar, however it is very easy to make yourself. The basic solution is one part sugar and six pars water. Many commercial oriole nectars have orange food coloring added. The food does not need to be orange as long as the oriole feeder is orange.

The ideal oriole feeder is designed to accommodate jelly, nectar and a slice of fruit. Orioles are particular to grape jelly and orange marmalade. Oriole feeders with these accommodations, store the nectar in the bottom, the jelly on the lid and the fruit slice attached in the middle. Mealworms are another favorite with orioles and are also a good source of protein. You can purchase mealworms for oriole food at any well-stocked bird supply store. The mealworms can be offered in an oriole feeder designed to dispense this delicacy.

Keeping your oriole feeder clean is very important if you want the orioles to return. Small, soft bristle brushes work well for getting into all the corners. It is a good practice to clean it between fillings. Just clean with warm water and rinse.

Setting up a wild bird habitat in your yard will bring nature close to you. And having orioles in your yard will make backyard bird watching even more enjoyable. Once you set up your first oriole bird feeder you will see that one is not enough. Having more feeders will attract more birds, thus providing even more birding fun.

painted bird houses | Bird Watching Guide | Cedar Bird Feeders

2010-01-12T21:26:00.000-08:00

Bird Watching Guide - Cedar Bird Feeders
By Bredd Hamilton

We all have a soft spot for birds. This means that we try and ensure that their environment is ideal for their needs. A bird house is a good way to provide an instant nesting site or home for any visiting birds. A bird bath placed near a bird feeder provides a source of water for drinking, splash bathing and just having fun. The many types of feeders make sure that there is a ready supply of food for the birds. However Cedar Bird Feeders go beyond being just a bird supply item. They bring a level of sophisticated beauty to the garden.

Cedar Bird Feeders from Woodlink will give you the rustic look that you desire and yet this is combined with a practical usage. These feeders can be used anywhere it’s necessary to feed large amounts of birds. They’re also good for bird feeding sanctuaries.

Keeping this large sized feeder in your garden is an invitation for lots of birds to dine there. The Cedar Bird feeders are in the classic Hopper feeder style. Both sides of the feeder have lots of perching space in front of the feeding stations and there are clear plastic panels on both sides that show you the reservoir of seeds inside of the feeder.

An internal seed baffle design makes sure that any empty seed shells are emptied out on to the platform below. This design feature ensures that no residue is left in the Cedar bird feeders. The feeding platforms are

green metal screens that can be removed. For the ease of cleaning and easy refilling the roof of the Cedar bird feeders are hinged.

These large Cedar bird feeders can hold 18 quarts of seed in them. This means that you don’t have to continually refill the feeder and if you need to go on your holiday you won’t be worrying about hungry birds.

Many bird species like to use this type of feeder. These include Wrens, Towhees, Sparrows, Jays, Grosbeaks, Blackbirds, Cardinals, Doves, Flickers, Redpolls, Woodpeckers, Titmice, Kinglets, Bluebirds, Goldfinches, Starlings, Finches, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Grackles, Siskins, Mockingbirds and Juncos.

These huge Cedar bird feeders are made in America from kiln dried Inland Red Cedar. They are hardy and durable. Their appearance will complement not only your garden but also any bird sanctuaries where they are needed. Due to the size of this feeder it may be best to pole mount it.

The best types of seed to use in this feeder are sunflower seeds, mixed seeds, cracked corn, sunflower kernels, safflower seeds and peanut chunks. The use of these varied bird seeds will bring different bird types to your Cedar Bird Feeders.

With the purchase of any Cedar Bird Feeders you can be assured of getting a good value and there are many years of enjoyment to be had from watching birds eating from the bird feeders.

decorative bird houses | Bird Feeders Of Large Capacity

2010-01-12T21:23:00.000-08:00

Bird Feeders Of Large Capacity - Selecting The Right One

We receive a substantial number of requests for bird feeders with large capacities of seed and for good reason. People now live very active lives and bird populations are at a healthy level. Feeders holding a lot of seed can last several days without refilling and have become very popular. Matter of fact, our best selling line of feeder is our largest capacity feeders. Yet each model has varied seed quantities and capabilities with the smallest holding ten pounds of feed and the largest thirty. Due to their varied designs though, each produce different results to meet the needs of most birders.

When looking to purchase a large feeder, first ask yourself what you really need. Is this your first large feeder? What are your actual feeding needs? What birds do you wish to attract? Also, and very important, where will you set it up and do you have the capability of doing so correctly?

If you are erecting a large feeder for the first time because you have a single hanging feeder in a tree, you may not need as large a feeder as can be purchased. For our customers in this category, we steer them to our "smallest" large feeder for one simple reason, they probably do not have the bird population to consume the feed fast enough. Seed that sets in a feeder too long may become stale, rot or begin to sprout. Rain, melting snow and even humidity can affect seed in a negative way and once it goes bad, your birds will not eat it.

The next question to ask yourself is what are your actual feeding needs? If you are home daily or throughout the day a smaller sized feeder will be fine. If you travel for work or are away for extended periods of time, a larger feeder may be needed to keep your birds well fed. If the bird populations are low or high a feeder to meet this population is the best choice.

One of the most important questions to ask yourself is what are your actual feeding needs and what birds do I wish to attract? If you already have a healthy population of feeding birds, going big on a feeder is a natural and correct step to take. But, not all big feeders are designed the same. To the casual observer, our line of large feeders look pretty much alike but this is absolutely not the fact. Keep in mind, even a large feeder can accommodate or discourage larger birds. Our most popular large feeder is one that has an ample feed platform allowing the larger, clumsier birds to land and feed in relative comfort. When you look closely at our largest capacity feeders, you would notice the feeding area

around the base is the smallest of all since it needs to accommodate an overly large hopper. This is good if you wish discourage the largest birds like Blue Jays and Mourning Doves and attract more small birds such as Chickadees and Cardinals. But, if you desire a feeder to feed everyone, a more open feeding area surrounding the hopper is a better choice. An excellent question to ask of any large feeder is; what birds does this feeder cater to?

Lastly, and of great importance, where will the new feeder be set up and are you capable of doing so correctly? A huge feeder needs an appropriate location in order to garner as much enjoyment as possible from the investment. Big feeders are designed to be the pinnacle feeder of the yard and need an appropriate location with an excellent, open view. Since these feeders receive tremendous traffic, a substantial number of birds tend to congregate in the nearest cover. The view should be as open as possible to include bushes, hedges, brambles and other vegetative locations allowing you to watch your birds as they peacefully rest or interaction with one another.

As feeders get bigger, they need very stable posts for mounting. In the case of our largest feeder, with an unreasonable amount of wet heavy snow, the whole set up can weigh over 135 pounds. This feeder weighs 20 pounds, holds 30 pounds of seed and its roof is capable of loading up on 85 pounds of frozen snow and ice producing a seriously top heavy feeder. To compound this issue further, bring on some gale force winds to test the supporting post plus the ground its set into. An incorrectly set post can possibly topple over with great force doing damage to anything in its way and probably damaging the feeder at the same time. Keep these thoughts in mind when purchasing and setting up a new feeder for the first time and do not short cut the supporting structure.

With all that said, there is no other feeding station as enjoyable as a large pinnacle feeder. They receive great amounts of bird traffic and typically are a flurry of action from morning to night. All this wonderful activity at your feeder tends to attract even more birds and does so from a great distance. Birds feed by sight and the more birding action you have, the more you will receive. Setting up a large feeder is truly an investment in your love of nature and we encourage you to take the time to pick the right feeder for your feeding station. Ask lots of questions and a good reputable company will guide you in the right choice.

wild bird feed | Bird House Plans

2010-01-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Bird House Plans

When you build a birdhouse it is extremely rewarding to know that a wild creature decided to make a home out of something you made. Birds always have a difficult time finding a home. Many birds, like humans, are very particular about the specifications of their home. Not only will you be helping save the birds, but the added wildlife in your yard will make your home much more enjoyable.

The first step and most important step when building a bird house is by starting with the correct bird house plans. Not just any plan will work, it takes a well thought out birdhouse plan that breaks the building process into steps. Bird house plans can range from the very simple to extremely complex and this is determined mostly by your personal style. If this is your first birdhouse, start with the most basic of plans and work up towards a birdhouse plan that has more detailed features.

Once you determine your skill level, the next step is to choose which bird you are going to attract. This step is easy. Birds are very particular about the

specifications of their home. They don't care about the color, design, style or any other aesthetic details. The two factors they care most about is the inner dimension (living area) and the opening size. You want to build a birdhouse that suites species located in your area, and species that you enjoy. You will be surprised how many species actually live in your area.

With all birdhouses there is maintenance. The birdhouse plans you choose will greatly effect the ease of cleaning and maintenance for your feathered friends home. Make sure the bird house plan you choose will address the maintenance issues for that species. Your bird house plans should have detailed information about the species, how to attract them and where to locate your birdhouse.

Once you build a bird house that attracts a bird family other species will be frequenting your yard to look for lodging. When you build a birdhouse it can be more enjoyable than you can imagine, but your experience will be greatly improved when you choose the right bird house plan.

birdseed | Special Bird Houses | Wooden bird houses | backyard bird feeding | Bluebird Houses

2010-01-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

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Bluebird Houses: Six Things To Consider Before Making Your Purchase
By David Faulkner
Environmental awareness has been growing continuously over the years, not only in our country but all over the world. It is partly because of this awareness that more and more people are now getting interested in natural activities such as bird-watching.

While venturing out to forests or hills to bird-watch is certainly a great experience, not many of us have the luxury of time to do this. But if you have your own backyard, you can sometimes watch birds perching on your tree branches. You can further enhance your bird-watching experience in your backyard by putting up structures to attract them, such as bluebird houses.

Bluebirds were once very common but with the increase of pollution and the decrease of trees, especially in the cities, bluebirds have become a rarity. There are not too many safe places for them to nest, but you can help provide refuge for these birds right in your garden by putting up bluebird houses. Many bluebird houses are available on the market, but before you go ahead and buy one, here are a few things to learn about the small birds:

1. Bluebirds are quite tiny

creatures, so bluebird houses are also small. In order to be more attractive, it help if you will place a series of bluebird houses side by side, perhaps along a branch of a tree.

2. Bluebirds are not that selective about where they live, but bluebird houses do provide the best protection for them than other kinds of shelter.

3. There are certain bluebird houses that are more conducive for bird-watching, and these are approved by the North American Bluebird Society. If you intend to spend a lot of time bird-watching, look for this seal of approval.

4. There are also manufacturers of bluebird houses that donate a percentage of their proceeds to bluebird societies, and these funds will be helpful in spreading awareness about the creatures.

5. When buying bluebird houses, consider the size of the area where you want to install them. You do not want to get carried away and end up with a backyard overcrowded with birdhouses.

6. There are bluebird houses that are ready to use, and there are those that require some assembly. You can choose either kind, depending on your building skills.

cardinal feeders | Winter Bird Feeders

2010-01-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

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Winter Bird Feeders - Helping Birds Through The Winter

Millions of people love to attract birds in the summer time or spring. We all love to have the sights and sounds of an active bird feeder, or the frenetic activity that often surrounds a bird bath.

But come winter time, many of our avian friends don't migrate, and so we may want to do what we can to make sure they have plenty to eat and drink during the harsh winter months. Winter time is harsh because the food supply is not only limited, but is often covered by ice or snow, compounding the problem.

One of the easiest things we can do is to put out a suet feeder. Suet is a high energy food that is basically made from rendered fat products, and is often combined with other high energy foods like cracked peanuts or corn and other grains. It is most often sold in a cake that almost looks like a sandwich in size and shape. These can be simply set out, or most often they are put in feeders which have cages to hold the suet cakes and protect them from squirrels

and other pests. These can be a simple cage, or often they are combined with a hopper feeder to create a total feeding solutions.

Suet cakes will last quite a while, but after the temperatures rise above seventy degrees you will find that they can start to go rancid, so don't leave them out year round. And there are other types of suet that may be better suited to your needs that keep better or repel pests.

Another thing you may want to do is to make sure the birds have a ready supply of water. Bird baths are designed to be shallow and open so they birds can access them without fear of falling in. However, that design is also great if you want the water to freeze quickly.

You can solve this problem by buying a bird bath with a heater built into it, but if you already have a bird bath, a simple heater will easily melt enough ice to keep your birds happy with a fresh water supply. But you should be sure to use the right heater for your bird bath.

cedar bird feeders | Bird Watching | Audubon Bird Feeders

2010-01-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

Image by gynti_46 via Flickr

Bird Watching Guide - Audubon Bird Feeders
Bird watching is an enjoyable hobby for many of us. We love the antics of the different birds as they try to get the best and largest amount of food. The bright colors and different species that come to our gardens are also a source of interest. One of the best ways to attract birds to your garden is with a feeder. As there are different aspects to the feeders, you might want to check out Audubon bird feeders just to get an idea of what you can buy.

There are different bird feeders that will suit the eating habits of your garden visitors. Ground feeders are best for birds like Doves, Goldfinches, Cardinals, Juncos, Towhees and Sparrows. These Audubon bird feeders need to kept in open areas, at least 10 feet away from any trees and shrubs. This way the birds will have a good chance of escaping from any incoming danger. The feeder is designed in a way that keeps the seeds fresh by separating the bird droppings from the seeds. Sometimes the ground feeders will have covers over them.

Sunflower seed tube feeders are good as they come with metal ports around the seed dispensers. These metal ports will stop hungry squirrels and house sparrows from raiding your bird feeders. It’s best to position this type of feeder about 5 feet off of the ground. To see more bird varieties coming for some food, you may want to hang your feeder near the windows. Audubon bird feeders like these attract Chickadees,

Nuthatches, Siskins, House Finches, Goldfinches, Titmice and Purple Finches as well

Another type of bird feeder that you should look into is the Suet feeder. Titmice, Chickadees, Nuthatches and Woodpeckers love to eat suet. Wrens and other birds will also sometimes eat the suet cake. You can feed suet by placing it in a mesh onion bag, or your other option is to buy Audubon bird feeders that are specially designed for feeding suet cakes to the different birds.

You can hang your suet feeder from trees or on a wire that’s stretched out between trees. You can also place it near other feeder poles and watch different birds eating both the seeds and the suet cakes. Since the suet can turn rancid you should avoid giving this feed when the outside temperatures rise into the 80 degree range.

Hopper feeders will let larger birds like Jays, Grackles, Red-Winged Blackbirds and Cardinals enjoy the mixed bird seed. You will find that these types of Audubon bird feeders have the smaller bird types coming to eat as well. The feed is released as the birds sit on the feeder trigger.

With so many birds around you should think carefully what type of birds that you want coming to your garden and buy your feeder accordingly. The Audubon bird feeders will allow you a greater choice in feeders and will also give you the opportunity to see lots of interesting birds in the relative quiet of your home.

wooden bird feeders | Get Squirrels Out Of Bird Feeders

2010-01-09T12:22:00.000-08:00

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How To Get Those Pesky Squirrels Out Of Your Bird Feeders!

I work hard at creating a natural, inviting dining area for the all my Titmouse, Cardinals, Chickadees, Warblers and Finches that regularly fly in for their daily seed at my two hanging feeders perched on my deck. They hang from a self-made pole I made out of a two by four and screwed planter hangers on the sides to steadily hold them up. I attached this pole to the far right corner railing of our deck, right in front of the kitchen window above the sink so I can see them eating every morning as I sip on my warm, soothing cup of French Vanilla coffee before I get the kids off to school. And then, I turn my back from the window for one second and there he is. The enemy, making his way slowly, one little gray paw at a time towards the first feeder, ready to steal away all of my little feathered friends food one seed at a time.

"Squirrel!" I scream to our dog Shawnee to announce his presence, "Go get the squirrel Shawnee!" I then rush to the door to release her out to attack the enemy . Shawnee runs up to the feeders barking wildly as I keep yelling "Go get the squirrel!" This always scares the crap out of the squirrel and he flies off the deck back to the tree branches that served as his bridge from the tree to the deck . This is one sure fire way to keep that pest out of my feeders but it's a continuous battle since it only lasts as long as I keep the dog out there on constant watch. The minute I let her back in the squirrel always comes back and sometimes with reinforcements. I tried this tactic using the cats once but they seem to have some kind of kinship with this animal and just sit there watching him eat up all the seed. I had to find some other way.

I read some articles on the internet on this subject and the experts said to get the feeders that had the squirrel proof plastic domes that hang on the bottom. Seems like a great idea since the squirrels slide off the dome as they try to climb up on it to reach the seed and are unable to. But I knew this wasn't going to work for me since my feeders sit only about a foot up from the deck railing

and the squirrel can reach right over that dome. Then they said to cut all the branches off at least nine feet back from the feeders since squirrels can only jump that far.

That's not going to work for me either because I just can't do that to my beautiful maple trees. Besides, the birds use those branches to perch on as they chip away at the seeds they take from the feeders.

So, instead, I threw rocks, apples, and even potatoes at him. He only found this amusing and starting throwing them back at me! The nerve of that squirrel! That really put me over the edge and into commando mode. Next plan of attack was the big gun, the water gun that is. After slowly opening up the kitchen window ever so quietly so as not to alert him of my intentions, I aimed and squirted out continuous rounds of water hitting him on the back side and occasionally his head. I felt pretty silly doing this and hoped none of the neighbors were catching any of this. Finally the bugger would scurry off back up the branches but always returned in just minutes of my ending the attack. It was hopeless, nothing I was doing was working for too long and I was out of ideas.

I was about to give up entirely and let that squirrel do whatever he wanted when it dawned on me. The squirrel wasn't really an enemy. He was just an animal looking for a meal just like my birds. The problem wasn't the fact that he was eating the seed but rather where he was eating it. So I decided to feed him but away from the feeders. Maybe by having his own feeder, he would let the bird's have their own without interruption. I filled a large bowl with sunflower seed and dried corn and put it out in the back yard far away from the feeders. A few hours later I glanced out the window and looked over to the white bowl in the back yard and to my amazement I saw he found his way to the bowl and was filling his cheeks with the food. I walked away feeling I had succeeded in my mission without having to revert to more drastic measures and as long as I keep that bowl filled I never will. Mission accomplished.

decorative bird feeders | Squirrel Proof Feeders

2010-01-09T12:21:00.000-08:00

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Squirrel Proof Feeders - How To Discourage Squirrels From Stealing From Bird Feeders

Keen bird watchers value bird feeders as an integral part of the backyard landscape. Now wherever there is bird food there is bound to be squirrels; welcome or not. If you want success at feeding wild birds, you will have to look at squirrel proof feeders. Here are some squirrel facts to consider.

Squirrels are agile, bold and persistent. They are rodents; so their teeth never stop growing and adults require up to two pounds of food per week. They are adept at climbing up a wide variety of surfaces, including brickwork. The harder the access to feed, the more they turn into ninja squirrels - truly ingenious acrobats. They are seldom outwitted, but they can be deterred and diverted.

Think about the best feeder types and optimal location in your backyard - always bearing in mind that squirrels can leap up to ten feet across a gap, jump as high as five feet off the ground and are happy dropping eleven feet from a height!

Feeders can either be suspended or pole-mounted. Choose to suspend them from an isolated branch of a deciduous tree (less dense foliage than pine) or you could try hanging them from a wire between two trees (although this makes refilling quite tricky). Always suspend from a metal chain or wire and hook, otherwise the squirrels will chew through the cord to make the feeder will drop.

A good squirrel guard is a baffle. Made from either heavy plastic or metal, it forms an umbrella over the top of both suspended and pole-mounted feeders.

The squirrels simply slide off them. Baffles can also be placed about four feet above the ground below pole-mounted feeders - greasing the pole with Vaseline can also be effective.

Caged bird feeders are a good option because they allow small birds access to the feed, whilst excluding squirrels and larger birds too.

You can always opt for more high tech squirrel proof bird feeders. They are weight-activated. When a squirrel lands on one, a spring mechanism causes a metal shield to come down over the feeder or its perches give way. Another, which is also very funny to watch, has a battery-driven motor that spins the squirrel (harmlessly) off it.

Squirrels eat a wide range of foods, but another way to fend them off is to offer the birds safflower seed, thistle seed (niger), and /or pure suet (without seed), because they are simply not that fond of them.

Of course, you can look at this from a completely different angle and get a squirrel feeder - complete with trapeze, tightrope and springboard. You can give squirrels their favorite foods in return for them putting on a wonderful circus performance for you. So while they are distracted, the birds get to eat too - everyone wins.

Let's face it, squirrels will always be a part of our backyard gardens, and with strategic planning of bird feeder types, placement and bird food types, we can ensure not only that the birds get their fair share but also that we are entertained by funny squirrel antics.

build bird feeders | Keeping Squirrels Away From Bird Feeders

2010-01-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

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Keeping Squirrels Away From Bird Feeders

If you enjoy feeding the birds in your garden then it is likely that you have experienced the problem of squirrels trying to steal the food.

Squirrels are great contortionists and can also walk across wire, jump about 1 metre upwards and up to 3 metres across. You will find they are adept at climbing practically any obstacle too.

Make sure you place hanging feeders at least a couple of metres from a tree trunk or fence post and have them at least a metre from the ground. This should prevent squirrels jumping on to your feeders.

Squirrels can easily chew through wooden feeders so choose ones made from plastic or metal instead. Also available are special feeders surrounded by a wire cage. These will allow small birds access to the feeder but keep squirrels away.

A baffle is an alternative in making your feeder squirrel proof. These are umbrella shaped devices that you can place above

a hanging feeder or under a pole mounted feeder. You can also use a piece of piping placed over the post that the feeder is hung or mounted on.

There are some bird feeders on the market that have perches on them that will collapse under anything than the weight of a small bird. This will not only prevent squirrels getting near the feeder but keep away larger birds such as gulls who will often eat all the food available before smaller birds have a chance to feed.

Squirrels are most likely to be interested in nuts so put out seeds and other foods for your birds instead. You could also give your squirrels there own feeding station on the ground.

blue bird houses | Modern Hummingbird Feeders

2010-01-08T13:35:00.000-08:00

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Modern Hummingbird Feeders, History And Choosing One For Today
By Steve Peek
Important diet supplement

Hummingbird feeders dispense liquid, not seeds. The mainstay of a hummingbird’s diet is made up of insects and spiders. The liquid in your feeder is more like “emergency rations” to your birds. During a typical day a hummingbird will collect nectar from about 100 different flowers. They avoid flowers with nectar containing less than 25% sugar.

History of hummingbird feeders

No one knows for certain how long people have been trying to attract hummingbirds to their gardens. Perhaps for as long as mankind has had an appreciation for beauty. The hummingbird has definitely been around for a long while. Fossilized humming bird remains recently found in Germany date back 30 million years! Today, hummingbirds only exist in the new world. With their lightning speed and jewel like iridescent feathers they have always captured man’s imagination. One of the mysterious geoglyphs, (huge pictures etched into the silt on the Nazca Plain of Peru), is a hummingbird. So vast that it is only visible from the air, this hummingbird dates back to 200BC -600AD and is surely the world’s largest hummingbird.

The first commercial hummingbird feeder was introduced in 1950 by the Audubon Novelty Company of Medina, New York. It was a glass tube type of feeder and immediately became popular in the U.S. It was designed by Laurence J. Webster of Boston, as a gift for his wife, who had read an article in a 1928 edition of The National Geographic Magazine. The story mentioned that it was possible to feed hummingbirds from a small glass bottle. Webster designed a feeder and had it produced by a glassblower at MIT. The August, 1947 edition of National Geographic Magazine featured an article by Harold Edgerton who, using his newly invented strobe flash, photographed hummingbirds at Webster’s feeder. The rest, as they say, is history. Considering Webster’s success, men should listen more closely to their wives!

Modern hummingbird feeders

During the 50 plus years that have followed the introduction of that first feeder, many styles and designs have come and gone. Today, feeders are usually made of ceramic, glass, plastic, or a combination of these materials. For the most part, they are divided into two types, bowl feeders and bottle feeders.

Here are some important considerations when selecting a hummingbird feeder;

Color is important. Red is the color of choice. Most of the flowers that are the hummingbird’s natural source of nectar are red,

pink, or coral colored. Do not use a feeder that has yellow parts, yellow attracts bees.

Select a feeder designed to be bee-proof unless you want to attract bees instead of hummingbirds.

Select a feeder that offers the hummingbird a perch. While hummingbirds normally hover in front of a flower during feeding, they much prefer to rest as they feed. While they stay at an individual flower for mere seconds, gathering the little nectar that is there, they will stay at the feeder until they have drunk their fill. Treat them to a sit-down meal.

A feeder with a bottle reservoir protects the nectar from bacterial infection, contamination from insects and spoilage. This is important to protect the hummingbird’s health.

Select a feeder that is easy to disassemble, clean and refill. Maintaining a supply of fresh, clean nectar is vitally important to the well being of your hummingbirds.

Choose a feeder that has an ant moat, or similar device to keep insects from contaminating the nectar in your feeder.

Fancy glass and ceramic feeders are attractive, but due to their design they are difficult to clean and tend to drip, which attracts bees, ants and wasps. These insects can become trapped in the feeder, contaminating the nectar.

The National Audubon Society recommends cleaning your feeder once a week. To clean your feeder use ¼ cup of white vinegar to 1 cup of water. After cleaning, rinse the feeder 3 times with fresh water.

Placement of your Feeder

Where you hang your feeder is almost as important as which feeder you choose. Here are some tips about hummingbird feeder placement.

Put your feeder where it will be noticed by the hummingbirds and will be easily accessible to them. Do not be concerned if the birds don’t show up immediately. Hummingbirds are extremely inquisitive. They will find it.

If possible, do not put your feeder close to your window. They may injure themselves by flying into the glass. If you have no other option, place pictures, or decals, of larger birds on your window to prevent the hummingbirds from getting too close.

Definitely place your feeder where you can see it. The antics of these tiny miracles of nature are better than anything you will see on cable TV – unless you are watching a show about hummingbirds.

If you replace your old feeder with a new one leave the old one hanging empty next to the new feeder for a while, until the hummingbirds recognize it as a new source of food.
Steve Peek is an ardent nature lover and a tinkerer. This combination has resulted in a unique hummingbird feeder design ensuring that bees do not ruin your hummingbird watching experience.

bird gifts | Hummingbird Feeders

2010-01-08T13:33:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Hummingbird Feeders … Important “must Know” Facts About Hummingbirds
By Steve Peek
Before you create a hummingbird habitat in your backyard, there are several important things you must know, and do, to attract these beautiful creatures and to protect them. The selection of a good hummingbird feeder, placement of the feeder, maintenance of the hummingbird feeder and choice of food can be critical, both to your enjoyment of the hummingbirds and to their survival. I will cover each of these points, but first, allow me to give you a little information about the hummingbirds themselves.

How many types of hummingbirds are there?
There are more than 10,000 species of birds in the world. About 925 of those species have been counted in the U. S. and Canada. Of all the birds living in our part of the world, few are as interesting, as fascinating, or as beautiful as the hummingbird. There are 16 species of hummingbirds breeding regularly in the United States and another half dozen Mexican or Caribbean species that have been reported here.

A typical North American hummingbird like the Rufous hummingbird measures between 3.5 to 4 inches and weighs in at about 3 grams (1/10 of an ounce). This makes him/her a heavyweight compared to the Bee hummingbird which is typically 2 inches long and normally weighs 1.8 grams (6/100 of an ounce). The Bee hummingbird is frequently mistaken for an insect by casual viewers.

How much do hummingbirds eat?
What is not small about hummingbirds is their appetite. Hummingbirds consume between 3 1/8 and 7 ½ calories a day. To put it into human terms, that equates

to roughly 155,000 calories per day. Just imagine pulling up to the drive-in window at McDonalds and ordering 278 Big Macs just to get you through the day.

Hummingbirds require this awesome intake of food because of their metabolism. The Ruby throated hummingbird, for example, is about 3 ½ inches long and weighs 1/8 of an ounce. His body temperature ranges between 105 degrees and 108 degrees, F. In flight, his wings beat an average of 52 times per second. His respiration is 250 breaths per minute and his heart rate is an incredible 1200 beats a minute when he is feeding. Hummingbird’s lives are spent on the very edge of survival. One day of bad weather or difficulty finding food can mean the end for them.

How important is your hummingbird feeder?
With this information in mind you can see how important your backyard hummingbird feeder can be. The growth of cities and urban development is constantly reducing the hummingbird’s natural habitat. A well designed, well placed feeder improves their chances of survival and provides you with countless hours of entertainment.

As small and fragile as hummingbirds are, they have surprisingly long life spans. Many hummingbirds do not survive their first year, but those that do, live an average of 3 to 4 years. One female broadtailed hummingbird was tagged, released, and recaptured 12 years later. A Rufous hummingbird was banded and reported alive after 8 years and 1 month. As these migratory birds tend to return year after year, they will soon become old friends.

bird watching | Attract Hummingbirds | Hummingbird Feeders

2010-01-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

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Attract And Keep Hummingbirds In Your Yard With Hummingbird Feeders

Throughout time, people have enjoyed watching birds. So much so that many have even made a hobby out of bird watching. Many avid bird lovers travel all over the world to see birds that are on their life lists. However, you don't have to travel the globe to enjoy watching birds. You can get hours of enjoyment from your local varieties of birds in your own back yard by keeping songbird and hummingbird feeders stocked with specific delectable treats to attract them. Besides installing and stocking feeders, you can plant certain plants, trees, and shrubs to attract birds and house birds. And some people even install birdhouses on posts and in trees.

Watching birds at bird feeders placed near your windows can be extremely entertaining. If you have a sunroom or breakfast nook with lots of windows, you can place songbird feeders on one side and a hummingbird feeder on the other side so you always have something to watch. People say hummingbirds aren't songbirds, but I doubt they have spent much time in close company with many, as the little jewel-throated birds seem to sing all the time!

Hummingbird feeders can be purchased in many shapes, sizes, and materials. A glass hummingbird feeder can double as a piece of art and can refract light and bring sparkle into your home on bright, sunny days. A beautiful glass hummingbird feeder can make a wonderful gift for many occasions such as a wedding gift, a housewarming gift or a birthday gift. There are also Hummingbird feeders that look like hurricane lanterns, a cast reel or a slip float for your fishermen friends, a duck call, or a gondola

for your hunter and outdoorsmen friends.

Shades of reds, pinks, purples and yellows are the main colors that attract birds, so many hummingbird feeders are adorned with flowers or designs in these colors. That's because hummingbirds are attracted to the colors of flowers that produce the sweet nectar that sustains their life. Hummingbird nectar is simple to make and can be made at home. All you need to do is boil water and add cane sugar. Boil the water for two minutes, and add one part sugar to four parts water. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then fill your feeders. Any leftover nectar may be stored in the refrigerator.

You can even get hummingbird feeder mobiles with tempered glass nectar containers that are easy to fill and clean. Less expensive options can be found as well. Those are usually made of clear and red plastic. Quite often three or four plastic honeysuckle or hibiscus blooms lead the way to the feeding stations. A hummingbird oasis is round and flat with a circular perch and six feeders. These are handy if you have a lot of hummingbirds.

Attracting hummingbirds to your hummingbird feeders may take a couple of weeks, so be patient. They become accustomed to feeding from one type of feeder, so if your neighbors use something else it may take them a few days to adjust. If you plant petunias, lilacs, honeysuckle, and geraniums, your chances of the birds staying in your yard are increased. Hummingbirds need plants, ants and spiders in the area before they will call it home. They use spider webs to make their nests, and geraniums make great homes for spiders!

bird baths and feeders | Squirrel-proof Bird Feeders

2010-01-07T22:04:00.000-08:00

Image by tigerweet via Flickr

Squirrel-proof Bird Feeders - Do They Exist?

Bird enthusiasts have long dreamt of a squirrel-proof birdfeeder, and for the most part, have come up empty-handed. Winter or summer, the squirrel proves to be the cleverest of adversaries when it comes to raiding the birdfeeder. Unlike other rodents, the squirrel doesn't hibernate, so it has plenty of time to scope out even the most challenging birdfeeder. It's also extremely dexterous, can handle just about any surface - slippery or not - and happens to like many of the same foods that birds do.

For the enthusiast who is determined to keep squirrels out of the feeder, there are a few options, none of which are 100-percent effective against an equally determined squirrel. (Keep in mind, for the squirrel, the consequences of failure are just a little higher!)

There are certain types of seeds that the squirrel just doesn't like. Small, fine seeds like thistle and safflower generate virtually no interest from a squirrel. Unless a squirrel is completely desperate, suet isn't very appetizing to them, either. Stocking feeders with seeds they don't like, or represent more trouble than they're worth is one strategy for "squirrel-proofing" a feeder.

Another approach to discouraging squirrel incursions is to place the feeder in a location where a squirrel can't get at it. This approach

may be more successful at repelling the rodents, but is technically much more difficult! Squirrels are highly agile, can jump long distances, are not easily discouraged when a free meal is at stake, and can negotiate most surfaces. They are also smart enough to figure out how to hit a feeder precisely enough to deliver maximum spillage.

Smaller feeders with large baffles can sometimes prevent a squirrel from mooching a freebie, and some bird watchers have found that a mechanical baffle that is actuated by the squirrel's weight is helpful in protecting meals meant exclusively for birds. Hanging a feeder on a horizontal line that includes baffles on either side of the feeder may be successful in preventing the squirrel from approaching the feeder. Baffles may include 2-liter plastic soda bottles or other similar containers that spin freely around the horizontal line. When a squirrel tries to negotiate the lines, the free-spinning containers should deposit the squirrel on the ground sans dinner.

Another tried-and-true approach is to provide a squirrel feeder, filled with treats fit for a rodent. If placed in the right location, the squirrel feeder will draw the squirrels away from bird feeders, and will be no match for other rodents who may be out looking for an easy dinner.

copper bird feeders | Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

2010-01-07T22:02:00.000-08:00

Image by Noël Zia Lee via Flickr

Choosing Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
By Thomas White
Squirrel proof bird feeders allow your birds to co-exist happily with the squirrels by stopping the squirrels from stealing the bird seed from your bird feeders.

Before investing in squirrel proof bird feeders you can try a few techniques to encourage the squirrels to leave your feeders alone. Position your bird feeders in areas well away from trees to stop the animals jumping on to your feeders and ensure your feeder is at least 5 foot off the ground (although squirrels have been known to jump up to 8 feet off the ground!). If these tips don’t discourage squirrels, there are two options either purchase an attachment to make your existing bird feeders squirrel proof or buy a specially design squirrel proof bird feeder. You will usually have more success if you buy a squirrel proof feeder rather than trying to retro fit a device to your existing bird feeders.

There are now a wide variety of good quality and effective squirrel proof bird feeders available on the market and they come in a range of styles and shapes. There is a squirrel proof version for almost every type of bird feeder.

Some of the simple designs feature a dome shaped device over the top of the feeder. This is used in bird feeders that are designed to hang from trees and ensures that squirrels are not able to grip on the bird feeder and simply slide off before they can reach the food. They tend to be quite large and can put off certain birds from using your feeder. Clear Perspex

baffles are the most effective as birds as still able to see the food inside the feeder when flying overhead.

Metal cages are becoming more popular lately and can be retro fitted to some bird feeders as well. Essentially they consist of a tubular feeder which has an extra cage around it. This allows the birds to use their beaks to reach the seed however the holes between the wires are not large enough for squirrels to bite through.

The most advanced, expensive and entertaining options are the motorized or weighted devices. The weighted devices either close the feeding hole or tip the perch over when something heavier than a bird perches on them. Most bird feeders are used by small birds, however if you have large birds using your bird feeders just check their weight won’t cause the feeder to close or tip over. Some of the motorized devices even start to spin around when a squirrel tries to use them, this doesn’t harm the creatures but soon stops them coming back and trying again!

Another option is to buy a purpose built squirrel house and squirrel feeder and encourage your squirrels to use this rather than your bird feeders. Of course this may encourage more squirrels to use your garden but many bird lovers find this is an effective option and allows both species to co-exist peacefully together.

When choosing squirrel proof bird feeders look for materials that are guaranteed again squirrel damage and are built from quality, durable materials.

wood bird feeders - Squirrel-proof Bird Feeders

2010-01-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

Image by rustytanton via Flickr

Win The Squirrel War With Squirrel-proof Bird Feeders
By Larry Jordan
If you have squirrel problems, a squirrel-proof bird feeder may be your best solution. There are several species of ground squirrels and tree squirrels in North America that can create problems for bird enthusiasts. The Fox Squirrel and the Eastern and Western Gray Squirrels are species of tree squirrels that are most commonly involved with causing problems for home owners and bird watchers.

Squirrel-proof bird feeders come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. They range from the simple baffle-topped feeders, to the weight activated hopper feeders like the Homestead Super Stop-A-Squirrel. For the serious backyard birder there is the Droll Yankees' Yankee Flipper that uses a battery operated device, activated by the squirrel's weight, to (harmlessly) propel the squirrel off of the feeder.

One of the major problems bird watchers have with squirrels is that the squirrels take over the feeders and scare the birds away. But that's not the only problem. Depending on the season and what's available locally, the squirrel's diet is made up mostly of nuts, fruits, plant buds, seeds and flowers. However, squirrels are not vegetarian. They also eat bird eggs and nestlings that they will snatch right out of birdhouses. They may pounce on unsuspecting birds at feeders also.

There are two clear strategies for solving the problem of keeping squirrels away from your feeders and birdhouses. You can prevent the (cute) pesky rodents from gaining access to your treasures, or you can give them a better, alternate place to dine.

Let's tackle the preventative strategy first. There are some very simple ways to keep your birdhouses and feeders safe from squirrel damage. And let me add here that it is imperative to keep your birdhouses safe from possible predation. You can build your own predator guard from my plans or you can purchase squirrel baffles, which come in a variety of styles, sizes, shapes and colors.

What you want to do is to keep squirrels

away from your feeders and birdhouses right from the start. Squirrels are very persistent and once they find an easy source of food, they will try to overcome any obstacle you may put in their way.

Squirrels are extremely agile and can leap eight feet or more and climb almost anything. For this reason alone, if you have squirrel problems in your yard, keep your bird feeders and birdhouses at least eight feet away from any tree limbs or man-made structures and install baffles on the supporting posts.

If you must hang your bird feeders in trees, you will want to keep them away from the main trunk and equip them with a dome baffle or simply use a squirrel-proof bird feeder that is designed with a dome-type top.

Another popular style of squirrel-proof bird feeders is the caged feeder. The caged feeders consist of an inner feeder that contains the seed, surrounded by a wire cage that prevents squirrels from getting to that seed. They simply put the food out of reach for the hungry squirrel.

Even the most persistent squirrels should be thwarted by any of these squirrel-proof bird feeders or baffle feeder combinations. So let's consider the second strategy of giving the squirrels a better alternative than your bird feeders or birdhouses for their banquets.

This strategy involves setting up a squirrel feeding station somewhere away from your bird feeders with the food stuffs that squirrels really like. There are several different squirrel feeders that not only let the squirrels enjoy the nuts, sunflower seeds and fruit they like the most, there are some that let you watch their antics as they feed on one of their favorite foods, corn on the cob.

So whether you love squirrels or hate 'em, these are some solutions to the "squirrel dilemma" that many birders face. You may even have some new thoughts on how you can live with squirrels and keep your bird feeders and birdhouses off limits to these cute, furry critters.

bird suet feeders

2010-01-07T21:58:00.000-08:00

Image by mcwetboy via Flickr

It Is Not That Easy To Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
By Mayoor Patel
One of the problems with wanting to put out a bunch of bird feeders is that they tend to attract other animals as well. These other creatures include chipmunks, squirrels and an assortment of small rodents. Since this is not what you want in your garden you need to find a way to make them not available to these other seed seeking small animals. Therefore, what you will need for your garden is squirrel proof bird feeders. These feeders will have some type of device that makes it impossible, or nearly so, for the animals to get to the bird seed.

Some bird feeders try to solve this problem by using plastic shields on the sides to keep the seeds in. There are some problems with this method of making squirrel proof bird feeders. Despite the fact that the side pieces will keep the squirrel from eating huge piles of seeds they are smarter than you think and over time will develop tricks to get to at the food. What they learn to do is to fly at the feeder, knocking a bunch of the seeds to the ground as they go. Then, when they fall, moments later, they have a meal waiting for them. Some of the smarter

ones get very good at this and learn to take a flying leap that spills large quantities of seeds. If this becomes too much of a problem, there are other alternatives. One is buying a more expensive feeder that has been made squirrel proof by the manufactures. Although this seems to be an extreme choice if you live in area with a lot squirrels you soon find that they take over your bird feeders if you do not take drastic measures.

The other alternative is to do things that will mean the squirrels and other small animals are unable to gain access to the bird feeder. One method is to use a system that will put wire screening around the bird feeder and so prevent small animals and, unfortunately, large birds from getting the food. One other suggested method for making squirrel proof bird feeders is to hang empty plastic pop bottles on a line above the feeder. This can prevent the small animal from being able to get to the feeder and usually results in them falling off the line, where they land just fine, only to try again. Eventually when they are unable to get to the feeder they will give up.

winter bird feeders

2010-01-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

Image by phenolog via Flickr

Do You Know The Types Of Feeders For Various Types Of Birds? Part 1

To have a relaxing and fulfilling day at home, the viewing of birds is very ideal. For this reason, home owners should take the time to find out the right bird feeding materials needed. Bird feeders come in different styles and varieties. Some examples are the platform feeders, thistle feeders, suet bird feeders, tube feeders and the ground feeders.

Hopper feeders are basically the most ideal feeders you can buy. They are made from wood, thus making them an additional accent to your outdoor surroundings. These bird feeders houses are very convenient since you just simply open the top and pour the wild bird seed in.

They are also fairly well protected against weather like snow or rain. Generally, wood feeders are practical. But be sure to place these feeders in strategic locations, otherwise, squirrels might raid them. Tube feeders are another type.

These can be easily mounted onto a pole, or can be hung wherever you like. Additionally, when looking for feeders that have very tiny holes, thistle feeders are the answers. These feeders are basically designed for gold, purple or house finches because the seeds of the thistles no not pour out easily onto the ground.

Most thistle feeders for wild birds have fun designs and you can normally see birds hanging upside down while

feeding themselves. Moreover, the design effectively keeps birds always from each other, thus avoiding competition for the seeds.

Platform feeders are the ideal type of bird feeders, especially if you wish to see migratory birds. These bird feeding tools generally have open designs, thus allowing birds to easily notice any approaching birds of prey or cats. And when predators come, birds can simply fly away from the feeder. One great advantage of this type of feeder is that it can accommodate larger species of birds.

Such birds can just simply perch and feed. And since these feeders have open designs, birds can feed themselves all at the same time. This is also similar with the ground feeders, which are placed on the ground. Both the platform and ground feeders however, need proper maintenance, as they are prone to different elements, such as snow and rain.

Providing a suet bird feeder is one way to attract interesting types of birds, such as Northern Flickers, as well as Pileated, Red Bellied, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers. Suet feeders are cages made from wires and you just simply place suet cakes in them and wait for birds to perch. With bird feeding materials, you really have a lot of choices. Just make sure you provide the right one for the birding sights you want to see.

Tray bird feeders | Bird Feeders | Homemade Bird Feeders

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bird feeders uk | Seed Bird Feeders

2010-01-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Nyjer Seed Bird Feeders Attract Goldfinches Like Crazy
By Larry Jordan
Attract goldfinches as well as purple and house finches, pine siskins, and redpolls to your backyard with a nyjer seed bird feeder. You can choose one of the new wire mesh thistle feeders or one of the traditional thistle tube bird feeders. Then there's always the old thistle sock bird feeder.

Nyjer, nyger, niger and thistle are all names used to refer to a small black seed cultivated in India and Ethiopia for over a thousand years. The true niger seed comes from the Guizotia abyssinica plant which is an annual herb grown for its edible oil and seed. It is NOT a type of thistle and is not a weed. As a matter of fact, it is now grown in the United States.

Niger seed probably got confused with thistle because goldfinches are known to eat thistle seed and use the downy fluff from thistle plants for their nests. In an attempt to differentiate these two terms in the mind of the public, the Wild Bird Feeding Institute trademarked the name Nyjer in 1998. I don't think that this was successful however because most people still think Nyjer seed is some kind of thistle and a noxious weed if allowed to grow.

When you purchase Nyjer seed, many companies still use the word thistle on the package which has the unintended result of confusing the public even more. This bird seed is imported from India and Ethiopia and by USDA regulations must be sterilized, not to keep the niger seed from spouting, but to keep other noxious weeds

that are incidentally mixed in with the niger seed from sprouting. You can now get non-sterilized, American grown niger seed right here in the United States.

Because Nyjer seed is so expensive (over a dollar a pound in 2008) it is important to feed this seed in specially designed feeders. A good Nyjer seed bird feeder will allow several birds to feed at once without excess seed being wasted. The thistle tube bird feeders should be your first choice in my experience. Small slits in the polycarbonate tubes of these feeders only allow the finches to pull out one seed at a time. This limits the amount of wasted seed.

The Nyjer seed bird feeders made of wire mesh would be my second choice. These feeders allow flocking goldfinches to feed wherever they land, plus some hold large amounts of Nyjer seed. They are probably best used with a seed tray below to catch spilled seed.

A thistle sack bird feeder is an inexpensive choice as far as the initial cost of the feeder goes. Made of durable, fine mesh nylon, these feeders allow as many hungry finches to feed as can comfortably hang on the thistle sack. They now are available in black which makes the beautiful goldfinches really stand out. These mesh bags will cost you more in the long run than the other types of Nyjer seed bird feeders because of wasted seed.

Which ever feeder you choose, you are guaranteed to have flocks of Goldfinches visiting your backyard!

bird houses feeders | Wild Bird Seed | attract birds

2010-01-06T14:39:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Wild Bird Seed: How To Fill Your Feeders And Attract The Most Desirable Birds Species
By Taylor Turnstone
In order to attract the kind of birds you want at your bird feeder, you will need to know what kind of wild bird seed each species prefers. For example, black oil sunflower seeds will attract a variety of songbirds including chickadees, finches, cardinals and grosbeaks, siskins and buntings but won't necessarily attract orioles, tanagers and doves. Orioles and tanagers like suet and fruit, even nectar while doves and other ground feeding birds prefer corn, millet and milo. Woodpeckers, on the other hand, prefer suet.

Not only do you need to get the right kind of bird seed, but a good quality seed as well. It is best to get your seed from a high quality distributor. Those mixed bird seed bags you find at the "Big Box" stores have often been sitting around in a warehouse for a long time and are very far from being fresh. Those bird seed mixes also have a lot of filler type seed like milo and wheat that birds don't particularly like and have poor nutritional value. When offering such mixes, you'll often find that the birds will kick all the filler seed out of the way in order to get to any of the better quality seeds that remain. Even worse, the milo may attract undesirable species like cowbirds, grackles and starlings as well as uninvited squirrels and even rats.

Although these types of mixed bird seed bags are cheaper, you really end op spending about the same if not more than you would on higher quality mixes. Perhaps half or even more of it

ends up on your deck, porch or in your yard, makes a mess and is wasted. Sometimes you even have to fight the weed seed that starts sprouting in your lawn. So try to get your bird seed from a local bird shop or an easier way is from an online bird seed store.

A lot of people will buy sunflower seeds, but don't realize all sunflower seeds are not created equal. There is black oil sunflower and striped sunflower seeds. Go for the black oil. Yes, they cost a little more than striped, but black oil sunflower seeds have twice the calories per pound than striped. Also, their smaller size and thinner shells are easier to crack open for a wider variety of birds than the thicker, harder shelled striped seeds that only birds with big seed-cracking bills can eat. If you love your birds, you will give them black oil. Enough said.

Now, if you don't want to just serve sunflower seed, you can make your own mix of wild bird food. Try mixing hulled sunflower seeds, white millet, cracked corn, red millet, peanut pieces and hulled millet to attract a variety of species like doves, goldfinches, white-throated sparrows, house finches, indigo buntings, juncos, purple finches, quail, towhees, white-crowned sparrows and other species. If you don't want to make your own, try to get a mix that is labeled "No Waste". These mixes have no filler seeds and are usually all shelled so there is virtually no waste and less mess with no hulls piling up below the feeder.