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Finch Feeders Seeing a Lull? Gift Idea #1
For the next 12 days (or there about) we’re offering some fab gift ideas for bird lovers & gardeners on your list! Each icon representative of the Twelve Days of Christmas – so we’re posting the true meaning of the words themselves at the end of each post. Since the popular carol features 6 days of birds… we deemed it most appropriate for the season!
Recently we noticed decreased activity at our finch feeders, so much so… it seems the goldfinches have disappeared? Being resident birds in the southeast, there have been periods of up & down activity, but no birds are to be found at present. The nyjer seed is fresh, cleaner emptied and scrubbed two weeks ago, and feeders with finch mix are good too.
Although other birds partake in finch mixes; cardinals & sparrows (the good ones) – it is from past experience we know the usual suspects will again return! Because of this, finch feeders are a swell idea for any bird lover or gardening addict.
The tiny black seed won’t germinate, and goldfinches are one the sweetest songbirds to grace the yard. The Rainbow Finch Feeder shown here is an awesomely inexpensive and impressive feeder! It boasts 18 perches which offer a delightful view when occupied at once. It comes in two sizes (regular and super) to accommodate big crowds, and it’s available for immediate shipping via USPS Priority Mail, usually 3 days to anywhere in the country.
One down… 11 more easy & fun gift ideas to come!
Oh yeah, the partridge: symbolizes Jesus.
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Dovecote Birdhouse for a Shiny, Top-Notch Gift!
Looking for a really special gift, one that’s going to last a lifetime? For any gardener or nature lover on your list, a dovecote birdhouse in the landscape is absolutely dreamy!
Aside from the curb appeal, they help birds thrive through frigid winter weather by offering cozy roosting spots. There’s feeders too, in gazebo and large capacity styles. One will definitely see more winged activity at a feeder, but said feeder must be maintained; filled and cleaned regularly.
When it comes to feeding seed, we like using sunflower hearts or a no-waste mix. These leave far less ground mess below feeders, and anything that does fall to the ground is quickly consumed because it’s the good stuff! Say feeders are great but there’s squirrels mucking about in the yard? No worries there!
While most baffles are black or green, cone shape and possibly not too slick looking… here’s a new one especially for the vinyl dovecote houses and feeders! White, slender and unobtrusive, pesky squirrels and even raccoons are not getting passed this one! Made for a true 4×4 post, they work beautifully with the vinyl post covers.
Why would anyone use a baffle on a birdhouse? Predators! Help keep eggs and nestlings safe from any critter who might shimmy on up the post as eggs are quite a tasty treat for many furry ones! Our bluebird houses always have baffles installed to protect nests.
Wild birds actually tell us about the environment. It is through Citizen Science groups like Cornell and Audubon, that changing bird ranges are tracked and documented. The cumulative information submitted by ordinary folks like you and me give scientists a true picture of the ever-changing world around us. Not just hear-say, but actual statistics that tell the real story!
Should you have any doubts on this, just take a look at the scenario below, a quick video produced by Defenders of Wildlife a few years back. And should you have any doubt about giving a dovecote birdhouse this holiday season – rest assured it will be the most awesome gift ever… and they ship for free too!
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Happy Thanksgiving and First Freeze for Heated Bird Baths!
As stunning fall color is winding down, the season’s first freeze hit the southeast two days ago. Totally unprepared, it was most definitely time to dig out bath heaters and extension cords in order to prevent any birdbaths from freezing and cracking. When you’re into birds… this is important stuff. The changing seasons require a bit of work to keep birds fat & happy, but so very worth the effort!
Pedestal and ground baths simply get a heater placed inside to keep an open water source through winter. If you’re a bird… this is really important stuff when everything freezes! The heaters are compact, easy to use and safe for almost all types of baths. Come spring, simply unplug and store for next year.
Deck-mounted heated bird baths are even easier since the heating element is concealed within the base. Everything stays put regardless of season, just plug it in and task complete! We use one of these at home too, and in summer (they don’t call it Hotlanta for nothing) we toss in ice cubes to cool the water and create a refreshing oasis for our feathered friends.
We’re thankful for the birds and their uncanny ability to soothe the soul. Watching them through the kitchen window -even if just for a few minutes- can remove some of the chaos of daily life and any clutter inside your head… like planning and preparing dinner for 18 guests on Thanksgiving Day!
The short & simple connection to nature can be a breath of fresh air, it calms, centers and quiets the mind. We want to get more folks “into birds” as well. It’s an addictive hobby which not only brings much pleasure and simple joy, but helps birds thrive through harsh winter weather when natural food sources are scarce.
Many species stick around all year and are considered resident birds; chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, finches, bluebirds and cardinals to name just a few. Offering food, shelter and a fresh water source makes them thankful, and they’ll grace your landscape with song, color and life through the winter season to prove it!
Since it’s far better to give than receive, for the next few weeks, we’ll be giving away finch socks (thistle feeders) with all orders! No codes, no minimum… just a gift of thanks for feeding the birds 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to you and yours!
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