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Dovecote Birdhouse for a Shiny, Top-Notch Gift!
Looking for a really special gift, one that’s going to last a lifetime? For any gardener or nature lover on your list, a dovecote birdhouse in the landscape is absolutely dreamy!Aside from the curb appeal, they help birds thrive through frigid winter weather by offering cozy roosting spots. There’s feeders too, in gazebo and large capacity styles. One will definitely see more winged activity at a feeder, but said feeder must be maintained; filled and cleaned regularly.
When it comes to feeding seed, we like using sunflower hearts or a no-waste mix. These leave far less grou
nd mess below feeders, and anything that does fall to the ground is quickly consumed because it’s the good stuff! Say feeders are great but there’s squirrels mucking about in the yard? No worries there!While most baffles are black or green, cone shape and possibly not too slick looking… here’s a new one especially for the vinyl dovecote houses and feeders! White, slender and unobtrusive, pesky squirrels and even raccoons are not getting passed this one! Made for a true 4×4 post, they work beautifully with the vinyl post covers.
Why would anyone use a baffle on a birdhouse? Predators! Help keep eggs and nestlings safe from any critter who might shimmy on up the post as eggs are quite a tasty treat for many furry ones! Our bluebird houses always have baffles installed to protect nests.
Wild birds actually tell us about the environment. It is through Citizen Science groups like Cornell and Audubon, that changing bird ranges are tracked and documented. The cumulative information submitted by ordinary folks like you and me give scientists a true picture of the ever-changing world around us. Not just hear-say, but actual statistics that tell the real story!
Should you have any doubts on this, just take a look at the scenario below, a quick video produced by Defenders of Wildlife a few years back. And should you have any doubt about giving a dovecote birdhouse this holiday season – rest assured it will be the most awesome gift ever… and they ship for free too!
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Happy Thanksgiving and First Freeze for Heated Bird Baths!
As stunning fall color is winding down, the season’s first freeze hit the southeast two days ago. Totally unprepared, it was most definitely time to dig out bath heaters and extension cords in order to prevent any birdbaths from freezing and cracking. When you’re into birds… this is important stuff. The changing seasons require a bit of work to keep birds f
at & happy, but so very worth the effort!Pedestal and ground baths simply get a heater placed inside to keep an open water source through winter. If you’re a bird… this is really important stuff when everything freezes! The heaters are compact, easy to use and safe for almost all types of baths. Come spring, simply unplug and store for next year.
Deck-mounted heated bird baths are even easier since the heating element is concealed within the base. Everything stays put regardless of season, just plug it in and task complete! We use one of these at home too, and in summer (they don’t call it Hotlanta for nothing) we toss in ice cubes to cool the water and create a refreshing oasis for our feathered friends.
We’re thankful for the birds and their uncanny ability to soothe the soul. Watching them through the kitchen window -even if just for a few minutes- can remove some of the chaos of daily life and any clutter inside your head… like planning and preparing dinner for 18 guests on Thanksgiving Day!The short & simple connection to nature can be a breath of fresh air, it calms, centers and quiets the mind. We want to get more folks “into birds” as well. It’s an addictive hobby which not only brings much pleasure and simple joy, but helps birds thrive through harsh winter weather when natural food sources are scarce.
Many species stick around all year and are considered resident birds; chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, finches, bluebirds and cardinals to name just a few. Offering food, shelter and a fresh water source makes them thankful, and they’ll grace your landscape with song, color and life through the winter season to prove it!
Since it’s far better to give than receive, for the next few weeks, we’ll be giving away finch socks (thistle feeders) with all orders! No codes, no minimum… just a gift of thanks for feeding the birds 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to you and yours!
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When Choosing Bird Gifts- Think Thistle Feeders
Get a jump & don’t be stumped for gift ideas on the looming list!
It was easier and more fun when you could just write a letter to Santa, he rarely made mistakes. Well, except maybe for that time he arrived with a talking calendar… not so sure what happened that year 🙁Consider nature! A fab offering that shortens the distance between feathered friends and humans can be one that’s used everyday and for many seasons to come! A tube feeder filled with sunflower chips attracts chickadees, titmice and finches. A platform feeder covered with mixed seed like peanuts, black oil sunflower and millet entices cardinals, jays and sparrows, while thistle feeders keep American goldfinches fat and happy. Finches happen to be resident birds in most parts of the country, unlike migratory birds who, well- migrate south for the winter.
If you offer thistle (also known as nyjer seed) year-round, goldfinches’ vibrant yellow color will grace the yard in spring and summer. Duller, drab feathers in fall won’t deter them from feeders… it’s just the opposite! Thistle doesn’t germinate either, so no worries of weeds popping up below the feeder. The tiny black hulls can still pile up, but easy enough to scoop up every few weeks.
There’s some great feeders out there and a lot of bad ones too. It’s easy to be drawn to the artsy fartsey ones. You may think a good rule of thumb is the uglier the better… not so! One shaped like a church or big porch swing is all about lasting for years, and our own experience is that the best feeders are made right here in the USA. No problem with imported products, but unlike gadgets and electronics, the best bird feeders are still made here.They should be easy to fill, but it’s more important that it be easy to clean. A good feeder is made to come apart so you can remove old or moldy food. Many folks buy large capacity feeders so they don’t have to fill them as often. That can be a mistake sometimes as rainy weather spoils seed before consumption. Several small feeders may be a better choice than one that is extra-large, unless of course you’re talking about The All-Weather Feeder, it laughs at driving rain and snow!
Wood bird feeders appeal to many people, and if cared for properly they will last. However, wooden feeders often fall prey to squirrels and get chewed up good! If you do happen to purchase any type of wood feeder, best to protect it… with sealant first and a squirrel baffle second.
If you’re thinking about giving anyone on your Christmas list only one feeder, a thistle feeder is tops, or you could always opt for the talking calendar!
Birding Tips, Information & News
