-
squirrel baffle… baffle, baffle, baffle!
So many folks will mutter: “I can’t feed the birds because of the squirrels”. It’s pure rubbish, nonsense I tell ya! The pesky critters can be foiled so easily and permanently with the use of a good squirrel baffle. This one-time, relatively inexpensive purchase of a good baffle really will solve the problem of squirrels raiding bird feeders.So you have a shepherd’s hook that the squirrel baffle won’t slide over? Ridiculous! They make a great pole-mounted baffle that will go on any kind of bird feeder pole. It’s innovative cone-shaped
design actually opens up and separates to go around the pole, then attaches back together by hooking one end into the others’ locking lip. It’s a powder coat metal, so the squirrel baffle stays looking nice for years. I just spray painted one that has to be twenty-some years old!Should you desire a feeder mounted on a 4×4 post… no worries! An attractive baffle is also available for mounting on wood posts. So, there’s absolutely no reason to let squirrels ruin the enjoyment of backyard birding. A good squirrel baffle, be hanging, pole, or post-mounted will foil squirrels once and for all… the birds will thank you too!
-
thistle feeders seem empty…strange?
While the feeders containing finch mix are absolutely mobbed… thistle feeders appear to have no customers these days. Thistle (or nyjer seed) is kept fresh, as these feeders do not sit too long without changing the seed. Goldfinches have one of the latest nesting seasons, and chicks are fed thistle seed almost exclusively – so it seems strange to me that the thistle feeders are just about void of any birds?There are lots of electric yellow Goldfinches in the yard right now, but they seem to prefer the finch mix, and the birdbaths! While we use a pretty standard thistle feeder, these Wave Thistle Feeders are on the wish list. High quality, hand crafted thistle feeders that are made in the USA. What a groovy design! They’re also made for dispensing black oil sunflower.
Male Goldfinch drinking at birdbath dripper Goldfinches will molt soon, as the fall migration gets underway. It happens to be their second molt of the season… one of very few wild birds with two molting processes in the same year. Olive-drab and browns will soon replace the vibrant yellow plumage, but these birds will stick around if habitat is good. So keep thistle feeders fresh and full to provide goldfinches a steady diet, and keep these sweet songbirds in your yard year-round.
-
un-square and un-boring hopper bird feeders
With so many variations of bird feeders out there, how would you ever pick the right kind if you’re new to backyard birding? Aside from offering fresh water in a bath, choosing several feeders which hold different kinds of food is very effective for enticing feathered friends.There are five basic types of wild bird feeders, although variations abound! Hopper Bird Feeders like this ceramic blue one also add a decorative touch to any garden or landscape.
Tube Feeders dispense seed and allow multiple small birds to feed at once. The ones with very tiny ports are designed for thistle or nyjer seed-which is a favorite of Goldfinches and Pine Siskins.
Hopper Bird Feeders are likely the most popular type of feeder as they attract a wide variety of birds and generally have larger seed capacities. They feature removable or lifting lids for easy filling and cleaning, and a ledge, or perching space to accommodate several birds.
Platform or Fly-Thru Feeders will attract the widest variety of birds, they’re versatile for offering several kinds of treats that you can change with seasons. One drawback to this type of feeder is is that seeds can become contaminated with droppings and may mold quicker with the right weather conditions. A fly-thru feeder’s roof has an advantage to protect seed from weather.
Nectar Feeders are meant for Hummingbirds and Orioles, and may be seasonal according to your location.
We use them from mid-March through December in this North Georgia yard. Commercial nectar mixes are widely used, but we think the home-made sugar water solution is preferred.Suet Feeders are usually a cage-type or bag feeder and should be protected from squirrels (and other pets). They’re great for offering fruit slices in summer, and nesting material in early spring. Many species covet suet for it’s high protein and fat content, especially during cold winter months. No-melt varieties of suet are also made for warm-weather feeding, as migratory birds also enjoy this special treat.
So that’s a basic run-down of wild bird feeders… although some may be more wild than others! This ceramic cupcake is also a variation of the popular hopper feeder.
Birding Tips, Information & News