Bird Feeders

P. Griffin asked:


Ok, when i wake up in the morning all i see at my bird feeder is a family of squirrels eating out of it and scaring away all the birds, what do I do about them??

Colleen

tem asked:


Hi. I have seen a blue and white baby parakeet at my bird feeder outside off and on for the last 6 weeks and it’s getting colder at night. (In Idaho) I didn’t think I would see it again after we had a freeze warning 2 nights ago and then it rained yesterday but it was at the feeder 3 times today. I’ve tried a cage with my conure’s food in it along with a tent and a towel over the cage and no sign of it going in. I even held food in my hand up to it and it looked at it but then flew away. I’ve heard to soak them down so they can’t fly but it hangs out in a tree where if it was too wet to fly it could land in the yard next door where there is a pit bull and another big dog. I’m so worried now that it’s in the low 40’s at night and will be getting colder soon.

Thanks!

Larry

Trevor Price asked:


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

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

The Squirrel Buster Plus

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

Suet Sandwich Woodpecker Feeder

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

Droll Yankees Squirrel-Proof Feeders

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

Buy a Squirrel Feeder

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

Make Your Own

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

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

You can find the project, along with pictures, right here - instructables.com/id/How-to-build-a-Flexi-Perch-Squirrel-proof-birdfe/?ALLSTEPS.



Jeanne

Ray Lam asked:


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

After my father died it became obvious that my mother could not take care of the five-bedroom farmhouse that she and dad had shared for over forty years. The house was large and old and she was not safe trying to go up and down stairs to do laundry and to get to the upstairs bedroom area. We considered remodeling the house, but we were also concerned about her living out in the country by herself with a large yard and the need for snow removal services in the winter. She agreed to move into a senior high rise building in the small town that was located close to the farm. Moving from a five-bedroom house in the country to a one-bedroom apartment in town was quite an undertaking. She needed to get rid of many belongings. My mother loved being outdoors so the biggest thing for her to get used to was opening her door and being in a hallway. We wanted to give her some reminders of being of the farm so we bought window bird feeders for her to have in the living room and bedroom. She had always fed the birds at home so this was something that she could still enjoy.

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



Justin

Sam asked:


What is a good mixture or recipe for a humming bird feeder?
I would like to make my own humming bird mixture but am a little concerned. I have heard that mildew can kill the birds.

What is a good mixture for them? Is honey or syrup better than sugar?

Marvin

vnm0s1 asked:


I am looking for plans to build a wild bird feeder. I prefer one for a post, made of wood, with a hopper, and 4 sides for the birds to feed from.

Leroy

Brice asked:


America’s second popular hobby, bird watching, has always been a passion for many. By placing the appropriate food in the feeder, you can attract various species of birds that you desire to watch closely. Unlike other hobbies, bird feeding is a craft. The bird food mixed in correct proportion will let you attract your favorite bird species. If you are an amateur bird watcher, who is seeking basic guidance, then WindowAlert is the right place for you.

WindowAlert offers the Backyard Bird Feeders Bible answers all your questions in simple words with 275 photographs and 125 illustrations. This bird feeders guide has colorful sections compiled in alphabetical order and lets you refer any topic of your choice easily.

The Backyard Bird Feeders Bible from WindowAlert is the perfect guide for bird lovers to nurture their hobby. This book has an impressive 4-color layout and each section contains information about birds from different regions. It provides simple instructions on how to choose the right food for various bird species as well as on basic bird seed mixes. Unlike other academic books, the author has presented the ideas in a friendly tone for easy and better understanding. This bird feeders guide also offers in depth information on bird’s favorite foods, their behavior, and bird migration. The author of the Backyard Bird Feeders Bible gives economical tips like converting the leftovers into bird food and changing your backyard into bird haven. It is a comprehensive guide that educates and entertains all wild bird lovers. read more…



Bradley

Wild-bird-watching.com asked:


Even the most novice bird watcher places a bird feeder out in winter, what strikes me, is the number of experienced bird watchers who do not provide water for the birds during winter.

The energy expanded looking for a fresh water source could be better used for staying well and surviving the winter.

All wildlife needs water, Summer or Winter.

Birds, like humans, need water all year. By investing in a heated bird bath or by adding a bird bath heater to your existing bird bath, you’ll be providing the greatest resource birds need in order to survive.

Bird bath heaters are usually available wherever bird feeding supplies are offered. Check local hardware stores, large discount stores, and online.

Heated bird baths are most commonly found on-line. These are complete bird baths with the heater built into the bath.

When using either of these types, make sure your power source is safe. If you are unsure, hire an electrician to check it out or to install a GFCI outlet on the outside of your house. These types of outlets provide saftey for outdoor bird baths and any other electrical tools used in the yard.

Place your heated bird bath near your feeders for easier viewing. Even birds that don’t normally visit your feeders will visit your bird bath. All backyard birds need water. Also, when placing your bath, make sure there is cover for the birds. Water on the feathers make birds easy targets for prey.

Do not place the bird bath too close to cover, otherwise cats can hide and attack the birds more easily, a few yards will be adequate.

The recommended type of bird bath, is the pedestal style. These give the birds more security by being 2 or more feet above ground. This height allows birds to view their surroundings and any would be predators. Any bird bath can be used.

By providing water for birds this winter, you’ll not only be providing a service to our winter birds, but you’ll have a greater diversity of birds and more of them to watch. And…

Isn’t that what makes bird watching so much fun



Shannon