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long lasting food for squirrel feeders
Anyone who feeds squirrels, or birds for that matter, knows just how these furry little critters can be the biggest pigs! Seems whatever food you put out, it’s never enough. Some folks feed squirrels, while some folks absolutely hate them-either way the goal is to keep the out of bird feeders.Lots of fun squirrel feeders are out there, from the munch box kind where they learn to lift the lid to retrieve treats, to staked squirrel feeders meant for corn on the cob. These resemble porch swings, picnic chairs, bungee cords and other fun designs that are actually quite entertaining to watch the action.
But corn cobs, even though inexpensive, will disappear fast, almost daily. These corn logs are a great alternative if you have a staked-type squirrel feeder. They are compressed corn and equal to about twelve ears of the regular stuff. Perfect for squirrel feeders you don’t want to attend to on a daily basis. The squirrel logs come in sweet corn and corn and nut flavor which are dark brown in color. During freezing winter weather, we smear peanut butter on the smooth surface as a special high protein treat that helps squirrels stay warm. One thing though, be sure they are securely attached as our crafty critters have managed to steal them once in a while!
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why use an upside down finch bird feeder?
Too many finches in your yard… House Finches, Purple Finches stealing all the “black gold” known as nyjer (or thistle)? Here’s a tip you may not be aware of: Goldfinches are the only finch who will feed while perching upside down. Enter the upside down finch bird feeder! It discourages other finches while attracting American Goldfinches.It’s exclusively for Goldfinches and really does the trick if your finch bird feeder is requiring too many trips to fill. One thing I’ve noticed in our yard is the finch feeders’ activity seems to cycle. Constantly gorging on thistle all winter, these feeders have less activity right now, while the finch bird feeders with mixed seed are jammed-packed mobbed.
Goldfinches have the latest nesting season of most song birds, so you can bet thistle feeders will once again be bustling from late June through the summer months. With dandelions out in full force, Goldfinches are also feasting on this favorite while the pollen flies and settles here in the southeast. If your finch bird feeder is seeing little or no activity now – be patient and don’t give up just yet. Warmer summer months will bring increased activity and vibrant yellow hues to yard! If the food sits too long though, it my spoil with heat and humidity, so just be sure thistle is fresh for all your new visitors.
Hanging some nesting materials in the yard will also encourage Goldfinches and others to take up residence at your place. Timing is key, so have materials out before the nesting season begins. Whether commercial nest materials, or easy home made ones, you’ll entice more feathered friends to stick around!
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habitat and thistle feeders for Goldfinches
Although American Goldfinches are a rather common songbird, it’s a favorite of many backyard birders. With a nickname of “yellow canary” the summer plumage of male Goldfinches is almost electric! Keeping thistle feeders out year-round will almost ensure that vibrant yellow color will grace your yard in warmer months.Habitat plays an important role in attracting any wildlife, and sometimes doing less work is better than doing more. Dandelions happen to be a favorite of goldfinches’, as are spent marigolds, cosmos, zinnias and coneflowers. Don’t dead-head these flowers, better off to leave them as treats for birds to feast.
Water is another key element in attracting finches or any wildlife for that matter. Fresh water in a birdbath will always provide an excellent resource for my species of birds. Keep a fresh water source near thistle feeders to further entice Goldfinches to your place.
Because their nesting and breeding starts so late in the season, you can expect a great increase of activity at thistle feeders in July and August. Parents feed chicks thistle exclusively, so feeders can get rather crowded. And because of their sweet nature, a Goldfinch is more likely to fly away from a crowded thistle feeder than to fight for a perch. If you’d like to attract these super-sweet songbirds, you may want to consider adding an extra thistle feeder in your yard this season.
Birding Tips, Information & News
