Archive for March, 2009

How long does it take for birds to find a bird feeder?

Saturday, March 28th, 2009
jenleigh0880 asked:


Just bought a window bird feeder and we live in an apartment but there are alot birds around. How long will it take for the birds to find the feeder?

Tyler
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I put out a bird feeder, and no birds have come to feed. What can I do to attract birds?

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
Brandon A asked:


We live in Jacksonville, FL, and no birds have come to see us. We put the feeder in the back yard with seeds that should attract the kinds of birds we have seen in out camphor trees, but they are not coming at all. We haven’t even had a squirrel.

Lillian
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Bird Feeders From Windowalert

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
Brice asked:


Bird feeders are an attractive inclusion to gardens, backyards, and terraces. They are sure to attract all sorts of birds and let you observe them very closely. The bird feeder will attract more birds when it is placed in a proper location and the kind of food filled in varies according to the preferences of different species. These feeders are available in different designs from tubes to hoppers and trays. Hummingbird feeders make a fantastic décor for your garden. They have red accents or red glass with sugar solution to attract hummingbirds. A suet feeder has a metal cage-like construction and plastic coating that contains a cake or block of suet to feed woodpeckers, flickers, and other insect eaters.

WindowAlert offers you the finest variety of bird feeders like sunflower and mixed seed feeders, nyjer feeders, hummingbird feeders, squirrel-proof feeders, and eco-friendly feeders. Regular disinfecting of feeders has to be carried out to prevent spreading of diseases. Feeder cleaning products from WindowAlert helps to maintain hygiene. Droll Yankees Window Bird Feeders are one of the safest feeders that contain UV-stabilized polycarbonate to resist coloring. The open construction of the feeder provides a clear view of birds on the feeder. The birdfeeder has curved rims and drainage holes to eliminate water and three high-quality suction cups for secure holding. Place these charming birdfeeders on matching pedestals and create an impressive focal point in your backyard. These feeders enhance the beauty of your birdhouses and also make fantastic gifts.

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Kristen
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Attracting Birds Into Your Yard and Into Your Life-7 Simple Steps to Success

Sunday, March 8th, 2009
Mike McCoy asked:


Birds can be attracted to your home and surroundings simply by offering food, water and shelter, the three most important ingredients for all living creatures. I want to share with you how I have crated a paradise in my own backyard that is loaded with birds year round.

First-You must discover what species of birds live in your area. You also must know that some of these species you discover will come and go depending on what time of year it is and whether they are migrant birds or birds that live near you year round. There are several ways to go about this discovery but one of the easiest ways to get this information is from your local Audubon Society. They will most likely have a bird list specific to your area and loads of information on those specific birds.

Second-You must find out which species of birds live in your specific habitat. Do live in a wooded area? Is it a mixed forest with conifers and deciduous trees or maybe more of a savanna with grasses and Oak trees? Do you live on a farm in the country or in a big city neighborhood? Different species of birds are adapted to different environments and this will be a defining factor in your decisions on which birds you want to attract to your yard and what kind of feeders and birdhouses you will put up. A good field guide to birds will be invaluable in this respect.

Third-So you know which birds live in your area and may be attracted to your yard in your specific habitat, now what? You need to put up some bird feeders! Birds can live very easily without you putting up bird feeders but you want to see them don’t you? If you want to see them, you have to get them closer to your house. This requires that you put up some bird feeders, but which ones? There are so many different kinds.

The best thing to do is put up a variety of feeders if they are appropriate for your habitat. Here are a few suggestions. A starling-resistant suet feeder, a house or tube feeder for sunflower seed, a bluebird feeder, a wire mesh cage feeder for peanuts, a nectar feeder, a tube feeder for thistle, a stationary or tray fruit feeder and a house or platform feeder for millet.

Fourth-Whatever types of feeders you install, make sure they are safe from predators. Cats are the number one killer of songbirds. Make sure your bird feeders are safe from cats or better yet, keep your cats indoors. If you have squirrels around, make sure you mount your bird feeders so the squirrels can’t get to them or purchase squirrel proof bird feeders.

Fifth-Water is essential for birds. Not only do most birds need water to survive, they love to bath in it! Even without putting up bird feeders, you can attract many birds by installing a bird bath or fountain in your yard. If you have the choice, install a fountain or a waterfall as moving water will not only attract more birds but you will also attract other wildlife as well.

Sixth-Shelter for your birds. If you want to enjoy bird watching to the fullest degree, you must put up birdhouses. The thrill of watching birds go through their mating rituals and raising their young is unforgettable. There are birdhouses for all different species of cavity nesting birds. It is important to note however that not all birds use birdhouses. It is also important to choose only birdhouses that are safe and built specifically for the species of bird you want to raise.

Seventh-Landscape for the birds. If you have the ability to landscape around your house, use native plants that attract wild birds. You can get a list of plants for your area from a local nursery or arbor society.



Kim
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How to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders

Sunday, March 1st, 2009
anonymous asked:


Maybe you have been trying to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder but you haven’t had great success in keeping them away. Even if you buy the bird feeders that are categorized as squirrel proof many find that they are not squirrel proof. When it comes to keeping squirrels out of unwanted areas it may be hard due to the determination of the squirrel. When the squirrel sees his favorite seed the sunflower seed, he or she may go after it no holds barred no matter what the case may be. Sometimes it depends on where the bird feeders are placed, if they are placed conveniently next to a tree it is less likely that you will keep squirrels away. Finding tips that will help keep down the squirrel population on your bird feeder may not be enough. You may have to find products that will help you keep the squirrels away. There are a few things you can try before you make the decision to go buy a product. Moving your bird feeder away from trees or other objects squirrels can use to jump off of may help. Another suggestion is to not paint the metal pole of the bird feeder. When you do paint the metal it makes it easier for the squirrels to climb up. Choosing a feed that the squirrels are not especially fond of may be hard to do but keeping away from their favorites may help.

When all else fails there are actually safe products on the market that will allow you to keep the birds happy by keeping the squirrels away. There are actually products that you can place directly on the bird feeder and the birdseed that will not harm the birds but will deter the squirrels from coming around. Some of these products are also used to keep squirrels out of attics. When you use these products correctly they are effective and safe in deterring those squirrels from the birdfeeders.

When finding a product that will keep the squirrels out of your bird feeder it is important you pay attention to exactly what a product does. Products that are on the market to deter squirrels away from your property have different uses. Some products deter the squirrels from bothering plants and vegetation, while others stop them from entering indoor areas. When you need a product to do a specific thing it is important to know what product does what. When you are trying to keep squirrels from your bird feeder you must find a product that is designed specifically to do that.

Some may find that if they create a perimeter wall with a squirrel deterrent it may help but it may not keep them completely out of the bird feeders. Again, depending on where the feeders are and how determined a squirrel is may determine how well a repellent will work. The best way to keep the squirrels away from the bird food is a repellent that’s only purpose is protecting bird feeders from squirrels. When you know what each product does you will choose the right one to get the job done.



Lucille
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Attracting Birds to Your Garden Bird Feeder

Sunday, March 1st, 2009
Janet Ashby asked:


It is most beneficial to feed wild birds during the winter months when their natural food may be unavailable but shortages do occur at other times of the year. So putting food out for the wild birds at any time of year can help when there are shortages. During the breeding season a temporary shortage of food will affect the young fledglings so it is especially helpful to put out food for the birds at this time.

Feeding in the Spring and Summer

During the summer and especially when they are moulting, birds need high protein foods. Good examples to put in your feeder are raisins, currents, black sunflower seeds, grated cheese, meal worms, soaked sultanas and commercially prepared summer seed mixtures. You can also purchase mixes for insect loving wild birds.

For fruit eating birds put out grapes, bananas, apples or pears, suitably chopped into smaller pieces. Avoid the use of peanuts, bread or fats as they can be harmful if taken back to baby birds. Home made fat balls are not really a good idea as they quickly go off in the warm weather. Commercially prepared fat bars are better and last for around three weeks before they must be thrown away.

During unseasonably cold or wet weather there may insect shortages. If the weather is very dry earthworms become difficult to catch. For birds with young in the nest they will be tempted by food on bird tables during these times so it is essential to make sure any food you put out is suitable for the young birds. Never put out loose peanuts, large pieces of bread, fats or hard, dry food at this time as these can be fatal if taken back to feed the baby birds.

Feeding in the Fall and Winter

During the colder months put food out for the birds regularly, twice a day if possible, especially in very cold weather. The birds need high energy food during this time so foods high in fats are particularly suitable. Put out good quality food and remove any uneaten food regularly.

Attracting Birds to Your Feeder

You can attract different species of birds to your garden by providing the food they like in a suitable feeder. Large birds will need a feeder with large, sturdy perches, hummingbirds will be attracted to a nectar feeder, finches to a thistle feeder. You can also purchase goldfinch feeders, jay feeders and woodpecker feeders.

Types of Bird Feeders

Feeders suitable for different types of food:

Tube feeder - small seeds including thistle seeds

Platform feeder - fruit or other food types

Hummingbird feeder - nectar

Squirrel proof - mesh cage feeders - peanuts, larger seeds, suet

Standard type feeder - safflower seeds, sunflower seeds

Food suitable for different species.

* Bluebird - bluebird seed available to purchase, cornmeal with peanut butter

* Bunting - small grains and seeds.

* Blackbirds - breadcrumbs, small seeds and grains

* Chickadee - sunflower seeds, unsalted nuts, safflower seeds, suet

* Finches - black sunflower seeds, thistle seeds

* Jays - peanuts, suet, corn, sunflower

* Mourning Doves - cracked corn seeds, wheat, sunflower and safflower seeds

* Mockingbirds - bread, suet, raisins

* Robins - breadcrumbs, raisins, apples

* Northern Shrikes - Suet.

* Siskins - sunflower seeds, thistle seeds

* Thrashers - suet, raisins, bread

* Towhee birds - seed mixes for small birds

* Woodpeckers - cracked corn seeds, wheat, sunflower and safflower seeds

* Warblers - peanut butter, suet

* Townsend’s Warblers - cheese, peanut butter, suet

* Yellow Throated Warblers - breadcrumbs.



Deborah
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