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Frosted Landscape with copper bird feeder create a magical scene
Didn’t the ground hog see his his shadow? Did he not? I always get this confused, but was sure they said it would be an early spring! Snow showers in North Georgia early this morning… what the heck?Bluebirds are already nesting here, and other songbirds are dueling for territory and mates. Once the pairs are established, thus begins the nesting and chick-rearing process.
This landscape sure does make for a picturesque scene though. An elegant copper bird feeder set against frosted greenery, with movement and song from birds almost helps one through the dreariness of winters’ final stretch. And speaking of bird feeders and winters’ end… we can’t wait because birds have been eating us out of house and home! Never thought of wishing for bugs – but they sure would help the food supply! Sunflower, thistle, suet, peanuts and more… omg, spending a small fortune on bird food the last two months!
The early riser at this copper bird feeder hung around for a good twenty minutes before he was joined by friends. A regular at the feeder for months now, he always seems to be the first one for breakfast. Wonder if birds have a pecking order? (no pun intended)
If time afforded the opportunity to actually sit and “bird-watch” life would be so much more relaxing! Lately, the food goes out at night, so it’s there for birds first thing in the morning…. because this is usually when I get to bed. The goal is to sleep before the birds start singing!
By the way, this feeder’s actually about four years old, but it still looks the same as it did upon arrival. Now we think that’s a beautiful thing!
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Hearts for Valentine’s and wild bird feeders
Hearts aren’t just for Valentine’s day!
Feeding sunflower hearts or a no-waste mix greatly reduces ground mess below your bird feeders. Some home owners have backed off from feeding birds, as the ground waste may have attracted other, less desirable critters (especially if the house sat in close proximity to a wooded area). But there are lots of ways to still feed birds… without the mess!
The no-waste mixes and sunflower hearts & chips are a perfect choice for most types of wild bird feeders as a great variety of species enjoy these premium seeds. They may cost a little more, but it’s money well spent if you’d still like to see those beaked buddies in your yard, sans the ground mess. Anything that does fall to the ground will not be left for long, as ground feeding birds who eat seeds (like cardinals, doves, juncos, chipping sparrows, towhees) will snatch this premium meal up before it has time to sit.
Using a seed tray or seed catcher will also help to eliminate ground mess. The adjustable trays actually serve as an additional feeder with their large platform area. Today’s seed catchers need not attach directly to the bottom of the bird feeder either. Hanging trays offer several installation options, and larger platforms are made to fit on feeder poles or 4×4 posts below the feeder. Birds who’ve never used the feeder itself will utilize the platform for a meal of fallen seed.
Suet is another great way to feed birds sans any ground waste. It’s neat & clean,
economical and easy to feed. Clinging birds like chickadees, nuthatches and titmice like it, and you can’t beat it for cold weather feeding! Packed with fat and protein, suet provides those extra calories for energy needed to stay warm. Standard suet cages are great, but a suet cage with tail prop will entice woodpeckers too. The extended panel below the cage gives them leverage to “prop” their tail and perch more comfortably. Guess it’s the difference between a metal folding chair and a Lazy-Boy!Wild bird feeders come in a gazillion style colors! First step is to figure out what birds you’d like to attract. Specialty feeders exist for everyone… from hummingbirds and bluebirds, to Goldfinches and Orioles. Of course fresh water is always an excellent method to entice birds, and some form of birdbath (even a saucer) should always be considered in any bird-friendly habitat.
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Regardless of what the groundhog says…hummingbird feeders!
What’s wrong with this picture? It hasn’t been photo-shopped or altered, and it’s certainly a real hummingbird. Oddly enough, these tropical migratory birds have been known to overwinter on several occasions. Nobody really knows why they would even want to stay and brave such harsh weather, especially when all their buddies head south… a mere 3 to 5 thousand miles! This nectar can’t be all that special?On Cape Cod, there was even a big news story last year, where one lonely Ruby Throated was made famous! A few residents were hanging heat lights over their hummingbird feeders to keep nectar from freezing! Another reported bird made headlines in North Carolina too.
Regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil decides, hummingbird feeders should be out, filled and ready before the birds actually make their way to your neck of the woods. Project Ruby Throat and some other sites even track the great migration, with reports of the first birds arriving from the south and their directional sprawl north, east and west.
Since hummingbirds are so darn territorial, it might be a good idea to start thinking about adding an additional feeder this year, especially if you’d like to see more of the buzzing antics in your yard. If you hosted them last year… the same ones will likely return! And if you’ve never made your own nectar… this is definitely the season to start! We think the birds prefer the home made solution over commercial mixes any day. NO red dye needed. The recipe is so simple, it’s table sugar (cane sugar only) and water… that’s it! Check out some suggested plantings (along with the recipe) that will help lure the birds as well.
And make a vow to keep feeders fresh this year, hummingbirds may not return to a feeder that has spoiled nectar. Every two to three days nectar should be changed in the height of summer and extreme temps. You may not want to fill the feeder all the way unless most of the nectar is being used in between cleaning and filling.
Here’s hoping for an early spring!
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