Garden Bird Feeders

Archive for May, 2009

If your courtyard is looking shabby and uninviting, it’s time to give it a new look. An inviting courtyard not only offers you a lovely space in which to relax and entertain, it also adds value to your home.

Here are the top ten ways to give your courtyard a new look and make it a part of your home that you can be proud of:

1: A good clean up. An untidy courtyard offers little in the way of stylish comfort and relaxation. Weedy garden plots, neglected plants and grubby tiles will all respond to a little loving care. This may be all you need to get your courtyard on the way to glory. If there is clutter in your courtyard, you can hide it out of sight in storage space disguised as seating.

2: Disguise the ugly spots. It’s easy to hide unattractive brickwork. You can put up a trellis and train flowering climbers to grow over it, or you arrange trees and shrubs in elegant pots to hide it. If you don’t want too much greenery to look after, try a mural painted on the brickwork or on a weatherproof board. Bamboo makes an excellent disguise for ugly bricks either grow it against the wall or use bamboo screens.

3: Make an outdoor table setting. Courtyards are meant to be used, and there is nothing better that enjoying coffee in your own outdoor caf setting. You can choose from a wide range of tables and chairs to suit your dcor, from wrought iron to sleek modern designs. If your courtyard has no shade, you can add a wide umbrella to keep the sun off. Set a couple of pot plants near the table setting for extra chic.

4: Choose a theme and follow your dream. Perhaps you long to live near the beach, wallow in a tropical oasis or live in a country cottage? While you are waiting, let your courtyard reflect your dream. A mural can give you an ocean view, and you can fill your courtyard with shells and other treasures that remind you of the ocean. Used bleached wood for seating and decking, and decorate with white ropes and driftwood. Fill your courtyard with lush palms and delicious tropical flowers for your oasis, and add coconut matting and a palm frond umbrella. For a country cottage look, build up flower beds or pots with good soil and grow beautiful English flowers, Decorate with old fashioned garden ornaments like sun dials and bird baths.

5: Add a water feature. Your imagination is the limit here. Do you want one wall to become your water feature, lit up at night so the rivulets sparkle, or would you prefer a fountain, or a small pond with gold fish? A water

When we first built our house on a lifestyle block in the country there were only a few birds around. The large deep pond was devoid of any water fowl. Now five years on our property is inundated with birds both introduced and native. Our pond has become a home and haven to Ducks, Pukeko and Shags. For those who may not know, the Pukeko is a large native New Zealand bird. Although not officially a water fowl, the Pukeko lives mainly in wetlands and around farm drains and ponds.

I have always loved wild birds, the more the better. My husband does not always agree, especially when he sees their calling cards liberally splashed across our roof and fences. I find the best way to encourage birds to your garden is to feed them. I began throwing bread and other suitable scraps onto our back lawn. Before long Starlings, Sparrows, Blackbirds and Thrush began arriving for a free daily buffet. Joining them were Magpies along with native Yellowheads and Waxeyes.

We planted native trees to provide nectar and seed for the native Tui, Bellbird, Fantail and Wood Pigeon. To ensure year round sustenance I placed bird feeders in the trees as well. I replenish them daily with a wild bird seed mix. Birds also enjoy dripping, the solidified fat left over from roasting meat. I set it inside the netting bags onions and other vegetables are sold in and hang them in the trees. I always ensure fresh water is readily available in the bird bath. Birds not only get thirsty but they like to bathe as well. Along with the bird bath I leave old roasting pans filled with water around the property.

Whilst the Starlings favor nesting in roofs and guttering, the sparrows and other birds soon set up home in the many trees around our property. In one tree alone I counted nine nests. Just in case some of our feathered friends preferred more luxury accommodation I provided wooden nesting boxes as well. The Swallows have made our pond jetty their own. They build their mud nests under it and guard them zealously.

My next challenge was to encourage ducks to our pond. Firstly I bought three domestic ducks and kept them contained for six weeks. This gave them time to settle in and get used to their new environment. Almost completely surrounded by native bush we made a clearing in the trees where the pond borders our front lawn. This was to provide a sunning area for the ducks and create a more park like setting, whilst still retaining a bush area for them to nest and rare their young.

I began scattering wheat and pellets down by the pond every day.My husband built a concrete ramp down to the pond allowing the ducks and ducklings easy access from the grass to the water. Before too long wild Mallards began to come down and investigate. They liked what they found and stayed. Our duck numbers have increased from our original three to well over one hundred. By the beginning of the duck shooting season the population almost doubles.

Every now and again we are visited by a flock of Canada Geese who fly over our property regularly. They stop in for a rest and a swim. One morning I discovered a most unusual bird swimming on our pond. It looked like a cross between a duck and a shag. I contacted our Department of Conservation (DOC) and found out it was a rare and endangered New Zealand Native Dabchick. There are only 1500 of them left. Consequently I was delighted as was DOC!

The needs of wild birds are really quite simple and they give so much in return for such little effort on our part. Attracting birds to live and nest in your backyard will bring pleasure to all who hear and see them.

Feeding birds in the winter.

Drawing birds to your yard can brighten the dark days of winter. It is not only fun but feeding birds through the winter helps them to survive a harsh weather. With winter snows their foods might be unattainable buried under snow or ice.

As winter nears birds change their eating habits. Those that usually eat insects, switch to more ripe seeds. Birding is one of Americas favorite pastimes so if you have not yet taken up bird feeding, the late fall is a great time to start. It’s fun to watch the birds flutter around the feeders. Your feeding efforts will be rewarded by a bevy of feathered friends that will color your drab winter garden.

To start you should place your feeder near a tree or shrub, at about 5 to ten feeds distance. This way the birds can feel safe that they can come and eat with out feeling that they have no where to hide quickly if danger threatens. More than one feeding station, if you have the room, will keep your feeding station form becoming over crowded. You will want to keep the area under your feeding station(s) clean, as birds are messy eaters. You might want to move the feeder away from the car park and leave the bench on the other side of the yard or you will not be able to use the bench for the broken seeds and bird droppings that will fall.

Try to feed the birds on a consistent schedule. Keep the feeders well stocked. If you will be away for more than a few days, perhaps ask a neighbor to fill your feeder for you. If you stop feeding in late winter or early spring the birds will be left with many empty cupboards. Their natural food sources are at their lowest then so please do not desert your friends when they need you most.

Seeds to feed your feathered friends:

Sunflower seeds will attract the largest number of different species of birds. Unfortunately they are also a favorite of squirrels. Putting them into a squirrel proof feeder will keep the squirrels at bay while allowing finches, cardinals, blue jays, nuthatches and chickadees to access the feeder.

Nyjer or Thistle seeds are best served in a tube feeder. They are heated before they are sold so that hey will not sprout thistle weeds below your feeder. Both finches and doves love these tiny black seeds.

Millet seed, no bigger than the head of a pin, are the tiny white seeds found in most wild bird feed mixes. You can spread millet on the ground to draw birds in as they can see the white seeds easily. Millet is sweet white seed that will draw

For those bird lovers who love birds and would like to have more of them in their garden, there are some easy steps they can take to attract birds all year round. First you have to realize that birds need and look for certain things in the environment before they will set up a nest. Give it these things and your garden will never lack for birds.

When a bird is making a decision to live in or visit your garden sanctuary, it is basically asking itself these questions. And will make its decision based on it’s instinct.

Where Can I Hide?

In the average cityscape, birds have one major predator – cats. Domesticated and homeless cats kill millions of birds throughout the U.S. every year. Additional predators include other birds such as owls, hawks, and falcons. We also can’t forget predators such as snakes, raccoons, squirrels, and chipmunks.

So one of the first things a bird is asking itself is “where can I find cover” to hide and protect myself from predators? You can help the bird make the decision to choose your yard by putting up cat proof fencing. You can also plan your garden so that it has widely spaced open areas to deny cover for predator where they can mount a sneak attack.

Is There Available Shelter?

Evergreens and other bushes planted against garden and house walls provide a natural shelter to shield birds from rain. You can also place a combination bird house and bird feeder in the garden which not only supplies food, but includes a pitched top and side walls that can protect them from rain, heavy storms, and harsh winds.

Is There A Place Where I Can Raise A Family?

During the breeding season, this is one of the primary features that birds are looking for. They are looking for a place where they can settle down for a while with their partner and raise their young ones. Depending on the birds you are trying to attract to your garden, you can plant the appropriate trees, shrubs, hedges, and so on where they would normally nest if they were in the wild. If you are more ambitious, you can buy or build them a custom birdhouse which will meet all of their housing needs.

Is There Plenty Of Food And Water Nearby?

Natural food sources are the best. Birds will look for their natural food sources before attempting other foods. So find out the natural types of foods that your birds of choice like and populate your garden with them. In the winter time when the natural food sources have dried out and birds are having a hard time scrounging up food, bird feeders can be their friend. Populate a bird feeder with seeds, suet, and other alternative food choices that you know they would enjoy. And don’t forget water. Birds love and need water and a birdbath will do wonders to attract birds to your yard, In colder climates, an added investment of a few dollars to buy a heated birdbath will pay great dividends in the winter months.

A bird’s life is fragile and their existence is fraught with danger for nearly all of their lives. The more you can do to help them beat the odds the better for them and the better for you as you enjoy their presence all year round.

We live in the middle of a state wildlife preserve and I’ve been feeding birds and other creatures for many years, or even decades. Birds have some basic requirements. They need food, water and some sort of cover or shelter from predators. The last item is often overlooked. My friend was discouraged because no birds were anywhere near her feeder. I checked the situation out and found that she had hung it on a metal shepherds hook in the middle of her back lawn. The nearest tree or shrub was at least twenty feet away. I’m sure the birds would have to be starving to risk being picked off by a rapt-or (hawk,eagle,owl) at that feeder. She moved it nearer her lilac bush and has a wide variety of birds at her feeder every day.

Water is also very important and can be in very short supply in hot dry spells or in the dead of winter when most water sources freeze solid. I’m not as good at putting water out in the sub-zero months as I should be. I did buy a little gizmo that you plug in and put in your bird feeder and it keeps it just warm enough to prevent freezing, but it took up the whole birdbath and there was also the electric bill to consider. I’m researching some sort of solar solution to that problem right now. I do put several water sources out when it’s hot and dry. The other day I had the hose sprayer on a fine mist setting and many birds, bees and dragonflies loved the idea. I even saw two Hummingbirds that seemed to be ‘playing’ in the spray by chasing each other back and forth through the mist like kids would. The water collected in leaves and a birdbath I had under the spray.

A “Cup Plant” is great for collecting water for the birds, but I wouldn’t advise it if you have a small yard. They are called this because of the way the leaves form along the stems providing little water-gathering areas that hold about a tablespoon of water. The problem is, they grow to be about eight feet tall and take up the space of a small spruce tree. I have one that I’ve moved twice because it kept outgrowing it’s space. Now I just go out and prune it, which also stimulates more side growth and flowers. In late summer it forms clusters of flowers much like small sunflowers, which also make it popular with the bees and butterflies.

One of the first things I learned was that finches, chickadees, tufted titmice and Cardinals love sunflower seeds, especially ‘oilers. and can easily land on the small perches of hanging bird feeders. If you want to attract

Toil Is It’s Own Reward

One late winter night when sleep wouldn’t come, I had a wonderful idea. As snow fell outside my window, and spring was months away I decided that I wanted a pond in my garden. Not just your garden variety plastic pond. No I wanted a big pond, one that would attract wildlife, with fish, water lilies and a waterfall made of real rocks. That is how I started my journey into serenity.

The next morning it was off to the library for books, magazines and anything else that I could find with instructions for making your own pond. On one of my visits I was fortunate enough to find a VHS tape that was of immense help. For the remainder of the winter months I studied the how’s and why’s of the garden pond. I also found that there is a lot more to a pond than digging a hole, but with all my new found knowledge and my unwavering determination I was ready to begin working on my dream.

First one must decide on the shape of the pond, round, oval, irregular? I wanted a natural look, so I went with an irregular shape; easily accomplished by laying out a simple garden hose on the ground in the shape I wanted. Then one edges along the hose with a spade, so the shape is easily recognizable as one digs. My irregular size pond would fit into an eleven by twelve foot area which I considered to be manageable for a beginner like me.

Since I live in Ohio, part of the pond would need to be at least three feet deep to accommodate the fish and plants during the winter, when the more shallow parts of the pond would freeze. There would be a shallow area where birds could bathe and drink and the remaining area would vary in depth. So, one day at the end of March I began digging.

First I cleared away all the grass and piled it on all near the fence at the back of the yard, and then with trusty shovel in hand, the removal of dirt from my hole began. The soil in my area of Ohio becomes the toughest of clay at a depth of about ten inches, so the work was demanding at best. My husband had made it clear that this was my project so my only assistance was provided by my thirteen year old nephew and he decided early in the day that he would not be back the next day.

For the most part my determination never wavered, except for the cold day in April I found myself sitting with my legs dangling over the edge of the hole in the midst of tearful regret. What was I thinking when I decided

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.

Nothing is more relaxing than sitting in a beautiful garden filled with flowers, greenery and garden accessories. There are so many different types of garden accessories available to enhance the beauty and ambiance of your garden. From wind chimes to Pergolas to will be able to fulfill your fantasies and create a wonderful garden where not only you will enjoy spending many hours but your favorite birds can call home.

Wind chimes are wonderful garden accessories that many people enjoy. The soothing and harmonious sound of a wind chime can be very appealing as you rest or work in your garden. Wind chimes today, come in so many different varieties and styles that you may have a hard time deciding on which one you should choose for your garden. You will be able to choose from glass, pewter, wood, or even bamboo and the styles can be from Victorian to simple. Each wind chime has a distinct personality that it will bring to your garden whether that is charming or whimsical. Along the line of wind chimes you can also include a unique garden bell. These unique bells are so charming and inviting to behold in any garden.

Stepping stones are another way to bring your own personality into your garden. These wonderful garden accessories can be used to take your visitors through your magical array of plants and flowers. You will be able to place each stepping stone in just the right location to enhance the view of your magnificent garden. Even garden signs can be personalized to give your guests more information. You can just have your own name on the sign or sayings like bunnies crossing or maybe choose a name for each section of your beautiful garden. With the garden signs you will be able to enhance your garden and give it the feel that you desire.

Fountains are so unique that your garden will come alive the minute you place one of these garden accessories in your garden. You will be able to find smaller fountains that will look just awesome surrounded by vines or much larger fountains that will enhance the center of the entire garden. You may even wish to go one more step and purchase an enchanting waterfall fountain. Imagine sitting on a garden bench in front of your own waterfall. Peace and tranquility will be the center of your thoughts.

Do you enjoy watching all the marvelous and graceful birds that frequent your garden? If you love watching the birds, then you should invest in a birdhouse or two. Not only, will this garden accessory enhance the beauty of your garden, but it will give those beautiful birds a new home. You will be able to include other items that the birds will enjoy such as bird baths and bird feeders. The birds will love their new home and never have to venture far with all that you have given them.

If you have the room one of the most popular garden accessories is a garden bridge. You can either place a stunning cedar garden bridge across a small fish pond or even an appealing dry bed that you have created. These unique garden bridges will intensify the beauty country charm of your garden.

Another splendid garden accessory is the garden arbors. If you are seeking enchantment, then you have found the right accessory. The entrance to your garden will be special to everyone as they walk under the garden arbor that you have created and decorated. Your garden with have so much appeal and magic you may never want to leave.

With all of the new garden accessories your garden party will be one that your guests will always remember as a walk through a magical and enchanting park instead of a garden.

About the Author

Johann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart and TV Products 4 Less. Please include an active link to our site if you’d like to reprint this article. He is also a contributing writer for sites such as Helpful Home Ideas

Birds are great. Robins may dodge your sprinkler to get at the worms you’ve washed up for them, while a woodpecker knocks on the door of a worms hole. Whatever birds you are looking to attract, you should be able to make them very happy, with very little effort.

Wild birdseed is inexpensive, and most birds love it. Your main considerations are what will you feed them from, and what will happen to seed that drops below it. Birdseed weeds and be quite undesirable in a lawn setting, however, as the plants mature, you do attract even more birds with your fresh seed supply, so keeping a “birdseed garden” can be a great idea if you section it off. Any standard bird feeder should work. Check the perch width, girth, and distance from food hole to make sure it is sized for your desired guests. Will the feeder hang, or will it sit on a post? After you set it up, fill it and bring in some birds, you may also consider a birdhouse, and/or a bird bath for your little outdoor pets.

Grandma used to make bird toast. She just crisped the old bread at 250 degrees for 7min. and cut them into bite-sized squares. When she through it out in the yard it was like we were under attack. Every bird in the neighborhood came at once.

Another homemade bird treat is fun for kids to make. Tie a string to the end of a banana, and slather it in peanut butter, roll it in the birds seed and set it out under your bird feeder on a plate. Birds love it!

Lastly, if you are seeking to attract birds without bringing cats into the yard as well, get the old trusty owl. He won’t bother the birds at all, but the neighborhood kitty-cats wont put themselves within reach of his deadly talons.

Look at the birds after you have them well fed and happy, and see their little beaks turn up in a smile. The Internet is full of wonderful sites for birdwatchers, both amateur and professional as well. You may find some very interesting information so it is worth a look.

f you want to learn how to recognize each bird, the trick is not to take too much in at first. Invest in a good detailed bird book and look for the more common birds in the area to start off with. Once you have recognized a few basic shapes and sizes you can look for color differences and beaks and wing shape and tail length the list goes on.

The best way I started was to choose a few common birds like the sparrow, the starling and the robin. They are all fairly different birds and can be easily recognized. Once I became familiar with these I started seeing other different birds. I spotted a blackbird one day and noted down its main characteristics… bright crocus yellow beak , size and habitat. I then compared it to one of the similar birds I had learned about, the starling. Now the starling is gregarious what was this bird? No, I could see that the black bird was fairly solitary and was accompanied by a female bird. The blackbird was a lot bigger than the starling, He was nesting in a big bush at the bottom of the garden, whereas the starlings went under the eaves on the house… then I searched for information in my book and found the blackbird and his mate who is brown not black. How did I know that she wasn’t a thrush? Well, because she wasn’t covered in those famous spots that the thrush is well known for… and so on.

It is really trial and error, and then elimination. You are forever comparing one bird against another. When you keep doing this you learn to recognize what type beaks they have. Are they fat or thin? What color the feathers are on the head and wings? How does the bird move, does it hop along the ground like a sparrow, finch or magpie or does it runs along like a plover, wagtail or wader?

Where have you seen these birds? Perhaps it is a bird that you see often on the trunk of a tree like the woodpecker or while you are poking around in the wood stack in the garden, you may be lucky enough to find a beautifully constructed domed nest of moss, leaves, grass and feathers, and with a dear little hole in the side. This is the house of the Wren.

Watching birds in flight is good practice too. It is easy to spot the shape of their tails, for example the house martin has a v shape in its tail and the wagtail has a really long slender tail. Watch the way they fly… do they dip and dart about in the air or fly on a level course like the starling or skim like a swift or swallow?

Taking notes when you have just seen a bird is a good idea. Take down size and color and shape.

Bird song is also an important way to identify birds. You will get the hang of adjusting your hearing to listen out for each different warble or twitter, and pretty soon you will learn to differentiate between a starling and a blackbird and learn to enjoy and marvel at the wonderful variety of feathered life that there is around us.