Although we’d rather post pretty bird images, our goal is to get more folks involved with backyard birding. It’s an awesome hobby and one that’s addictive too. Here’s a good place to start:

So maybe you’re thinking about feeding the birds? But when surveying the yard for good spots to hang a feeder… there really aren’t any. A branch would work if you have suitable trees – but beware of crafty squirrels!

If the yard is mostly open, a bird feeder bracket set like this is ideal for an instant oasis to entice feathered friends. It provides a solid & sturdy spot with room to grow. The water dish and tray are included, the latter offering a spot for just about anything you’d like to offer. Peanuts, suet & nuggets, mealworms (if you’re so inclined), even fruit in spring and summer for migratory birds. Any assortment of feeders could hang here, and they’d be most welcome by resident fliers in winter. These include seed, suet, & peanut feeders and thistle/nyjer feeders for finches. Adding a baffle to the main pole will keep squirrels at bay too… believe it or not!

Smaller scale? A simple deck-mount bracket might be the perfect answer. Especially if there’s a good view from the kitchen or breakfast area. The clamp-on hardware won’t harm deck rails, and a nice plant saucer works great for the dish. This can even be converted to a bath in summer, shallow pans are the perfect depth for birds to bathe and wade comfortably.

Another complete bird feeding station includes the baffle. As long as squirrels can’t jump sideways from something to gain access- they’ll never make it past this baffle! We use this one at home and can absolutely confirm squirrel failure!

With all the rain in Southeast lately, the ground has become overly saturated. The auger or ground screw on this set keeps feeder stations from looking like the Leaning Tower of Pisa! We have some of those too 🙁  The topper also comes with 4 brackets for room to grow. It’s a sturdy set that lasts for life.

During winter, natural food sources become scarce as insects have died off and berries are gone. Feeders and heated baths help birds not only survive-but thrive in frigid weather. Birds bring gardens to life on the dullest winter days, there’s nothing better than hearing birdsong or seeing the vivid red of a cardinal in the yard. Try for yourself and see! Okay, maybe just one pretty bluebird 🙂