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Why Are Finch Feeders So Popular This Time of Year?
The Wild Canary, aptly nicknamed for their vibrant summer plumage are out and about in droves this time of year. With electric yellow feathers, they’re pretty hard to miss.One of North America’s favorite songbirds, the American Goldfinches’ nesting season is now winding down, and tons of babies and adults populate the yards of those who have finch feeders. Preferring nyjer, (or thistle seed) it is fed to babies almost exclusively.
With their gentle nature and very sweet character, Goldfinches are not the kind to fight at crowded finch feeders. They will usually just give up and fly away. There’s an easy and effective way to accommodate more birds without having to buy costly feeders. Thistle Socks, or bags are the perfect way to offer more feeding space to these sweet birds.
The mesh bags usually have a draw cord for closure and hanging. They’re refillable and birds really love them! Generally in white nylon mesh, there are variations like holiday-themed finch feeders, and the newer ones are available in black, which offers a striking contrast with goldfinches color.
Remember to leave finch feeders out year-round, as these birds will overwinter locally. Their plumage fades a bit to a dull, olive-drab color in winter, but you can bet on that fabulous, bold yellow hue come warmer months! - Bird Accessories, Bird Bath, Bird Baths, Birdbaths, Ceramic Bird Baths, Hanging Bird Bath, Uncategorized
The Versatile Hanging Bird Bath
Although you may hear it all the time, a fresh water source really is the best way to entice more species of birds to your yard. It’s so true, and once a bird bath is added you’ll be more than pleased with the results!Even in urban areas, folks still like their songbirds. If you have a small yard, or no yard – it’s no problem! If there’s even the tiniest deck or balcony, you can easily install a hanging bird bath with a metal hook that’s made just for decks and railings. It’s truly a joy looking out the window and seeing sweet songbirds’ activity. If anything can take you away from the daily hustle and bustle…it’s got to be nature!
Hanging bird baths are well suited in big yards too where they may be ground predators lurking. Although birds do naturally bathe at ground level, the hanging bath gives them an advantage in this situation. In our yard there are ground and pedestal baths, and still we have a small copper hanging bird bath too.
Another advantage of the hanging bird bath is that it can be used as a platform-type feeder in winter months. Many materials like weatherproof stoneware (shown here) will withstand freezing temperatures. With the large, flat area, it’s versatile enough for feeding suet, peanuts, mealworms, birdseed mixes, or just about anything you’d like to offer feathered friends in freezing months.
The optimal water depth is about 2-inches for birds to bathe and wade comfortably. If your birdbath is deeper than that, try placing a large rock in the center for birds to perch safely.
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Add Moving Water to Your Birdbath and Watch the Show!
Fresh water in a birdbath is by far one of the best ways to entice song birds to your yard. Even those who may not use birdhouses or feeders will usually stop by for a sip or dip! You can count on this, be it extreme summer heat…or frigid winter months, a birdbath is a necessity if you’re trying to attract wild birds to your yard.Adding accessories like birdbath drippers, water wigglers or misters works like a visual magnet to birds, the difference is amazing. Moving water attracts birds like you wouldn’t believe! The added benefits are no stagnant water and the water stays cleaner longer. Also, nasty mosquitoes can not lay eggs in moving water.
In our birdbaths at home, you’ll find two water wigglers and two drippers…our birds love them and we’d never go back to standing water.
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