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a swell idea for window bird feeders
When one’s feeding backyard birds, the objective is usually to see those birds! If you’re getting on up there in years, and your eyesight’s not so great (like me)… keeping a pair of binoculars near the main watching window is always convenient.Squirrels, blasted squirrels always seem to find and conquer anything that doesn’t have a baffle on it. One lousy window bird feeder (that’s actually mounted on the deck rail) for seeing birds close-up, always seems to have a squirrel in it! Little pigs are even fed, and have their own feeders with which to contend, but alas… it’s never enough.
Well, this new handy dandy window feeder just might do the trick! With an innovative cage for keeping squirrels out, the birds may just be able to eat in peace… where I can actually see them sans the binoculars. Can’t wait to fill ‘er up and try this one on for size! -
why are there so many unique birdhouses out there?
While doing some bird house research and cruising the web yesterday, there were literally tons of unique birdhouses out there. Some of them began losing their uniqueness because they kept showing up, over and over again. Whimsical, finely detailed architectural styles, rustic, modern and just plain silly bird houses would all make the grade for a perfect nest site. Most had clean-outs, drainage and good ventilation. They also had safe distances from the entrance to floor-helping to keep nestlings safe from predators.Truth is, the plain wooden houses also provide optimal nesting sites for feathered friends, provided the habitat is somewhat suitable. So why are there so many unique birdhouses out there? Well, for one, people like to decorate their spaces, giving a character and warmt
h that applies to their outside environment too… call it curb appeal for the yard if you will. Outdoor space and gardening are wildly popular, and for many, backyard birding complements the garden, adding another dimension with moving color, sites and sounds.Fostering nature is rewarding in many different ways. Whether growing tomatoes, watching birds at a feeder or monitoring bluebird boxes, something from within simply awakens the soul. And absolutely, in this chaotic and fragmented world… our souls could all use some awakening! Another reason they’re so popular? Many of the houses could be classified as bonafide art, expressions of the passion and sheer talent of the artist, who’s likely also into birds on some level.
Maybe that’s why so many unique birdhouses exist? With a severe decline in habitat, and shortage of natural nest cavities, it’s a really positive sign that more folks are helping to house the birds. And if your birdhouse happens to serve as an extension of your personality or character… so be it 🙂
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a bird feeder bracket that’s not!
It’s pretty cool when you can take an item and make it work for something other than its intended purpose. Surely there’s some scientific name for it? I do this kind of stuff all the time around the yard/wildlife habitat (which is my little slice of heaven when time allows).This bird feeder bracket for instance, serves a leaf mister perfectly. Being a raised front porch, the bracket attaches to the porch rail and sits just right above native salvia and clematis. The beautiful thing is that the bracket can be moved if and when an area becomes too saturated from the mister.
Action? The buzz and flutter of activity in summer is stupendous! Both butterflies and hummingbirds dance, play and flit back and forth constantly. Although the salvia draws them in, the star attraction is definitely the gentle mist of water. Looks a bit strong in this photo, but it’s really not at all.
Even song birds will sit on the bird feeder bracket and very tip, just waiting for the water to start! Imagine that – birds attracted to a perch where no feeder exists! Just a downright shame there were snow flurries in Atlanta this morning 🙁 Come on spring!
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