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Really Big nyjer feeder
If wild bird activity in your yard is anything like ours right now, then you likely have tons of Goldfinches. Although they’re not so gold right now with their winter plumage…they’re still out there!
Filling the nyjer feeder for them every few days can really start to become a chore. Some feeders claim to be large capacity feeders – but really aren’t. This one is definitely a large capacity feeder, holding seven pounds of nyjer seed (more commonly called thistle).
Now seven pounds may not sound like much when thinking of volume, but thistle is a tiny grain-like seed, and seven pounds in a feeder is a lot.
Pine Siskins and Red Polls also visit nyjer feeders, and our Goldfinches are even eating suet in this frigid weather.
Help birds thrive during cold weather by offering a few staples that will serve them well in winter. Thistle, suet and sunflower seed are a few good options. Water is also extremely important, especially when birds’ usual sources (like shallow ponds) tend to freeze. A heater in your birdbath will also be a welcome sign to entice many feathered friends. Happy Birding!
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Create a Bird Magnet in your hanging bird bath
Although I’ve never tried this personally, it’s a fantastic idea to entice more feathered friends to your hanging bird bath!
From experience of having several birdbaths containing water features, I can guarantee that moving water really does attract more birds and keeps them around longer.
We have water wigglers, drippers and leaf misters going all summer in our birdbaths, (and heaters in winter) but only one hanging bird bath which has no water feature to create moving water. I saw this idea in a birding magazine and thought it was pretty darn clever.
Take a gallon milk jug (keeps it out of the landfill) and pierce a tiny hole in the bottom corner with a needle or safety pin. The hole must be minute for this contraption to work correctly. Next, fill the jug with water and hang it above the bird bath. The slow, steady drips will create a visual magnet for birds at your bath. It’s amazing to see the difference a bit of movement in the water really makes. Be sure to keep the bath and water clean, and plan on re-filling the jug about once a week.
Happy Birding!
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birdhouse kits available in quantity discount
For all kinds of youth groups and school projects, birdhouse kits make the perfect choice. While helping to instill a sense of stewardship in children, the birdhouse kits serve as real nesting sites for wild birds to roost and raise their young. With a severe shortage in natural nest sites, mostly due to habitat loss and competition from non-native birds, birdhouse kits help to fulfill a critical need for Mother Nature’s beaked buddies.
While the innovative kit at left is more like a puzzle, recycled plastic birdhouse kits arrive flat and ready for assembly. Bird feeder kits, and even bat house kits are available in durable and long lasting cedar too. It’s a terrific and fun way to help teach kids about the importance of conservation and our environment.
Whenever I read stories of school projects and birdhouse kits, it give me a good feeling that some folks actually “get it” and really do care. The Birdhouse Chick is more than pleased to offer a substantial discount on birdhouse kits purchased in quantities for any youth or school project. Please Contact us with your details, it’s just a small thanks for housing and feeding the birds! We’ll even send some ideas for home made nesting materials the kids can work on to further entice feathered friends.