Congratulations Judy for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Don't forget: Save big on this awesome feeder when you use our Wild Wednesday Giveaway code at checkout! WBLILY will save you 20% on this feeder until Sunday, February 5, 2012! Enjoy!

Happy Wild Wednesday Giveaway! This week we've got the Perky-Pet® Lily Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder up for grabs! Our innovative Top Fill hummingbird feeders are so easy and convenient to use. This charmer will please you and the tiny birds with four feeding ports and 16 ounces of nectar capacity. 

Congratulations to this week's winner, Sarah!! Don't forget our WWG deal! Use code WBLANTERN for 20% off the Birdscapes® Limited Edition Nickel Lantern Feeder until Sunday, January 29, 2012. Enjoy!

We love to attract and feed wild birds, and this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway is the perfect way to do so! The Birdscapes® Limited Edition Nickel Lantern Feeder holds up to 5 lbs. of seed, has a feeding tray, and utilizes the Sure-Lock™ cap system to keep squirrels out. This large bird feeder comes with a squirrel-proof wire hanger. The transparent seed compartment makes it easy to monitor seed levels and keep your large bird feeder clean! Remember to clean your feeder once every two weeks with mild soap and water solution.

This feeder is limited, so you better act fast if you want to take advantage of this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway deal. Use code WBLANTERN for 20% off the Birdscapes® Limited Edition Nickel Lantern Feeder until Sunday, January 29, 2012. 

Setting up hummingbird feeders in your backyard is a great way to attract various hummingbirds, as well as adding beauty to your backyard scenery.  When choosing a hummingbird feeder, there are various styles to pick from and it’s important that you select a feeder that not only works best for your type of yard, but also one that compliments your personal style and preferences.  Here are a few suggestions to help you select a feeder that is most suitable for your backyard!

Dish Style Feeder       

      Perky-Pet® Oasis Hummingbird Feeder – This hummingbird feeder is the perfect choice for watching and feeding hummingbirds!  With its 16-oz. dish-style feeder and six feeding ports, the Oasis feeder allows for easy filling and cleaning and is the perfect addition to your backyard.

        Top Fill Feeder

      Perky-Pet® Aster Patented Top-Fill, Push-Pull Hummingbird Feeder with Free Cleaning Mop – The Perky-Pet® Aster Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder features our new Push-Pull technology for effortless refilling – just push, pour, then pull-and-lock! It includes an easy to fill wide mouth top and an advanced "sports bottle" like function to facilitate replenishing the nectar. The four feeding ports appear as yellow aster flowers, creating a sweet, inviting look.

3.   

       Large Capacity Feeder

      Perky-Pet® Grand Master Hummingbird Feeder – Are you looking for a hummingbird feeder that allows you to spend more time enjoying the birds and less time refilling it?  If so, then the Grand Master Hummingbird Feeder is the one for you!  With a 48-oz. nectar capacity, this feeder features six feeding ports, with a wide-mouth top, allowing for quick, easy cleaning and filling.

     Decorative Feeder

        Avant® Garden Fairy Dust Hummingbird Feeder – This feeder is perfect for both attracting and feeding hummingbirds.  As part of the Whimsical Collection in our Lifestyle Collection series, the fairy sits amidst the three red nectar containers, “talking” to the tiny birds as they feed.  With a 4.8-oz. nectar capacity, this feeder is perfect for fairy-lovers and hummingbird-lovers alike!

      No matter what type of hummingbird feeder you’re looking for, Perky-Pet® is sure to have one that fits your style!  Still not sure which style is best for you?  Check out our website to see more hummingbird styles and learn about hummingbirds. We have a wonderful guide that will help you choose the best hummingbird feeder for you!

One of the biggest pests for any avid bird-watcher is squirrels.  Perky-Pet® offers a variety of bird feeders that feature a weight activated mechanism for preventing any squirrels from eating out of your feeder. Whenever a squirrel steps onto the mechanism, the feeding ports in the bird feeders are shut off due to the squirrel’s heavier weight. Need help picking the perfect squirrel-proof feeder for your backyard?  Why not take a look at a few of our suggestions below! 

Birdscapes® Squirrel-Be-Gone II ™ Feeder – Looking for a simple feeder that keeps squirrels from sneaking off with your bird seed?  Then the Birdscapes® Squirrel-Be-Gone II ™ Feeder is just for you!  Featuring a weight-activated blocking bar, the squirrels have no chance of retrieving any birdseed from this feeder.  Not only is this feeder effective, but it is aesthetically pleasing, too, coming in a brushed nickel finish and a 12 lb. seed capacity. 

Perky-Pet® Squirrel-Be-Gone ™ II Home Style Wild Bird Feeder – With this innovative feeder, squirrels don’t stand a chance with raiding the birdseed.  Featuring a weight-activated perch bar that closes to prevent squirrels from accessing the seed supply, this feeder offers adjustable springs that can be calibrated by the birdwatcher to accommodate different bird sizes.  With a classic home style design and a removable roof peak for easy filling, this feeder is the perfect addition to your backyard!

Perky-Pet® Home Style Kit – This combination of squirrel proof feeder, squirrel baffler, and squirrel repellent is sure to keep the little pesky squirrels from reaching the seed. The Perky-Pet® Squirrel-Be-Gone™ Wild Bird Feeder features six feeding ports, U-shaped perches and a 2 lb. seed capacity. The feeding ports have sturdy metal perches that allow birds to feed comfortably but, when the squirrels perch on them, their weight causes the entire metal casing to slip down, completely blocking the feeding ports and their access to the seed. The interior seed tower is surrounded by rustic metalwork.

Perky-Pet® Squirrel Be Gone III Kit – Featuring nine feeding ports with an 8-lb. seed capacity, this feeder is the perfect set-up to keep squirrels away.  Built with three separate seed tubes, you can fill this bird feeder with a variety of seed types while allowing birds to feed comfortably on the u-shaped perches.  If a squirrel tries to access these perches, their weigh causes the entire metal casing to slip down, completely blocking the feeding ports to the seed!

With such a variety to choose from, Perky-Pet® offers you the best feeder options to keep away those pesky squirrels!  Still not sure which feeder to buy?  Check out our website to view our entire line of bird feeding products, or visit our squirrel proof feeder shop to get see more squirrel proof feeders!.

Congratulations to Cassie for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We're positive you'll love your new  Perky-Pet® Squirrel-Be-Gone™ III Feeder, and so will your feathered friends. Take advantage of our special Wild Wednesday Giveaway deal and save 20% on the purchase of this feeder! Use code WBSQUIRREL at checkout until Sunday, January 22, 2012 to save!

We'll give it to 'em – squirrels can be quite entertaining. When it comes to bird feeding though, squirrels can be super destructive and end up wasting a ton of birdseed! This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway solves this problem with the Perky-Pet® Squirrel-Be-Gone™ III Feeder. The nine perch/feeding station set-up, coupled with the anti-squirrel technology makes this squirrel proof feeder one of the most economical and convenient on the market!

The feeding ports of this squirrel proof feeder have sturdy metal perches that allow birds to feed comfortably, but when the squirrels perch on them, their weight causes the entire metal casing to slip down, completely blocking the feeding ports and their access to the seed. For a chance to win this awesome feeder all you need to do is submit a comment to this blog post. A winner will be chosen on Thursday, January 19, 2012. 

Take advantage of our special Wild Wednesday Giveaway deal and save 20% on the purchase of this feeder! Use code WBSQUIRREL at checkout until Sunday, January 22, 2012 to save!

Congratulations to Cindy for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We are thrilled that there are so many hummingbird fans in our community and want to thank you with a special WWG discount!  Use code WBDOUBLE and receive 20% off the price of the Perky-Pet® Double Decker Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder at Birdfeeders.com! Enjoy before 1/15/12!

Double your birding joy with this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Up for grabs is the Perky-Pet® Double Decker Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder, perfect for helping migrating hummers fill up during their feeding pit stops. The Perky-Pet® Double Decker Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder with its Top Fill technology allows you to fill the two feeders so easily and holds 26 ounces of nectar! This feeder is constructed of two shatterproof plastic containers. The top feeder has a 9 oz. nectar capacity while the bottom feeder has a 17 oz. nectar capacity. With so much nectar and 8 feeding ports, there is plenty of space for the hummingbirds that will be attracted to this creative feeder.

Leave a comment on this blog post for a chance to win this feeder! A winner will be announced on Thursday, January 12, 2012!

Save on the Perky-Pet® Double Decker Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder with our Wild Wednesday Giveaway deal! Use code WBDOUBLE and receive 20% off the price of this feeder at Birdfeeders.com! Enjoy before 1/15/12!

Congratulations to Becky for winning the Birdscapes® Limited Edition Copper Tall Tulip Lantern Feeder! Thank you to everyone who joined us this week! The Birdscapes® Limited Edition Copper Tall Tulip Lantern Feeder is a limited quantity item, so get it while you can! Save 20% on the purchase of this feeder with the Wild Wednesday Giveaway deal! Use code WBTULIP between today and 1/8/2012 to save!

We're pretty sure our friends are pretty special. We're also sure that this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway is pretty special, too. That said, we decided to pair the two up and give you a chance to win the Birdscapes® Limited Edition Copper Tall Tulip Lantern Feeder! The Birdscapes® Tall Tulip Lantern Feeder holds up to 6 lbs. of seed, has a feeding tray, utilizes the Sure-Lock™ cap system to keep squirrels out. This large bird feeder comes with a squirrel-proof wire hanger. The transparent seed compartment makes it easy to monitor seed levels and keep your large bird feeder clean! Remember to clean your feeder once every two weeks with mild soap and water solution.

The Birdscapes® Limited Edition Copper Tall Tulip Lantern Feeder is a limited quantity item, so get it while you can! Save 20% on the purchase of this feeder with the Wild Wednesday Giveaway deal! Use code WBTULIP between today and 1/8/2012 to save!

Congratulations to Rachel, this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner! Thank you to all of you for your wonderful comments! Don't forget to take advantage of our Wild Wednesday Giveaway special! Use code WBGAZEBO at checkout and you'll save 20% on the purchase of this feeder! Savings are eligible until January 1, 2012!

If attracting and feeding wild birds is your interest, then this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway is perfect for you! The Birdscapes® Pine Gazebo Feeder holds up to 3 pounds of seed and features a stylish wooden gazebo design. This feeder can be hung (stainless steel hanger included) or pole mounted. The transparent seed compartment makes it easy to monitor seed levels and keep your feeder clean! Leave a comment on this blog post for a chance to win!

Don't forget to take advantage of our Wild Wednesday Giveaway special! Use code WBGAZEBO at checkout and you'll save 20% on the purchase of this feeder! Savings are eligible until January 1, 2012!

Congratulations to Theresa, the winner of this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We enjoyed all your comments are so happy to see such excitement about our  Perky-Pet® Hummingbird Gift Set For The Expert! Be sure to stop by Birdfeeders.com and check out all our gift sets!

We are so excited about this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Our featured giveaway this week is awesome! Check out the Perky-Pet® Hummingbird Gift Set For The Expert! Stocked full of birding goodies, this set includes the Perky-Pet® 48-oz. capacity shatterproof Grand Master Hummingbird Feeder with six feeding ports. And that's not all… a smaller size (3-oz. capacity) hummingbird feeder perfect to place in a flowering planter is included in the set, along with our safe to use, EPA registered Perky-Pet® Ant Guard, Perky-Pet® Hummingbird Anti-Scratch Cleaning Mop, Perky-Pet® Hummingbird Instant Nectar, and the Bird Watcher's Digest® All About Hummingbird booklet!

Leave a comment on this blog post for a chance to win! We will announce the winner on Thursday, December 22, 2011. Stay tuned, and good luck!

Congratulations to Kathy for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! This feeder should arrive just in time for your birdies to have a big holiday feast! Use our special Wild Wednesday Giveaway savings and get 20% off this feeder until Sunday, December 18, 2011! Use code WBPRESERVE at checkout and save today! 

Happy Wild Wednesday Giveaway! This week we have a great feeder up for grabs and we're sure you can't wait to get your hands on it! Check out the Birdscapes® The Preserve™ Bird Feeder! Although squirrels can be smart little animals, they can't outwit this special feeder with its patented barrier! The Birdscapes® The Preserve™ Feeder features a decorative metal top, feeding ports, perches and holds up to 3 lbs. of seed. The patented, diamond-shaped barrier allows birds in and keeps squirrels out. The clear, shatter-proof plastic reservoir makes it easy to monitor seed levels.

Submit a comment on this blog post for a chance to win this awesome feeder! A winner will be announced on Thursday, December 15, 2011!

Use our special Wild Wednesday Giveaway savings and get 20% off this feeder until Sunday, December 18, 2011! Use code WBPRESERVE at checkout and save today! 

Congratulations Tricia for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! This awesome feeder is great for any yard, and we want to make sure its available to everyone! Use WBBSBG from now until 12/11/11 for 20% off at birdfeeders.com!

This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway is a must have for any bird watcher or gardener! The Birdscapes® Squirrel-Be-Gone II™ Feeder is best for feeding birds without having squirrels get all the birdseed! The Birdscapes® Squirrel-Be-Gone II™ Wild Bird Feeder, featuring a weight-activated blocking bar, prevents squirrels from accessing the seed supply. The feeder comes in a beautiful brushed nickel finish with a four-position adjustable spring for custom settings and a 12 lb. seed capacity. Clear plastic windows make it easy for you to monitor the seed level. You can either pole mount or hang your squirrel proof feeder.

Leave a comment on this blog post for a chance to win this awesome feeder! We will announce a winner on Thursday, December 8, 2011! Know someone that would love this feeder? Need the perfect holiday gift? We've got you covered! Use the WWG discount and score the Birdscapes® Squirrel-Be-Gone II™ Wild Bird Feeder for 20% off at Birdfeeders.com! Use code WBBSBG from now until 12/11/11 for this exclusive discount!

Perky-Pet® Squirrel-Be-Gone™ III Feeder – This feeder is best used for keeping squirrels from thieving the birdseed! Using anti-squirrel technology, the ports of this squirrel proof feeder close under a squirrel’s weight, preventing them from raiding the seed supply!

Perky-Pet® Garden Sip & Seed Bird Waterer – A water source in your backyard is a simple and effective way of attracting wild birds. Water attracts species that you may not see at your seed feeder.

Perky-Pet® Copper Triple Tube Bird Feeder – With 3 individual feeding tubes and 12 patented 2 in 1 flip feeding ports that adjust to serve mixed, black oil sunflower or thistle seed, this copper colored tube bird feeder is beautiful, versatile, and durable. The feeder comes complete with a squirrel resistant baffle.

Let your imagination fly and design your very own Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder! Select the flowers, base, and bottle design of your choice. Save your design, share with friends, or purchase your creation and it will be delivered to your front door!

Birdscapes® Window Feeder – Bird watching is so easy and fun with this crystal clear window bird feeder. Simply attach to any window and watch the birds from the comfort of your chair!

Avant® Garden Marque Wild Bird Feeder – This classic ship’s lantern design will enhance any backyard, deck or patio while it attracts flocks of birds to the seed.

Birdscapes® Upside Down® Goldfinch Feeder – Goldfinches can feed upside down though other birds cannot, making this feeder perfect for making sure the goldfinches get their food undisturbed.

Perky-Pet® Window Mount Feeder – Attached to your window, this hummingbird feeder will provide hours of enjoyment from a cozy chair inside your home!

Perky-Pet® Antique Hummingbird Feeder Set – Hummingbirds and hummingbird enthusiasts will be attracted to this classic antique glass bottle design. Comes with all you need to feed the birds and keep your feeder clean!

Perky-Pet® Hummingbird Oasis Feeder – One of our versatile hummingbird feeders, it can be hung or pole mounted. Contains six feeding ports and an ant moat.

Perky-Pet® Double Decker Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder – This charming 26 oz. hummingbird feeder is so easy to fill with its Top Fill technology, pleasing you and the birds.

Avant® Garden Fairy Dust Hummingbird Feeder – The beautiful fairy sits amid the red nectar containers in this stunning hummingbird feeder so she can “talk” to the tiny birds as they feed.

Make your holiday merrier with these 12 feeders! They make perfect gifts for a loved one, or for yourself! Do you already own one of these feeders? Leave us a review so shoppers can use your thoughts to help their buying decision! Visit www.perkypet.com to leave a review or shop now!

Congratulations to Valerie for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We loved reading everyone's comments and appreciate your kind words about this amazing feeder! Stop by next week for another chance to win an awesome feeder!

This Wild Wednesday Giveaway provides you more bang for your giveaway buck! Meet the Perky-Pet® Copper Sip & Seed Bird Feeder with FREE Seed Scoop! This beautiful birdfeeder with its charming seed and water containers allows you to provide food and water to our hungry and thirsty feathered friends! Check out this video to learn more!

Submit a comment on this post for a chance to win this awesome feeder! Best of luck!

This Wild Wednesday Giveaway we pay tribute to the infamous ride of Paul Revere with the Perky-Pet® Paul Revere Bird Feeder! This classic design is perfect for any yard or garden, and would make the perfect gift for a birding enthusiast and history buff! Two and a half pounds of seed capacity make this feeder perfect for attracting a host of hungry seed-eating birds!

We're thankful for our birding friends and want to give you a special discount on this feeder! Use code WBREVERE for 20% off the Perky-Pet® Paul Revere Bird Feeder through Sunday, November 27, 2011! Enjoy!

Happy Wednesday folks! This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway features a birder's must-have feeder – the Perky-Pet® Squirrel-Be-Gone™ II Country Style Wild Bird Feeder! The Squirrel-Be-Gone™ wild bird feeder features a weight activated perch bar that closes to prevent squirrels from accessing the seed supply. Adjustable springs can be calibrated to accommodate different birds sizes and keep away nuisance birds as well as squirrels.

This must have is also being offered to you at a must have price! Use code WBCOUNTRY when you purchase this feeder and receive 20% off! This code is eligible today through Sunday, November 20, 2011. Enjoy!

Congratulations to our Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner, Evelyn! Everyone was so excited about this feeder and we loved to read all the comments! Remember that your backyard birds can win, too, with this week's awesome deal! This week we're offering 20% off the The Perky-Pet® Copper Triple Tube Bird Feeder when you use code WBCOPPER at checkout! This deal is good at birdfeeders.com through Sunday, November 13, 2011. Hint hint: these deals are also great to jump-start your holiday shopping. Enjoy!

Did you know that attracting different kinds of birds can be as easy as changing up what seed you're feeding them? The yards boasting the widest variety of visiting feathered friends are generally the same yards that have a buffet of birdseed and cater to the needs of varying species. Host a feast in your yard with this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway offering – The Perky-Pet® Copper Triple Tube Bird Feeder!

The Perky-Pet® Copper Triple Tube Bird Feeder features 3 independent seed tubes, 12 flip feeding ports and a 10 lb. seed capacity. This bird feeder can be pole mounted or hang mounted and makes a great addition to any yard! So, what are you waiting for? Post a comment on this Wild Wednesday Giveaway and you'll be entered to win this amazing feeder.

Every week's Giveaway also hosts a deal so you can take advantage of having our featured feeder at a super featured price. This week we're offering 20% off the The Perky-Pet® Copper Triple Tube Bird Feeder when you use code WBCOPPER at checkout! This deal is good at birdfeeders.com through Sunday, November 13, 2011. Hint hint: these deals are also great to jump-start your holiday shopping. Enjoy!

Happy November to our birding friends! We bet your hummingbird feeders are a little less busy, but traffic is picking up at your seed feeders! With this in mind we are excited to offer up a feeding hot spot for this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway. Meet the Birdscapes® Deluxe Grandview Feeder! This awesome feeder employs EVENSEED technology which features 3 independent seed compartments so ports stay active longer and allows for 3 types of seed to attract multiple birds. With 12 feeding stations whose metal ports and perches are squirrel resistant, the Birdscapes® Deluxe Grandview Feeder boasts a large 8 lb seed capacity! Talk about a feast for your feathered friends! Submit a comment to this post for a chance to win this week.

Only two months until the Holiday Season! Use code WBEVENSEED for 20% off this feeder through November 6, 2011. This feeder makes the perfect gift, and while you're at it buy one for yourself! Enjoy!

Get the best birding seat in the house with this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Up for grabs you'll find the Birdscapes® Window Feeder, for your seed eating birds, and the Perky-Pet® Window Mount Feeder, for your nectar eating hummingbird friends! These feeders attach to your window using durable suction cups and give you front row access to a bird feeding frenzy!

In addition to this week's awesome Giveaway, we have a deal and steal for you! Use code WBVIEW and you'll save 20% on all window mount feeders from Birdfeeders.com! This deal includes the following feeders:

1. Birdscapes® Window Feeder
2. Garden Song® Dine Around Window Bird Feeder
3. Garden Song® Window Bird Feeder
4. Garden Song® Window Mounted Glass Hummingbird Feeder
5. Perky-Pet® Window Mount Feeder
6. Garden Song® WIndow Mount Feeder

Use code WBVIEW today through Sunday, October 30, 2011 to save! Visit http://www.birdfeeders.com/ to start shopping now! Hint… These make great holiday gifts!

The Avant® Garden Harvest Hummingbird Feeder, part of our Heritage Collection, is constructed from metal and glass. The four pot-style glass nectar containers hold a total of 10 oz. of nectar and contain a feeding port on each one. This delightful hummingbird feeder with its metal rooster and four blue glass votive-style nectar holders will be the toast of the town and a favorite of hummingbirds.

To celebrate this awesome time of year we are offering 20% off this feeder through Sunday, October 23, 2011! Use code WBHARVEST at checkout to save today!

Congratulations to Becki, our winner for this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We loved reading everyone's comments and can't wait to share with you again next week. Don't forget our great deal (20% off!!!) on this feeder when you use code WBLOOKING at checkout. This code is valid today through Sunday, October 16, 2011. Stock up for the holidays, or purchase one for yourself!

This Wild Wednesday Giveaway we are excited to offer the stunning Birdscapes® Looking Glass Hummingbird Feeder! The Birdscapes® Looking Glass Hummingbird Feeder features a durable, tempered tinted glass nectar container and 4 copper flower feeding ports. The nectar container holds 32 oz of nectar – plenty for all of the hummingbirds who will flock to it! It's tinted glass reservoir makes it easy to monitor the nectar levels and unscrews easily from the feeder base for quick cleaning and filling. These innovations make for one of the most economical and convenient glass hummingbird feeders on the market!

Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win this beautiful feeder! Luck running low these days? We've got you covered! Get a great deal (20% off!!!) on this feeder when you use code WBLOOKING at checkout. This code is valid today through Sunday, October 16, 2011. Stock up for the holidays, or purchase one for yourself!

Hummingbird migration is underway, so this Wild Wednesday Giveaway we are helping you attract and feed the hummers as they pass through your yard towards the south! The Perky-Pet® Hummingbird Oasis Feeder is the perfect stop for migrating hummingbirds with its six feeding ports and built in ant moat. A sixteen ounce nectar capacity, and its pole mounted or hanging capabilities, makes this a must-have for all bird watchers. Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win!

Every bird watcher should have this feeder, so we're going to share the Wild Wednesday Giveaway birding love with a sweeeeeet discount! Use code WBOASIS for 20% off this feeder from today through Sunday, October 9, 2011. Enjoy!

We are happy to announce Sara as this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner! You can be a winner too and get this feeder at a deep discount! Get this feeder at 20% off when you use code WBPINCH at check out. This code is eligible today through Sunday, October 2, 2011!

Happy Wild Wednesday Giveaway friends! This week we are featuring the Perky-Pet® Pinch-Waist Glass Feeder with Nectar! Our sweet feathered friends are heading south for the winter and they count on our feeders to help get them there! The Perky-Pet® Pinch-Waist Glass Feeder with Nectar is perfect for feeding hummingbirds and keeping them happy with four feeding ports and a four-way perch. Eight ounces of nectar capacity, along with built-in bee guards make this a must have for all hummingbird lovers!

Just in time for the holiday season, you can get this feeder at 20% off when you use code WBPINCH at check out. It makes the perfect gift for all your bird loving friends! This code is eligible today through Sunday, October 2, 2011!

Hummingbirds are starting their incredible migratory journey south and need to stock up big time on nectar! Without food they don't have enough energy to fly to their winter home, so this week our Wild Wednesday Giveaway features the Perky-Pet® Double Decker Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder. This easy to fill, and easy to clean, hummingbird feeder has a 26 ounce capacity and 8 feeding ports, making sure your hummingbirds get enough to eat! Leave a comment on this blog for a chance to win. You will receive this feeder within two weeks – perfect timing to put out for your feathered friends!

Because feeding birds is our passion, we want everyone to have this feeder. Use code WBDOUBLE from today through September 25, 2011 to get 20% off this feeder. Simply use the code at checkout and save! Enjoy!

Congratulations to this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner, Martha! You guys sure love your hummers, and we get so excited to read your comments. Don't miss out on this week's sweet deal and get our featured feeder for 20% off until Sunday! Use code WBANTIQUE at checkout!

Wednesday to our birding friends! We are excited to highlight a fan favorite for this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway – the Perky-Pet® Antique Bottle Hummingbird Feeder! This feeder holds 10 ounces of nectar and features a sea-green glass bottle with brushed silver accents. In addition, the feeder features four decorative flower feeding ports surrounding its base. Its beautiful design fits well in any yard or garden.

Thinking this may be the perfect gift for a friend, or maybe you just have to have it for yourself?! As a token of our appreciation we want to offer this feeder to you at a Wild Wednesday Giveaway discounted rate. Use code WBANTIQUE at checkout and you'll receive 20% off this feeder! This code is eligible today through Sunday, September 18, 2011. Enjoy!

As summer comes to an end many of us are getting ready for new school years, fall fairs, and the south bound hummingbird migration. This Wild Wednesday Giveaway we are offering a feeder that combines a few of our favorite things – the Avant® Garden Harvest Hummingbird Feeder! This delightful hummingbird feeder with its metal rooster and four blue glass votive-style nectar holders is the perfect rest stop for your feathered friends while they're traveling south for the winter.

Leave a comment on this blog post for a chance to win this awesome feeder! Looking to buy a gift for your friend, or yourself? From today until Sunday, September 11, 2011 we will be offering this feeder for 20% off when you use code WBHARVEST at checkout!

Congratulations to our Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner, Robin! Show some American pride in your neighborhood with this week's feeder. Use code WBPATRIOT and purchase this feeder for 20% off! Code is eligible now through Sunday, September 4th!

We love to show our country some love, and what better way to do so than with this feeder? Meet the Avant® Garden Patriot Wild Bird Feeder, a sturdy, painted wood, metal and plastic feeder with a galvanized tin roof to ensure long usage. This bird feeder has a 4.75 lb. seed capacity and adds some patriotic flair to any yard or garden. 

We think every yard in the US should have this feeder, but unfortunately can only give one away this week, but we have a deal for you! Use code WBPATRIOT and purchase this feeder for 20% off! Code is eligible now through Sunday, September 4th!

Congratulations Carlene for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We want you to spread the hummingbird feeding love and take advantage of our exclusive Wild Wednesday Giveaway discount. Use code WBHBKIT at checkout until Sunday and you'll receive 20% off this kit! Visit www.birdfeeders.comand get shopping now!

When it comes to hummingbirds, it's the more the merrier for us! That's why this week we've decided to giveaway more than just a feeder for our Wild Wednesday Giveaway. Meet the Our Best Hummingbird Watchers Kit which includes everything you need to have an enjoyable hummingbird feeding and watching experience! Complete with the Perky-Pet® “Our Best” Glass Hummingbird Feeder, which holds a massive 30 ounces of nectar, a Perky-Pet® Ant Guard to keep away ants, a Perky-Pet® Feeder Cleaning Mop to keep the hummingbird feeder clean and safe, and a Perky-Pet® Instant Nectar 5.3 oz. Packet, the Our Best Hummingbird Watchers Kit is perfect for all birdwatchers, from beginners to seasoned experts. Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win this great kit!

Thinking this may be the perfect gift for a friend, or for yourself? We want you to spread the hummingbird feeding love and take advantage of our exclusive Wild Wednesday Giveaway discount. Use code WBHBKIT at checkout and you'll receive 20% off this kit! Visit www.birdfeeders.com and get shopping now!

Congratulations to Tricia for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway and receiving the awesome Perky-Pet® Deluxe Chalet! Don't forget to use code WBDELUXE from today until Sunday, August 21, 2011 and you'll get 20% off the purchase of this feeder! 

Happy Wild Wednesday Giveaway friends! This week we are featuring the Perky-Pet® Deluxe Chalet, a must-have for any backyard birding enthusiast! The Perky-Pet® Deluxe Chalet wild bird feeder will satisfy a variety of birds with it's ability to hold both bird seed and suet cakes. With a 5 lb. seed capacity and the ability to hold two 12 oz. suet cakes, this feeder will assure you that you'll have a wide variety of birds to watch. Also included with this week's Giveaway is a 23 inch metal hook for hanging this feeder! 

Do you need this Deluxe Chalet whether you win it or not? We've got you taken care of! Use code WBDELUXE from today until Sunday, August 21, 2011 and you'll get 20% off the purchase of this feeder! 

Congratulations to Denise, this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner! This feeder will look awesome in her yard. We don't want your yard to be jealous, so take advantage of our WWG deal! Use code WBSONG and get 20% off the purchase of the Songbird Pavilion Wild Bird Feeder today through Sunday, August 14, 2011.

This week we have quite the feeder up for grabs! The Perky-Pet® Songbird Pavilion Wild Bird Feeder holds four pounds of seed and comes in a classic gazebo style design. Made from aromatic cedar (weather resistant and insect repelling), the rugged construction will provide you with years of bird monitoring enjoyment. Made from non-endangered timber, the gazebo bird feeder can be hung with the included hanging rope. 

We think everyone should have this awesome feeder hanging in their yard, so we've got a deal for you! Use code WBSONG and get 20% off the purchase of the Songbird Pavilion Wild Bird Feeder today through Sunday, August 14, 2011.

The Northern Flicker, native to North America and parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, is a medium-sized member of the woodpecker family. They are one of the few members of the woodpecker family that migrate. Often found in wooded areas, you will see Northern Flickers among the tree line or moving about on the ground. They often feed from the ground because their primary food is insects.

Although ants can make up about 45% of their diet, Northern Flickers also participate in an activity known as “anting.” Anting is when birds rub insects on their feathers, to assist in preening, in order to avoid harmful parasites. The insects secrete liquids that contain chemicals that act as an insecticide, miticide, fungicide, and bactericide. Anting can also be done to remove the distasteful chemicals and make the insects more appetizing to eat.

Flickers tend to be cavity nesters, but will take up home in an appropriately sized and situated birdhouse. Both male and female will take part in the building of the nest, which generally is a 2-week process. About 6-8 eggs are laid, and both male and female will incubate the eggs for about 12 days. The young flickers will leave the nest about 25 days after hatching.

Next time you see an interesting bird that isn’t hummer trying to take advantage of sweet nectar, you might be seeing a flicker at your feeder! Offering seed may keep them away from the feeder and allow your hummers to eat in peace. Take pictures of your flicker spotting and post them to our Facebook page! Check it out at www.facebook.com/perkypet.

Photo by Mike Yip

Congratulations to Nikki for winning the Avant® Garden Sandy Beach Hummingbird Feeder during this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! You can get 20% off the Avant® Garden Sandy Beach Hummingbird Feeder when you use code WBB02.

We are completely in summer mode, and as such are offering another beach themed feeder this week! This Wild Wednesday Giveaway you have the chance to win the Avant® Garden Sea Side Wild Bird Feeder when you submit a comment to this post! This delightful feeder has a 3.25 lb. seed capacity and plenty of area for birds to perch and feed.

We know not everyone can win, so we have decided to give our awesome WWG friends a great deal on this feeder until Sunday! Use code WBB02 today through Sunday, August 7, 2011 for 20% off the Avant® Garden Sea Side Wild Bird Feeder! Please submit your comments by 12 noon EST on Thursday, August 4 to be considered. 

Congratulations to Rocki for winning the Avant® Garden Sandy Beach Hummingbird Feeder during this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! You can get 20% off the Avant® Garden Sandy Beach Hummingbird Feeder when you use code HBSANDY at http://www.birdfeeders.com! This code is valid today (July 27) until Sunday (July 31)! 

Everyone was so in love with last week's giveaway, so we decided to share with you its companion! Meet the Avant® Garden Sandy Beach Hummingbird Feeder! This feeder is constructed from glass and metal and sports a classic beach umbrella-style metal top. It has a 12 oz. nectar capacity and 4 sea shell style feeding ports to satisfy the hungriest little hummingbird! It’s the perfect companion piece for the Sea Shore seed feeder!

Don't worry about missing out on this awesome feeder! Even though we can only give away one, we are offering a deal for everyone! Get 20% off the Avant® Garden Sandy Beach Hummingbird Feeder when you use code HBSANDY at http://www.birdfeeders.com! This code is valid today (July 27) until Sunday (July 31)! 

Congratulations to this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway Winner, Carrie F! Everyone's comments were so fun to read, and we can tell you all are beach lovers, too! Don't forget to use code WBSEASHORE when you purchase this feeder from BirdFeeders.com and get 20% off the regular price. This code is good through Sunday, July 24, 2011. 

Ahhh the seashore. If you're like us you love spending hours on the beach. If you're like us you also love birds. Bring the best of both worlds together with the Avant® Garden Sea Shore Wild Bird Feeder. This classic beach umbrella inspired wild bird tube feeder has four seashell styled feeding ports and holds .85 pounds of seed. As an added feature, the umbrella has a stand that becomes visible as seed level falls. Submit a comment to this post before 12 noon EST on July 21, 2011 to be entered to win this awesome feeder!

Want this feeder even if you're not the lucky winner? We got you covered! Use code WBSEASHORE when you purchase this feeder from BirdFeeders.com and get 20% off the regular price. This code is good through Sunday, July 24, 2011. 

Congrats to Donna! We loved seeing everyone's posts and can't wait to offer another awesome giveaway next week! In the meantime, head to birdfeeders.com and get 20% off the Birdscapes® Bird Bath using code WBBATH from now until Sunday, July 17, 2011. 

Splish splash, the birds are takin' a bath! Did you know that adding elements of water to your yard attract a variety of birds you may not generally see in your yard? Birds also need water too, just like humans! This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway helps you take care of your feathered friends by offering the awesome Birdscapes® Bird Bath which looks great in any garden or yard! The Birdscapes® Bird Bath comes with an easy-to-use 3’ ground stand and a decorative hanging chain, giving you the option of how you wish to display your bird bath. The 14” metal, terra cotta colored basin has a 70 oz. capacity!

Luck running dry lately? We've got you covered with this slick deal – get 20% off the Birdscapes® Bird Bath using code WBBATH from now until Sunday, July 17, 2011. Just enter the code at checkout, and be sure to share pics on our Facebook page when your feathered friends are splashing around in your new bird bath!

Ants, bees, and wasps love hummingbird feeders because the sweet nectar attracts them. Along with the disadvantage of the nectar being stolen by these bugs, they also create risk for the birds by contaminating the nectar, as well as detering hummingbirds from feeding at the same feeder where bugs roam. It is important to take a few steps to prevent insects from running rampant on your feeders.

Protect hummingbirds from ants by using an ant guard on your feeder. This inexpensive solution keeps ants away by mounting in-line with your feeder. Using Permethrin to repel ants, the Ant Guard is safe for use around birds, pets, and people. To learn more about the Ant Guards available from Perky-Pet® visit http://www.birdfeeders.com/store/feeder-accessories/242.

Much like castles employed moats to keep away unwanted danger, some birdfeeders are equipped with ant moats. The small area on top of the feeder gets filled with water, which keeps ants from accessing feeding ports and disrupting a hummingbird’s feeding experience. Feeders with built-in ant moats include Garden Song® Rose Petal™ Hummingbird Feeder, Perky-Pet® Blossom Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder, and Birdscapes® Violet Meadow Hummingbird Feeder.

Bees are often problematic to hummingbird feeders because they steal food and pose a physical threat to hummers. To deter them from feeding, use a hummingbird feeder that has bee guards. Bee guards are mesh-guards that prevent bees and wasps access to the feeding ports.

If bees and wasps continue to frequent your feeders, you may want to try using a saucer-shaped feeder, such as the Oasis Feeder. With these feeders, the feeding ports are located on the top part of the feeder and the nectar level sits much lower, making the food impossible to reach by insects.

Using these options will keep your feathered friends safe, as well as keep hummingbird guests returning to your feeders.

Congratulations to Gloria, this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner! Everyone was super excited about this feeder and had such fun comments to read. Remember that we're offering a special deal so that everyone can add it to their feeder collection! Use code WB161 at checkout and you'll get 20% off this feeder through Sunday, July 10, 2011! 

Do you want to attract and feed hummingbirds? Are you amazed by these tiny feathered friends? Yes? Perfect! 

This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway features the Perky-Pet® Funnel-Fill 16 oz. Glass Hummingbird Feeder and is perfect for hosting hummingbirds. You will never have to worry about spilling again with this patented Perky-Pet® Funnel-Fill Glass Hummingbird Feeder. The recessed bottom works as a funnel for precision pouring. After filling with nectar, simply replace the plug and invert the feeder to activate the feeding ports. Four white flower feeding ports and a 16 ounce capacity make this feeder a great addition to any yard or garden. 

This feeder is a must for any birder, so we're offering a special deal so that everyone can add it to their feeder collection! Use code WB161 at checkout and you'll get 20% off this feeder through Sunday, July 10, 2011! 

Congratulations to Carol for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments! If you didn't win but you still have to have this feeder, use code WB121TF through Sunday, July 3rd and you will receive 20% off this feeder from Birdfeeders.com! Enjoy!

Happy Wednesday to you friends! We are excited to host this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway because we are offering the NEW! Perky Pet® Etched Hummingbird Top-Fill, Push-Pull Hummingbird Feeder! We know you all love the Top-Fill feeders because they are easy to use and clean, so we wanted to invite you to try and win a new design from this line!

The Perky-Pet® Etched Hummingbird Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder features our new patent-pending Push-Pull technology for effortless refilling – just push, pour, then pull-and-lock! It features an easy to fill wide mouth top and an advanced "sports bottle" like function to facilitate replenishing the nectar. The four attractive primroses on the base of this pretty feeder contain the feeding ports.

We can only offer this feeder to one winner, but we want to make sure you're all taken care of, too! Use code WB121TF through Sunday, July 3rd and you will receive 20% off this feeder from Birdfeeders.com! Enjoy!

Congratulations to Lynn! She won the two awesome feeders in this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! You too could take advantage of this week's post by getting 20% off the Birdscapes® Window Feeder and/or the Perky-Pet® Window Mount Feeder when you use code WBWINDOW!!! Check out http://www.birdfeeders.com to start shopping now!

Welcome to this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We are so happy we are officially in the summer season that we're giving away twice the birding love today! This week you have the chance to win the Birdscapes® Window Feeder and the Perky-Pet® Window Mount Feeder! Window mount feeders are great because they allow you an up-close view of birds feeding without disrupting their habitat! Submit a comment to this post by Thursday, June 23 at 12pm EST and you'll be entered to win these two awesome feeders!

We want to share birding love to those who aren't winning, too! Use code WBWINDOW from now until Sunday and you can get 20% off the Birdscapes® Window Feeder and the Perky-Pet® Window Mount Feeder! Enjoy!

Congratulations to Virginia, as she is this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner! If your fairy dust didn't work and you weren't a winner this week, we have a little magic for you! You can still get this feeder at a winning price! Use code WBW06HB for 20% off through Friday, June 17, 2011. Enjoy!

We always wished we had garden fairies to tend to our plants on the days when we just can't find the time, but have you ever wished for bird feeding fairies, too? Well folks, today is your lucky day because we are giving away the Avant® Garden Fairy Dust Hummingbird Feeder. The beautiful fairy sits among three wonderful nectar containers to keep an eye on your feathered friends! The 4.8 ounce nectar capacity among three nectar containers on this feeder allow many birds to come feast. Leave a comment on this blog post by 12 noon on Thursday, June 16, 2011 to be entered to win! Best of luck to you!

We’re all looking for new ways to attract birds to our yards. Various birdscaping tactics include new feeders, flowers, protection for birds, and materials for nesting. Although these are all great elements to bring our feathered friends flocking there is another that is extremely simple, yet often overlooked. Adding water resources for birds could be one of the most important additions to your yard.

Birds need water just as much as they need food, not only for drinking, but for bathing and cleaning their feathers. They will also use water to remove parasites from their bodies. With economic times being difficult for some and the cost of birdseed creating a barrier for some avid bird watchers; water is an inexpensive and easily accessible attractant for birds.

According to the University of Cornell Lab of Ornithology publication, BirdNotes, birds need water to survive. In fact, some birds that normally would not visit backyards for seed will visit for water.

Ways of providing water for birds can vary from very simple to extremely elaborate. You can easily fill birdbaths with water for birds to use as a bathtub and to also drink from. If you have a man-made garden pond, birds will use this the same way they would a birdbath, unless large fish or turtles reside in this pond. Some people will create small streams or waterfalls in their gardens to add a visual element to providing water for birds.

There are also feeder options for providing water to birds. Perky Pet offers a great product which has two different containers, one for seed, one for water, or two that can be filled with seed or water. A pair of cylinder glass or plastic tubes, complete with designer facets, hangs perpendicular from a decorative copper hook and creates a buffet for birds.

A supply of water also increases the value of a backyard habitat – providing an all-inclusive retreat for birds and a perfect setting to observe their behavior. Whether you like to see birds splash in a birdbath or sit at a feeding tube to quench their thirst providing drinking and bathing water for them is just as important as providing birdseed. Not only do the birds benefit from your thoughtfulness, but you will also benefit from seeing birds that wouldn’t normally visit your backyard for seed.

To learn more about the Sip and Seed Feeders visit our learning center.

Congrats to Kathy for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Use code  WB224 for 20% when checking out at birdfeeders.com and save big through tomorrow! We're excited to see you all back here next week for another awesome giveaway!

Your Wednesday just got a little more wild with the chance to win the beautiful Birdscapes® Hummingbird Oasis Feeder! With an 8 ounce nectar capacity, this gorgeous glass hummingbird feeder features red glass flower ports and a plastic nectar reservoir. Enjoy hours of delightful bird watching with this beautiful feeder, that not only you will love, but your feathered friends, too! Submit a comment to this blog post by Thursday, June 9 at 12 noon EST to be entered to win this feeder!

Do you love this feeder, and don't want to wait to see if you won? We've got you covered! Use code WB224 for 20% off this feeder through Friday, June 10, 2011!

Congratulations to Helen for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Take advantage of 20% savings on this feeder through tomorrow! Use code  WB329 when checking out atbirdfeeders.com and save big! Can't wait to see you all back here next week for another awesome giveaway!

We love our bird feeding friends in a BIG way, so this week we are giving away a BIG feeder! The awesome Birdscapes® 2-in-1 Triple Tube Feeder is up for grabs in this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway. This feeder has the ability to hold up to 11 pounds of seed and offers our feathered friends 9 feeding stations! With three different feeding tubes you can offer a variety of seed, and host the best bird buffet on the block! Submit a comment to this post by June 2, 2011 at 1 pm EST and you will be automatically entered to win! Good luck!

Running low on luck these days? We wouldn't want you to miss out on this feeder, so we're going to give you 20% off until Friday! Use code WB329 when checking out at birdfeeders.com and save big! 

Congrats to Jo for being this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner! We love how excited everyone is about providing food for their feathered friends! Head over to this product's page and use code WB81082 to get 20% off through tomorrow! 

The antique and classic design of the Perky-Pet® Antique Bottle Hummingbird Feeder makes it a top choice for hummingbirds and their admirers. You could win it during this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway by entering with a comment submitted to this blog post!

Four decorative flower feeding ports and the ability to hold 10 ounces of nectar make beauty and functionality work together seamlessly. The decorative sea green glass bottle adds charm to any garden or yard it is hung in! 

Congrats to Meg for winning this awesome feeder! Please join us next week as we will be offering a Perky-Pet classic, and one that our hummingbird friends can't resist! See you next Wednesday folks!

Ahoy mates! Welcome to this Wild Wednesday Giveaway where you'll have a chance to win an Avant® Garden Yacht Race Hummingbird Feeder. Give your feathered friends a life that is smooth sailing with this feeder that offers three feeding ports and is constructed of glass, metal, and plastic. Leave a comment for a chance to win this sea-sational feeder!

Worried you might not be the lucky winner? We won't make you walk the plank! Use code WBN05HB for 20% off this feeder until Friday! Enjoy!

The longest documented migration was 3,500 miles. The same Rufous hummingbird has been found as far north as Anchorage, Alaska and as far south as Southern Mexico! Hummingbirds don’t follow the same path when they migrate. For example, on the western side of the US, a hummingbird may migrate south through the Rocky Mountains, but choose to travel north through California when returning for the summer. Their decided path is dependent on the availability of food when traveling, such as the wild flowers in the Rockies and feeders throughout California.

Hummingbirds prepare for migration by converting extra nectar into fat to survive their long migrations. Some species add up to 30% of their body weight in fat reserves, while others can add 100%! For those who fly the 600-mile journey over the Gulf of Mexico this is especially helpful.

Hummingbirds will travel until they are able to find a quality food source. Once found, they will replenish their fat reserves for several days and then continue on their journey.

Many birders believe that hummingbird migration is directly connected to whether or not they keep their feeders out. Contrary to this belief however, hummingbirds have an internal clock that triggers their migration. The journey begins when the number of daylight hours shrinks to a certain point that triggers the bird’s brain to begin traveling.

To learn more about the incredible hummingbird migration check out Perky Pet’s latest podcast full of facts on this amazing event. Visit youtube.com/perkypet to see this great video as well as other educational pieces on our favorite feathered friends.

Congratulations to Julie for winning the Hummingbird Oasis Feeder in this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We loved seeing everyone's comments and can't wait to see them again next week. Be sure to check back next Wednesday for another chance to win, and remember you can use code WBOASIS until tomorrow for 20% off this awesome feeder!

This week we are excited to showcase our Perky-Pet® Hummingbird Oasis Feeder for our Wild Wednesday Giveaway item! Featuring six feeding ports, this feeder comes equipped with an ant moat and a 16 oz nectar capacity. Although the feeder comes with a brass hook you can also mount it on a pole depending on your feeder needs and space! 

Because we can only choose one winner, we thought we'd hook everyone else up with a special deal! Get 20% off the Perky-Pet® Hummingbird Oasis Feeder by entering code WBOASIS! This code expires Friday so be sure to act quickly!

This week's Wild Wednesday Winner is Lisa! Congratulations! Be sure to check back with us for another great giveaway next week, and in the mean time use code WB124 for 20% off the Wishing Well Hummingbird Feeder at birdfeeders.com!

Many of us are wishful thinkers, but we're thinking that you may be wishing extra hard today because we have an awesome feeder this week! This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway features the Perky-Pet® Wishing Well Hummingbird Feeder. Used for attracting and feeding hummingbirds, this feeder comes equipped with four feeding ports and holds 16 ounces of nectar in a shatter-proof bottle. 

If you'd wish to buy this feeder, or worry you may not win, we've got you covered! Use code WB124 at Birdfeeders.com to get 20% off the Perky-Pet® Wishing Well Hummingbird Feeder!

Congratulations to Terry for winning this week's WIld Wednesday Giveaway! Thank you all for your wonderful comments; we have such a great time reading them. Even if you didn't win you can still get this feeder! Just use code WBFATHOM at http://www.birdfeeders.com/store/gift-ideas/n03 and get 20% off until tomorrow! See you guys next Wednesday!

Summer will be here before we know it and we've got the beach on our minds! This ocean inspired wild bird feeder calms our spring fever and we're sure it'll help your's too! The four feeding ports on our Avant® Garden Fathom Wild Bird Feeder will keep your feathered friends happy, and, if paired with other feeders from our Nautical Collection, your backyard will remind you of an ocean front oasis. Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win this awesome product.

We've got you covered even if you're not the winner? Use code WBFATHOM until Friday, April 29, 2011 to get the Avant® Garden Fathom Wild Bird Feeder for 20% off! Visit http://www.birdfeeders.com/store/gift-ideas/n03#desc to purchase yours today!

Congratulations to Brenda for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Don't fret if you didn't win, you can get this awesome feeder for 20% off until tomorrow! Use code WB220 at http://www.birdfeeders.com/store/hummingbird-feeders/220

We are thrilled to feature the Perky-Pet® The Grand Master Hummingbird Feeder in this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway. The Perky-Pet® Grand Master Feeder features six feeding ports, a wide-mouth design and a 48 ounce nectar capacity. The clear, shatter-proof plastic reservoir of this hummingbird feeder makes it easy to monitor nectar levels, while the wide-mouth design allows for quick, easy cleaning and filling. Spend more time watching the hummers, and less time filling their feeder! Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win this awesome feeder!

Worried you may not win? Use code WB220 until Friday, April 22, 2011 to get the Perky-Pet® The Grand Master Hummingbird Feeder for 20% off! Visit http://www.birdfeeders.com/store/hummingbird-feeders/220 to purchase yours today!

Congratulations to Janet for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We enjoyed reading all of your comments and are glad you all share the same love we have for finches! Not the winner? Until this Friday, April 15th you can get 20% off the Upside Down® Goldfinch Feeder at birdfeeders.com by entering code WB736 at checkout!

Happy Wild Wednesday Giveaway, friends! This week the Birdscapes® Upside Down® Goldfinch Feeder is up for grabs! Goldfinches can feed upside down though other birds cannot, making this feeder perfect for making sure the goldfinches get their food undisturbed. And, with three pounds of seed capacity you can be sure to feed plenty of finches before having to refill! Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win this awesome feeder. 

Even if you're not a lucky winner this week you can still score a BIG deal on this feeder! From now until this Friday, April 15th you can get 20% off the Upside Down® Goldfinch Feeder at birdfeeders.com by entering code WB736 at checkout!

Congrats Jeanne, you are this week's winner! Thanks to everyone who played and for all your wonderful comments- we really enjoy reading them all! 

This week we are excited to feature our Perky-Pet® Antique Bottle Hummingbird Feeder for the Wild Wednesday Giveaway! The Perky-Pet® Antique Bottle Hummingbird Feeder holds 10 ounces of nectar and features a sea-green glass bottle with brushed silver accents. In addition, the feeder features four decorative flower feeding ports surrounding its base. This feeder is perfect for anyone looking to attract hummingbirds to their yard, just make sure to keep it filled! Submit a comment to be entered to win!

Not feeling lucky today? No worries, as a valued friend of Perky Pet we want everyone to win, so we're giving you a special deal on this feeder until Friday! Use code 8108 to get 20% off this feeder at Birdfeeders.com!

Congratulations to Sonja for being this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner! Be sure to check back next week because we're adding a twist to our weekly giveaway. One we're sure you're going to love!

We're all really excited about hummingbirds flying north to spend their summer with us, but we still love watching our seed feeding friends in our backyards! To make sure they get enough love too we are giving away a Perky-Pet® Copper Sip & Seed Bird Feeder with Seed Scoop! The Sip & Seed Feeders help bring more birds to your yard by offering water, as well as seed! Comment on this post to be entered to win!

Congratulations to Rebecca for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Everyone is excited for hummers to return and your comments certainly are making us more anxious for their arrival! Next week we will have another chance to win, so be sure to keep checking our Facebook page!

Are you hoping to get more hummers in your backyard this summer? This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway is sure to help you do that. The Perky-Pet® Double Decker Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder is stocked with 8 feeding ports and can hold 26 ounces of nectar! Talk about a birdie buffet! This feeder's Top Fill technology allows you to easily refill the nectar supply when needed, and makes keeping up with the hummingbird's feeding demands a cinch. Submit a comment to this post and you could be a lucky winner!

Congrats to Andy for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Be sure to join us next week as a little birdie told me there will be another chance to win a great product from Perky Pet!

Another week, another Wild Wednesday Giveaway, but this week it is a little different… You'll get the chance to win TWO feeders this week! Submit a comment to this post for a chance to win a Birdscapes® Window Feeder and a Perky-Pet® Window Mount Feeder, and keep both your seed eating and nectar eating feathered friends happy! Bird watching is so easy and fun with these window mounted feeders. Simply attach to any window and watch the birds from the comfort of your chair! 

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is also a good sign spring is present, especially if you live in the northern United States. Adult males sport emerald green plumage on their backs with ruby red on their throats. They begin arriving to their spring and summer destinations in late March until mid May, as they follow flowers blooming northward. Because they are quite curious and inquisitive birds, they are easily drawn to feeders.

Canada and Wilson Warblers make their appearance between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, with Yellow-rumped Warblers completing their migration a bit earlier. The latter is a sizable bird with a large head and a long, narrow tail. Varieties of Warblers include colorful plumage consisting of yellow, red, blue, black, gray, brown or orange!

The medium-sized songbird known as the Baltimore Oriole lives and breeds in open woodland areas or heavily wooded urban areas. With a length of 6.5-7 inches, the Baltimore Oriole can be attracted to your backyard feeders using oranges, nectars, or peanut butter.

All of the birds mentioned above make their presence known in the spring, but to ensure that you have a great backyard bird watching experience hang a variety of feeders to attract all types. Hanging feeders to accommodate seed-eating birds, hummingbirds, and orioles will bring an assortment of feathered friends to your yard.
 

Congratulations to this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner, Mary! We can tell you're all super excited about birding and we love that! Check back next week for a chance to win again!

Home is where the heart is, and your feathered friends will be longing to visit your home with this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway. The Perky-Pet® Squirrel-Be-Gone II Home Style Wild Bird Feeder features a weight activated perch bar that closes to prevent squirrels from accessing the seed supply. Adjustable springs can be calibrated to accommodate different birds sizes and keep away nuisance birds as well as squirrels. This Squirrel-Be-Gone™ feeder comes in a classic home style design with all metal construction and a removable roof peak for easy filling and is the perfect addition to any yard or garden. 

Congrats to Susan for being the winner of this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway. We love how excited everyone is for the return of the hummingbirds! Check back next week for another chance to win!

The sun is shining, stems are making their way through soil, and birds are chirping. What else can we do to make today any better? You got it, a fantastic Wild Wednesday Giveaway! This week we are featuring our Birdscapes® Violet Meadow Hummingbird Feeder which attracts hummingbirds with its delicate style and floral design. The hand-painted glass nectar container, four bee resistant feeding ports, an ant moat, and an 8 oz. nectar capacity will keep you hummers happy! Submit a comment for a chance to win this awesome feeder!

Congratulations Amy for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We loved getting to read everyone's comments and look forward to hearing all the avian excitement next week again! Be sure to check back next Wednesday!

The hummingbirds will be heading north soon, which is why this week's Giveaway would be the perfect addition to any yard! The Birdscapes® Looking Glass Hummingbird Feeder is a beautiful hummingbird feeder and features a durable, tempered tinted glass nectar container and 4 copper flower feeding ports. The nectar container holds 32 oz of nectar – plenty for all of the hummingbirds who will flock to it! Submit a comment to this week's Giveaway and be entered to win this great product!

Congratulations to Trish for being this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner! Thank you all for playing and be sure to join us again next week, as we have another awesome prize up for grabs!

This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway features the Avant® Garden Sun Catcher Hummingbird Feeder! This beautiful feeder reminds us so much of the warm summer sun and we just had to share it with you! With four feeding ports, this decorative Oasis style hummingbird feeder, with its bright red sun, is sure to attract the tiny birds from around the neighborhood. Submit a comment to this blog post and you could win – which we're sure will brighten your day : )

The other day the seed level in my feeders was incredibly low. Actually, a few of them were empty. My mother let me know this was unacceptable and she mumbled something like “What if I didn’t feed you when you were little.” She’s a huge advocate of the avian race. Being the researching type, I sat at my laptop and did some reading on why keeping your feeders filled was so important. I thought I’d share what I found with you.

When the days get shorter and temperatures get lower it is more important than ever to fill your feeders. Insects take off in the winter and are very scarce. Birdseed becomes one of very few food sources for birds to eat.

Birds also need water, like humans, on a daily basis to remain healthy and happy. During the winter finding water sources is especially hard for birds because most ponds and rivers freeze in the frigid temperatures. After researching, I was able to find birdbaths that are built with heaters that keep water from freezing in low temperatures. Even in snowy conditions, users of these birdbaths were pleased to find feathered friends frolicking in their pools!

You can also put the water source in an area with direct sunlight, where during the day the sun is able to melt the water. If you own a Sip & Seed it would be wise to pole mount the feeder where the sun hits around 11:30. This allows for the sun to help melt the ice when temperatures are at a high. This is a cheap and easy way to help your birds get the water they need!

By keeping your yard stocked with the necessities crucial to a healthy life, birds will continue to visit you even in the coldest of months!

Congratulations to Becky for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Everyone's comments were great and we can tell we're not the only ones excited for the hummingbirds to return! Check back next week as there will be another chance to win an awesome Perky Pet feeder and you'll receive it just in time to welcome the little birds north!

The Perky-Pet® Round Glass Hummingbird Feeder is the star of this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Perfect for attracting and feeding hummingbirds, this delightful, unusual hummingbird feeder with its 2 bee-resistant feeding stations will invite your tiny feathered friends to feast! Submit a comment on this post and you could be the lucky winner of this beautiful hummingbird feeder!

If you’re like me, you find a ton of joy in watching birds gather at your feeders. In the summer, it’s the hummingbirds. I love watching their territorial nature and the dive-bombing. In the fall and winter, it’s the finches and the cardinals that are especially enjoyable for me to watch. Their beauty can bring life to a dull day and add a pop of color to my yard. Squirrels, in my opinion, have found a way to make enjoying this scene nearly impossible.

Squirrel proofing bird feeders is extremely important because not only does it help the birds enjoy the feeders, but it helps you enjoy the birds! One of the easiest ways to squirrel-proof your feeder is to check its location. I like hanging my feeders on branches, but found it helpful to keep them at least 10 feet from the tree trunk and large limbs. Keeping them at least 4 feet above ground level has helped keep squirrels from jumping up to them as well!

If you’re more a fan of pole mounting your feeder purchase one that is at least 5.5 feet high, so that after you put the pole a foot into the ground you still have the feeder sitting higher than 4 feet off the ground.

Squirrel baffles are an easy deterrent for squirrels as well. You may want to try the Perky-Pet^® Squirrel Baffel and place it above or below the feeder to keep squirrels away. The baffles are domes that can be found in clear or a wide range of colors.  There are also special feeders you can purchase that are known to be squirrel proof, meaning that they are specially manufactured to prevent squirrels from being able to get the seeds from the feeder. This doesn’t mean they won’t try though, and could result in your birds not visiting when a squirrel is around.

Havahart^® Brand makes a great squirrel repellent called Critter Ridder^®. This can also be used on the ground near your feeder or sprayed on the branches above your feeder to keep the squirrels away.

Personally, using a baffle and locating the feeder correctly have done wonders for my feathered friends and me! It is much more pleasant to look out the window and watch birds feeding rather than squirrel acrobatics.

Have you gone to great lengths to keep squirrels from your birdseed? Share with readers below by posting a comment!

Congratulations to Cindi for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Everyone shared such wonderful comments and we can't wait to see more next week. Check back on Wednesday, February 9th, for another chance to win an awesome product from Perky Pet!

Time for another Wild Wednesday Giveaway and this week the Birdscapes® Landmark Hummingbird Feeder is up for grabs! This beautiful feeder features a durable, fluted, tinted glass nectar container, an integrated perch, and a hand-finished metal base cover and flower feeding stations.  The nectar container has a 10 oz. nectar capacity and is easy to clean! Submit a comment to this post and you could win!

Congratulations to Dave for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We loved seeing every comment that was submitted. Please join us next week for a chance to win a wonderful Perky Pet product!

Your feathered friends will be delighted to dine at this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway prize – the Birdscapes® Deluxe Grandview Feeder! This innovative feeder has 12 feeding stations whose metal ports and perches are squirrel resistant and boasts a large 8 lb seed capacity. Its Evenseed Technology features 3 independent seed compartments so ports stay active longer and allows for 3 types of seed to attract multiple birds. Comment on this blog post and you could win this awesome feeder!

Over the millions of years this earth has been in existence most species have learned to better adapt to their environments. I have always been amazed at how some animals have taken elements in their surroundings and used them as tools to make surviving easier. When it comes to birds, many migrate in order to have greater accessibility to food or to return to certain regions for mating. There are a few birds you may be familiar with that do not migrate, or are better known as resident birds.

Doves, for example, are resident birds. They feed on seeds, fruits, and insects and build flimsy nests in shrubbery, trees, or on ledges. Most of us are familiar with their family member, the pigeon, and if you’ve ever been to New York you’re well aware they do not leave. This is due to their ability to feed off scraps from the public.

Bullfinches are another resident bird that have been known to eat outside their normal diet in order to survive winter’s scarcity.  Generally the bullfinch feeds on seeds and berries, making it a nuisance to orchards, but during the winter when these items are not generally abundant they can be found feeding from poultry carcasses.

Blackbirds have been known to use natural elements as tools. They have been spotted using twigs to clear snow from their home and their food source.

The goose is both a migratory and resident bird. The creation of manmade water ways and communities available for feeding geese have created environments where geese feel comfortable living year round. Unlike the previously mentioned feathered friends, some people are not as happy about geese making permanent residence in their neighborhoods. Goose droppings and confrontational behavior have caused a disruption in some communities.

Birds employ various nesting techniques to stay warmer through the winter months. They will use fabric or cotton pieces to create bedding and will also find homes located towards the south west to have better heating. This allows for a nest or birdhouse to be solar heated during the afternoon before nightfall.

Many birds will fly south in the winter for better survival rates, but many birds do not. It is important for us, as humans, to welcome these resident birds in our yards by offering them food, water, and shelter. In return, they give us a wonderful display of wildlife we can peacefully watch from our own homes!

Congratulations to Carolyn for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Be sure to check back next Wednesday for another chance to win an awesome Perky Pet product!

Happy Wild Wednesday Giveaway birders! This week we have a beautiful Perky-Pet® Hummingbird Oasis Feeder up for grabs! The Hummingbird Oasis Feeder is great for attracting and feeding hummingbirds and can be hung or pole mounted. Complete with six feeding ports and an ant moat you can be sure your tiny feathered friends will dine in style! Submit a comment to be featured on this post and you could win. Good luck!

We would like to congratulate Nancy for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway. We can't wait to play again next week and see all the comments you have to share with us. See you next Wednesday birders!

Happy Wild Wednesday to you! This week we are giving away the Perky Pet® Primrose Top-Fill, Push-Pull Hummingbird Feeder! This feeder features our Push-Pull technology for effortless refilling -just push, pour, then pull-and-lock!  It features an easy to fill wide mouth top and an advanced "sports bottle" like function to facilitate replenishing the nectar.  Having this beautiful feeder in your yard is a must! Submit a comment to this post and you could win. Good luck!

I enjoy a nice fire, or a cozy blanket, or both during cold winter nights. In January, I also like putting my car heat the whole way up and pretending I’m in Florida on my drive to work. Could you imagine spending 24/7 outside during the winter? No thanks!

Birds were made for the winter, and they can survive it, but I personally like to help them out a bit!

Late November, early December is generally the time I begin to place a few birdhouses outside. I usually pick up one or two over the summer and save them until the winter to put up. This is a great time because it offers the birds a winter home and allows them to begin creating a nesting place for the spring. Placing the birdhouses facing the southwest has helped my little friends to heat their homes in the afternoon before the sun falls. I also place them away from feeding areas so that when nesting and mating begins the birds will have safe havens to keep their families.  

Additionally, I supply my yard with a few basics to help the birds furnish their homes. Keeping some leaves on the lawn creates an element for birds to move to their shelter to help keep them warm. I like to hang a clump of cotton for birds to pick at and take to their new home. This cotton comes in handy for the birds year round and often needs to be replenished two or three times a year. Birds love to use it to create nests and to add to their birdhouses.

You too, can create shelter for your birds by taking a closer look at your shrubs. Do you hate pruning and thinning them at the start of winter? Do you really care if they look a little less polished? You don’t? PERFECT! By not pruning your shrubs you are able to keep a habitat that offers great protection from the elements and predators for birds. The closely packed greenery allows little nooks for birds to nestle in during windy days and snowy nights.

Whether you go hog wild buying birdhouses or do little to maintain your shrubs, the birds visiting your backyard will be grateful! Keeping your property prepped for a feathered friend’s stay in winter will keep your visitors coming back for more!

Congratulations to Kirsten for winning the first Wild Wednesday Giveaway of 2011! We are sure she'll love adding this feeder to her backyard and can't wait to offer another fabulous Perky Pet product for you guys next week. Be sure to check back next Wednesday to submit a comment and be entered to win!

Today is the first Wednesday of the new year and it is time to get wild! Submit a comment to this blog post and you could win a free Perky-Pet® Wishing Well Hummingbird Feeder compliments of your friends at Perky Pet and http://www.birdfeeders.com . We can't wait to read everyone's comments, and we will announce a winner tomorrow!

Congrats to Jamie for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We are so excited to read everyone's comments every week and are excited to do it again next week. Be sure to join us for another fabulous Wild Wednesday Giveaway!

This week we're offering a classic Perky Pet product for our Wild Wednesday Giveaway. Every hummingbird enthusiast needs a Perky-Pet® Our Best Feeder and this week it could be yours! Just post a comment on this blog entry and you could win this awesome feeder along with our nectar. Good luck, folks!

Congratulations to Tena for being this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner! We are so happy to have so many participants and to read so many great comments. Be sure to check back next Wednesday for a Perky Pet Classic!

With Christmas right around the corner and the hustle and bustle in high gear we thought we'd give you an extra special giveaway today. Two products could be your's by commenting on this blog post! Up for grabs this week is the Avant™ Garden Heritage Collection Small Gift Set complete with the Avant Garden® Patriot Wild Bird Feeder and the Avant Garden™ Harvest hummingbird feeder! Best of luck to you all!

We all know the 12 Days of Christmas tune and most of us sing it at least once a year. In this post we’d like to take a look at the sixth day of Christmas and put the goose under a microscope. So, lets check out the Canadian Goose.

If you reside anywhere near a lake, a river, a pond, a park or a farm we’re sure you’ve seen the Canada Goose at some point in your life. This bird has a black head and neck with white cheeks and chinstrap, and a brown back.

Native to North America, the Canadian Goose breeds in Canada and northern regions of the U.S.  The Great Lakes region is home to one of the largest populations of Canadian Goose.

As the lakes and ponds and waterways in Canada and the Northern United States freeze, the Canadian Goose flies south in an effort to find food. Depending on how far north the geese live, their migration will begin in late August or early September. A flock will fly during the day or even at night, and as days get shorter they begin to eat more so they can form a layer of body fat and keep warm.

An interesting twist in this migration pattern has taken place as of late. The removal of natural predators in many areas has made the Canadian Goose rethink its migration all together. This is also contributed to availability of safe manmade bodies of water such as ponds on golf courses, parks, and gated communities. Areas of Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina have become permanent residence to flocks of Canadian Geese and are home to them year round! This has created problems in residential areas as community members aren’t pleased by the amount of geese droppings or the Canadian Goose’s aggressive approach.

The diet of this bird is generally just vegetation, but they will from time to time eat small insects and fish.  In their second year of life, the Canadian Goose will find a mate and generally remain monogamous with this mate for life. The only reason a goose will find a new mate is if the current mate is killed.  A female can lay anywhere between 3-8 eggs and will share her time with her mate incubating them.

Knowing all this may add some insight to your thoughts the next time you hum or sing the 12 Days of Christmas. Six geese a laying could come out with a brood of 18 to 48 new geese! From the whole crew at Perky Pet we wish you a fabulous holiday season!

This week's prize was a hot item! Congratulations to Josh for being randomly selected. Please join us again next week for another chance to win a wonderful feeder from Perky-Pet!

Thank you for visiting our Wild Wednesday Giveaway! This week we are featuring the Avant™ Garden Fairy Dust Hummingbird Feeder, which is a great addition to any yard or garden! We can't wait to see everyone's comments!

Welcome to Part 2 of "10 Gifts for the Birding Enthusiast!" If you're not sure what to give the bird lover in your life, we have excellent gift ideas for you! From bird feeding essentials to bird watching tools you will find something to give your birding friend!

6. Hummingbird Nectar – Perky-Pet® Original Instant Nectar is a must have for anyone who enjoys visits from hummingbirds. With no boiling required, and six individual packets per package you’ll have easy access to refilling feeders.

7. Digital Camera – The DMC-G10K from Panasonic’s Lumix line is a splurge, but it is totally worth it. The Intelligent ISO Control automatically adjusts the shutter speed to help prevent blur if the subject (i.e. hummingbird or finch) moves as your clicking away.

8. Perky Pet Bird Bath  - Birding friends or goddesses of the garden will appreciate the Birdscapes® Cobblestone Hanging Birdbath in their outdoor oasis. The sturdy construction and rust-resistant hanging hardware creates a reliable location for birds to frolic and play.

9. Stokes Field Guide to Birds – From the beginner to the expert, a Stoke’s Field Guide is always appreciated. The Field Guide’s fast-access color tab index makes looking up various birds a cinch.

10. Seed Feeder with Feed  - When the squirrels play, the birds stay away. Bird lovers have gone to great lengths to keep feeders squirrel proof, but venture no more – meet the Perky-Pet® Fortress® The Breakaway Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder. Bird lovers will no longer have to battle squirrels, but instead enjoy the birds.

 If you shop PerkyPet.com from November 26 – December 31 and your subtotal is $50 or more  you will get a free bag of seed!  Now that’s a great bonus for your friend’s feathered friends!

With the holidays approaching you may be scrambling to get your bird enthusiast friends a gift they’ll love. Sure, a partridge in a pear tree or six geese a laying might brighten their holiday season, but we found 10 gifts that are affordable and guaranteed to please.

1. “Bird Watchers Digest” Subscription – For just $19.99 you can give your birding enthusiast a printed subscription to “Bird Watchers Digest” and get the online digital version for free!  Not only that, if you order online you can create a free e-Card to send to your birdwatcher notifying, them of the gifted subscription.

2. Nikon 10-22X50 Binoculars – Sometimes it isn’t what always meets the eye. Quick central focusing and sharp multicoated optics for superb contrast and vivid color come at a very fair price. For a double surprise, throw the Binocular Harness in their stocking! For $17.95 you won’t break the bank, and your loved one won’t suffer from sore shoulders!

3. Wingscapes Birdcam – They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but with this nifty tool you can’t put a number on it. The Audubon BirdCam uses “Smart Sensor” technology to detect an animal’s presence in your yard and snaps photos without getting a ton of empty frames.

4. Perky Pet® Hummingbird Feeder – Give your friends the Perky-Pet® “Our Best” Feeder for their bird watching amusement. Then gather around to watch the natural beauty of these tiny fliers as they flit around and dive bomb each other for food.

5. Eagle Creek Pack-It Sack – Keep maps, field guides, and gadgets by your side on a rainy day with the Eagle Creek Pack-It Sack. The waterproof Spill-resistant LinkSeal™ Mesh keeps your documents and techie tools dry.

Be sure to check back for the remaining top 5! You won't want to fly the coup without looking at these!

Congratulations to Melissa Patton for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Thank you for all your comments folks, and be sure to check back next Wednesday for another chance to win an awesome feeder!

Welcome to this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We are excited to announce that the Avant™ Garden English Garden Bird Feeder is up for grabs! Submit a comment on this blog post and you'll automatically be entered to win. Good luck folks!

Western Grebes are large, elegant swan-looking birds that are best identified by black feathers surrounding their red eyes, and their long yellow-green bills. They are furry looking birds, and were once hunted for their tough, fur-like white feathers.

Most Western Grebes spend the winter on the Pacific Coast and live on lakes in more western states. They nest in colonies of hundreds on large inland lakes or coastal marshes. Their diet consists of carp, herring, mollusks, crabs, and salamanders. They build floating nests and carry their babies on their backs beneath their wing feathers.

It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the Western Grebe and the Clark’s Grebe. The way to determine the difference is by their bills. Clark’s have bright yellow-orange bills, while Western Grebes have yellow-green bills.

Seeing this beautiful large bird is a rare sight in Tennessee, as they don’t normally nest so far east. Keep your eye out… you never know when you might spot one!
 

Here are some types of bird houses that specific species nest in.

Blue Birds houses are quite simple, with a small entrance hole and large roof for extra protection. Blue birds’ boxes are commonly taken over by other small birds like House Sparrows, and because their population is declining, it is important to include a cone-shaped predator guide and monitor the activity around the nest box.

(Picture by Memotions)

Purple Martins nest in colonies, so their bird houses are very different. Depending on how many you want to attract, you must build them in multiple levels. These houses are usually rounded, and should feature a protective roof as well. You can also simply hang several gourds in a cluster. This will help your chances of hosting some Purple Martins!

(Picture by bgottsab)

To attract Wrens, the most important aspect of the bird house is the hole. Make sure the diameter is 1 1/4” which is large enough for all types of Wrens and Black-Capped Chickadees to use, but too small for House Sparrows. Tree Swallows will also use this type of house. 

(Picture by donjd2)

If you would like to watch Robins, Barn Swallows or Phoebes nesting, you won’t need a house. These birds nest on shelves or ledges. However, you can still attract them by building a platform yourself. All you need is a floor with a little border around it and a back piece for attaching it to your porch or under an eave. Blue Jays, Mourning Doves and Cardinals like me will also use nesting platforms. If you find a nest around your house, try not to disturb it. Moving it can be illegal, as some species of birds are protected by law. Birds will not abandon the nest if you touch it, but if they see you getting too close, they may leave eggs that aren’t hatched.

 (Photo by bagaball)

If you are interested in building your own bird houses, here is a useful chart outlining floor size, box height, height above the ground and entrance hole diameter sizes for different species.  Goodluck and happy birding!

Congratulations to Treva for being this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We are thankful for all your comments and your participation! Check back next week!

It is Wednesday and it is time to get WILD! This week is extra fun because we will be announcing our winner on Thanksgiving… is there a better way to spend your holiday than to win a fabulous birdfeeder courtesy of Perky Pet? Up for grabs this week is a Birdscapes® Mountain Chapel Wild Bird Feeder! Perfect for any size yard this feeder will bring all types of wild birds! Post a comment to be entered to win, and from all of us at Perky Pet, we wish you a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday!

Here are some ideas for getting your yard ready for the birds that stick around for the colder months.

Give your bird feeders and bird houses a thorough cleaning and fix anything that may be broken. You can also add weather guards or roofs to your feeders to keep the food from getting too wet. Before the first snowstorm, move your feeders closer to your house so you won’t need to walk far to fill them.

When it’s cold birds not only need seed, but food that is rich in oil, fat, and calories to add to their body fat and keep them warm.  Hang high-calorie suet along with your seed! Remember, seed is a staple food for winter birds because insects are not available. Offer a wide variety of seeds to attract different species.

Bird baths are great in the summer, but what about in the winter? We still need water to drink and bathe! A heated bird bath can be a great perk for any bird in the winter. This can be the key to getting a great bird-watching experience too. Much energy is wasted finding water sources in the winter, so if you provide the source, you are sure to attract various species!

An easy, green way to help winter birds with shelter is to recycle your Christmas tree in your back yard. This helps them stay warm during the night and during snowstorms.

If you provide these things, winter birds will be sure to stop by and provide you with a great bird-watching experience all winter long!

http://blackhillstravelblog.com/obnt

However, the orange-billed nightingale-thrush was recently spotted in South Dakota, and birders everywhere rushed to catch a glimpse. It was first spotted in a parking lot of the Iron Creek Trailhead in Spearfish Canyon, where a visiting birder heard the thrush’s unique flute-like singing.  As of July 24, over 200 people from 25 states and two Canadian provinces traveled to the Black Hills to hear and see this rare bird. 

This sighting is still a mystery, as the orange-billed nightingale-thrush does not migrate unless it is a short-distance migration to lower elevations in winter. In South Dakota, it was 1,500 miles farther north than it had ever been. Birders believe that the thrush may have come to South Dakota with a similar species, the Swainson’s Thrush, because they migrate north to Spearfish Canyon in the summer.

The orange-billed nightingale-thrush sings 16 hours per day, and is normally seen and heard in places like Venezuela and Northern Mexico. It is about the size of a bluebird, with a white throat and breast and an orange bill and eye-ring. Its diet includes earthworms, anthropods, snails, and some berries and fruit. It normally forages on the ground. Although rare to the United States, the orange-billed nightingale-thrush is not an endangered species.

Congratulations to Betsy for being this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway winner! We were so happy to read all the great comments from everyone. Thank you so much for playing and check back next Wednesday for another chance to win!

This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway offers the chance to win the coveted Perky-Pet® Copper Triple Tube Bird Feeder! This feeder, valued at $74.99, could be yours if your post is selected in today's Giveaway! With 12 feeding ports, and the ability to hold 10 pounds of seed across its three tubes, the Perky-Pet® Copper Triple Tube Bird Feeder can be pole mounted or hang mounted, and is a great addition to any yard!

Congratulations to Mary Wester for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! Thank you for all the wonderful comments. We love being able to see your enthusiasm every week. See you all next week!

This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway is a ton of fun! The Birdscapes® Fly-Through Gazebo is perfect for attracting and feeding wild birds. Enjoy hours of entertainment as you watch birds fly in, around, and through this gazebo bird feeder!

Congratulations to N. Hansen for winning this week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway! We loved reading everyone's comments and hope to see you again next week!

Today is Wednesday and we're feeling wild! This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway offers the Garden Song® Panorama! With Evenseed Technology and our Sure-Lock™ cap you can attract more birds while keeping squirrels out!We can't wait to see all the comments!

However, many different species may land on or check out another bird’s nest. Other birds may even take over a nest started by another species. If two species are laying claim to a nest, both of their eggs could be in it at the same time. Also, unless the nest is removed after each season, material from previous nestings can confuse any identification.

Some birds, such as House Sparrows and House Wrens, have a tendency to enter a bird box or nest to attack the nester. Usually these birds make themselves very visible by sitting on the box. House Sparrows are non-native, invasive pests and are not protected by law. They will attack and kill adult bluebirds and destroy eggs and young. Therefore, you may legally remove or destroy a House Sparrow’s nest. If you have a blue bird box, keep an eye out for House Sparrow invasions.

With all of the nesting confusion, the eggs are the easiest way to tell what sort of bird’s nest you’ve found. Wild bird’s eggs have different colors, markings, sizes, shapes, and glosses to them. For example, House Sparrows’ eggs are a cream tint with irregular fine brown speckles. The shell is smooth with a slight gloss. However, the size and thickness of spots vary. Tree swallows’ eggs are pure white with a pointy end.

Observe the nests and take pictures, but do not touch them unless they have been discarded. In many areas, it is illegal to disturb the nests of wild birds.  

Nest and egg description charts come in handy for an amateur. Various resources are available online.

Keep an eye on your nests—the eggs will hatch within two to three weeks!
 

This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway features the Avant™ Garden Moon Dust Wild Bird Feeder. The celestial designs on this tube feeder will be sure to attract many wild birds, as well as attention from guests visiting your home! 

This Wild Wednesday Giveaway features the Birdscapes® Pine Gazebo Feeder. Its classic gazebo design is great for feeding wild birds and it holds up to three pounds of birdseed!

The number one lure is, of course, food. Be sure to refill your bird feeders consistently throughout the season. Your bird feeders need to be cleaned regularly because fresh seed is more attractive to birds. Clean bird feeders also help thwart the spread of diseases that birds may spread to their wintering grounds.

As far as feed, offer the birds a wide variety of foods to ensure that all different types of birds have something to eat. To attract the most birds, include seed, suet, and fruit. You can also plant fruit-bearing trees which offer a natural food source. Fruit that stays on the trees in the winter is great for winter birds. Planting late blooming flowers, a natural food source, will also attract birds as a visual indication of a nice resting spot.

If you prune your trees, make a pile of brush for an instant shelter. Birds are always concerned about a safe area to rest. Birdhouses should also be left standing so that traveling birds can use them as shelter to stay warm at night.

By taking these steps, you have a chance to be a part of the migrations that occur twice a year and can get some great bird watching in!

Congrats to LW for winning this week's WIld Wednesday Giveaway! Thanks to everyone who played and for all you're wonderful comments. We really enjoyed reading them!

Our Wild Wednesday Giveaway this week features the Perky-Pet Paul Revere Bird Feeder! This colonial looking bird feeder pays tribute to the famous ride and single lantern of the brave patriot and silversmith, and is perfect for a bird watching history buff! Best of luck!

They're also one of the most beautiful species I've seen.  A birdwatcher named Greg Lavaty posted an extensive collection of whistling duck photographs I found with a simple Google search.  Have a look and be blown away!

Appearance

The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is seldom confused with any other species in its range.  The long pink legs, bright pink bill, and big black eyes cast a pretty memorable figure.

Males and females share the same colorings.  Juveniles have a less contrasting midsection and a gray bill.  

Mating

Like geese and swans, Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks form strong monogamous pair-bonds and stay together for years.  This behavior is rare among ducks.

Pair-bonded individuals share all child-rearing duties, from keeping eggs warm to the rearing of ducklings.

Nesting

Primarily "cavity-nesters", whistling-ducks prefer hollowed out trees, chimneys, abandoned buildings, and nest boxes.  If none of these are available they will nest on the ground.  

Ducklings can leave the nest about 2 days after hatching and stay with parents for around 8 weeks before going out on their own.  

If you see a Black-bellied Whistling-Duck in the Southern US you're in luck!
 

This eye-catching ocean-inspired wild bird feeder will draw both compliments and birds to your backyard. This weeks Wild Wednesday Giveaway, features our Avant Garden™ Fathom seed feeder from our Nautical Collection. Good luck!

The flyways follow the topographical features of the United States in a north-to-south direction.  The main flyway routes depend on the boundaries on either side. Food, shelter, and an abundance of water make these routes ideal for birds that are just passing through.

The Atlantic Flyway

This artery follows the eastern coast of the US from the Bahamas to the tip of Maine, with major migration routes intersecting in Southern South Carolina and the Delaware Bay.

The Mississippi Flyway

You can think of the Mississippi Flyway as one big funnel, with the bowl extending upwards and outwards from the intersection of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and the narrow part following the path of the Mississippi towards the Gulf of Mexico.

The Central Flyway

The main route of the Central Flyway follows the east side of the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Southern Colorado, where it moves across Oklahoma and Eastern Texas to continue down the Texas Gulf coast into Mexico.  A second, smaller artery follows the west side of the Rockies and intersects with the main route in Northern Texas.

The Pacific Flyway

This route hugs the Pacific Coast, with a minor migration route right beside the western artery of the Central Flyway and intersecting in northern Oregon, central California, and the California-Mexican border.
Some people still follow the old myth that if you keep your bird feeders hanging past Labor Day, birds will not migrate because they stay around and eat the food you supply. We encourage you to keep your feeders out and full since in actuality you are providing birds the food and fuel that are necessary for their migration trip.

Do you see any migratory birds fly over your home?

There are eight videos total and each segment features a new topic and provides excellent tips and information just for you!

Video 1: Introduction
Video 2: Types of Wild bird feeders
Video 3: Types of hummingbird feeders
Video 4: Adding water
Video 5: Birdscaping
Video 6: Feeding accessories
Video 7: Keeping your feeders clean
Video 8: Types of food

Did you know…

Feeding wild birds is the second most popular hobby in the United States today – second only to gardening. It is estimated that over 57 Million people feeder birds in the US – and we’ve been feeding them for over 150 years! It is believed that feeding wild birds started in the winter to help supplement a scarce food supply. It has quickly become a year round hobby as people experience the joy and wonderment of experiencing wildlife up close and personal. It’s an easy hobby to start as long as you keep in mind that wild birds need four basic things – food, shelter, water and a place to safely raise their young.

Increase your "views" with our Perky-Pet® Grandview Seed Silo feeder! This weeks Wild Wednesday Giveaway, features 12 feeding stations and our EVENFEED system, which consists of three independent seed compartments so ports stay active longer and attract more and different birds. Good luck!

Common Viruses & Diseases among Wild Birds
West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is a virus that can spread to humans, dogs, cats and many other types of mammals. Birds are intermediate carriers of the virus; in fact, most mosquitoes become infected after biting infected birds; later transmitting the virus to other animals and humans. The CDC reports that over 200 species of birds have been known to be infected by West Nile virus.

The incubation period for West Nile Virus is anywhere from 5 to 15 days.

Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is an upper respiratory disease caused by a fungus called Aspergillus. Aspergillus grows in warm moist areas and the spores of the fungus travel through the air and is later inhaled by the birds. Not all birds who inhale the fungus get the disease; however, birds with low immune systems are easily affected. Wild birds who have already been affected by environmental factors such as stress, poor nutrition and other illnesses may be predisposed to the disease.

Birds with Aspergillosis may lose their appetite, have difficulty breathing or even die. The fungus affects their air sacs and trachea syrinx. While most companion birds are highly resistant to this fungus, it can be a deadly disease to wild birds.

Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is an infection that comes from the Salmonella bacteria. While you have probably heard of humans contracting salmonella poisoning from eating food not properly prepared or refrigerated incorrectly; it is common for feeder birds to contract Salmonellosis, causing gastroenteritis and diarrhea.

Salmonellosis is spread through droppings which can easily contaminate your birdfeeder and birdbaths. The best way to keep these bacteria from spreading is to ensure you clean and disinfect birdfeeders and birdbaths regularly.

Preventing Wild Bird Diseases- Bird Feeder Tips
Overcrowded birdfeeders are a breeding place for disease. To help prevent the spread of disease, consider spreading out your bird feeders. Another way you can help prevent the spread of disease is by cleaning them regularly with a mixture of vinegar and water, making sure to rinse them well. If you find a large amount of birds are flocking to one particular feeder, consider putting up additional feeders to lower the excessive use.

You will want to clean your birdfeeders every other week to ensure disease and bacteria are not being spread through your feeder.

What to Do If You Find a Dead Bird
If you find a dead bird, the CDC recommends you contact your local or state health department and wait for instructions on reporting or disposing of the bird. Never pick up a dead bird with your bare hands. If you need to dispose of a dead bird, always use gloves and double bag it.

The event, one of the largest in the U.S., offers a little bit of something for all ages. Over the long weekend there are daily keynote speakers discussing not only hummingbirds, but other types of birds, butterflies, and so on. Bus and boat birding trips, hummingbird trips, and self-guided hummingbird home tours are offered.

If you've never witnessed hummingbird banding it's a spectacular experience – one not to be missed! This activity is also available at the event. In addition, there is plenty of time to do some shopping at the hummingbird mall, which holds over 80 exhibitors selling bird-related products and offering educational materials as well.

And that's not all… there are many other activities offered – perfect for bird lovers.

Perky-Pet® has sponsored the event for the past two years and take it from us – it is well worth it! See our pictures from this years event by visiting our flickr page, or view the videos on our YouTube channel. To purchase or find out more about Perky-Pet® products visit our website Birdfeeders.com.

For up-to-date information visit the event site at www.rockporthummingbird.com

 

Bring a down home, Americana feeling to your back yard by inviting birds with this weeks Wild Wednesday Giveaway, featuring our Avant Garden™ Cupola Wild Bird Feeder! This feeder comes from our Heritage Collection of feeders and we think it's very special – good luck!

Just in time for fall… This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway features our Squirrel-Be-Gone III seed feeder.  Perfect for those of you who have squirrel visitors or for those who appreciate a stylish, yet effective feeder!

This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway features our Deluxe Rose Petal glass hummingbird feeder.  Perfect for those of you who have some late season visitors, or those that are lucky enough to host hummingbirds all year long!

This week's Wild Wednesday Giveaway features our Grandview seed feeder.  The unique feature of this feeder is that each of the seed compartments can be filled with a different type of seed, inviting more variety of birds to feast!