Duncraft Bird Feeders

Doves and Pigeons - Problems at Bird Feeders

2010-11-28T21:34:00.001-08:00

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We are often asked by our customers what can be done about the large flocks of pigeons or doves which come in and wipe out the seed at their bird feeding stations. These birds are much larger in size than most feeder birds and they tend to travel to feeding stations in large numbers. We often have flocks of up to 80 Mourning Doves at our own station during the winter. These birds do not crack or hull their seeds like most other birds. They eat them whole and can eat large amounts in a very short time. Their size, coupled with their feeding habits can certainly make pigeons and doves a big problem at bird feeders.

As large a problem as they are, there are ways to avoid feeding large flocks of pigeons and doves. These birds tend to like certain seeds including white proso millet, milo, oats and cracked corn. By using seed mixes with smaller amounts or none of these seeds you will be helping to discourage them. Pigeons and doves like to feed on the ground or on platform or flat bird feeders. Placing your seed mixture in a tube type bird feeder with short (under 2 inch) perches will deter large numbers of these birds from eating all of your food. Depending on which species of birds you do wish to attract to your feeding station, feeding specialty foods in specialty feeders will also help. Many of the finches (Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Redpolls, House Finches, Purple Finches etc.) are attracted to thistle or Nyjer seed bird feeders. Most often, these feeders do not have perches and the smaller birds simply cling to the sides of the feeder to eat. The feet of doves and pigeons are not made for this type of perching and most will have trouble holding on long enough to feed. There are also specialty feeders for sunflower seed and peanuts available. These also cater to the clinging birds instead of pigeons and doves. We also provide peanut butter, grape jelly and fruit for over 40 species of birds in a recycled oriole feeder and have never observed a pigeon or dove at it. If you suspend your suet bird feeders from a wire or branch and use a tail prop type suet feeder, you will also deter these birds as they have trouble getting a foothold on the feeder. Each of these foods draws its own group of more desirable backyard birds and each limits the availability of food for the large flocks of pigeons and doves.

At our feeding station we love our quail. Unfortunately, the quail have the same feeding habits as the the doves so we end up feeding both. The doves just seem to be a necessary evil with us. If you do not wish to feed large flocks of pigeons and doves you can use the above ideas to enhance your backyard bird feeding experience.

Feeding Birds with Window Bird Feeders

2010-11-21T18:30:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

The most favorite bird seed of all is none other than the sunflower seeds. These seeds get the attention of woodpeckers, cardinals, goldfinches, blue jays, chickadees, purple finches, nuthatches and the titmice. The black sunflower seeds are best for hanging coconut feeders.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peanut Bird Feeders Selection Guide

2010-11-16T21:01:00.001-08:00

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Chickadees, titmice, nuthatches and woodpeckers love peanuts, and a peanut bird feeder makes a great addition to your garden if you're just starting your birdwatching hobby, or if you're an enthusiast who want to attract an even greater variety of wild birds with another feeder option.

These distinctive peanut feeders usually lack any kind of perch, so they tend to draw in the more acrobatic songbirds that have no problems clinging to the silo cage. However, some will feature a spiral shaped perch that wraps up the length of the feeding cylinder, allowing more birds access, and providing a fun exercise for these jumpy feathered friends. Some birds will snatch a peanut and swallow it whole, while others will prefer to fly to a nearby limb, and breakup their newfound bounty.

Peanut bird feeders are excellent feeders for beginners, as they are both easy to maintain, easy to refill, and extremely durable. Most are constructed with a heavy duty wire mesh that encloses the peanuts, but with holes that are just big enough to, obviously, pull a peanut through. They don't require the regular, and tedious, cleanings that more elaborate feeders need, and are sturdy enough to withstand even the harshest of winters.

Here are some other things to consider when purchasing a peanut bird feeder:

Hang the feeder somewhere animals will not be able to climb up to, or jump on. If you don't have a good spot, try hanging on a shepherd's hook
Squirrel baffles are a great way to deter squirrels and other pests from climbing up a shepherd's hook or mounting post
Dispose of peanuts that have had prolonged exposure to moisture or rain

Glass Hummingbird Feeders and Gazebo Bird Feeders - What to Put In, and Not to Put in Your Feeders

2010-11-11T23:30:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

Always have a source of water for your quest, even in the dead of winter; bird baths that won't freeze in the winter are available. What you put in your gazebo bird feeders can determine what type of birds you will attract. If your birdfeeders have black sunflower seeds, sometimes called oil seeds, they will attract cardinals, woodpeckers, blue jays, nuthatches and many more. Chickadees, titmice, and downy woodpeckers are attracted to gazebo bird feeders with safflower seeds, a slightly smaller seed than the black sunflower seed. A good food supply, water, and a safe environment will bring the migrating birds to your birdfeeders on their way south and will keep your local residents happy and coming back for more.

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

Decorative Bird Feeders - Transforming Your Garden

2010-11-07T02:01:00.001-08:00

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Decorative bird feeders are perfect for those people who love to have birds as their pets. These have been improvised by those people who love to feed birds. There are now different designs and styles of feeders available in the market. Some of them could be as decorations in the garden or yard. Here are the examples of those different feeders:

Decorative feeders are available in wood, metal, iron or ceramic. There are hanging bird feeders, Hummingbird, bird seed, backyard, Gazebo bird, lighthouse, stand pole, and the wooden. These are the few choices of designs and styles of decorative bird feeders that you can choose from. It's nice to hear and see different birds come into your garden to feed. So, if you want, you actually change you simple garden into a more relaxing and beautiful environment where you could unwind and free your mind from any stressors.

It's fun to look at birds feeding and enjoying the food that you gave them, see their beautiful colors as well. If you want that kind of environment then you could start decorating your garden or yard with these decorative bird feeders and seeders. Transform your garden into a more relaxing place of retreat with the help of these outdoor garden decorations. These decorative bird feeders are also available in different colors and figurative images. Try to picture out what style you want to do in your garden then search the internet for different outdoor decoration, like the bird feeders, that you can use.

Aside from these feeders, there are also wooden bird houses and pedestal bird baths available for additional decoration. No doubt that your garden will become a new home for birds. Birds will fully enjoy since they've been provided with food, house and bird baths. This will make them feel at home and also, on your part, your garden will become very relaxing, elegant and pleasing to the eyes. It's a place that every time you see will bring a smile to your face.

So, if you want this kind of set up, then you could start checking in the internet the different items, birds house, and pedestal bird baths. Browse all the potential stores that you want to purchase and carefully pick the right designs and styles that will look good in your garden.

The Benefits of Bird Feeders and Birdhouses

2010-11-02T05:30:00.001-07:00

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Bird watching is enjoyed by people of all ages. One of the best things about having birdwatching as a hobby is that you can do it anywhere - including in your own backyard (or front yard!) Bird feeders and bird houses allow you to attract even more feathered friends to enjoy observing.

Go ahead and start planning for your houses and feeders now - even if it's winter time. It's possible you'll provide some food and shelter for birds that didn't fly south for the winter. Even if there are very few birds in your area now, you'll have your supplies on hand to attract birds to your yard as soon as they begin to migrate north again.

You can expect to see many different birds enjoying your houses. Some types to watch for are house finches, sparrows, starlings, bluebirds, wrens, nuthatches, chickadees, titmice, purple martins, tree swallows, flycatchers, northern flickers, woodpeckers, owls, American kestrels, mergansers, buffleheads, goldeneyes, and if your bird house is big enough - wood ducks!

Here are some ideas to attract specific types:

A tube feeder filled with black oil sunflower seed will attract finches, sparrows, cardinals, jays, pine siskins, nuthatches, chickadees, titmouses, redpolls, and woodpeckers. Make sure there's a tray on your feeder so the birds can have easy access.

A thistle feeder filled with thistle seed will attract finches.

Tube feeders with peanuts attract many types of birds including jays, doves, cardinals, starlings, sparrows, chickadees, juncos, titmouses, grackles, and finches.

A hummingbird feeder filled with hummingbird nectar will bring the fast, flighty hummingbird to your yard!

Most birds prefer to find a tree or a birdhouse where they won't be bothered by other birds. There are some species that prefer the company of other birds. Check with your guide or with your local extension office to find out what kind of houses suit which birds best.

You may find that birds are picky about their houses. Some birds will hover for days before they decide a house is a good choice for them. If you have several types of bird houses, or even bird houses in several locations, it can help your bird friends settle sooner. Variety is key.

Sturdy wooden birdhouses are often best, though you can help create a birdhouse by clearing dead wood out of a stump or knot in a tree. Simple plans for bird houses can easily be found online, or your extension agent may offer plans suited to birds in your area.

Research to see what kind of nest materials the birds in your area like. You can place a few scraps into or nearby the bird houses so the birds will have nest materials directly available. Birds like things such as wool roving, string, ribbon, and hair.

Try and find a design for your bird houses and bird feeders that is at least somewhat squirrel deterrent. Otherwise, you'll find that the squirrels enjoy your 24 hour buffet more than the birds do!

Put up some bird feeders and some bird houses and you'll find that you quickly gain feathered friends. Sit back and enjoy watching your own little corner of nature flourish.

Birdhouses And Bird Feeders

2010-10-28T08:00:00.001-07:00

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Building Birdhouses and Bird Feeders to Attract Birds

If you can provide birds with a safe and secure shelter, variety of food and treats, and clean water, you are sure to attract the most beautiful and unusual birds to your yard.

Birdhouses

Birdhouses are basically made in many sizes and with a variety of different wood materials. The birds enjoy a safe haven subject to the outside temperatures and predators and it allows them to nest. Birds always need somewhere to nest, so why not build a variety of wooden birdhouses in different sizes for the birds in your area. A basic wooden birdhouse can be very easy to build, and can also be a fun weekend project.

Here are a some important things for you to consider when building your own wooden birdhouse:

Do research the environment and the different variety of birds commonly known to migrate in your region.

Do understand the needs of your feeder birds, such as the size of birdhouse, and location of birdhouse.

Don't paint, stain, varnish, or treat the inside or around the hole entrance of the birdhouse, this will keep away the birds. There are many different woods that you can use to make your birdhouse, but most commonly used is Cedar. Cedar wood is a good material which does not need to be pained, stained, or treated.

Avoid using a perch on the birdhouse. By putting a perch on the birdhouse, the bird may become trapped inside the birdhouse because of fear. A perch will allow a predator bird to wait on the perch until the smaller birds comes out.

Drill the proper entrance hole, for the bird you are trying to attract. Again, the importance of size. You will need to research the birds in your area and which ones you would like to invite to your backyard.

Location

The importance of a great location to properly install your birdhouse is a big part of your awaited new guests. Once you are done building your birdhouse, you will need to find a good location, that is away from any danger, such as cats, and weather. A good location would be somewhere in your property that doesn't have to much human activity, but will allow you to view the birds without interference. The birdhouse can be hung on a tree, or mounted to a pole or tree limb, and should be at least 3 to 10 feet high.

Bird feeder

Adding bird feeders to your property is another great way to attract birds. As stated above, you must research the different variety of birds commonly known to migrate in your region, that will give you some insight as to what kind of birdfeed and treats to fill your birdfeeders. Once birds discover your newly built bird feeder and the great treats you are providing them, you can expect to start seeing the birds flock into your backyard.

Building a basic wooden bird feeder is not difficult at all, you can get many ideas by searching for bird feeder plans on the internet, or visiting a bookstore or library.

Water

Birds are also attracted by water. Birds need a water area for drinking and for bathing. This to is a project that you can make on your own, or if you do not have time buy at a store. It is suggested that you research different bird bath plans and see if this is a project you would like to do. You can also use any shallow container to hold water. You can place them on the ground or above the ground, near the feeders would be a good location. If you do have cats in the area it would be suggested that you make it closer and accessible to the birds so that they do not become victim to such animals.

How to Find the Yankee Flipper Bird Feeder

2010-10-23T10:30:00.001-07:00

Looking for a Yankee Flipper Bird Feeder. You and a lot of other people. Not only do they work they are hilariously entertaining!

Why is the Yankee Flipper Bird Feeder so popular?

Imagine sitting at your window watching the birds feeding out of your feeder when all of a sudden they scatter and a squirrel jumps onto the perch ring. Not a minute goes by and the perch ring on the feeder begins spinning taking the squirrel for a whirl until he loses his grip and is thrown off. Now this is done gently so he is not hurt, but how can you not laugh at flying squirrels?

Now imagine how much bird food you are saving and how happy all of your bird guests are going to be when they can quickly come back to indulge themselves again. And the neat thing is the squirrels will probably resort to eating the seed that has fallen to the ground resulting in less bird food waste.

So now you don't have to worry about getting out your wallet and buying another bird feeder for a while because the this one works, is durable and lasts for years.

Here are three characteristics that are consistently coming up in people's reviews:

1. The Yankee Flipper deters even the most determined squirrels after a while.
2. We aren't using up seed intended for the birds as fast as before.
3. Very entertaining to watch the feeder in action.

So how do you find a Yankee Flipper Bird Feeder?

There are several stores that sell this feeder online. Some of them have competitive pricing and some offer discounts. A few offer free shipping, and if you need to return the feeder - the return shipping is free as well.

In order to find these stores among the large number of sites that sell the Yankee Flipper Bird Feeder, you need to know how to pick the one that will give you the best deal. Your best bet is to find somebody who knows all about finding great deals and savings and see what they recommend.

Creating a Homemade Birdfeeder

2010-10-18T12:30:00.001-07:00

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Making a homemade bird feeder can be thrilling for the old and young alike, as there are so many different types of materials that are useful for fashioning a homemade bird feeder. Our family has enjoyed the art of creating homemade bird feeders as not only is it a creative activity for the children but also a chance for them to get an up closer look at the wild birds that make their homes in the outdoors. To be quite honest for me, the enjoyment that shows on the faces of children is just as thrilling as being able to feed the birds and watch them closely through our windows.

Making your own homemade bird feeders are both economically and environmentally rewarding as well. Sure, it is nice to have store bought bird feeders, however, there is something much more personally rewarding in the use of many household items that we use everyday, such as egg cartons and old toilet paper and paper towel rolls or even the use of empty plastic drink bottles and coffee cans. Anyone can use his or her creativity to fashion a homemade bird feeder. Children seem to be especially enchanted by making their own bird feeder.

If you take a look around your house, you will be able to find several things that can be use for feeding the birds outside. For instance, you can take a bagel and cover it in honey then roll it in birdseed, then tie a string through the hole of the bagel and hang it from a lower limb of a tree. Or you can use an empty egg carton and take the top lid completely off, then poke holes in all four corners so you can tie string through them for hanging, then simply fill the egg pockets with birdseed and hang outside. However, you can also use stale bread, by using cookie cutters to cut out images, then poke a hole through the bread, insert and tie a string through the hole and hang them from the tree limbs. On the other hand, maybe you have an empty paper towel of toilet paper roll that you would like to use. Simply insert a long piece of string through the paper roll, making sure that there is enough string to go all the way through and enough to hang. Then simply lay out some wax paper to catch any mess and smear honey on the paper roll then sprinkle your birdseed onto it. Remember that small birdseed will more than likely stay on this type of homemade bird feeder and that larger seeds are more apt to fall onto the ground. Always keep in mind that honey is fatal to hummingbirds so do not use it when feeding these birds, also corn meal or lard should be added to peanut butter to keep the birds from choking on it.

Some ideas for bird feed are:

1. Unsalted and unbuttered popcorn

2. Raisins

3. Blueberries and other fruits

4. Sunflower seed

5. Shelled plain peanuts

6. Cracked corn

7. Mealworms

8. Pine cones with honey and seeds

Many people have found these as well as many other types of in home items to use while fashioning their own homemade bird feeders, as they have found great joy in making something themselves while also doing a good deed for the birds they feed.

Solar Bird Feeder - What is a Solar Powered Bird Feeder?

2010-10-13T15:00:00.001-07:00

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With the ever increasing popularity of backyard bird watching, we have started to seed the incorporation of more and more technology into backyard birding. But one idea that seems odd on the surface is the concept of a solar powered bird feeder. What is there to power on a bird feeder?

There have been solar powered bird baths for several years, and that idea makes sense, because they often incorporate a working fountain, as the moving water and the sound make the bird bath that much more attractive to the birds. By making the unit solar powered, the installation is significantly eased, as there is no need to have an electrician bring power to the unit, it creates its own with the solar panels. And many of the more modern units will have solar panels that detach from the bird bath itself, so you can install the bath in the shade if you want but the panels can still get full sun so they will do a good job of powering the fountain.

Solar Powered Bird Feeder

These units actually combine another function in with that of the feeder. by day, these just function as normal bird feeders. But at night they transform into landscape lighting, powered by rechargeable cells that were charged during the day. This can work unusually well because the feeder will typically be mounted at eye level or above, casting the light further than the typical garden lighting that is mounted less than a foot above the ground.

When looking for one of these solar powered units, keep in mind that rechargeable batteries don't last forever, so if you can find one that has replaceable batteries so you can extend the life of the feeder.

Mount it in an area where the solar cells get direct sunlight for several hours each day, and keep an eye on the solar cells to make sure that they don't get covered with dirt or droppings, as that will reduce the charge generated by the solar cells. You may want to mount these on a bird feeder pole with a squirrel baffle to keep it away from the critters, as they don't typically have a cage or some other type of pest control.

Beyond the Bird House - Creating the Perfect Backyard Habitat For Bird Feeding

2010-10-11T01:01:00.001-07:00

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Bird feeding is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States-second only to gardening. So it is only natural that many people combine these two hobbies into one endeavor. When a garden or yard is planned and maintained with the needs of native wildlife in mind, it becomes much more than just a backyard. It is a "backyard habitat."

Creating a backyard habitat for birds is an enjoyable and easy process. Birds require four basic things to survive: food, water, protection from predators and the elements, and a safe place to raise their young. If possible, leave some of the land on your property untouched. This allows some of the natural habitat to remain intact. Of course, that may not be a realistic option for many people. Most landscapers are well-educated on how to include natural plants and eco-conscious features in today's landscape design. Select plants that offer food, fruit, insects, ground cover, shelter, seeds and nesting sites.

Even if your yard is well-established and "starting from scratch" is not an option, there are other things you can do to help attract and maintain birds in your backyard. Find out what plants are native in your region. Native plants will best match the diets and habitat requirements of the birds that live in your area. Call a local gardening club for suggestions. Most gardening enthusiasts are eager to share their knowledge and maybe even a cutting or two to get you started.

The easiest way to attract birds to your yard is to provide water. Fresh water is a magnet for attracting birds. Offer clean water every day, and clean you bird baths and water sources regularly. Birds need water to drink and bathe in throughout the year. Plan on using a bird bath de-icer (a small heated element that keeps water in a bird bath from freezing) if your region experiences freezing temperatures in the winter.

Refill your birdbath every day and clean every other day. DO NOT USE BLEACH! Elbow grease is the best way to clean the bird bath. Regular cleaning will keep mosquito larvae away, which you and the birds will surely appreciate. You can also purchase special devices that create vibrations on the water that will keep mosquitoes from laying eggs. The vibrations are gentle and do not pose any problems for the birds. There are other ways to offer water--such a garden pond or fountain. Fountains are a good choice because they naturally feature moving water that deters mosquitoes and other insects. The sound of flowing water from a fountain or waterfall will also serve the purpose of announcing your "oasis" to the birds in the area. It is also a relaxing and soothing sound that makes your garden a peaceful retreat.

If you choose a bird bath for your water source, it should not be deeper than 3 inches. It is also best if they have a textured bottom and sloping sides. It does not matter if you choose a hanging bird bath or one that sits on a pedestal or the ground. Be sure that you position the bird bath in a location that offers the birds some protection from predators. An open area is the best choice since predators will be unable to sneak up undetected on bathing birds.

Once you have water, you also need to supply food. Not all birds will eat seed. Some eat insects and others, like hummingbirds and orioles, prefer nectar. Offering a variety of feed will help attract a variety of birds. If you are only going to use one type of feed, it's a good idea to offer a quality mixed seed. Some inferior mixes contain a lot of cheap fillers that birds do not eat. The birds will simply kick this seed out of the feeder and make a mess on the ground below. If you want to avoid a lot of mess below your feeders, look for feed that contains only the meats of seeds. Finches will eat a specific kind of seed called "nyjer" seed (it was incorrectly called "thistle" seed for many years). Nyjer seed requires a special type of feeder, so be sure to know what kind of seed your feeder is meant to dispense.

Offer as many feeding stations as your yard can hold. Space your feeders 30 to 50 feet apart at different elevations. Multiple feeders deter aggressive birds from dominating the stations, and providing ground feeders allow the timid species a place to feed. Make sure your birdfeeders are within short flying distance of cover and perches. Birds need to be able to fly to some place safe if a predator appears. Finally, make sure you frequently clean your feeders so seed will not mold. Thoroughly wash them with soap and warm water. Sterilize with a solution of 1 part bleach and 4 parts water. Rinse them completely and let dry. Keeping your feeders clean is an important step in ensuring that your backyard birds are healthy and free from disease.

After taking care of the basic needs of feeding the birds and providing water, you can also add bird houses to provide habitats for birds to nest and raise their broods. Buying a bird house that is designed for specific species is a good idea if you are trying to attract a certain species of bird. Make sure that the bird house you are buying is made with untreated lumber or non-toxic paint. Bird houses should have ventilation holes and holes in the floor for drainage. It is also important that the bird house has a panel that can be opened so you can clean out the bird house. Mount your bird house high enough to discourage predators and consider using a predator guard to protect vulnerable eggs and chicks from raccoons and snakes.

Dead trees are considered to be eyesores to people, but for birds they are a terrific food source and offer cavity-nesters a place to build a nest. Only remove them if they pose a safety threat. Excavating species (also called "primary cavity nesters") like woodpeckers will carve out a cavity that other birds (called "secondary cavity nesters") will use once they become vacant. It is also important to never use insecticides. They eliminate spiders, caterpillars, beetles and other insects that are a very important protein source for birds and their young. Sometimes the best way to create a habitat for wildlife is to leave the one that already exists as natural and unaltered as possible.

Keeping birds safe from predators is not always easy. Using predator guards is helpful for keeping nests and eggs safe. Natural predators are part of the ecosystem too, and you should not try to interfere too much with the natural order of things, but domestic cats sometimes pose the biggest threat to backyard birds. If a neighbor allows their pet cat to roam the neighborhood, you can ask them to have the cat wear a collar with a bell on it. This allows the birds to have a warning when danger is approaching. If predators such as raccoons become too aggressive or bold, you should call your local Animal Control office to remove the animal safely.

Attracting birds to your backyard is immensely rewarding. You will have the pleasure of watching nature interact. You will become aware of the various subtle changes in bird behavior throughout the seasons. Creating a backyard habitat is not only an environmentally friendly way to share your living space with natural wildlife, it also creates a soothing, restful oasis that can help you enjoy your world more fully.

Little Known Ways to Successfully Setup Your Finch Bird Feeders

2010-10-08T07:00:00.001-07:00

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Finch bird feeders are a remarkable way of luring finches to your garden. These feeders can get the seed-eating birds right onto your porch, if you want. You can choose from a wide array of finch bird feeders. Most bird feeders are specially designed to meet the requirements of a specific type of bird. Finches will definitely benefit from this type of bird feeder.

Finches belong to the family of Fringillidae, under the Phylum Chordata. These birds are easily distinguishable with their medium-built bodies and physically powerful, stumpy beaks. Their manner in flying is somewhat bouncy in nature, thereby, creating a gleeful appearance in the environment. Most finches are good singers as well.

With that in mind, finches are said to be great attractions in one's backyard. Most finches would love to flock together in various beautifully crafted finch bird feeders. The indistinguishable color (bright red) of the House Finch's chest and their very genial manners are the ultimate factors that make them feeder darlings. Goldfinches can also enhance your feeding station as they flock hungrily in groups of 30 or more.

Finches are generally seed lovers. They feed on almost any type of seeds but would love to devour on the seeds of trees, such as pine, alder, maple, birch, sweet gum, and spruce. The Nyjer seed is an all-time favorite of feeding finches during the winter season.

Finch bird feeders can accommodate all of these seed types. They come in different styles and types consisting of gazebo feeders, seed finch feeders, and wooden finch feeders.

In general, bird feeders are specially crafted devices set in the backyard or porch to provide bird food to various types of birds. Finch bird feeders are special bird feeders designed to provide seeds to finches since this type of bird are generally seed-eating birds.

Choosing the right type of bird feeder is the number factor in luring birds to flock in the area. The position of the bird feeder as well as the type of food will also affect the chances of attracting certain types of birds.

For instance, thistle seed finch feeder will generally attract finches that prefer thistle seeds. Thistle seed finch bird feeder features a drawn out tube that can hold as much as one quart of thistle seeds. It has a see-through feature, which enables the owner to observe seed level any time.

Finch bird feeders can also lure other types of birds. Hence, you should not be startled if ever you get to see different types of birds flocked up to your finch bird feeding station. Most finch bird feeders are also best for cardinal birds, redpolls, siskins, and grosbeaks.

To attract beautiful finches in your area, it is important to keep these things in mind:

1. The right position

Setting up a bird feeding station may not be so complicated. However, it is still important to consider some factors to ensure finch-feeding success.

One of the most important factors to consider is the proper positioning of the finch bird feeder. Setting up a finch bird feeding station in your backyard is the ideal place since this is very conducive to most finches. However, it is also recommended that you place your finch bird feeder near your deck or window. In this way, you can easily observe and enjoy watching the finches as they gleefully enjoy their sumptuous meal.

If placing finch bird feeders near the window is not possible, it is best to set the finch bird feeder in an area that is observable from indoors. It is also best to place finch bird feeders near the areas where the finches can easily fly to safety if any danger should take place.

2. Special area for finches

Competition is always at hand whenever there is no specific place for finch bird feeding station. Larger birds may flock the area, thereby, blocking the finches from getting their food. If you have a separate bird feeder for larger birds and a specially made feeder station for the finches, both parties will enjoy their meals as well as you will enjoy their company within your garden.

So the next time you think about setting up finch bird feeder, try to consider these factors to enjoy bird watching. It is definitely one great experience you will never forget.

Create a Backyard Habitat For Wild Birds With a Bird Feeder

2010-10-05T16:00:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Attract Birds to Your Yard

2010-10-03T02:00:00.001-07:00

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Many people find bird watching to be a great use of their leisure time. I am one of those people. I can spend hours watching the antics of the birds as they fight for a spot at the feeder or splash in the water taking a refreshing bath. It is so fascinating to watch them as they interact with each other. I can tell you if you ever wanted to know the meaning of pecking order just sit and watch a bird feeder at feeding time. Yes there are regular feeding times. Early morning and again about 3:30 or 4:00 in the afternoon the birds arrive in droves. I think the times I enjoy the most are courting season and when it is time to teach the young ins how to fend for themselves.

It is pretty easy to get birds to visit you just need to provide them with the right environment. Although as with any hobby you need to be a little cautious or you can go way overboard with setting up your yard to attract birds. Trust me I know! Every time I go to one of the home improvement centers I never leave with out finding an excuse to wander down through the bird food and feeder area. But with a little thought and planning you can set up your yard to be a bird haven without breaking the bank.

Let us start with the basics food, water, and shelter. One of the best ways to attract the birds to your yard is to provide them with what they need.

Water
It could be costly to go out and buy a fancy bird bath with running water. While this may make you happy the birds are attracted to the water not the container. Don't go overboard unless you are doing a landscape renovation a simple $15.00 plastic bird bath will do. The birds are attracted by the sunlight glimmering off the water. The idea is to provide the water, not a fancy container. The main thing to remember is to clean out the bird bath and add fresh water daily. A minute or two with the garden hose will give your visitors clean, fresh, and safe water to drink.

Food
The first thing you will need is bird feeders. Yes I said feeders. There are different types of birds and they like different types of food. A good feeder can be bought for between $25 and $35 dollars at most garden centers or home improvement stores. here are different types of feeders and which birds would be attracted to them:

Sunflower Seed Tube Feeders
Best for chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, goldfinches, siskins and purple and house finches. If you are only going to put out a single feeder this would be it. Make sure that the feeder has metal ports around the seed dispensers or sparrows will just chew up plastic. Hang this feeder at least 5 feet off the ground near a window that you can view it from if possible.

Hopper feeders
Will attract red winged blackbirds, blue jays, cardinals, grackles, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, goldfinches, siskins and purple and house finches. A hopper feeder will hold a couple of pounds of bird food keeping it dry. The feeder should be placed on a pole 5 feet off the ground.

Ground feeders
Sparrows, doves, towhees, juncos, goldfinches and cardinals will be attracted to this feeder
Generally these are screen bottom trays that sit up off the ground a couple of inches. They can be purchased with covers to help keep out the snow and screens to let birds in and to keep hungry squirrels out. This type should placed in an open area at least 10 feet from trees and shrubs to protect the birds from attack from predictors. This type of feeder is not good if there are a lot of cats in the area.

Suet Feeders
Suet is popular with woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice,and nuthatches. Occasionally wrens, warblers, and creepers as well. Suet feeders are like cages that you place the suet cakes in. They can be hung from poles and trees near other bird feeders. Do not use suet feeders when temperatures are 80 degree or higher, as it can turn rancid.

Thistle Feeders

Designed for birds with small beaks redpolls, goldfinches, and pine siskins. These feeder are used for Nyjer seed which resembles small grains of wild rice. The holes are tiny but as this is eaten by finches the holes size keeps the seed from falling out and the small beaks can readily reach them. Place this feeder 5 feet off the ground on a pole or hang from a tree.

Seed
When purchasing seed stay away from the cheap bargain basement priced mixes. A good majority of these are filler seed and will be discarded by the birds.

Sunflower Seed -Black oil sunflower seed is the preferred seed of many small feeder birds, in the northern latitudes. Hulled seeds will attract the greatest variety of birds. red-bellied woodpeckers, jays, goldfinches, finches, evening grosbeaks, pine grosbeaks, cardinals, grackles, titmice, chickadees,and nuthatches.

Millet - White millet is the favorite food of most small-beaked ground-feeding birds. Red-winged blackbirds,doves, quail, sparrows, towhees, juncos, and cowbirds.

Thistle (nyjer) - This is the preferred food of house finches, common redpolls, american goldfinches,and lesser goldfinches. It is very expensive though.

Cracked Corn -Medium cracked corn is as popular as millet, when it comes to ground-feeding birds. Because it attracts moisture cracked corn will rot so be sure to keep an eye on it. Attracts doves, pheasants, quail, jays, crows, juncos, sparrows,and towhees.

Oats - Milo - Wheat -These are frequently mixed into low-priced birdseed blends. Most birds discard them in favor of other food, which leaves them to accumulate under feeders, where they may attract rodents.

Fruit And Berrys - Birds like mockingbirds bluebirds,waxwings, and robins, rarely eat birdseed. You can attract them by placing currents and raisin soaked in water overnight in a ground feeder.

Peanuts - Both whole and crushed peanuts can be placed in a wire mesh feeder they will attract starlings, woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, brown creepers, wrens, kinglets, brown thrashers, blue jays and warblers

Shelter Or Cover

If possible provide trees and shrubs for the birds in your yard from which they can access the feeders. This added protection will allow the birds a sense of protection and will encourage them to come to your feeder.

It is not necessary to re-landscape the yard but if additional plantings are planned then it would be good to consider the locations that would most encourage the birds. The trees and shrubs do not necessarily need to be in your yard your neighbors yard or a park next door will also provide this shelter.

This by all means is not the complete authority on attracting birds to your yard. The information here however is tried and true and will get birds coming to your yard in no time at all.

For more information about birds and birding visit the National Audubon Society's web site

St Francis Bird Feeders - A Natural For Your Backyard Birds

2010-09-30T12:02:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

One of the most famous was of a wild wolf that was causing a lot of problems for a local village, threatening not only the livestock but the citizens of the village itself. St Francis spoke to the wolf and made a pact with it such that the local villagers began to feed it and it was essentially domesticated and was no longer a threat.

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

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

A Bird Feeder For The Beginning Birder

2010-09-27T21:31:00.001-07:00

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To some of us, there's nothing more pleasant than to see our backyards populated by birds. They're beautiful creatures and they make our garden come alive with their perpetual motion and ongoing dynamic activities.

If you want to attract birds to your garden and keep them coming back, bird feeders are one of the best ways to go about it.

If you are a beginner birder, finding the "right" birdhouse can be a challenge because there are thousands of bird houses available in the marketplace. However, if you're just starting out, a hopper feeder is probably your best choice. They're one of the most versatile feeders around.

Hopper feeders come in many styles but the main characteristic that they have in common is they are easy to fill. To fill a hopper feeder you simply open the top and pour the seed or millet. Hopper feeders come in various sizes, but even the smaller sizes are able to hold quite a bit of seed. The larger the feeder, the fewer trips you'll have to make to refill it. Another nice feature of hopper feeders is that the well make ones can be easily taken apart for cleaning.

A common and constant problem with bird feeders is that they are very attractive to squirrels. Squirrels will often raid bird feeders as an easy source of food. Unfortunately for squirrels and other critters, however, bird feeder manufacturers are finally getting up to speed. You can now find hopper feeders with built-in squirrel defenses to keep squirrels at bay.

Another advantage of hopper feeders is their size. Many feeders have small feeding platforms that are too dainty or precarious for larger birds. Hopper feeders, however, accommodate birds of all sizes. And, if you purchase one with a generous feeding platform, it will allow many birds to feed at a time. This gives you the possibility of having many different bird species sharing your garden space.

On the other hand, if you're afraid of the feeder being taken over by larger birds you may decide that you don't want larger birds in your garden. In that case, one nice feature you should look for in a hopper feeder is weight sensitive perches. This lets you calibrate the feeder so that only birds of the size you desire will can the feeder.

Avoid buying a hopper feeder made out of plastic or cheap wood. Plastic feeders have a tendency to discolor, especially when exposed to the bright sun all day. They also tend to cloud up and become "grungy looking" over time. A well made wood feeder can be a beautiful addition to your yard and last for years. Feeders made of cheap wood will likely crack or split and need replacing within a couple of year.

A hopper feeder is one of the simplest and maintenance free feeders you can buy. The only simpler type of feeder is the platform feeder which, while inexpensive, leaves the bird seeds totally exposed to the weather and other critters.

Where to place your feeder? A hopper feeder can be placed almost anywhere in your garden. You can hang it from a tree in your yard or you can fix it on a pole. If you have multiple trees, you can hang your hopper feeder from a wire stretched between them. Wherever you place it, you can count on your bird feeder giving you many years of enjoyment.

A Favorite Backyard Bird - The Chickadee

2010-09-25T07:30:00.001-07:00

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The Chickadee is a familiar and welcome visitor to most backyards in the United States. Varieties of this bird are found across the entire US. A member of the titmouse family, there are five variations in the US. Mexican, Chestnut Backed, and Mountain Chickadees reside in the western states. The Black Capped and Carolina Chickadees cover most of the US from New Jersey to Kansas and south from Texas to Florida. I mention these two together because they are so similar, even at close range they are hard to distinguish. It would appear they have a hard time themselves as Black Capped and Carolina Chickadees have been known to breed with each other in areas where they overlap.

This active friendly bird will visit almost any backyard birding area and become a year round resident. After becoming regulars at your feeders during spring and summer, most will winter in the same area they had their summer nests, provided the weather doesn't turn too harsh. Even then, they will migrate only a short distance and return when it warms. For year round backyard birding, the chickadee is hard to beat. These birds have a cheerful call and song and provide hours of entertainment checking the trees and shrubs for insects.

Insects are the food of choice for the Chickadee.They eat live insects, eggs, and larvae while hopping or hanging, even upside down, in trees and shrubs. They sometimes make quick short flights and catch insects on the fly. They also enjoy berries, fleshy fruits, suet, acorns, and seeds. This friendly bird is a regular at our tube and platform bird feeders. We see them taking one sunflower seed at a time from our bird feeder and flying a short distance to open it. They enjoy our blueberry bushes, pine cones, and muscadines as well.

Chickadees can be trained to eat from your hand. It will take patience and consistent offerings, but these birds will slowly begin to come to you. This occurs more often in colder weather when the food supply is more scarce. This chickadee enjoys a variety of foods and can be enticed with various offerings until you find the one which work for you. Try various nuts, seeds, or fruits at about the same time each day. The inquisitive chickadee will get closer and closer until you find them eating from your hand!

Chickadees nest naturally in hollow trees or old woodpecker sites. They can be attracted to man made birdhouses. Obtain a birdhouse made for them and place it in a pine, elm, aspen or birch tree. We have them nesting in houses attached to our wood fence. Just be sure you have a sturdy house, rough sawn for the bird to cling to, and protect them with predator guards at the entrance. A chickadee house should come with tree shavings. While not used for the nest, it looks at this as proof this is a proper nesting site.

This bird is easily attracted and a favorite of many backyard bird watchers. Offering several varieties of food will keep these visitors happy. Provide sheltering shrubbery, water, and natural or man made birdhouse nesting sites and you will have an entertaining songbird dancing, singing, and performing upside down acrobatics for years to come. If you are fortunate enough, the Chickadee will reward you with eating from your hand.

Choosing a Cedar Bird Feeder

2010-09-22T16:30:00.001-07:00

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There are many types of birdhouses to choose from but Cedar stands out from all the rest. Many times, Cedar birdhouses are handmade or have the appearance of being handmade. They can be used simply to add aesthetics to your garden or porch area, or they can be utilized to actually attract and feed the many birds who will be attracted to it. Cedar birdhouses have a unique odor that attracts many different types of birds. Along with attracting birds however, they also are attract tree animals such as squirrels. The cedar birdhouse has a delightful smell that lasts for years. Choosing a birdhouse made of cedar can prove to be a wonderful experience over the many others available.

A cedar birdhouse can have a long life because of its durability. It seldom needs moved or changed. Because of the size, it is not susceptible to strong winds like other birdhouses. It is also ideal for birds in that it protects them while they are feeding. Many times smaller birds, if they arrive early enough, will attempt to raise their young in this sort of birdhouse. Because it so closely resembles a tree, which they are naturally attracted to, the birds will stay there during their mating season. It is amazing to watch these birds as they live their lives in something that so closely resembles their natural habitat. A cedar birdhouse, although at times more expensive than others, is worth the extra money because of the aesthetic value and durability.

You have a few options if you decide to give a cedar birdhouse a try. You can shop for one at your local home improvement store, they often have a nice selection, especially in the spring and summer months. There are also many online retailers that specialize specifically in birdhouses. This could be a viable option since you do not have to leave your home and doing research on each one would be a breeze. Comparing each kind of birdhouse while shopping off line could prove to be a tedious task. Also, you may decide you want to create your own cedar birdhouse. You can find great building kits on line and off. You can create it just the way you want it. The size and dimensions will be entirely up to you. Whether you buy a birdhouse, make one with your own wood or buying a birdhouse kit, a cedar birdhouse will give you years of enjoyment as you watch the birds go about their daily lives.

The Rose Breasted Grosbeak Bird

2010-09-20T02:30:00.001-07:00

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What a surprise to have two male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak birds on our bird feeder in the month of May. Then to our amazement we had three females appear! These birds are neo-tropical migrants. They spend the winter months in an area from central Mexico to northern South America. In May, they return to the North American continent and take up residence in the northeastern United States and southern Canada. Their habitat is shrubbery, woodlands, and brushy stream areas adjacent to open fields. The male birds arrive before the females, select a nesting territory, and begin singing to attract a prospective mate.

As well as, the sunflower seeds from our bird feeders, a typical diet for these beautiful birds might include seeds of elms, blossoms of hickory or beech trees, buds of white ash, flowers and fruit. Insects of the forest such as gypsy moths and tent caterpillars are also table fare for Grosbeaks. The Grosbeaks savor crop damaging beetles, locusts, cut worms, chinch bugs and other creepy crawlers. Because of this they are sometimes called the "potato bug bird".

The Rose Breasted Grosbeak is of the finch species. The male has a black head, back, bright red breast and white rump, sides and belly. The bird's wings are black with white patches above and red, white and black below. The bird in flight reveals startling pink-red linings on the wings. These birds have a large, stout, pale pink-almost white, conical bill. They have a long slightly notched black tail with white patches.

The female Grosbeak has a buff color breast with heavy brown streaks on the sides, making it seem almost drab compared to the male bird. The only "showy" part of the female is her yellow wing linings, only visible in flight. The male and female birds bear little resemblance to each other. Except for the bill, they can be easily mistaken for two different species. Both male and female birds are about the size of a starling.

The male bird is a proud and devout family man. He helps build the nest of twigs and grasses usually in a small tree or bush five to fifty feet high. The nest appears as a flimsy constructed saucer. He also takes his turn incubating the eggs. The female Grosbeak lays three to five light green eggs with brown spots. Incubation time for the eggs is thirteen to fourteen days. He sits on the nest from morning to afternoon, while the female gets the night shift. After hatching,the baby birds leave the nest in nine to twelve days. The male bird is so happy to be included in the family chores that he even sings while on the bird nest. Both the male and female birds sing; their songs very similar to a robin. Rose Breasted Grosbeaks often sing from the treetops in their loud, clear song. It is richer and a more melodious version of the lengthly sing-song of the robin. The notes are sweeter and they have more slurred whistles.

The Rose Breasted Grosbeak is a favorite bird in Mexico, Central and South America. Here the locals are fond of them and often capture them for pets.

We had not seen a Rose Breasted Grosbeak before and were so happy to have them come to our bird feeders. They have already moved on for their flight to the northeastern states. We hope when the late summer days start to become crisp, these beautiful birds will again visit our bird feeders on their way south for the winter.

The author became interested in birds because of her desire to overcome her bird phobia. Over time many interesting and beautiful birds have come to her yard, bird houses and bird feeders. Visit http://www.birdbedandbreakfast.com for bird houses, bird feeders and more.

Good Quality of Droll Yankee Feeders

2010-09-17T12:31:00.001-07:00

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Looking for a good quality bird feeder that might to consider purchasing a Droll Yankee bird feeders with so many different option that you will definitely will fulfill all of your needs. These kind of feeders will meet all of your expectations and will provide you to view more birds as you feed them more conveniently. Somehow, having this type of feeder you will never want to go back to any type because this is known to last for a season after season at time.

When you start to shop for Droll Yankee Bird Feeders you will quickly find that there are many different varieties for you to choose, but you should view all of the different types as well as the styles of feeders so that you can select the best that suits your needs. In line this includes dispense sunflowers, thistle, peanuts, suet, and fruit, hence there are also squirrel proof feeders, bird selective feeders, window feeders and hummingbird feeders. Aside from that these feeders are easy to clean and refill with top lid snapping and can off easily. As the feeders horizontal circle you get a clear view of any Hummingbird that stops by the feeder.

The feeder is made from UV that strengthen the impact resistant plastic, its a 10 inches diameter and hold 1 quart of a nectar. This chances are tried bird feeders that spill the food, break, rust or provide food to become wet and moldy and the common complaints associated with bird feeders but these are not issues associated with Droll Yankee bird feeders. However, the feeders are composed with very high quality and will do away with the many complaints that are associated with your every day bird feeders.

When the seed is poured into the clear tube and the feeding stations will produce to access the seeds thorough small openings and the features provides the tube with squirrel resistant feel, but birds can still get to the seed without a lot of pain from the squirrels. Unlike other tube feeders that includes an extra long extended-to area and this area acts as a storage facility for extra seeds and when the level of feed gets very low it will refill the tube with what's on the top of the area.

As a result there's less chance of hungry birds with higher placed feeding stations and to let the birds eat in peace each feeding port comes with its very own perch. Take note that the nectar guard tips, which is a trademark feature that fits securely on the port feeding steam and blocks the ants and bees from entering the Hummingbird Feeder and getting to the nectar. Actually this feeder for bird supplies very popular to bird lovers that have great bird feeders you can choose from all of these Droll Yankee Bird Feeders to come with a lifetime warranty and for damages that caused the company will replace any defective parts and its for free.

Attract Interesting Birds To Your Yard With Platform Bird Feeders

2010-09-14T22:00:00.001-07:00

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There are many types of bird feeders and one popular style is the platform bird feeder. It is the kind of feeder which looks like a tray that is slightly elevated or totally mounted off the ground.

There is a difference between a hanging bird feeder and a platform bird feeder. In the hanging type, the seeds are placed on its small openings. The platform feeder on the other hand is obviously like a platform wherein you can easily place or scatter the seeds on it.

Platform bird feeders can also be used if you want to prevent squirrels from attacking the feeder. You can mount it off the ground by hanging it or using a pole to elevate it and a squirrel baffel wherein squirrels will not be able to reach it. You can also put a screen on the feeder so that squirrels will have a hard time reaching the bird seeds.

This type of feeder caters to the birds which feeds on the ground such as towhees, doves, sparrows, and even to bigger birds such as jays and grosbeaks. Recently, the manufacturers of bird feeder have started building and selling platform feeders maybe because of the fact that this kind of feeder is very easy to build.

Building one for your backyard is quite an easy task. It only requires few materials such as wood, wood glue, nails or screws and paint. Here is a guideline on how to make a platform bird feeder.

1. Start cutting the wood in sizes such as 16 x 10 inches for the back, 10 x 10 inches for the bottom, 2 x 10 inches for the front, 12 x 12 inches for the roof, and 12 x 10 for the sides.

2. Next is to attach the cut pieces together. Nail, glue or screw the back of the feeder to the bottom feeder. Make sure to do it properly to avoid any accidents.

3. Attaching the sides of the feeder to the back and bottom woods is the next thing to do. You can do this by either using a glue or nails. The roof is the last piece to be attached.

4. Paint your feeder for aesthetic purposes. Since you'll be placing it in your back or front yard, beautifying the feeder is a must to serve as home decoration as well.

5. Place the feeder in your backyard by hanging or slightly elevating it from the ground.

The benefit of using a platform bird feeder is that it is very easy to mange. You can easily fill the feeder with bird seeds and it is very visible to the avian. Since most platform feeders are open, you won't have a hard time scattering the seeds on it. It is also very easy to clean compare to other types of feeders.

The downside of this one is that it can be easily attack by squirrels and other large birds. The seeds can also be easily blown off during windy days which are not a good thing. It can also be a source of illnesses if it is not properly cleaned.

If you want to avail of the platform bird feeder without the hassle of doing it yourself, you can try buying it online or even in the nearest pet shops on your block. There are different kinds of platform feeders nowadays. The manufacturers keep on updating it with new designs to keep it more useful.

Platform feeders are the simplest and most basic style among bird feeders, but it can be utilized with any types of food and commonly used by all bird feeders. In line with this, the platform feeder is indeed very versatile among all feeding techniques.

Wooden Bird Cages

2010-09-12T07:30:00.001-07:00

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Gone are the days of boring bird cages. Today's bird cages are trendy. They are stylish. They make a statement about the owner's taste and lifestyle. Bird cages can blend in artfully with the décor or they can stand in bold contrast. Bird cages are available in many different themes and styles. Modern, whimsical, simplistic, Victorian, Oriental, Tuscan, Arabian --bird cages are available in these styles and more.

Some of the most beautiful cages in any style are wooden bird cages. They can be made of most any wood--cherry, oak, pine, maple, and even laminate. For most any wood décor, there is a wooden bird cage to match. And, if you can't find an existing bird cage, one can be made to match.

For all their beauty, though, there are some things to consider before buying a wooden bird cage. For example, wooden bird cages are difficult to clean. They can be very challenging to disinfectant and sanitize, as germs and bacteria can get into the grains.

If you own a parrot, it is definitely best to avoid wooden bird cages. Parrots enjoy chewing the wood.

Wooden bird cages are available online in a variety of sizes. They can also be custom ordered to your exact specifications. Though used wooden bird cages are available, they should be avoided. These cages could pose a significant health risk to your bird and your family.

How to Start Bird Watching

2010-09-09T17:30:00.001-07:00

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Bird watching is a wonderful hobby which anybody of any age can take up as an enjoyable past time. I'm sure you have awakened many mornings to the beautiful melody of birds chirping and singing. Wouldn't you love to see the bird actually making the sounds?

Many people think you need to be an expert before you can become a 'birder', short for 'bird watcher'. However this is not the case.

In order to start Birdwatching try the following steps;

1. Start with bird listening

Go outside into your back garden, close your eyes and listen attentively to the magical sounds of nature. When you focus your attention on birds chirping, your mind will filter out all other sounds and you will become aware of an incredible melody that up to now you were oblivious to.

Open your eyes, try and identify where the sounds are coming from and move towards these sounds. See if you can spot the bird doing all the singing. See how close you can get before the bird gets startled and flies away.

I'll bet you are now curious as to the actual name of the birds you spotted.

2. Purchase some bird watching equipment

There are measures you can take to attract birds to dedicated areas of your garden so that you can see them more clearly. You can erect bird houses, bird baths or bird feeders in an area of your garden. This will attract birds that are looking for food or water.

You will need a field guide in order to identify the local species in your area. Effectively a field guide is a book with illustrations of birds and tips for identifying them. The 'Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds' or the 'Peterson Field Guide to Western Birds' are the best books for new birders in the United States.

Wild birds are not very tame and thus they will easily scare. Hence you will need to observe these birds from a distance. In order to view these birds clearly you will need a pair of binoculars. The best birders tend to have the best binoculars which enable them to identify birds 100 yards away by their silhouette.

Wearing camouflage clothes can also help you to blend into your background and ensure you get even closer to the birds without startling them.

You will need a diary to record your bird sightings. It's useful to note the different locations where you saw a particular species whether it is in your locality, town, country or on vacation. Some birders track sightings based on frequency and season. A useful software program to track your sightings is 'Birder's Diary'.

3. Watch Birds at Feeding Time

Put seeds into your bird feeder, sit back and observe the different type of birds that visit. Note their size, color, beak shape, wing span and flight patterns.

A good trick is to vary the food to attract different types of birds. Peanut butter attracts many different birds such as woodpeckers and cardinals. Songbirds and cockatiels like seeds. Use a variety of seeds, berries, fruit, nuts and sunflower seeds and note the different birds each attracts. Even planting the right flowers will attract species such as the humming bird.

A bird bath is another effective method for attracting birds. They tend to go to these for a drink or to bath in the steamy summer days.

4. Join a Bird Watching Club

Perhaps the best way to learn about bird watching is to join a bird watching club and go bird watching with experienced birders.

These individual will impart wisdom that will greatly expedite the learning process involved in getting acquainted with this hobby. They will recommend the best website, magazines and other publications to increase you knowledge.

It is advisable to build up your knowledge on birds by subscribing to a bird watching magazine. For UK birds subscribe to 'Birdwatch' for US birds subscribe to 'Birder's World' or 'Birding'.

The best way to meet experienced birders is to contact your local Audubon chapter or birding club. It is most likely that a local club in your area organizes birding excursions for non members. Run a Google search and book yourself on one of these trips. You will discover interesting habitats in your areas, exciting species, and gain incredible insights into how experienced birders go about their business. Don't be afraid to ask questions, take notes and learn by doing.

Bird watching does have a relatively steep learning curve, but don't let this detract from the enjoyment it brings. Tagging along with experienced birders will help you in terms of bird finding, bird identification, and recording of information.

Observe what experienced birders do and try to replicate it.

5. Timing

You need to realize that you can only spot certain birds at certain longitudes and latitudes at different times of the year. Birds are masters of migration and certain species are found in different countries at different times of the year. It is advisable to consult your local bird watching club for advice on bird species present in your locality through-out the year.

Victorian Bird Houses - The Ultimate House For Your Birds

2010-09-07T03:30:00.001-07:00

Image : http://www.flickr.com

One of the most popular items to add to your backyard is a bird house or a bird feeder. Millions of people have one of these in their yards. Because of that, many birdlovers want to add a birdhouse that is unique or catches their visitors eye. Decorative birdhouses are a great way to do that, and many unique houses like church birdhouse and log cabins can be found, but one of the more popular styles is the Victorian architecture.

Now, it should be noted that there is not one specific style that is truly Victorian, but there are a number of styles that were popular in the US around the time of Queen Victoria's reign in the last 60 years of the 1800's. Different styles became popular in the the Northeast (for example, the Stick-Eastlake with its steeply pitched roofs and wood shingles) to the Southern and Western states (Queen Anne with its wide balconies and wrap around style) to Italianate style which was popular in many places, including New Orleans and San Francisco, which featured bay windows and oddly placed chimneys.

Even though the styles of these home varied significantly, the one common theme was that they represented a lifestyle, sort of the 1800's version of the rich and famous. Conspicuous consumption and excess was the theme, and that was was what you spent your money on.

So these birdhouses of today allow us to recapture just a little of the grandeur of the era, by putting a little piece of it in our homes. Since most of us can't afford or even want to live in one of these homes, it's a small luxury we can afford to put one in the yard.

Just like the homes of the era, there are a wide variety of Victorian birdhouses to be found. You can find simple cottages, or multiple story houses, with intricate roofs and replica balconies and porches.

Many are hand crafted, but these days many of the decorative birdhouses are fashioned from resin material that is actually molded, which allows very intricate designs to be built at an affordable cost. There are also many miniature ceramic birdhouses as well, and you can even find some that come with a pedestal.

A Bird Feeder Pole Allows You to Feed Birds Easily

2010-09-04T13:30:00.001-07:00

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Even if you are not a passionate birder, you love them and want to provide them with food. Bird feeder poles make it easy for you to accomplish just that. These poles allow you to position feeders wherever it is convenient for you. They are easy to use, inexpensive and they are a great place to feed the neighborhood birds.

Why Feed Them?

One of the main questions people often ask is whether or not it makes sense to feed birds. The theory is that they depend on feeders and may be disappointed or may become dependent so much so that they do not feed naturally. While this could happen in some remote locations, it is unlikely to happen. Our feathered friends are victims of human expansion like many other animals. They are better able to adapt to humans, but their food sources, such as seeds, insects and buds are on the decline due to human control. Therefore, these animals are often looking to humans for additional support they simply do not have otherwise.

How To Feed Them

Besides selecting the right feeders for your garden, the next step is to position them throughout the yard to attract the birds in your area. Here are some things to remember.

- Use feeder poles positioned in different areas to attract different types of birds. Larger birds may prefer the tube feeders, for example, but you may want to use a second bird feeder pole to place hopper feeders for the smaller birds.

- You do not have hang bird feeders on tree branches to get the birds to use them. These poles can be placed within 12 to 15 feet of homes without a lot of human traffic and they will be used well.

- If you have a large number of birds, choose bird feeder poles that hold larger feeders. These make it easier for the birds to get their share of the goodies.

Once you position and start using these feeders, you will quickly see them start coming. The worst thing you can do is to not provide food on a regular basis. If you allow these feeders to empty out or to become soiled in some way, chances are good that the birds will leave. With bird feeder poles, however, the process of taking them down, cleaning them out and filling them is easy enough to do.

These tips will help ensure that you are helping the birds in your area to have the food they need. These poles are a great way to get this process started inexpensively and in virtually any environment. Keep in mind that a variety of styles are available to ensure what you need is available.