Garden Bird Feeders

Archive for March, 2009

Gardens – Patios – Ponds

In 2004 I had major surgery. I remember when I got home one of the donts on my doctors list was gardening. So, I immediately got interested in gardening. What was it that they dont want you to do? My uneducated mind tells me that that is probably the best thing for you.. Well, I was part wrong. Yes I admit it. After the major surgery that I had one does not need to do all the bending and stooping that gardening requires. However, I did a lot of planning for my flower beds, by checking out HeavenlyTidbits.com and Watergardenpondsandfountains.com. Planning is half the work. Then as I got the strength and could gradually work into it, I found a new love.

Did you know that a flower is an accent. It is an adjective which enhances, a young girl at her first high school dance, or a woman on a blind date, or a house when you need to spruce it up for an event or to put it on the market for sale. Flowers do wonders. The color and beauty which is added to a memorable event or to show off the many things which God has given us to enjoy.

One can user relatively inexpensive items such as birdbaths, birdfeeders, fountains, garden statuary and garden dcor, etcas listed at HeavenlyTidbits.com. Of course one could go overboard but, you dont have to. Examples of higher end items might be found at Watergardenpondsandfountains.com. My biggest problem is knowing when to plant what so I have color all year long. Thats especially difficult when planning for the winter season. I make sure I have lots of evergreens so at the very least things dont look dead. Brown and droopy is not my idea of pretty.

Remember I said to show off the many things which God has given us to enjoy? Well, start counting the different birds and creatures which your garden or flower bed draws to it. Set our a few birdfeeders and maybe a birdbath or two like the ones at HeavenlyTidbits.com and sit back and enjoy. I put up 3 small hummingbird feeders on one end of my porch. I also have a swing on my front porch which along with a cup of coffee provides a place of seclusion when its needed or a place for an intimate talk with my spouse, or a place to gather and visit and remember the good old days. Thats called nostalgia I think. Now Im getting off track. From that swing I can view Gods handy work. I give him full credit for what is produced.

I took my camera out the other day and took a few pictures. My climbing roses are in full bloom and reach to the roof of the house. I have 3 colors of primroses in a flower bed on one side of my porch along with a Texas purple sage, and a mum, and some multi-color gladiolas. On the other side I have some fern and 2 colors of petunias along with some holly bushes. I have a birdbath, similar to one of those on HeavenlyTidbits.com separating the petunias and holly bushes from two hydrangeas bushes and an elephant ear plant. They get the morning sun. I also have two hanging strawberry plants and one hanging ivy plant. I am visited daily by the hummingbirds (they love the flowers) and various other birds as I have two large feeders on the opposite end from the hummingbird feeders. (Red birds (cardinals), black birds, blue birds, finches, wrens, sparrows, blue jays, red wing black birds, etcAnd at certain times of the year one sees Robins. We even have a couple of resident doves.) The squirrels and rabbits come up to the porch. Squirrels can be pesky creatures. Occasionally one might see an armadillo. You know they are there because of the ruts they create in the yard. And during particular times of the year you can see the deer roaming from grove to grove. And I cant leave out the butterflies. WOW what color! But the most amazing thing is that this is all Gods creation. As you go through your day, take time to enjoy the wonderful gifts of nature.

I have a big garden and ensure that I always have food for birds around. I generally use three types, a fat ball, seeds and peanuts. I get all of these from a store. I specifically buy those that have been approved by the RSPB (Royal Society of Protection for Birds) and which have been developed to provide the nutrients the birds need. They are especially prepared so as to ensure that the food is right for the type of birds that visit in my area so ensuring that the birds will eat. They are also balanced in terms of the energy giving seeds and the others which attract the birds to the feeder in the first instance.

Most stores now sell bird feed in easy to carry sizes and at a reasonable price. Peanuts, but please not the roasted salted type, are plentiful and easy to find. Most birds enjoy these, especially one hungry woodpecker that visits me regularly. There are a host of seed packages available, some for hedgerow birds, some for the bigger species and some simply for a mix of wild birds. You should choose the mix that best suits the birds that visit your area.

I think this is preferable to supplying other forms of feed which may or may not be harmful or may be less effective. If you provide birds with your own home-made mix, perhaps left-overs, you may find that what you put out gets left on the ground. Not all birds will eat anything you leave out for them. They can be quite fussy. What they leave behind you may find other animals will enjoy. It can be a good way of attracting mice and rats into your garden. If you don’t want to do that, and most of us don’t, then take care.

There are some leftovers that you can put out for the birds with impunity. A favorite for my local flock is bacon fat. I have only to trim a few rashers of bacon and throw out the offcuts to attract a quick response from local flying customers. Another common home-made bird food is of course bread. I like to chop the bread into small cubes before throwing it across the lawn to entice passing birds. I have recently been purchasing seeded bread and so the birds get two treats in one. They have to be quick though to beat the local fox to the bread.

Of course, once the birds are in the garden, there is a lot of natural food about. The birds more than repay my investment in their feed by controlling some of the pests in my garden, most notably snails, slugs, aphids and ants. All gardeners will relish the beneficial affects of having the birds visit.

Beginning birders often make the mistake of thinking that all they need to do is put up a birdfeeder or two, and wild birds will flock to their backyard. Although food is one of the key elements in enticing wild birds to visit, it’s not the only one. The others are water, shelter, and nesting boxes. Additionally, to be successful in attracting the greatest variety of wild birds to your backyard, you need to create a diverse habitat.

Let’s take a look at each aspect of attracting birds to your backyard.

1. FOOD

There is no one-size-fits-all food for a wild bird buffet. Some birds are primarily insect eaters, some are nectar sippers, and others like to dine on fruit, berries and nuts. Not only that, but different birds favor different types of seed! Offer a variety of food for lots of different wild birds, or read up on the food preferences of the ones you’d most like to entice.

2. WATER

Wild birds need a place to bathe and take a cool sip of water on a hot day. They’re especially attracted to shallow, moving water, so adding a mister or circulating pump to a birdbath or pan of water will create a sound that wild birds find inviting and irresistible.

3. SHELTER

Wild birds will feel more secure in your backyard if you offer them protection from the wind, cold and predators. Make sure there are places for them to hide near your bird feeders, in case of a predator attack. Planting shrubs and trees that produce berries or fruit offers an added bonus for the birds.

4. NESTING BOXES

Some wild birds like to build their own nest, while others will happily use a nesting box or birdhouse provided by humans. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of sizes and types available, and many wild birds have a specific preference. Become familiar with the species of wild birds found in your neighborhood before choosing which style of nesting box to offer them. It’s a good idea to provide the birds with some of their preferred nesting materials, too.

5. DIVERSE HABITAT

Creating several different habitats in your backyard will increase the variety of birds who feel at home there. To attract the most wild birds, provide food, water, shelter and nesting boxes at three levels: on the ground, in shrubs and in trees.

Pay close attention to these five elements, and before long you’ll have plenty of wild birds making themselves right at home in your backyard.

Encouraging birds to nest in your backyard is easy and enjoyable. You need three items in place to ensure birds will be attracted to your yard. Birds will need a food source, water source, and places to nest.

A food source can be as simple as a tube type feeder or similar feeder. However, to ensure a year round nesting area, consider planting edible fruit bushes. Verbena,Holly and others are ideal for attracting and keeping birds in your yard through out the year. Another advantage with edible plants is they provide a food source when severe weather keeps you indoors.

Birds also prefer to have a water source near their nesting area. A small shallow bird bath/water works well, and is easy to maintain. Birds prefer running water sources so a small garden pond may be another idea. I have both a water bath and a small pond. I rarely see birds around the water bath, but the pond often has 20 or 30 feathered friends around it.

Nesting is the next step after you’ve attracted birds to your yard. Two things need to be done at this point. Build simple nests or purchase them, and provide nesting material.

I got this idea for the nesting material one day after I noticed my birds didn’t really use a hanging suet feeder. I replaced the melted suet cake, and moved the hanging suet basket to an area in the center of my backyard. I collected scrap pieces of string, thread, feathers, small twigs and trimming from fabric and placed them in the basket. After about a week I noticed over half of the material was gone, and I was able to see some of the material hanging out of my birdhouses.

Not all birds will use a birdhouse. Some prefer to nest in ledges under eaves, or in heavy vegetation. A good use for an old Christmas tree is move it to a corner of the yard to be used as shelter. Maybe some of your neighbors would give you their tree as well to expand your little sanctuary. After winter dispose of the trees during your spring clean up.

Bird houses are simple to construct you can easily find books on the subject at your local library. Store bought bird house are often pricey and not as well constructed as a home made house. One important thing to remember in making your bird house is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Birds in the wild nest where ever they can rather shopping for the perfect dream home.

One of the delightful aspects of having a yard is having a place for backyard birds to visit and live. However, if there is nothing for birds to eat in your backyard and nowhere for them to find shelter or even rest, they will have no reason to stop for a visit. If you would like birds to not only visit but to make their homes in your yard, you need to create a varied landscape that includes everything they need: food, a place to build their nest, and places to hide.

Food

While you can attract and feed birds with a bird feeder full of seed, a more natural, fragrant and scenic way to feed your backyard birds is to put in plants that create food for them. In order to cater to the needs of several different species all year round, you will want to put in a variety of flowers like Goldenrod, Larkspur, Snapdragon, Bachelor’s Buttons and Purple Coneflower.

During the winter, you may be tempted to deadhead the flowers. However, if you leave them alone, they will provide a limited amount of food during the winter and the annuals will reseed themselves. During this time, you may need to resort to a bird feeder with store-bought seeds to keep your birds happy and fed.

Nesting

Backyard birds need to build nests to lay their eggs and raise their young. Most of them like to build their nests in trees, so if you have none in your yard, the birds will move on no matter how much food you have for them. Depending on the trees you plant, they may also produce seeds and fruits the birds can feed off of. Trees are also a beautiful addition to your yard, providing shade and privacy.

Some common trees that are good for nesting birds are Flowering Dogwood, California Juniper, Colorado Blue Spruce, Oak, Black Walnut, Hackberry and Hazelnut.

A Place to Hide

While birds can hide in the trees, they may also enjoy alighting closer to the ground, particularly while observing the flowers and pondering their next meal. Some of these bushes and vines also provide food. Some of the plants in this group you might consider are berry vines (blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, etc.), Black Currant, Cotoneaster, Manzanita, Creeping Juniper and Virginia Creeper.

If you design your landscaping with backyard birds in mind, providing plenty of food and shelter all year round, birds will find your yard to be a pleasant and safe place to make their home. The effort will pay dividends in a beautiful, fragrant and song-filled sanctuary right outside your door.

Easy recipes for feeding and attracting wild birds:

Wild birds are insect eaters,seed eating birds,or nectar feeders.The best way to attract birds in your backyard is to supply them with wild bird food.They will stick to that.

1-Sunflower Seeds

Rich’s II contains sunflower seeds and was manufactured to attrack all types of birds especially wild birds.Bird experts agree that birds select their food food based on the type of food,the length of seeds(seed eating birds),the taste,and the easiness to eat the food.

2-Suet Cakes

This is extremely rich in calcium and was especially made to attract perching birds in your courtyard.It also facilitate the apparition of tree clinging birds in your yard.

3-No salted food

You should avoid salted all types of salted food such as chips,salted bacon,salted peanut…etc).

4-Peanuts

starlings, sparrows and greenfinches love to eat peanuts which are also tranditional food for many other types of wild birds.They find it easy and convenient to eat peanuts.

5-Mealworms/ waxworms

These are good for robins, wrens, thrushes and many more in the breeding seasons.

6-Niger seeds

These seeds are strongly appreciated and loved by goldfinches.

Source:

http://www.gardenadvice.co.uk/ howto/wildflowers/wildbirdfood /index.html

wildbirdschoice.com

There are few things as pleasing and beautiful as birds. Inviting wild birds to our gardens brightens each day, especially those gloomy winter ones. Birds bring color and song that help reduce the stress of modern life. A good way to thank them is to make our yards bird-friendly.

We provide food and water for wild birds to enjoy them up close. But there are other really good reasons to attract wild birds to our yards.

Urban areas are constantly expanding which alter or destroy natural areas. By creating an inviting environment to your garden you can make a difference by helping birds survive.Each new “urban oasis” helps increase the number and variety of birds in your area.

If you care about birds these are enough reasons to feed birds in your backyard. In return, the pleasure of doing so is all ours … their beauty, song and entertaining habits make the effort worthwhile. Providing a bird friendly yard has never been so important or so easy.

The first course on the menu to attract some feathered friends is wild bird food. It is the essential ingredient to begin a successful backyard program. What you decide to feed will determine the wild birds you’ll attract. Like people, they all have food preferences and you can be sure they’ll let you know if they approve of your menu. Once you know what

types of birds you want to feed and have discovered their food preferences then you’ll need a garden bird feeder to fill with food. There are many types of feeders made of various materials. Functional or species-specific feeders are the best choice and should be made of durable materials. Well-designed feeders will keep the seed clean and dry so it won’t spoil. When you choose bird feeders be sure to look for those that are easy to maintain … that is, fill and keep clean. Determine where you can place your feeders which is often determined by the space you have available.

Along with food, birds must have a fresh water source. It is an essential part of a backyard bird feeding program for several reasons. Not all species eat seed or come to feeders and water will attract birds that feeding stations alone cannot. Most importantly, year-round access to water is necessary for the birds. They must have water daily in a sizeable quantity for drinking and bathing. Bathing is essential for keeping their feathers in top shape. If birds can’t keep their feathers clean and well-groomed they will not flourish or stay warm in the winter. Bird Baths, or another type of water source, should be available year-round. Fortunately, there are many types and styles to choose. It is important to mention that birds are drawn to moving water. If your bird bath doesn’t come equipped with a way to keep the water moving, there are ways to accomplish this necessity.

Once you’ve begun to attract birds to your backyard, you’ll want them to stay around. A good way to do that is to encourage breeding. Adding nesting sites and nest boxes (i.e. Bird Houses) to your garden will help birds raise their families. You might even be lucky to see babies fledge … that is, take their first flight. Usually parent birds will bring their babies to your feeders adding another level of enjoyment to your backyard birding program.

In most cases, you’ll have the best success with nest boxes that are made of natural materials and designed to meet the needs of specific species. They are the most convservation-oriented products providing dimensions that birds will accept … and they provide safety from predators. Important differences in nest boxes have to do with size and depth of the box interior and diameter of the entrance hole.

features such as the predator guard on the entrance hole to keep out squirrels, Starlings and other undesirables, plus one side opens for observation with removable plexiglass in place to prevent nestlings from falling out. The other opens also when it is time to clean the nest box.

If you combine all of these ingredients together, you are sure to attract an abundance of birds that will amuse, amaze, and become a very fullfilling hobby that will last a lifetime.

If you’re into backyard bird watching and want to attract different birds, you can start by learning what the different food and nesting preferences are. There are many sites on-line, which you can find by typing the name of the bird you wish to attract into the search box. The best site is The Audubon society.

Creation of habitats for birds is much needed. Every year, as the number of destroyed and cut forests grows, more and more birds die from lack of a suitable habitat for nesting and/or feeding grounds. Like humans, they are more prone to disease if they do not eat the foods they need. In your own back yard, you can help by taking a few easy, low-cost steps.

My Mother and I practice all of these ideas in our one-acre back yard. We have enjoyed watching a family of red headed woodpeckers reproduce for seven years. Each year we plant for the hummingbirds and always hold our breath when the first one graces our garden. You too can attract birds to your backyard and become an avid bird watcher.

Nesting sites

1-Plant native trees for birds to nest in.

2-Use a cat repellent around base of trees to protect nests and eggs.

3-In large yards, allow an area to grow wild for birds to hide and nest in.

4-Hang birdhouses on poles that cats can’t climb.

5-Hang birdhouses on the sides of buildings in out of the way areas to protect from cats.

6-Plant a large bed of grasses for ground nesters.

Food

1-Plant trees and shrubs that bear fruit or berries

2-Provide bird-feeders on poles that cats can not climb.

3-Use some form of squirrel guard.

4-Plant a bed of sunflowers and let it go to seed.

5-Plant flowers that bear seeds favored by birds.

6-Provide suet cakes for the birds on trees and fence posts.

Water

1-Birdbaths or garden pools are a must, especially in hot weather.

2-Place birdbaths in open areas so birds can see any predator approach.

3-Keep the birdbath full as birds will become accustomed to it.

4-Clean only with a scrubber and a few caps of vinegar in a gallon of water.

5-Do not use chemicals to kill the algae

6-Change the water every other day and clean well once a week.

7 Note when most birds are present and turn on your sprinkler at this time each day.

Sand baths

1-Fill a birdbath with sand and watch the birds antics.

2-Sand helps to control mites.

3-Sprinkle cat repel around the base.

Woodpeckers

1-If a tree dies in an area that does not pose a safety hazard, leave it.

2-Owls and woodpeckers will feed and nest in the soft wood.

Humming birds

1-Hang several small feeders instead of one.

2-Fill with one part sugar to four parts water boiled for three minutes.

3-Never, use food coloring

4-Hang feeders in the shade

5-Change the fluid about twice a week.

6-Rub a small amount of cooking oil on hanger to discourage ants.

7-Clean with one part vinegar and four parts water, or half fill with rice and shake well.

Migratory birds passing through.

1- With a little research, you can find out the type and time of migrations in your area.

2-Supply extra water and food for these birds too.

All birds are necessary to the earth’s cycle of life. From the tiny iridescent humming bird to the regal American eagle, they are lovely singers, graceful in the air and beautiful to watch. They are also our helpers, as they eat harmful bugs, mosquitoes and mice as well as spreading seeds to other areas. The next time you see a sassy blue jay or a bopping robin; think how we would miss them if all the birds were gone.

Firstly, birds will be attracted by the geographic location of your garden.

To find out which birds are in the geographic area of your garden at the moment, you will have to consult specialty magazines and documentations. Maybe even the weather guy can provide some information regarding this aspect although this is not always true. Libraries and book stores have books based on migration, on the roads that some bird species take to get to their summer or winter residence. Also, taking pictures of birds you see around you and then reading informative materials that you already have, or searching for information related to them can be an option to find out if these bird are going to make a stop in the area that you live in.

Birds need water. This is highly important. A bath or a pool, no matter the size or the material, would instantly attract many bird families, even wild ducks and gooses to the vicinity.

If you could also arrange a place where they could find some food, bird seeds, bread or anything else they might like, that would increase the chances they might appear somewhere in your garden. You can try, for instance with corn. Seeds of any type also hold an answer to the question related to attracting birds towards your garden. The seeds that almost all birds prefer are sun-flower seeds, extremely easy to find, and cheap to buy also. Before buying the seeds, you should make a list of all the birds that you have spotted in the area and research every birds food preferences to assure you can provide food for many types of birds present.

These are the first steps that you have to make to attract birds in your garden. The second step is keeping away all the things that might scare or disturb birds in or around your garden. Animals from the next garden and neighbors dogs can scare the birds. Maybe ask the neighbors to keep the dogs chained or in the house, because persistent dog barking may not allow the birds to settle in your garden.

Also, you must know that some birds do not agree with each other, so that a certain species might avoid your garden because there is another species in it. Some can also stay away because of the fact you have children and the noise is too loud, and others can stay away because the place doesnt look natural enough. So, knowing their nature and customs can be a decisive factor in bringing particular birds to your backyard.

One great way to attract butterflies to your patio or yard is by creating a butterfly container garden. A container garden is really just a bunch of plants in a large pot or planter. They can be positioned on your deck or patio, or even put on wheeled carts so they can be moved. Planting a butterfly container garden is a great way to make your yard even more beautiful

Butterfly Container Garden The Container and Placement

Choosing a planter for your butterfly container garden is the first step. You should choose one that is rather large, since many plants that butterflies enjoy need a lot of room. You may use either a large flower pot, or a constructed rectangular tray.

The butterfly container garden should be situated in full sun. However, it is also a good idea to place it near a wall or hedge. This will provide shelter and a windbreak for the butterflies. Butterflies also enjoy puddles, but not containers or water such as bird baths. Placing the butterfly container garden near a patch of ground that holds water after a rain is a great idea.

Butterfly Container Garden The Flowers or Plants

Different types of butterflies enjoy the nectar from different types of plants. Other plants are well suited as host plants for their eggs and larvae. Some of the butterflies’ favorites are too large to grow well in a planter or pot.

Some good perennial plants for your butterfly container garden include daylilies, asters, daisies, phlox, sedum, and butterfly weed. Some good annual plants for your butterfly container garden include cosmos, impatiens, nasturtiums, and zinnia. Provide a variety of flower colors and shapes to maximize the type of butterflies that will visit your container garden.

Butterfly Container Garden Maintenance

Maintaining a butterfly container garden is easy. Of course, you must water the planter whenever the soil gets dry. You should also deadhead the flowers in the container garden. Deadheading is the practice of snipping off the spent flowers. This encourages bushier plant growth and more blossoms. You butterfly container garden should never be sprayed with herbicides or pesticides, as these may kill the butterflies of their eggs.

By choosing a large container and butterfly friendly plants, you can create a love butterfly container garden. Position the container garden in full sun on your porch or deck. Attracting colorful butterflies to your yard is easy with the right flowers and plants and some planning.