Garden Bird Feeders

Archive for January, 2009

Attracting Birds to the Garden

Birds in the garden bring many benefits. Their songs brighten the dullest morning and it is fun to watch them grow, play and search for food. They also eat their share of insects and bugs.

Bird feeders are one way to encourage birds to visit the garden. Homemade and store-bought feeders attract birds equally as long as they can reach the seeds. If a feeder is maintained through winter, it should be continued through summer. The birds depend on it while feeding hungry hatchlings.

Hummingbirds love red flowers, including red tulips, but not everyone can keep enough red flowers in bloom to feed these active birds. This is where feeders come in handy. Various types, including ones that stick to windows, are available.

The recipe my mother-in-law uses in her hummingbird feeder is two cups of sugar to one cup boiling water. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool before adding to the feeder. Store unused portions in the fridge. It is not recommended to use food colouring to make the mixture red and frankly it is not needed. With this mixture, humming birds are constantly dive-bombing my feeder.

Regardless of the types of feeders used, it is important to clean them regularly.

Birds are attracted to plants they can either eat, hide in or nest in. Choosing berry producing plants, especially ones retaining berries throughout the winter, will provide food when the ground is frozen. Trees with berries are mountain ash, chokecherry, service berry and hawthorn. Shrubs producing berries are highbush cranberry, sumac, quince, Russian olive and honeysuckle.

Perennials and annuals attracting hummingbirds are beebalm, hollyhock, fuchsia, delphinium, and columbine. Usually, red flowers with deep throats attract hummingbirds. Many birds will eat sunflowers. Plants also provide a place to nest and to hide from bigger birds, humans, cats and other animals. A mixture of waist-high bushes, evergreen trees and larger trees provide a safe haven for birds.

Many birds take advantage of bird houses, but design is important. Avoid using perches outside the hole. Larger birds can sit and bother smaller birds inside. Small birds will nest in houses with small holes because larger birds cannot enter. To help build their nest, place colourful yarn, string or lint from the dryer in nearby trees.

Birds need water, but only go as far as necessary for a drink or a bath. By adding a bird bath, they will spend more time in the garden and provide entertainment.

A little creativity and work will attract and keep birds interested in your backyard and garden, but interestingly enough, one bird enthusiast had the greatest idea: do nothing. By letting the yard go’ and grow into its natural state, birds will naturally flock and take up residence.

Planting a bird and butterfly garden that the entire family can enjoy while outdoors during spring and summer activities is a wonderful way to bring family conversations back to the dinner table. You can teach young children to appreciate and nurture the habitat of wildlife and instill an attitude of responsibility for the planet we depend upon.

The best spot for your garden will be in a place that is warm and sunny. Butterflies are cold-blooded insects, enjoying the warmth of the sun. Birds like open spaces, the better to spot predators. Make sure you can see the garden from indoors for those times when being outside is not possible. A shallow birdbath, not over two and a half inches of water, with some flat stones in the middle, will serve both birds and butterflies. You can build your own or buy one at Garden Stores or Home Depot. In fact, you can make the birdbath your focal point if you wish.

Select shrubs and small trees that will give the birds shelter and provide food in the fall. Some selections that are ideal would be Dogwood, Serviceberry, Hawthorn, Juniper, Beautyberry or Viburnum. Each of these produce gorgeous blooms in the spring and berries in the fall. Check to be sure your selection will grow well in your gardening zone. Hummingbirds enjoy red and orange blossoms from the Cardinal flower, Honeysuckle, Bee Balm, and Salvia. Trumpet vines entice the hummingbird and the butterfly.

You might want to plant perennials(flowers that come up every year) and annuals(flowers that must be re-planted each year) in separate beds. However, both types can occupy the same bed. Allow the perennials to sprout in early spring before adding annuals such as Cosmos, Lantana, Zinnias, and sunflowers. Monarch butterflies sip nectar from ornamental Alliums. They have long curling tongue-like organs called a proboscis. This is why the hummingbird and butterfly can feed from many of the same plants. Be sure to allow a spot for weeds and wildflowers to grow, providing food for the butterfly in its larval or caterpillar stage.

Things to do as a family: Decide on the area for your garden. Visit a garden center at your local Wal-Mart, Home Depot, or Ace Hardware. You may have several yard & garden centers to choose from as well. Select your small trees, shrubs, and bedding plants with birds and butterflies in mind. Be sure to read the tag on each purchase to make sure the shrub or flower will grow well in your soil and the area you will be planting in. Once you are home with your selections, if you have not done so already, draw a simple garden plan on paper. This will help you see where to place your taller trees and shrubs, allowing for a good view of the flowers. Follow directions as you plant each item. Be sure to fertilize if suggested and water all new plants well.

Once your garden is started, you can add or change plants each year. If you have enough space to add a glider or outdoor furniture, you will have the perfect place for spring and summer picnics. For more information and ideas, check out www.BirdsandBlooms.com, and www.Countrylivingassociation. com. The birds and butterflies will entertain you for hours and give your family a common hobby as you build your own bird feeders or set up those you have purchased. Make sure everyone has a turn to be in charge of filling the feeders with seed or with nectar for hummingbirds. You might want to keep your camera handy for those once in a lifetime shots of amazing blooms, birds, and butterflies.

,

GETTING your ideal garden can take months or even years. First of all there is all the planning, checking out other people’s gardens to see what works and does not work, watching gardening programs on television and reading up the right books. So, having gone to all the effort of getting your plot exactly how you want it, you are going to need to continue to put the effort in to keep it that way.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:off ice:office” />

All green fingered experts know that you have to put in some back breaking hours in spring to get ready for the outdoor season. The same is true in the fall, when you put your garden to bed for the winter. The effort you put in will reap huge dividends and keep your garden looking tidy.

But you need to be constantly working your garden to keep up standards. Neglect it for a couple of weeks in summer and it will be covered in unsightly and difficult to remove weeds. You must keep on top of everything. I do something most evenings after work from spring through summer. There are obvious jobs to do, such as mowing the lawn that may be a couple of times a week if we have a lot of sun and rain in quick succession. But there are also borders to tidy up.

I turn over the soil regularly, adding compost from my own garden and fruit and veg waste – at least twice a year to ensure good, healthy plants. As well as helping to look after the quality of your plants, it also looks more attractive. There is always a lot of watering to do as well, which I carry out most nights, providing it has not rained.

I do everything I can to discourage birds, slugs and other insects guzzling on my tiny plants by environmentally friendly methods and also attempt to frighten off the nighbors’ cats.

As for making sure everything stays organized, the best way to do that is to organize yourself. Over many years, I have built up my own gardening diary. I put under each month all the little jobs that need doing and tick them off as and when I complete them. It has been a time consuming exercise, but it makes things easier in the long run by acting as a reminder.

I am always talking to other keen gardeners. I take advantage of their knowledge and experience to improve my pride and joy garden. I am sure that they do the same. It might seem quite boring to non-gardeners, but we gardeners love nothing more than chatting about our wonderful hobby.

Solar bird baths let you enjoy frequent feathered visitors and a lovely garden ornament but without the hassle of running power to a water pump. The sound of moving water is not only tranquil – it also attracts birds, who listen for water sources as they migrate.

Read on for an overview of some popular solar bird bath fountains, along with a few tips and tricks on how to care for your fountain.

ITEM and PRICE: Bird Bath; $190; Plow and Hearth – plowandhearth.com

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Solar powered bird bath with a small fountain

REVIEW: The fountain pump is invisible and recessed, but provides a constant source of moving and bubbling water that attracts birds. However, there is no battery in case the day turns cloudy or shade puts an end to your bird party. Finally, this popular bird bath is made from solid copper, and while it’s attractive – it may be too slippery. Try filling the bottom with rough stones or sand.

ITEM and PRICE: Frontgate Solar Fountain – $299 (frontgate.com)

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Two-tiered, solar-powered, pedestal bird bath with fountain

REVIEW: Definitely pricey. Also, the pedestal style is attractive, but may dissuade some birds that prefer water sources which are closer to the ground. The fountain is built using Stonecast, a synthetic material that has a non-slippery surface and is durable enough to leave outside all year. Like most solar fountains, this model does not store power and won’t work on a shady or overcast day.

ITEM and PRICE: Solar Bird Baths by Guildford – $129

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Two-tiered, solar-powered, pedestal fountain bird bath

REVIEW: The Guildford solar bird bath is made from a durable material with a rough, stone-like surface that’s easy to grip. Birds will love the burbling water and the security of a non-slippery surface. The Guildford fountain is sold as a pedestal, but the two-tiered basin can also be removed and placed on the lawn.

Caring for a Solar Bird Bath

The best thing you can do for your solar bird bath after purchase is coat it with an outdoor sealant before using it. A spray-on sealant will protect the finish from wear and tear and keep your bird bath looking great for years to come. Once you’ve applied the sealant, make sure it’s completely dry prior to setting it out for flying visitors – this is to prevent the inadvertent poisoning of the water source.

The next key factor in maintaining and caring for solar bird baths is to watch the water levels on very windy or sunny days. The heat and wind can cause your low water levels to quickly dissipate, eventually evaporating it all. If the pump is still running, it could burn out. To avoid this problem, look for a bath that’s shallow, but also large and slightly deeper in the middle.

With those caveats in mind, providing a bird bath run from solar power is a great option for conservation-minded people who want to provide a friendly perch for their feathered visitors while saving on energy costs.

Helping a wounded bird is a decision of how bad the bird is wounded and where its wounds are. In some cases such as a cat that has attacked it or how long its been wounded before you found the bird plays a major factor if you should help it or not. Birds that have been mauled by a cat usually have several puncture wounds and will not live long, also it is the same if they have been wounded for a long time.

In cases of a broken wing or leg the bird can ,in most cases be saved. Definitely wear a pair of gloves when handling, and be as gentle as you can not to hurt its wound any further. Find a location for the bird so that it can rest peacefully, so it will not injure it self any further. Its best if just you are the one tending to it, to many people or other animals around can make it more difficult to keep the bird calm.

A cage is not a good idea for the bird is not used to being confined and will either be to afraid or injure it self worse. A box works well with some grass or weeds in it. Food and water dishes should be placed where it can be easily accessed and spill prove. Let the bird tend to its own wounds, do not try to tape or wrap a wing. Birds will pick and clean their wound better this way.

But in the case of a broken leg you may have to splint it so it can heal properly. If a bird is showing signs of being sick you should place an ultra-violet light or heat lamp of low wattage over the box . This will keep the bird warm and ultra-violet Rays are very important to a sick bird for it is like the rays from the sun.

The best you can do your self is to keep the bird as calm as possible ,supply the right food and clean water, and heat if necessary. This can take a great deal of time and care!

THE EATING BEHAVIOR OF SQUIRRELS

Squirrels are those little furry bundles with the bushy tails that scamper around oak trees collecting and burying nuts, or chew up all the birdseed from residential feeders, right? Well, sort of, they do eat nuts and seeds but their diet is more diverse than most of us realize. They are unable to digest cellulose like rabbits or deer, and require foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fat.

Squirrels are actually omnivores. The normal squirrel diet usually consists of plant buds, seeds, fruits, nuts, fungi, and insects but certain varieties, like the Thirteen-Lined ground squirrel and White-tailed Antelope squirrel, have been known to attack young chickens, lizards, frogs, and other rodents.

Flying squirrels have been found to be the most carnivorous, preying on the eggs of woodpeckers and thrushes, as well as deer mice, chipmunks, and even smaller squirrels. A pack of Black squirrels in Russia has even been accused of murdering and eating a dog!

The changing seasons play a large role in the availability of food and when seeds, tree buds, and nuts are not readily available, squirrels will result to predatory behaviors to survive.

In the summer, squirrels usually “grocery shop” 2-3 hours after the sun rises. They’ll laze around during the day and then return to the “store” about 2 hours before sunset. In the winter, the “shopping” time is altered. They will only forage between sunrise and the middle of the day, remaining in their nest until the next sunrise. If its extremely cold, or a bad storm hits, the squirrels may remain in their nests for days.

Squirrels are opportunistic feeders. They will continue to gather, store, and eat whatever food source is plentiful until it runs out or they are scared off. In order to maintain their health, a squirrel needs to consume approximately a pound of food each week and knows enough to stockpile any extras in a cache for leaner times.

Ever wondered how squirrels are able to locate their buried nuts? Before they bury a nut, they break the shell open with their teeth and clean it. They lick it and rub it against their face, and then place it in the ground. This action applies the squirrel’s scent to the nut and is what helps them locate the treasure at a later date.

Squirrels are also very persistent. If there is a delicacy that is not within reach, they work at figuring out a way to get to it, just ask anyone who has been forced to erect a “squirrel-proof” birdfeeder!

Squirrels are members of the rodent family. Their teeth grow continuously, 6 inches a year, and they need to chew to keep their teeth worn-down and sharp. Their teeth enable them to crack open the hard shells of nuts, rip tree bark off to lick sap, pluck buds from a spring branch, and perform various other necessary food-related chores, as well as defend themselves.

In many urban and residential areas, squirrels are viewed as pests because they destroy gardens, bury nuts in potted plant containers, raid birdfeeders, and chew through power lines. What many people forget is that humans have had a major impact on normal squirrel feeding behaviors. Deforestation and urbanization has depleted their natural sources of food and forced them to adapt their methods of survival.

The fossil of Gray squirrel, found in North America, dates back 50 million years. They were definitely here first. We invaded THEIR environment; they aren’t invading ours. Squirrels have learned to adapt their feeding behaviors and do their best to continue surviving, by any means possible.

The birds in our locality that visit us each and everyday, find nothing better than lovely layout of fresh and clean water for their bird bath. It is like a little oasis for them. You will definitely be repaid for your thoughtful deed of creating a bird bath with a sight that will appease you heart. For a matter of fact just watching the feathered creatures having fun in the water will make all your efforts worth it.

Many a times this type of arrangement is created for people too. A well created bird bath can be a perfect addition to garden environment. I found great Pet related information at http://www.pleasepetme.com. This creation serves two purposes at the same time; besides being visually attractive it is also serving a useful purpose. The right combination of type and style of the bird bath can increase the appeal of your outdoor garden area and thus can then be enjoyed by both birds and people alike.

Also it acts like a great tool for bird watchers to attract birds and see them form a closer distance. Thus in turn it is a great incentive for bird watchers to build as bird bath for our feathered friends. By using one the bird baths you can attract a diverse collection of species of birds, as proclaimed by some watchers. If you actually check this out you will notice that a greater number of avian creatures are enticed by water than by seeds.

Although amazing, only seed-eating species like the blue jays and the sparrows are attracted to the feeders. You might rarely get a glance of a finch or a bright red cardinal but you can be sure that the feeders will attract the same kind of birds.

Beside the normal seeds, insects and fruits are also a part of the diet of a number of birds. Your seed feeder wont be able to draw bird species like catbirds, wrens and waxwings which are the ones that will give your garden a bit of diversity. Though, you might be able to interest them in a wonderful bird bath. All birds dont indulge in seed, but all do drink water, thus the wonderful thing of a bathing area is that it attracts a wider audience.

Now that you have realized that a well crafted bird bath can complete your garden, you will have to remember a small number of things whilst out shopping. So as to enable the bird to stand properly in the water, ensure that the article has a rough bottom. Also the bird bath has never to be deep, recommended height is three inches or less.

It has been found out that the hum of trickling water attracts more birds than stagnant water, thus it would be great if you would think of including a fountain element to summon the birds to the water oasis.

I write this as an experienced wildlife volunteer and my area of interest is the rehabilitation of injured birds. In order to do this it was first necessary to find someone in my area with sufficient experience from whom to learn the basics. Most people in the community try to do the right thing and help injured wildlife but this can be a death sentence for the bird and perhaps even a high risk of injury or infection to yourself as a result of bites and scratches. There is a better way; you can either learn from and be guided by an experienced wildlife carer or get the bird to help straight away.

Without any doubt, the most common circumstances under which I take on the responsibility of a wild bird are similar in that I am taking over from someone with no experience that found the bird and attempted to look after it without seeking help. Sadly, in many cases there is not much that can be done but had the bird been treated correctly it would have every chance of recovery and release.

The first and most important thing to do if you discover an injured bird is to ensure you are not in any danger when trying to capture it. All birds will bite you and more so when injured. They are in a stressed state, in pain and you are a threat they can’t deal with. Even the small birds can easily inflict bites if not handled carefully and using the correct techniques. I do not propose to explain these because each species is different, and it takes practice go and learn under supervision if that is what you want to do!

After checking to ensure no immediate life-threatening condition requires urgent treatment, your first priority is to treat shock. The quickest way to capture and confine a wild bird without risk to yourself is throw a light blanket or towel over it, wrap it and place it a box close the lid and see to it nobody disturbs the bird. Do not attempt to offer food and water.

If you can see the bird is injured in some way, for example you notice one wing is hanging lower than the other (usual condition for a broken wing) take the bird to a vet as soon as you can. A significant number of wild birds received into care are victims of a domestic dog or cat and they may have nothing else wrong with them. Left untreated, shock will almost certainly kill the bird yet management of stress is so easy confinement in a quiet dark area for a minimum of four hours. Carefully check everything is OK after confinement but ensure you keep exposure to a minimum.

Depending on what type of birds you want in your backyard is how you can attract them. Getting a bird feeder is an option. Some times making your own is a better option. I find that making my own gets more birds and its a lot cheaper. Bird seed is another huge factor.

A great bird feeder that will attract a lot of birds that normal feeder wont is by taking an orange and cutting it in half. Take one half and scoop a few spoon fulls of the inside out of it. They say you can take it all out, but I find if you leave some of the pulp in the orange it attracts a lot more variety of birds. Fill the orange with wild bird seed and hang it from a tree. You can use a knife to poke holes in each side of the orange so you can easily attach string and hand it. Fruit brings a lot of birds that normal seed wont.

Wild bird feeding is a very engaging and entertaining winter pastime. It also is very beneficial for the birds’ health. The cold weather months make it difficult for wild birds to find food. Backyard bird feeders provide much needed assistance in this regard. Three specific items, if properly maintained, can optimize your wild bird feeding experience, ensuring that many different species of birds visit your backyard feeders all winter long. First, of course, you need one or more bird feeders; second, you need a birdbath; and third, often overlooked, you should put up a winter roosting box.

Bird Feeders

Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, often accommodating the different ways birds eat. For example, juncos and sparrows forage on the ground, so platform feeders easily meet their needs. Meanwhile, finches and chickadees are drawn to tube bird feeders filled with seed.

If you place a few bird feeders of various styles and use a combination of seed, fruit, and nutmeats, you can greatly increase the number and variety of visiting birds. In fact, adding to the variety of food you provide for the birds will more than proportionately add to the variety of birds at your bird feeders.

Bird Baths

A water feature, like a birdbath, has a magnetic effect on birds, as long as you pay attention to a few details.

• Change the water every few days to keep it clean and healthy.

• Add a drip or mister to your birdbath to maximize your bird traffic – moving water is far more effective at attracting wild birds than still water.
• In the winter, you will need to keep the water from freezing. A submersible birdbath heater will keep the birds coming, even in snowy weather.

Roosting Box

The birdwatcher who can provide a bit of protection from the cold winter nights will likely be rewarded with a greater variety and frequency of birds at their feeders. Wild bird roosting boxes are built to accommodate several individuals. The lucky birds, now sheltered from wind and rain, can huddle together for warmth. Imagine a clean, fully stocked bird feeder just a few yards away from the roosting box. That would be a very busy and entertaining place in the winter.

Place your roosting box on a metal or wooden post, on a tree, or on the side of a building. Make sure it is facing away from prevailing winds. If you can mount the roosting box so that it faces south, it will get the most warmth from the sun in winter.

Whether you purchase a wild bird roosting box or you make one of your own, make sure it meets these criteria:

• The roosting box, unlike a nest box, should not have ventilation or drainage holes – the idea is to keep heat from escaping.

• Roosting boxes built in a horizontal orientation may have a few perches that extend from one side of the box to the other, while vertical roosting boxes will likely have several shorter perches that are mounted in a stagger pattern. Either way, there must be plenty of room for several birds.
• The entrance hole should be located at the bottom of the roosting box. Heat rises, so an entrance hole placed too high will cause the roosting box to lose heat.
• The roosting box needs to be accessible for cleaning purposes. The top or the front of the box should be hinged for easy opening.

One or more bird feeders, a birdbath with a drip or mister, and a nearby roosting box are the makings of a successful winter of wild bird feeding. Go put your triple play together today, and enjoy the results. Happy birding!