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The Invaluable Ant Moat
Ants just love sugary, sticky, sweet nectar! Whether it’s Hummingbird, Oriole or butterfly nectar, if they can get to it…you bet they will find it! But the good thing, and saving grace for those who feed nectar, is that ants can’t swim. They are virtually unable to cross a small body of water. Enter the invaluable ant moat.These little gadgets make the difference between great birding experiences vs. pesky, miserable ones filled with unwelcome guests. Simple by adding an ant moat to your hummingbird feeder, or other nectar feeders, you will stop ants dead in their tracks.
The ant moat shown here is a little nicer than the standard model, but they all do the same thing…stop ants from getting at nectar. In the heat of summer, a drop of salad oil may be added to the water to slow the evaporation process. Remember, the ant moats will not work unless they are kept filled with water.
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Simple Nesting Material for Your Birds
Entice and encourage birds to nest in your yard with simple materials found around your home. Although there are all kinds of cool nesting material kits out there, you can do this one yourself… easily!Start with a suet cage or even a mesh produce bag, like the kind apples come in at the grocery store. Next time you empty the lint basket in your clothes dryer, nix that soft, fluffy material as it’s just not natural.
Got a cat or dog? Pet hair is keeper. If you brush your pet, save the hair that accumulates in their brush. But steer clear if Fido or Fluffy has been treated with flea & tick meds. If you happen to have a horse… even better! The nesting material shown here is horse hair. Mostly from the mane and tail, it makes for great stuff to help bind the birds’ gatherings into a nest.
Ever work with silk or dried flowers? The decorative moss, especially Spanish or sphagnum moss is wonderful. Stuff a little moss into the nesting ball too, but keep strands short. They even like bits of raffia and especially feathers. Hang your nest ball from a branch in a visible spot for birds to easily see it. Somewhere in the proximity of existing bird feeders or birdhouses is best. Don’t pack the materials too tightly as a generous air flow dries them quicker after rain.
Simple materials from around your home, that are usually discarded, make for great nesting materials to help birds thrive and flourish in your backyard. You can entice birds to stick around, without adding more feeders and houses, but by offering valuable nesting material for them to help raise their families. Don’t forget the shallow fresh water too!
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Entice Feathered Friends with Bird Nesting Materials
Although nesting season may be winding down for some wild bird species, others are just gearing up. The bluebirds in our yard are on their second brood for the season. American Goldfinches breeding season is just starting and runs through late July.You can attract and encourage birds to nest in your yard by offering different nesting materials. There’s a bevy of easy ways to do it, and several great products to use. The Birdie Bell shown here, is a versatile holder for bird nesting materials. The beauty with this item is that it can be utilized year round for birds. Shaped to hold birdseed bells in winter time, it conveniently holds orange halves in summer to attract Orioles and others. Spring, summer and winter, this product offers birds seasonal treats to help them thrive and flourish.
The Hummer Helper Nest Kit is the perfect material for hummingbirds, another species to breed and nest through summer months. Offering these bird nesting materials is even likely to bring more hummers to your feeders. Juveniles born in proximity to feeders will be visiting along with mama, and since hummingbirds practice “site fidelity” they’re likely to return the following year if conditions are favorable. Hummer Helper has even been endorsed by The Hummingbird Society.
The bird nester is a large wooden-back, cage like holder for bird nesting materials. It contains a special blend of natural fibers that are perfect for feathered friends to build proper nests. Refills are available for this, and most nesting material holders too.Birdhouses and feeders aren’t the only way to entice and encourage sweet songbirds in your yard. You can help them thrive by offering a variety of nesting materials. And as always, a fresh water source will attract even more feathered friends…guaranteed!
Happy Birding…
Birding Tips, Information & News
