• Bird Feeders,  Hopper Bird Feeder,  Uncategorized,  Wild Bird Feeders

    hopper bird feeders seem slow this time of year?

    October 18, 2011 /

    the retro feeder is one of several groovy hopper bird feedersBackyard feeders may seem a bit slow this time of year… but it isn’t bye-bye birdie just yet! Although hummingbirds and other migratory friends have started their journeys to winter breeding grounds, many of your resident birds who brave harsh winters are still around.

    Food in the wild is plentiful this fall, there’s an abundance resulting from the spring record rains (especially in the east). Fruit producing trees like Crabapples, and berry producing shrubs like Winterberry Holly, are heavily laden with fruit right now.

    But you can be sure just as soon as it gets colder, they will return to your hopper bird feeders, suet feeders, and thistle feeders. Insects will disappear, and the berries and seeds of fall will be long-gone. Resident birds like Jays, Woodpeckers, Titmice, Nuthatches and even Bluebirds (in some areas) will over-winter. Keep bird feeders full and fresh… cuz they’ll be back soon!

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  • Bird Feeders,  Hopper Bird Feeder,  Uncategorized

    un-square and un-boring hopper bird feeders

    August 9, 2011 /

    sky blue ceramic hopper bird feederWith so many variations of bird feeders out there, how would you ever pick the right kind if you’re new to backyard birding? Aside from offering fresh water in a bath, choosing several feeders which hold different kinds of food is very effective for enticing feathered friends.

    There are five basic types of wild bird feeders, although variations abound! Hopper Bird Feeders like this ceramic blue one also add a decorative touch to any garden or landscape.

    Tube Feeders dispense seed and allow multiple small birds to feed at once. The ones with very tiny ports are designed for thistle or nyjer seed-which is a favorite of Goldfinches and Pine Siskins.

    Hopper Bird Feeders are likely the most popular type of feeder as they attract a wide variety of birds and generally have larger seed capacities. They feature removable or lifting lids for easy filling and cleaning, and a ledge, or perching space to accommodate several birds.

    Platform or Fly-Thru Feeders will attract the widest variety of birds, they’re versatile for offering several kinds of treats that you can change with seasons. One drawback to this type of feeder is is that seeds can become contaminated with droppings and may mold quicker with the right weather conditions. A fly-thru feeder’s roof has an advantage to protect seed from weather.

    Nectar Feeders are meant for Hummingbirds and Orioles, and may be seasonal according to your location. vanilla ceramic cupcake hopper bird feederWe use them from mid-March through December in this North Georgia yard. Commercial nectar mixes are widely used, but we think the home-made sugar water solution is preferred.

    Suet Feeders are usually a cage-type or bag feeder and should be protected from squirrels (and other pets). They’re great for offering fruit slices in summer, and nesting material in early spring. Many species covet suet for it’s high protein and fat content, especially during cold winter months. No-melt varieties of suet are also made for warm-weather feeding, as migratory birds also enjoy this special treat.

    So that’s a basic run-down of wild bird feeders… although some may be more wild than others! This ceramic cupcake is also a variation of the popular hopper feeder.

     

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  • Bird Feeders,  Glass Bird Feeder,  Hopper Bird Feeder,  Uncategorized

    handsome hopper bird feeders

    March 3, 2011 /

    hand crafted cedar hopper bird feederIn order to accommodate more birds, we usually add more feeders. This is probably why our yard now hosts around twenty-some feeders… it’s a chore keeping up too.

    If you’re starting with your first bird feeder, or just prefer keeping it to a minimum, then hopper bird feeders are a great choice. They’ll hold different seed mixes so you can experiment and see what works best, and they usually offer lots of perching space for multiple birds to dine at once. Hopper Bird Feeders tend to have a larger seed capacity than tube style feeders as well, so you spend less time filling and more time watching.

    This handsome hopper is hand crafted in cedar, with meticulous workmanship and quality materials. It may be more expensive than the hopper bird feeders found at “big box” stores, but it will outlast them by many years. Plus this is an individual artist’s work –  their mark and TLC have gone into the making, creating a piece to enjoy and admire for many seasons to come.copper and stained glass hopper bird feeder

    Another handsome hopper feeder is this stained glass and copper beauty. Hand crafted in the most beautiful hues, quality hopper bird feeders like these add an interesting focal point in any garden or landscape setting. Again, the generous perching area will accommodate several birds feeding at once.

    Even if you’d like to keep the number of feeders to a minimum, you can still attract many more species by offering fresh water. It really is the single, most effective way to entice birds to your yard.  Definitely consider adding a bird bath, be it hanging, pedestal, deck-mounted, or a ground bath, you’ll be amazed at the new visitors you’ll see!

     

     

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