Bird Feeders

Janet Bugby asked:


Sparrows, blackbirds, starlings, great tits, robins, doves, greenfinches and blue tits are the wild birds you are most likely to see in your garden in the UK. If you would like to attract any particular species you can encourage them to visit your garden by providing their favorite food.

Some wild birds, including thrushes and chaffinches are more likely to search beneath bird tables for food. If your garden borders on woods you may have woodpeckers, marsh tits, coal tits and nuthatches visiting your bird feeders. Wild birds belonging to the thrush species such as fieldfares, mistle thrushes, song thrushes and redwings love fruits and berries so add these to your bird table to attract them.

Some wild birds, such as treecreepers and wrens are insect feeders so will not be interested in the foods you provide on your bird table or feeder. To attract these birds let an area of your garden grow wild with native plants and flowers. These will then attract the insects that are insect eating birds food.

Attracting Finches To Your Garden

Many people love to see finches in their gardens and it is easy to attract these lovely birds if you provide their favorite food. Finches love thistle seeds which are best placed in a specialised thistle feeder. The seeds are tiny and thistle feeders enclose the seeds in a mesh which finches, with their long beaks, can easily reach through.

These types of feeder also prevent the tiny seeds from dropping to the ground which would be a problem if you placed thistle seeds in a conventional feeder designed for larger seeds. Seeds spilled ion the ground will also attract predators such as squirrels. Commercially prepared thistle seeds have been treated to prevent germination. You could also put out some sunflower or millet seeds on your bird table as finches also enjoy these.

Provide Fresh Water for The Birds

You can also attract wild birds by giving them a source of fresh water or bathing and drinking. This can be as simple as a shallow pan of water on the ground but make sure you replace it regularly. A bird bath is an attractive alternative and if you incorporate a dripper or other means to agitate the water the sound will attract the birds. This is particularly valuable in the winter months when water can be a problem for the birds.

If you place a small heater or agitator in the bird bath to keep it ice free the birds will have a source of fresh water all year round. Place the bird bath in a quiet area of the garden away from your bird feeders as wild birds need quiet when they bath. They also prefer a place underneath branches or other perches for a quick escape route from any lurking cats or other predators.

Feeding Wild Birds in Throughout the Year

Wild birds require different nutrients depending on the season. In the winter feeding is especially helpful as natural food sources may be scarce. They need high energy foods during this time with high fat content. Feed them twice a day and remove any uneaten food regularly.

In the spring and summer they will need high protein foods such as raisins, seeds, mealworms, sunflower seeds etc. You can also buy specially prepared summer mixes for insect eating wild birds. Fruit can also be put out for the fruit loving birds. They will enjoy chopped up apples and pears, grapes and bananas.

During the summer do not put out fat, bread or peanuts as they can be taken back to the nest and harm the baby birds. Home made fat balls are also a bad idea in the hotter months as they will become rancid very quickly.



Glenda

Larry Jordan asked:


Attract goldfinches as well as purple and house finches, pine siskins, and redpolls to your backyard with a nyjer seed bird feeder. You can choose one of the new wire mesh thistle feeders or one of the traditional thistle tube bird feeders. Then there’s always the old thistle sock bird feeder.

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

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

When you purchase Nyjer seed, many companies still use the word thistle on the package which has the unintended result of confusing the public even more. This bird seed is imported from India and Ethiopia and by USDA regulations must be sterilized, not to keep the niger seed from spouting, but to keep other noxious weeds that are incidentally mixed in with the niger seed from sprouting. You can now get non-sterilized, American grown niger seed right here in the United States.

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

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

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

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



Kim

simple serenity asked:


I hank my bird feeder off the fasha of my house but I have a privacy fence the animals crawl onto and eat all my bird feed. I have no were else to put the feeder any ideas?

Samantha

Craig Gleason asked:


Adding a bit of wild living to your day to day is easier than you think. It doesn’t really matter where you live or what kind of home you live in, if you have a window to the world, you can take a shot at bringing nature a bit closer to home. Hanging a birdfeeder or even better - a selection of bird feeders - within sight of your window is a great way to transform your indoors by bringing them just a little bit closer to the outdoors. If you have kids, they’ll love it. Forget about television - cardinals, jays, sparrows and finches can become the stars of breakfast time. They come for a snack, they sing, they fight, they fall in love. Over the course of the season, a real scene can develop.

If you Feed Them, They will Come

Don’t believe that the birds will really come to your house in the treeless suburbs or downtown core? Try it. Hang your feeder in a protected, but visible spot. Birds are skittish and they like to feel safe. In fact, plunking a feeder right in the middle of your backyard or attaching it directly to a window, may be a surefire way to keep most of the shier birds away. Even the prospect of a free meal won’t be enough to get their courage up. If you live in an apartment, create your own wildlife sanctuary on the balcony. Wait for it to catch some lucky bird’s eye and then let nature take it’s course. What happens next is interesting. Sooner or later, word gets around. Perhaps the most surprising thing about efforts to attract birds in apparently birdless areas, is that it works. The variety and number of species in urban areas is often astounding. Don’t give up. It can sometimes take weeks for your fine feathered friends to discover their free lunch.

Don’t want a free for all? Choose the type of birds you prefer to attract and set out specialized bird feeders just for them.. There are hummingbird feeders, finch feeders, winterbird feeders, and even springloaded feeders that shut off the food supply when the big bully birds come around. Do a bit of research on the type of birds you want to attract as they will favor certain foods over others. Jays will go for corn while hummingbirds love a mixture of sugar and water.

Once you get started, there are plenty of ways to enhance your mini bird sanctuary that will make it more inviting for the birds and more enjoyable for birdwatchers. For instance, consider offsetting the feeder with a birdbath or adding plants to your garden that provide additional food sources. Create a seating area where you can see the birds that come to visit. Buy some books that will help you identify some of the many species that show up and keep them near your viewing area. Now just sit back and enjoy.



Cory

Avalon von Aldaran asked:


I have bird feeder hanging in my yard and i have noticed that on the grass right underneath the feeders are a lot of the same bugs they are black & red and some are actuallty hooked together.Are they mating and what are these bugs/insects called and why are they all of a sudden undernieth my feeders? Serious answers please.Thanks in advance.
Thanks for responding , but they are NOT lay bugs.They hang aroung the seed droppings in the grass lots of them.Idid be very interested in finding out what they are called and why they are around all of a sudden?
I meant to write Lady bugs NOT lay bugs.

Dora

Anna Mcanthony asked:


Bird Watching in Your Own Backyard

If you like to watch the playing, fluttering and fanciful nature of birds, watching birds in your own backyard or right outside your window can be a great joy. It’s extraordinary how many different kinds of species you can see. If you think there aren’t very many birds in your yard, there are a few things you can try that will attract them. With bird baths, different bird feeders and a couple of bird houses, you’ll soon have some special visitors.

You’ll find many different bird feeders on the market, and you will find that most of them fall into three different categories. There are hoppers, tray feeders, and tube feeders. Tube bird feeders are cylindrical, with landing places at the holes where the feed comes out. Tube bird feeders are good for various kinds of seed, as long as the opening is big enough for it to fit through. Hopper feeders will attract birds that might be leery of tube and tray feeders. Tray feeders are wonderful for birds that are smaller. If you really don’t care what types of birds visit your backyard, and you would just like to watch and enjoy any bird that shows up, you can purchase a general bird seed. A lot of bird seed can appeal to a number of different varieties of birds, because it’s got a number of seed varieties. If you want a particular kind of bird to come to your backyard, then you want to include a seed or food that appeals to that species.

Bird baths are a great thing to add to your backyard if you want to attract more birds. Birds love wading and splashing in the water, and if it’s kept clean, that’s even better. You can choose from more conventional bird baths, or you could go for something different, like a fountain that’s solar powered. Bird baths with moving water will appeal to wild birds that customarily would not frequent a regular fountain, like humming birds, robins, warblers and thrushes. Birds particularly like moving water, and it easily attracts them. Bird baths also look great as garden accessories. There are those that love bird baths for the fact that they bring the birds very close. This is the perfect chance to take some fantastic photographs, and enjoy the company of the birds.

If you decide to add a birdhouse to your yard, birds could potentially nest in it. Not only will they frequent now and again, but if it’s safe and secure, they might choose it as the place to lay and hatch their eggs. What a delight this would be because you could get a peek at the babies every once in a while, or when it is time for them to start flying. Not only is a birdhouse a place the birds will like, but it is a charming yard decoration too. Naturally, there are a variety of sizes, kinds and shapes of birdhouses, and the one you decide on depends on your particular taste.

Implementing these three things easily can make your backyard a little bit more accommodating for birds. There are a couple of other simple things you can add, like fragrant flowers, and crevices and openings so the birds can hide. If they feel safe in your yard, they will stick around. Happy backyard bird watching!

Author’s Bio

Ms. Ellis has written a number of articles related to bird feeders, bird houses, backyard bird watching and is a leading expert specializing in backyard birding. Please visit 14thebirds.com to read her other highly regarded work on things like various bird feeders, solar bird baths, bird houses and so on.



Todd

Limoeg Veigroeg asked:


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

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

There are some types of window bird feeders. Some of them are affixed to the window via suction cups or clips, or Velcro.

Some people don’t know the strength of the appliances. They are constructed to hold several birds to feed. Other window bird feeders could be inside the windowsill.

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

The birds around your house will start to use the window bird feeders (not immediately) after some time. You must be sure that the bird seed you are giving is for the birds that are indigenous to your area. You must avoid to use seeds which magnetize definite species

You must be patient for around a month before the birds notice your window bird feeder. When they notice it they would be back certainly to your window bird feeder.

You must not forget to provide a window bird feeders to friends or person of your family.

You would get incomparably pleasure to look at the birds near.

A window bird feeders suits people who have not the opportunity to go out very much.



Clyde

Mayoor Patel asked:


No longer does the bird feeder you choose have to be something plain propped in a spot in the yard. You need not buy a plastic, metal or wooden box to put off in the corner of the yard, unsightly, but practical. If you want something that is both practical and attractive to put in your garden consider buying gazebo bird feeders. These incredible little works of architectural wonder can be made to order, bought premade or built by you from a set of plans that can be purchased, among other places, online.

If it is the latter that you choose the plans are usually available for no more than twenty dollars. They will include complete instructions that will take you through the process in a very orderly step by step fashion. It will also have a comprehensive inventory of what materials you need to buy to build the gazebo bird feeders and drawings showing how to easily assemble it. These plan packages will contain everything you need to make this attractive feeder for your garden. Once the feeder is built you will need to paint it with non-toxic paint. Then you will need to have the right pole to mount it on. It is recommended that what you use should stand about four feet off the ground. This makes it harder for small animals like squirrels or chipmunks to get to the seeds. A little higher is okay to as long as you are able to easily restock the feeder with seeds.

If on the other hand it is your preference to buy one already constructed there are many potential outlets where you can find them. They can be bought from many nurseries, garden shops, sometimes from landscapers, or from individuals or online shops. These gazebo bird feeders very much resemble a gazebo in miniature with the same shape and decorative sides that you would expect to see on a gazebo that would sit in your yard. Prices vary greatly depending on the size of the bird feeder you buy. A tiny one may cost you under twenty dollars but if it is a masterpiece you are looking for, a large feeder to add beauty to your garden, perhaps one made of cedar, you can expect to pay closer to two hundred dollars. Of course, there are many models in between so you can find the one you want along with the price you want to pay.



Lance

Lee Dobbins asked:


Do your backyard squirrels get all the bird seed before the birds do? There are many backyards that have problems with squirrels getting into the bird feeders. During cold months, these pesky squirrels will try any tric to get at this food.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These are just some of the tips and advices on how you can make your bird feeder a squirrel proof one. Try checking online and asking some professionals when it comes to bird feeding about other effective tips.



David

Sgt-Bikes-a-Lot! asked:


I love the songbirds in the mornings, but I’ve quickly discovered how much bird seed they can consume! I really love watching them so how often should I refill or should I just fill it up everytime it becomes empty. (of course, I may go broke!)

Michelle