-
Fun Squirrel Feeders
Everyone likes squirrels, right?They are cute, funny little animals that seem amazingly intelligent. They can figure out almost any kind of bird feeder, and unless you take extra steps to keep food protected and away from them, all bird feeders have the potential to become squirrel feeders. So, if squirrels are so smart, and we like them so much, why do we try to keep them out of our bird feeders? In a word, cost. Bird food can turn into very expensive squirrel food…and might fast too. The little guys can eat about ten times their weight in just one week!
The answer may be to provide some deterrents in the way of squirrel feeders for your furry friends. There are a variety available, and they can be filled with inexpensive feed such as; corn on the cob, cracked corn, whole peanuts, or wildlife mix that will keep them entertaining you for hours. Squirrels are also grateful for many foods that might otherwise become trash — over-ripened fruit, and stale nuts, for example, are a particular treat. And by directing them to a ready supply of food, you may deter squirrels from searching further (and chewing up things like your trashcans).
-
Got Crowds at Your Thistle Bird Feeder?
Because of their sweet nature and very gentle disposition, American Goldfinches will quickly give up, rather than fight at a crowded thistle bird feeder. Larger tube feeders are great, but sometimes seed at the bottom tends to spoil. Multiple thistle feeders are a good idea, but can get pretty costly.An inexpensive and effective way to feed lots more finches is using thistle socks. The Finch Magic Thistle Sack is a heavy duty mesh thistle bird feeder with drawstring and toggle lock. Available in three convenient sizes, the black color is wonderful for viewing vibrant Goldfinches during summer months…the contrast is absolutely stunning! Hanging several of these feeders allows many more finches to feed comfortably than with one traditional tube feeder.
Don’t forget the nesting materials, as these birds are the last ones to breed and nest, waiting until June or July. And as always, a fresh water source will attract and entice more feathered friends to stick around your place.
- Bird Accessories, Bird Feeders, Nyjer Feeders, Thistle Feeders, Tube Bird Feeder, Uncategorized, Wild Bird Feeders
Got Clumping Thistle Bird Feeders?
Long thistle tube feeders are great for feeding lots of hungry finches, but many times the seed at the bottom tends to clump, quickly becoming damp and spoiled. Birds won’t eat rotten seed, there’s even a name for this phenomenon.Even seed distribution is the best strategy for any tube style feeder, including thistle bird feeders. The 3- tube feeder shown above allows full view of all 24 birds feeding at once…a pretty spectacular site.
Another way to alleviate the “clumps” in thistle bird feeders is to use a few ping pong balls. They work great to disperse the seed more evenly and keep it from gathering quickly at the bottom. A effective and inexpensive solution to clumping seed!
Birding Tips, Information & News
