-
hawk finds a finch bird feeder the perfect perch
He sits, waits and watches, almost on a daily basis for the past few weeks. This guy is huge too, a Sharp Shinned Hawk on the prowl for a quick meal, and pickin’s are good in a yard where there’s lots of feeders and birdbaths. The call is blood-curdling prior to landing, all songbirds scatter… fast! Luckily there’s also good cover for protection from such predators, but one must be be quick!Lately he’s been perching on the finch bird feeder, a good central spot offering spanning views of the yard and unassuming victims. Last week when I looked out, there were actually two hawks, (a double omg!) so one must be a juvenile. They’re so darn big it’s hard to tell!
The last few days I haven’t seen them, but have witnessed strange behavior from the Blue Jays. They’re screaming wildly and loud, almost as if to mimic the hawks. Someone once mentioned Jays will do this to keep hawks away. Well, if that’s the case, then bravo to these smart birds who some find to be a nuisance.
By the way, this feeder is fitted with a 30″ Seed Hoop which catches waste and attracts some other birds who never use the feeder itself.
-
Something a bit more fun than hopper bird feeders
So many wild bird feeders yet so little time!With summer months come new visitors, the exotics and migratory birds who winter in South and Central America. Recently we had the coolest family of Catbirds, their calls are most intriguing, one could sit and listen for hours if time allowed. A lone Oriole passed through, and a Painted Bunting proved for some real eye candy. Of course, one of our all-time favorites, hummingbirds showed up a few weeks early this year too.
None of these birds are likely to check out our boring hopper bird feeders, so the variety offered is a good way to entice more beaked buddies. Fresh water in a birdbath is also an excellent way to attract more birds too.
This handcrafted number is made from stoneware and bamboo to ensure many seasons of use. There’s a small hopper for a cache of peanuts or larger seed mixes, hollow logs for stuffing suet treats, and a stoneware ring for an ear of corn… now that’s variety! Standard suet cakes may be cut into sections for filling the logs, and plenty of dough type suets are available. They’re easy to scoop out and pliable for inserting. Although Mr. Jay is shown here, lots of other species are bound to check out the cool design with multiple offerings.
But should you still be stuck on traditional hopper style feeders, one can
still be creative with a kit like this one. Sturdy cedar means this feeder will be around for years, and imagination is the limit. Paint it in bold, fun colors or add an interesting stain. Then your boring hopper bird feeder is anything but mundane! -
thistle feeders are a great choice when starting out
Here’s a real note (and our quick response) from an enthusiastic customer who’s just staring out with the backyard birding and gardening thing. This is the kind of stuff we love to see! Aside from a happy customer, another wildlife friendly habitat is being born.“I just received my Solar hanging bird bath and ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I LOVE it……I have it in my back yard…..I want to purchase another one for my front yard…..Do You have different styles and colors of solar hanging bird baths??? I am new to having a garden and bird feeding and baths….I love it!!! It is soooooooo peaceful!!! Do I need to put anything in the solar bird bath for the water??? Should I change the water everyday???? Thank You for the 2 gifts….I need to get a suet feeder. What is the pop.outz that you are speaking about on the card that you sent me?? Also, I have a bird house, should I put the feathers, moss and horse hair in the house with some hanging out in order to attract birds??? I am not sure how I should present this to the birds?
Thank You so much and any information is greatly appreciated!!!
Lisa”Hi Lisa,
Sounds like you’re on your way to becoming a bird-fanatic like me 🙂
It really is so cool just to sit and watch, sorta takes you away from the “day-to-day”. Even though I’ve been doing this for a long time, there are still scenes and birds who never cease to amaze and bring joy!The first brood of Bluebirds fledged a few weeks ago, and mama brought the babies down to the feeder last night. When they first leave the nest, they stay in the tree-tops for about the first 10 days. So darn cute! I’ve been trying to lure Orioles for years (gorgeous birds) who are considered migratory (only here in summer). My first one was in the yard the other day. The brightest hue of yellow-orange I’ve ever seen! They eat grape jelly and oranges!
Hummingbirds will come back to the same place every year if they find the spot to their liking. Last night while sitting outside, one buzzed my head and sat only a few inches away while drinking at the feeder! What a site when they’re that close! Jeez… this sounds like a blog post right here!
Anyway, you’re off to a good start because fresh water really does entice more birds.
Not sure if you have any other feeders, but thistle feeders are very cool. Goldfinches (great little songbirds) will stick around all year if you feed thistle. In summer, they molt (shed old feathers and grow new new ones) and turn an electric lemon yellow color. Sweet songs and very gentle birds too! Thistle (also called nyjer) won’t germinate to sprout weeds, and squirrels usually leave these feeders in peace! It’s not cheap seed though 🙁Just buzz me any time with any bird questions!
Have a swell day!
Beth
Birding Tips, Information & News
