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not another nyjer feeder post?
Well yes actually! Because goldfinches are the birds with the latest nesting season, and because we saw this cool post over at 10,000 Birds, something on nyjer feeders seemed appropriate.One of the sweetest little resident songbirds, they’ll stick around your place if a consistent food and water source is provided. Although they may not be as pretty in winter, their song remains the same.
The article we found interesting was on the Winter Finch Forecast and conveyed some great info on the why, when and where of several species of finches. Did you know crossbills and grosbeaks were part of the finch family? We didn’t!
For some great photos and worthy information, check out the article here
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peanut bird feeders do more than nuts!
If versatility is the name of the game, and multi-use is an appealing idea, then you can’t beat peanut bird feeders to fit the bill. Regardless of style, their coils, screens or grids offer spacious openings for whole or shelled nuts… and more!
High in protein and fat, peanuts provide birds the extra calories needed in cooler weather and throughout migration periods. An energy-packed treat, they’re actually helpful to birds year-round. Right now you’ll find chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers and others caching these gems in tree cavities and other hiding places for later use. Sneaky nuthatches are often seen raiding the caches instead of eating at the feeders!
Seasonally, you can use these same feeders to entice feathered friends with nesting materials, fruit and even suet. Although suet can be messy, most peanut bird feeders are dishwasher safe. This architectural copper style accommodates whole or shelled peanuts, along with the above mentioned treats.
Birds are able to enter like a fly-thru feeder or cling to the screen for a tasty treat.Forget the boring tubes, peanut feeders come in all shapes and sizes to complement all spaces, and we’re pretty sure birds would approve of any of them!
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Hummingbird Feeder Sans the Ant Moat
The busy hummingbird season’s winding down, and all of a sudden you’ve got ants who’ve discovered the nectar… yuck! Hummingbirds won’t drink (or prefer not to) from feeders with ants or bees, or any insects in their nectar – just doesn’t taste too good. If buying an ant moat this late in the season isn’t so appealing to you, there’s an easy way to get around the pests in your nectar!Vaseline! Yes a dab of petroleum jelly around the hanger will thwart ant’s passage. If your feeder hangs in direct sunlight (which really isn’t the best location) just try to be sure that if the gooey stuff melts-it doesn’t enter the feeder’s ports. As the one in charge of six hummingbird feeders at the stables, an even better alternative was discovered this year.
It’s called Swat, and it’s purpose is to keep flies and gnats off horses’ wounds, out of their ears, or away from their eyes. There’s two kinds: original which is pink, and their newer version, which is clear, but like always… original is best due to the thicker consistency. They made it in clear because some folks don’t care for the “war paint” effect on their horse. Anyway… this stuff rocks as far as an ant moat! A dab around the hangers back in July… and it’s still working!
And the cool deck-mount feeder above? Parasol stopped making it for this reason… ants and no way to use a moat. The Flower Box is still around (in lavender and green too) and the same principle applies with the Vaseline application. A dab around the hangers and back of the basket keeps this hummingbird feeder ant-free… sans the moat.
Birding Tips, Information & News