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Super Sized Peanut Bird Feeders
Lots of birds (and squirrels) adore whole peanuts, especially in colder weather- they pack a punch for higher nutritional value than seed alone. If you’d rather keep squirrels out of peanut bird feeders a baffle is highly recommended!Ideal for feeding whole peanuts, this wire basket set is versatile for lots of other goodies too. Use these for suet, corn cobs, nesting materials in spring, and even fruit in summer for migratory birds. Use all 3 for peanuts and hang them in different spots around the yard to entice more feathered friends! They feature a long hanging chain with big hook for easy placement (plus enough chain length to accommodate a baffle). The locking lid will keep thieving paws out, and the solid roof helps protect goods from the elements.
There’s also a tube style stainless steel version for whole peanuts which offers an optional seed tray. Inviting more than clinging birds, jays and other can perch in comfort on the 10-inch tray while it helps to catch waste.
It’s actually dubbed as a suet ball feeder, but the large openings are perfect for whole peanuts. So you can really offer a variety of treats in one feeder, mixing some suet chunks or balls between peanuts to delight many a species! Clingers like chickadees, nuthatches, titmice and woodpeckers love this stuff, as well as jays, bluebirds and cardinals (in winter), phoebes, warblers… and the list goes on!
Branch out from traditional feeders filled with boring birdseed and see who comes to visit? And as always, fresh water is key to bringing more birds to the garden. Even during frigid weather, songbirds will absolutely flock to a heated birdbath.
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Unique Birdhouses for Cowpoke Wannabe’s
Let’s face it, housing isn’t for everyone, but birds who do use houses will try to set up shop in just about any cavity they deem good for rearing chicks.These include crevices in trees and older abandoned holes from woodpeckers and others who’ve already done the work of excavation.
These spots are becoming more and more scarce, simply invaluable to feathered friends! Competition for these natural nest sites increases tenfold with every passing year, it’s a housing crisis for the birds 🙁
Especially favored among residents like bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches and Carolina wrens (to name a few) are proper bird houses! In early spring males will scout territory and nesting sites, from unique birdhouses to natural cavities, they look for suitable and impressive digs to entice a mate.
Some will have only one brood or clutch, or nesting for the season, whereas bluebirds may go onto a 2nd or even 3rd brood! This is why it’s important to remove nests and tidy up bird houses once babies have fledged. So that the spot may be utilized again and maybe even again after that in a single season.
The cowboy birdhouse would be pretty impressive for the Mrs.! It’s durable poly-stone (which helps regulate ambient temperatures) complete with bottom clean-out and 1.5-inch entry. Plus it’s cute as all with western flair and fine detail.
A little larger scale but still great space for a bird family is the cowboy hat birdhouse! This one’s metal so it’s best placed in the shade. Actually full sun on any birdhouse can be detrimental in summer’s heat. Always best to minimize direct exposure to early morning if possible – avoid late afternoon sun at all costs… it’s just too hot for nestlings inside the house.
Keep your bird houses up through winter as they provide ideal roosting spots on cold nights and protection from predators. Although migration is underway for many species, resident birds will stick around through winter if the habitat is suitable.Offering fresh water (heated birdbath), a variety of food (seed and suet) and places to roost (housing and mature trees and shrubs) will ensure feathered friends grace your place through winter doldrums 🙂
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Water Features and Solar Bird Baths for All Friendly Fliers
In the heat of summer there’s no better way to entice friendly fliers than with moving water!Accessories for bird baths and leaf misters will absolutely bring more birds (and butterflies) to the garden. Because
they keep water from becoming stagnant, it stays fresher and mosquitoes can’t lay their eggs in it either.Both solar fountains and those using electricity recirculate water in bird baths. Drippers and leaf misters run off the outdoor spigot and although very slow and adjustable, do utilize a continuous water flow. They come as complete kits with everything required to be up & running in minutes… no kidding!
Leaf misters offer lots of options for placement too. You can attach them to a branch or trellis, (50 ft. of rubber tubing is included) attach to a deck bracket or even a simple plant stake in the garden. We prefer the latter as the mister may easily be moved around to benefit the garden by watering different sections daily.Butterflies especially adore the gentle mist, while hummingbirds and other songbirds like chickadees and bluebirds will wait for them to start each morning… it’s like a spa for them and makes a spectacular viewing experience for host too.
Place leaf misters near nectar-producing plants like lantana and enjoy the show!Moving water in a bird bath or somewhere in the landscape is the ticket to seeing more bird activity during warm summer months. In fall, simply pack them up and store away for next season. A one-time investment that promises to bring many seasons of use and enjoyment… and more winged activity to your place!
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