Metal bird feeders

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.

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suet bird feeders

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Suet Bird Feeders

Suet bird feeders are a great way to feed birds all year long. Despite what some may think that suet bird feeders are only suitable in the winter months suet bird feeders are a valuable source of food for wild birds all year long. Suet bird feeders allow for wild birds to have suet, a very nutritious form of bird seed, in the fall and winter when it is cold and wild birds need more fat and protein to keep warm as well as in the spring and summer when birds are nesting and raising their young. Suet is one of the best forms of bird food for young birds.

Suet bird feeders are wire bird feeders. Suet bird feeders are also a form of hanging bird feeders and can be hung from trees or a bird feeder pole. You can also buy suet bird feeders that are window bird feeders that easily mount to your window so you can watch birds from

inside your home easily.

Suet bird feeders are designed for suet cakes. Some suet bird feeders are designed for suet ball, and you can even get these suet ball feeders that can hold more than one suet ball. This leaves for little worry to refill your suet bird feeder. Suet cakes are the bird seed with animal fat that has been process so that it will not spoil or get soft and melt when it is warm. Suet bird feeders attract many different types of birds, some of the most common birds attracted to a suet bird feeder are: woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees. You may also see cardinals and blue jays at your suet bird feeder!

Suet bird feeders are a great way to help nourish the wild birds in your area during all the months. And suet bird feeders can be hung in a variety of locations to suit your bird watching needs.

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finch bird feeders

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How To Get High Quality Finch Bird Feeders

In most cases, birdhouses available in a local nursery or garden centre are intended to accommodate a particular species of bird. Bird feeders come built in various different shapes to feed a specific bird.

Finch bird feeders are tubular, long shaped feeders, intended to bear a resemblance to a tree in which a finch could often discover much of its provisions in the wild. Likewise, humming birdhouses are equipped with an extended tube filled with a sweet nectar liquid that is comparable to what humming birds are familiar to eating.

So when you begin your quest to discover the ideal birdhouse for a backyard, remember that not every species of bird will be attracted to the same birdhouse. However, as there are a variety of finch species across America, if you decide to purchase a finch bird feeder for your

garden, you will almost certainly be excited with the neighboring birds attracted.

Even though the finch bird stations seem built in a similar way, there are in fact hundreds of different feeder's to select. While they are built around a central hollow tube to hold the seeds, nuts and other foods birds feed on, each of the birdhouses will have an individual appearance on the outside.

Some finch birdhouses are sheltered within small cages to protect food sources from other small garden wildlife, such as mice and squirrels. Alternatively, there are a mass of bird feeders created with a particular architectural design and may be found in many shapes form Victorian to classical to modern - ideal for the garden enthusiast that wants their finch bird feeder to resemble the style and look of their main residence.

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Bird Feeders & Baths - They Are A Great Way To Attract Birds To Your Outdoor Space

Watching the birds fly around and land in your yard can be a fun and relaxing pastime. If you want to attract various kinds of birds around your home, turn to bird feeders and baths. They are selections that will make those flying wonders feel right at home in your yard.

Birds spend the majority of their time looking for two main things: (1) food and (2) water, which is exactly what bird feeders & baths offer. If you provide both in a safe area, you will be rewarded with hour after hour of nature's own reality show playing right outside in your backyard.

So, you will need to invest in bird feeders and baths. The first thing that you need to do before you get the first selection is to check over a bird guide that has an overview of the bird species most prominent in your area. This will give you an idea of the specific kinds of treats to have out, but for starters a feeder out with some wild bird type of seed, that's a mixture of many different seeds, will be great for a start. Remember to hang it in a place that isn't easy for cats or dogs to get to but is very visible from your window. Once you have the food handled, then you need to set up a place for your feathered friends to count on water. Nearby to your food source is great (but not directly under it or you'll have an icky mess to clean up

when bird droppings go into your water). Go for a garden motif and use a rose or floral designed birdbath. When the weather is icy, chip the ice off it or pour water over it during the day to melt any frozen to ensure your feathered friends will have access to water.

Once you have some bird feeders and baths in place in your outdoor space, then, all year round just sit back and enjoy the show. You and your kids can watch the birds come and go and you will soon notice certain characteristics that make certain birds individuals in their own right. A sparrow with a few feathers that are always standing up on his back will be easy to pick out from the crowd at your bird feeder, do not be surprised if your kids wind up giving regular visitors to your bird sanctuary names!

To find just the right bird feeders and baths for your outdoor space, simply head to your family computer for some online shopping. It is a convenient way to look into all the choices because you do not have to drive or go anywhere to do it and what you do purchase will then be shipped right to you. So, no wasting time or money by going anywhere.

In the end, if you want to a nice way to relax, purchase some bird feeders and baths for your outdoor space. It will attract birds to your yard, providing you with something fun to watch.

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Birdfeeders And Birdhouses: Find Helpful Information On Your Wild Birds Feeding And Nesting Preferences.
By Neisha Bjorklund
Bird Houses
Bluebirds and swallows seem to prefer a wide open area location for their birdhouse, but the robins like their nestboxes underneath eaves and in the trees. The nuthatches and wrens are attracted to a bird house that is mounted on the just inside a tree line. We carry wood bird houses for wrens, bluebirds, and bats. We also have decorative bird houses to decorate your yard and/or garden.


Bird houses for the bluebird are deeper than for the swallows, nuthatches and wrens. One thing that always amazed me is the lack of cooperation from the birds in using the correct bird house. Birds like to invade each others domains when they are unoccupied. A simple solution to this would be to place predator guards under or above your bird house if you have problems with such predators. A predator guard can consist of a thin sheet of tin about 18 to 24 inches high rapped around

a pole, post, or tree. There are many methods used but I have found this to be the easiest solution.

Bird Feeders
We have many different types of bird feeders. We have seed feeders, thistle feeders, globe feeders, window feeders, hummingbird feeders, haven and cage feeders, decorative bird feeders and the new squirrel-resistant roller feeder. Don't forget to provide water for your wild birds as well. Bird baths are an excellent way to provide water to your backyard birds. Be sure to clean the birdbaths when you add or change the water to prevent the birds from passing diseases to one another. One of the problems that has experienced with birdbaths is that bees take over the birdbath during hot days. The only solution we have found for this particular problem is by determining the main location of the bees and placing another birdbath or bucket of water with some wood floats inside.

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squirrel proof birdfeeders

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Feeding Birds With Window Bird Feeders

Bird watching is such a nice thing to do most especially if you just want to sit down and relax. Watching different kinds of birds in your backyards make you feel a lot better especially after a stiff weekday. This is the reason why most household have their own bird feeders at home.

Various kinds of bird feeders are available in the market nowadays. A window bird feeder is a feeder which you can put on, in or next to a window. This type of feeder can be used in any type of weather. This is usually advantageous to bad weathers because you can just easily refill the feeder without too much of a hassle.

You can purchase different kinds of feeder you want to put in your windows. A platform bird feeder looks like a tray with a raised surface. It is a type of feeder which attracts most of the birds but then without any protection such as baffles, it can be easily attacked by animals such as squirrels.

A hopper feeder on the other hand looks like a house with walls and roof that is why most birds will need to hop on it in order to eat the seeds. This type of feeder benefits the small to large birds such as the jays and chickadees.

A tube feeder is a cylindrical in shape with perches and feeding ports. This is one of the feeders which are squirrel-proof. The suet feeder is wire-mesh bag or cage which attracts the woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches. A hummingbird feeder is made up of plastic or glass which looks like a glass or a bottle.

Before starting building or buying your own bird feeder, let us try to have a brief background first about birds and their type of foods. If you are new to bird feeding then most probable than not you're wondering which foods to feed the birds. Aside from the insects of course, seeds are their next favorite.

The most favorite bird seed of all is none other than the sunflower seeds. These seeds get the attention of woodpeckers, cardinals, goldfinches, blue jays, chickadees, purple finches,

nuthatches and the titmice. The black sunflower seeds are best for hanging coconut feeders.

Oil seed is the other term for the black sunflower seeds. Birds usually prefer these seeds because of its high oil content. The shells are also soft so it is very easy to crack open. It is also a lot cheaper than the others.

A Niger is another type of bird seed wherein goldfinches love. The seed is color black and very light. You may see a lot of goldfinches feeding at your feeder once you fill it with Niger seeds. The downside of this type of seed is that it is quite expensive.

Another bird seed in which you can buy is the safflower seeds. It is slightly smaller when compared with the black sunflower seed. The good thing about this seed is that squirrels despise it. So you'll be rest assured that your feeder will not be attacked by the pesky animal. The titmice, chickadees, woodpecker and cardinals chew it like a candy.

The white millet is also a bird seed which is cheaper than the sunflower seeds. The juncos, mourning doves and sparrows like these seeds. So where can you exactly purchase all of these? At the pet stores of course and even online.

One thing that you need to stay away when it comes to buying bird seeds is the mixed seeds which you can purchase on most supermarkets. The red millet on this package will just be a total waste because most birds will not eat it rather it will just be thrown in to the ground and then become a fertilizer in the near future.

After knowing which type of bird feeder and bird seeds to use, the next thing you should do is to find the perfect window to place your bird feeder. Select a window in which you usually views in order to appreciate the feeding process. The location should also be easily accessible so that you can clean and refill the feeder at your convenience anytime.

Don't forget to place water near or on the bird feeder since it is also a necessity when it comes to feeding.
squirrel proof birdfeeder.

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St Francis Bird Feeders - A Natural For Your Backyard Birds

One of the favorite activities of bird lovers and just folks who want to put a little bit of nature back into their yards is to put out bird feeders and bird baths in order to attract the local bird population. There are few things that match the simple pleasure of listening to the birds singing in your yard and watching their interaction as they take their turn around the feeders.

The type of feeder that one selects will often make a simple statement about the owner and the ambience they are trying to create in their yard. One can choose to go with a simple rustic design for a feeder, or something quite ornate and stately like a replica of a Victorian mansion.

But for many a simple statue or likeness of St. Francis is the perfect choice. The story of St. Francis and the local wildlife of his times are many. The source of this was the fact that Francis and his followers took a vow of total poverty and often lived in the wild.

One of the most famous was of a wild wolf that was causing a lot of problems for a local village, threatening not only the livestock but the

citizens of the village itself. St Francis spoke to the wolf and made a pact with it such that the local villagers began to feed it and it was essentially domesticated and was no longer a threat.

Another equally popular one and probably the source of his association with bird feeding is a time when he was traveling with his followers, and stopped to preach to the birds that had gathered about the goodness of the Lord and how he provides for each of us just as he cares for for the birds of the field (echoing the passage from St. Matthew). The birds stayed and listened to him, and the story followed from there, and today he is considered the patron saint of animals and the environment.

It's these images that account for the popularity of St. Francis bird feeders. You can find them in many styles, from simple statues with birds perched on his shoulders, holding a basket as a feeder. Others feature a larger bowl at his feet for a feeder. Another style is a plaque with a dish extending out from the plaque as the feeder. There are also some that combine a bird bath with a feeder.
wild bird food.

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Platform Bird Feeders - They Get The Birds Coming In

A number of people have mentioned to us that they have had a bird feeder up for awhile and have had no birds at it. Our first question to them is "Do the birds know the food is there?" We generally recommend that new birders use a platform type bird feeder to begin with. A platform feeder is simply a flat feeder on which bird seed is spread.

So, What kinds of birds come to a platform feeder? Almost any seed eating bird that sees it will come in. In addition, there are birds which I call scratchers. Scratchers are birds like juncos, towhees, quails, thrashers, White-crowned Sparrows and others who normally feed by scratching in the leaves or on the ground to find their seeds. These species are the easiest to attract with type of bird feeder because these feeders accommodate the scratching instinct of these birds and gives them a much more comfortable feeding environment.

There are several types of platform bird feeders including pole mounted platform feeders which can usually also be mounted on deck railings or flat tree stumps, hanging tray platform bird feeders and window mounted platform feeders. Our favorite is a pole mounted platform feeder made out of recycled poly lumber. When it comes time to clean this feeder, I simply brush off the loose seed, spray it with a 10% bleach solution, spray it down with the hose to rinse it off and when it dries I refill it with seed. These recycled material feeders are available in pole mounted, hanging tray or window mounted platform feeders.

The advantages of platform type bird feeders are many.

1. They easily show any bird flying over that seed is available to them.

2. Many birds may be too timid or cautious to venture under the roof of some bird feeders in the beginning.

3. They accommodate the feeding instincts of the scratchers.

4. By raising the feed up off the ground you will not attract rodents which come into seed spread on the ground.

5. Platform feeders may be used under hopper or tube feeders to catch seeds that may be spilled by the birds or to catch seed hulls, providing for a cleaner bird feeding area.

6. Most platform bird feeders fit in well with our easy to clean and easy to fill philosophy.

There are several important considerations to think about when purchasing one of these feeders. These include:

1. The feeder should have short sides to keep the bird seed or hulls from blowing out in the wind.

2. Your feeder should be able to drain in the rain. Bird seed can get moldy quickly when wet and moldy seed is not healthy for birds.

3. The bottom of the feeder should be removable for easy cleaning.

4. It is important to know that the feeder may be mounted where you will be able to see it and enjoy the birds it draws in. With the selection listed previously, there should be a platform bird feeder appropriate for any yard.

Platform bird feeders make a nice starter bird feeder or wonderful addition to an established bird feeding station. They can help you develop a backyard bird habitat that you can be proud of and that will attract many different species of birds.

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copper bird bath - Hummingbird Feeders

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Hummingbird Feeders - Your Guide To Get Hummingbirds Buzzing Around Your Backyard
By Ty Thomas
Hummingbirds are wonderfully unique birds to watch. They flutter, hover, dodge, dart and just simply seem to play. However, all that moving around burns a tremendous amount of energy and they need to feed frequently. They literally fly to eat and eat to fly!

What is the hummingbird feeder for? Most people don't realize that the main food of the hummingbird is insects, but they need the sugar rich nectar to provide them the energy to search for the insects, that is where we humans come in. Hummingbird feeders are usually filled with a mixture of 4 parts water to one part sugar. This mixture should be boiled to ensure all impurities are killed. Any excess can be refrigerated until needed. The mixture should be changed at least once a week and more frequently in very warm weather. In addition to changing the nectar, the feeder should be cleaned regularly. Since this is a sugar mixture, you are sure to attract many other nuisances you may not want to feed, such as bees, ants, and even bats.

All sugars are not created equal, at least that is what the hummingbirds say. When given the choice, hummingbirds prefer artificial nectar made from cane sugar rather than beet sugars. If you are not attracting them, check and make sure the sugar you are using is cane.

Ever have a problem with your feeder being full at night when you go to bed, but empty in the morning? You may think you have a sneaky neighbor taking all your nectar, but it is most likely due to bats. Bats also love the sweet nectar and can drain your feeders overnight. One strategy to keep bats out is to find bee covers for your feeder ports. The bat tongue is much larger and cannot get through the bee covers. Then again, maybe you want to feed the bats also, they eat huge amounts of insects

every night, however, that's another story.

Red is very attractive to hummingbirds, so your feeder should have some red in it. Please do not use red food coloring in your homemade food. To color a sugar mixture, find a bird friendly coloring at your local birding store.

Keeping desirable flowers in your garden near the feeder is also helpful in getting those little guys to frequent your feeders. Flowering plants like Columbine, Begonias and Holly Hocks, as well as Fuchsias, Coral Bells and Lantana will definitely increase your chances. Impatiens, Penstemen, and Petunias along with Geraniums and Flowering Tobacco are also favorites of hummingbirds. There are many other types of flowers hummingbirds will frequent.

Be careful putting multiple feeders too close together! Hummingbirds are very territorial and will defend their "turf", sometimes to the death. Another safety tip is to keep your feeders several feet away from windows and dense cover, like large bushes. If you are having problems with hummingbirds (or any other kind) running into your windows, take a look from their perspective and see if you can see a reflection of the sky, or another window on the other side of the house that looks like a passageway. Large bushes can hide predators, like your neighbors cat, that may try and attack the birds.

The best time to start putting out feeders is when the weather starts to warm up. Yes, this is a little vague, but hey, these guys aren't on a schedule. Since they are migratory birds, you will have a good chance of getting them to hang around if you get your food out early, while they are migrating through the area.

I hope you are able to enjoy this little wonders for a long time to come, they truly are wonderous birds.

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garden bird baths - humming bird feeders

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Hummingbird Feeders: Sheltering Nature's Lovely Creatures
By Robert Thatcher
Even before manufacturers took advantage of the growing popularity of feeding hummingbirds, the first hummingbird feeders were typically constructed out of laboratory apparatuses. These were constructed primarily to attract the birds that would normally fly around a garden. To these, the response of the manufacturers is to market and create sugar-water feeders. Many of which are uniquely created thus giving logic to the high cost of each feeder. But most are mass-produced to provide such equipments to the larger public.

Like with most things in the market, hummingbird feeders come in literally all forms of shapes, sizes and designs. The ideal feeders are those that can be cleaned easily and hangs readily. These must also be sturdy and must have limited number of parts that can be separated or broken. Majority of hummingbird feeders comes with both glass and plastic reservoirs.

Glasses have longer lifespan and may be cleansed easily but may shatter when dropped. Plastics on the other hand are relatively cheaper than that of the glass reservoirs but discoloration is notable.

Small feeders typically have only a port for feeding while larger feeders have three or more. Many of which may provide perches for hummingbirds to rest upon while feeding.

The most common mistake among novice feeders is the buying of overly sized hummingbird feeders. This is wrong since the water-sugar solution easily stales even before the arrival of the birds.

One hummingbird feeder may not be enough for the birds in a moderately sized garden. It is best to place two or if possible, several hummingbird feeders throughout the garden. Chances are, the dominant birds would not defend all locations. This may welcome

larger number of birds in your place. Logically, it is a good idea to put these hummingbird feeders in locations where you may observe the birds feeding. After all, the sugar solution we give is just a bonus the birds get for dropping by in our places. They, at all rate, can survive even without our help.

Most hummingbirds are gone during winter. This is because they migrate to the tropical regions. If in any case a bird visits you during this season, it is likely that it is genetically inferior and cannot travel. To provide shelter for such birds, some enthusiasts prefer to leave the hummingbird feeders outside their homes, offering both food and sanctuary for the lovely creatures. The sugar-water solution in the hummingbird feeder must still be changed daily.

When choosing a hummingbird feeder, most experts recommend those that are red in color. Though there so little scientific research to support the claim that hummingbirds are especially attracted to red, most feeders seem to appear in shades of red. Plus the common practice of dying the water sugar solution with red. Choose a hummingbird feeder that has excellent protection over ants.

It is also good to restrain from buying a yellow-colored feeders. This is to avoid the bees and wasps from being attracted to the feeder. Look also for feeders that have built-in perches and those that are small. Only when you have determined how thick your visitation of these birds is, may you only start using bigger feeders. This principle will prevent the nectar solution from spoilage.

Hummingbirds are truly marvelous to look at especially with their aerial display. This probably is reason enough why most enthusiasts go crazy over feeding hummingbirds.

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Goldfinches Are Flocking To My Nyjer Seed Bird Feeders Like Crazy

Goldfinches, purple and house finches, pine siskins, and redpolls are all birds that will flock to your backyard with a nyjer seed bird feeder. It can be a thistle tube bird feeder or a thistle sock bird feeder or one of the newer style wire mesh thistle feeders.

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. As stated above, there is now American grown niger seed available here in the United States that is not sterilized.

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. They are made of polycarbonate tubes with small slits in the plastic, just large enough for 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!

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Bird Feeders And Bird Seed

Choosing the right bird feeder is as important as choosing the right seed. Different seeds will attract different types of birds, so knowing who likes what may be important! Contrary to popular belief, bird seeds are not "inert." They will sprout under the right conditions. If spillage is a problem at your feeders, clean up the shells and husks regularly to prevent unwanted plant growth.

Corn is found in many commercial birdseed mixes. A corn feeder will attract blackbirds, blue jays, doves, pigeons and sparrows.

Millet is among the most common component of commercial seed mixes. It is small, round and hard. Most birds don't really like millet, but millet feeders will attract blackbirds, doves, pigeons and sparrows. Many bird enthusiasts don't use millet feeds because they appeal largely to "common" birds.

Many bird enthusiasts don't appreciate jays. They're noisy and aggressive toward other birds, and can clear out a feeder instantly. If you want the jays to steer clear of your primary feeders, set up a "nuisance" feeder especially for jays, and fill it with milo. Milo will also attract pigeons and doves, but it is generally unappealing to other species.

Suet is a good wintertime treat for birds that winter in place. You can purchase ready-made suet cakes or you can make your own using suet

purchased from the meat counter at your local supermarket. Suet is made from rendered fat (usually beef) and can go bad if it is not properly prepared. If you don't use ready-made suet cakes, avoid providing suet in warm weather. Suet cakes are rolled in birdseed, dried fruits and grains, and hang in a special suet cage. Suet will attract chickadees, jays, nuthatches, titmice and woodpeckers. Clean the suet cage carefully between cakes.

Sunflower seeds are a staple of most commercial bird feed mixes. While there are different types of sunflower seed, black oil sunflower seeds are most commonly used. If you stock your feeder with sunflower seeds, you can expect to see blackbirds, blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, finches, grosbeaks, nuthatches, sparrows, titmice, and woodpeckers.

Songbirds absolutely adore thistle. This very small black seed will attract finches, but most other birds leave it alone because they can get a fuller meal with different seed varieties.

Most commercial feeds contain a large amount of millet. Millet-based feeds are less expensive, but tend to appeal only to a limited number of birds. Single-seed feeds tend to be much more expensive. If you want to limit the number of common birds at your feeders, look for seed mixes that will attract the kinds of birds you want to see.

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oriole bird feeders

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Bird Feeders And Bird Houses - How To Properly Care And Maintain Them For Backyard Birding Fun

Outdoor bird feeders and bird houses are extremely popular with bird watchers and bird enthusiasts. For many there is nothing more exciting than getting up in the morning and watching birds nesting and feeding in the backyard. Children and adults alike are able to learn a great deal about birds by watching them each day. What many bird enthusiasts do not realize is the fact that owning a bird feeder and bird house requires more effort than just stocking it with seed. In order to keep the birds safe and healthy, homeowners must do what they can to properly set up and maintain these items.

The first step in protecting birds is placing bird feeders and bird houses in a safe location. Place bird feeders in a very open location that gives birds a chance to see, and react to, any predators like house cats. They can also be hung from poles making them virtually inaccessible. When hanging a bird house always place them in a high location away from any potential perch that can be used by predators like cats. Even if you do not own house cats it is important that you follow this advice since neighboring cats can easily get into your back yard and attempt to attack what they consider to be easy prey.

In some situations hawks will be attracted to your bird house or, more than likely, your bird feeder. If you notice a hawk coming near your bird feeder several times a week take it down for a few days and keep a look out for the hawk. Once

the hawk has come, not seen a buffet, and left, put it back out. The hawk will leave your yard alone once it believes its free meal ticket has been called in.

The second step you can take to ensure the safety and health of the birds your feeders and houses attract is to keep everything clean. This is one thing that many people forget and overlook. While most people are used to cleaning indoor bird cages they do not think to clean outdoor bird houses. A bird house, after time, can attract and develop parasites which could cause sickness and disease to spread among the birds nesting in it. You should clean your bird house at least once a year or twice a year to be perfectly safe.

Bird feeders need to be cleaned much more often because of the number of birds coming and going on a daily basis. Remove any seeds from the ground around your bird feeders and bird houses to discourage birds from attempting to eat it. Also empty and clean the bird feeders once or twice each month while constantly replacing the seed with fresh, dry, bird seed to keep the birds from eating moldy seed which can make them sick.

Outdoor bird feeders and bird houses can be fun for the entire family. They give you a chance to observe many different types of birds without having to leave your yard. In order to enjoy this special treat for a long time it is important that you and your family work hard to maintain a clean, safe, environment for your birds.

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Bird Watching Guide - Metal Bird Feeders
As people love to watch birds feeding in their gardens, various companies have items that will help bring these wild birds to us. One such item is that of feeders. With so many types of feeders available to you it may be a little difficult and confusing to know which feeder type is best. Metal Bird Feeders combine practical usage with elegance and beauty to make your garden an inviting place for birds.


Perky Pet which is a leading supplier of wild bird products has some interesting metal bird feeders for you to choose from. As there are a large number of feeders, only a few will be described here. Should these bird feeders appeal to your tastes then you’ll be able to view other types that are available.

The Sunflower Garden Metal Lantern Bird Feeder has an elegant and stylish design. It’s made from durable powder coated metal in a beautiful garden green color. This feeder has the construction strength to provide you with years of bird feeding pleasure and comes with an 8 inch metal wire hanger.

The perches are in a “U” shape which is much preferred by feeder birds. The sides of the feeder are etched with a sunflower plexiglass design. These clear sides give you a view of the seed level within the metal bird feeders. You can keep 5 pounds of bird seed inside of the feeder and this bird feeder is designed for hanging.

The Copper Accented

Bird Feeder is another metal bird feeder by Perky Pet Bird Feeders. This feeder has sparkling copper accents on the feeder. There is a unique seed dispensing tray at the bottom of the feeder. The feeder is made from powder coated metal in a decorative green coloring. It’s in the style of a tube feeder, but the roof of the feeder is a copper plated top.

There are 4 feeding ports that have copper hoods above them, and also 4 copper perches as well. The base of these metal bird feeders is made from copper as well. In addition there are 4 more feeding ports. This 8 feeder port, tube bird feeder becomes a distinctive addition to your garden. The Copper Accented Bird Feeder will hold 6 pounds of seed mix or sunflower seeds. A heavy duty metal wire hanger is included with this feeder.

The last type of metal bird feeders comes from Heritage Farms. This Deluxe Seed and Suet Double Sided Bird Feeder has an attractive copper top. It’s made of durable metal that will withstand whatever the weather throws at it and is squirrel and raccoon resistant as well. There are 2 sides that birds can eat seed from. In addition there are 2 suet feeder cages located on the sides of the metal bird feeders.

Any of these unique metal bird feeders will add an elegant and decorative touch to your garden and will also have the benefit of attracting many birds to your garden.

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Garnish Your Yard With Unique Bird Houses And Wild Bird Feeders

If you want to jazz up your yard decor while contributing to the environment, try adding several unique bird houses and wild bird feeders. These can beautify your home while simultaneously attracting lovely birds to your yard.

Bird houses and feeders hang as picture perfect ornaments from trees, fence posts, windows or even your patio deck, but they offer so much more than decoration if you're a nature lover. Bird watching is a fairly simplistic and inexpensive hobby. You'll find bird watching to be very relaxing as you sit outdoors on a swing or lie on a hammock and watch various types of birds visit the wild bird feeders in your yard. You can even keep some binoculars and a camera on hand for whenever you see a unique bird.

You can create a marvelous bird haven in your yard with various bird houses and wild bird feeders, giving your feathered friends food, water and shelter. Your yard can provide a safe place for birds to mate, eat, drink, and raise their young. You'll also be providing protection from many of birds' natural predators as well as inclement weather. And just for your efforts, numerous birds will sing enchanting lullabies to you each morning!

Types of Bird Houses and Bird Feeders

Bird houses and feeders come in a variety of colors, materials, shapes and sizes. Some of the most beautiful bird products are hand made, created from wood, stoneware, ceramic, or hand blown glass. Some bird houses are shaped like animals - even birds - such as the cardinal wood bird house, bluebird houses, and cat-shaped houses. There are also many bird houses shaped like little cottages, cupcakes, log cabins, trailers, canisters, vegetables, and other creative designs.

Wild bird feeders can cater to certain types of birds. For example, if you wish to attract hummingbirds to your yard, opt for special hummingbird feeders. These small feeders

come in various styles and colors, decorated with flowers and other designs. Hummingbirds will love them, and you'll be able to sit and watch them play in your yard for hours of enjoyment. To attract finches, add a three-tube finch feeder to your yard. This type of wild bird feeder can feed up to 24 finches all at once, keeping each one in perfect view!

There are also squirrel proof bird feeders if your yard usually attracts lots of squirrels. These are designed to allow birds to feed while preventing squirrels from stealing their food. Squirrel proof bird feeders come in styles such as platform bird feeders and caged tubular feeders.

The designs of wild bird feeders available today are virtually endless, with basic styles such as window bird feeders, platform and fly thru feeders, tubular and hopper bird feeders. The materials used range from weatherproof stoneware and ceramics, stained glass and copper, recycled plastics and glass, and - of course - wood. Everything from covered wagons and lighthouse bird feeders, to stoneware cats, cupcakes, and laughing green men bird feeders are available. Whatever you may fancy or collect, there is a bird feeder that will strike a chord and brighten up your yard!

Once you find suitable unique bird houses and wild bird feeders for your yard, be sure to add other bird accessories to complement your decorations. Try ceramic bird baths or hanging bird baths, drippers, nesting balls, solar stepping stones, garden flags, stoneware toad houses, garden statues, fountains, and other garden decor products to dress up your yard.

You can find many unique bird houses and wild bird feeders online at affordable prices. So visit a bird accessory retailer on the Web today to check out all the adorable styles available. You'll see some amazing birds gather soon to add vibrant color and sweet songs to your yard!

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Advantages of Hopper Bird Feeders

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1. The hopper bird feeder keeps the seeds dry. The hopper feeder is designed with a roof and side glass panels, therefore keeping the seeds dry and protecting your bird food from the rain, wind and snow.

2. It is very popular with backyard birds. The hopper attracts a wide variety of backyard birds, depending on the size of perches you use. Big birds like doves, jays, blackbirds, and cardinals are able feed from them with relative ease. This can also serve as a woodpecker bird feeder. If your hopper is placed near the ground, it may also attract ground-foraging birds like sparrows.

3. Hoppers hold a lot of seed. The hopper's size and design allow you to fill it with a lot of seeds. This eliminates the need to refill it constantly. You may be concerned about food spoilage, but there is no need to worry. The hopper's roof and side panels protect the seeds from the elements, and its "on-demand" seed dispensing capabilities prevent any contamination and help preserve the seeds left inside the feeder.

4. Features "On-demand" Automatic Seed Dispensing. The hopper is designed in such a way that the seeds are only available to the birds on demand. This is done through the funnel action provided by the V-shaped side panels. A Hopper feeder stores the seeds and immediately replenishes the feeding ports with the aid of gravity.

5. The hopper feeder may be filled with any kind of seed. This type of bird feeder may be used to hold any sort of bird food you want. It is not restricted to any size of bird feed. Sunflower seed is a favorite of hopper visitors, but seed mixes that contain millet, corn and nuts can be offered through this type of feeder too. You should remember though that mixes encourage crowding and may become wasteful because birds will usually just pick out their favorite seeds from the mix you offer.

6. It has versatile mounting options. The hopper bird feeder is not restricted when it comes to placement choices. This type of feeder can be mounted on a pole. It can also be suspended using sturdy wires, ropes or chains.

To address your squirrel concerns, as long as your hopper feeder is mounted securely and has a baffle attached below it, you should be able to keep those unwanted critters away.

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Cardinal Bird Feeders
By Pam Caouette
Cardinal bird feeders are a great way to attract cardinal birds to your backyard. Cardinal bird feeders will attract these beautifully colored birds right to your door, if you wish. There are different types of cardinal bird feeders. Many bird feeders are designed for birds that weigh more. Cardinals need these types of bird feeders.


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 bird feeders ,gazebo bird feeders, as well as suet feeders ), or hopper bird feeders (which have a trigger to release the seeds) as well as platform bird feeders (ground bird feeders or tray bird feeders). Cardinal bird feeders can hold a variety of bird seed from sunflower seeds to cracked corn and even peanuts!

Cardinal bird feeders 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 birds. Some of the birds that are attracted to cardinal bird feeders are Evening Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Blue Jays.

Cardinal bird food for your cardinal bird feeders may include black oil sunflower, buckwheat, black and gray stripe sunflower, and safflower seeds are cardinal bird and grosbeak favorites. 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.
Pam Caouette is the lead author for www.aplusbirdfeeders.com. Visit www.aplusbirdfeeders.com for great information on wild birds and bird feeders.

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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 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.

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 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 feeders.
Author's Sites:Pet Remedies Cat Food Homemade Dog Food Recipes

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Bird feeders

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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.
Author's Sites:Pet Remedies Cat Food Homemade Dog Food Recipes

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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.
Kelvin Brown, author of the Introduction to Bird Watching, is a nature and bird lover. You can get additional information by visiting www.avidbirdwatching.com

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