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More than Bluebird Houses to do the Trick!
In attempting to attract bluebirds to my yard last season, I learned that housing didn’t seem quite sufficient to appease these lovely birds to take up residence. After experimenting with different foods, actually calling themselves “Bluebird Food”, I realized that live mealworms were the only thing that did the trick…and they really worked great, with two successful broods!If you’re inviting bluebirds into your yard with bluebird houses alone, feeders will greatly increase chances of them nesting and sticking around. Live meal worms are their food of choice since they are basically insectivores. Providing fruit-bearing trees is also a good way to attract many species of wild birds.
Houses should be in a clearing if possible, mounted to a fence, or a few feet away from a treeline. If post-mounting the house, provide protection from predators with a baffle. A fresh water source in winter is also a great help and attractor for bluebirds and others, especially heated bath water.
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Breakfast Room Window Hummingbird Feeder
If you’re lucky enough to have a breakfast room with a picture window and wonderful view, there’s no better place for a bird feeder! Whether sipping morning coffee, or frantically scrambling in the kitchen, this window can add a touch of mental therapy with nature’s beauty. There’s a reason for that saying: “Stop and smell the roses”.
This hand made nectar feeder actually mounts to the deck rail, but serves the same purpose as a window hummingbird feeder, it’s right there…complete with close up views. It’s difficult to capture the words when you’re viewing hummingbirds as they’re truly the most amazing of all migratory birds. Their sheer size, sweet song, daring acrobatics and crazy antics are really worth the effort of attracting them. And, if squirrels present a problem with bird feeders, this is a perfect feeder solution for summer months. Don’t forget to add a fresh water source for birds as well, you’ll attract more species with this simple resource.
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Human Hummingbird Feeder?
This is too cool!A lady in LA actually trained these hummingbirds to eat from her hand. The tiny flying jewels have very brave hearts and will do this when they’re familiar with, and comfortable around their human hosts.
These photos are not altered in any way, this woman lives in a hummingbird fly zone. As the birds migrated, a large group of 15-20 of them were in her yard. She used the red dish from the hummingbird feeder, filled it with sugar water and this was the amazing result.
Her name is Abagail Alfano of Pine, Louisiana – she has been studying her hummingbirds daily. One morning she decided to see if her hummers would feed from her hands. As the hummers had gotten used to her standing by the feeder, they came over to drink from the dish. She says they are as light as a feather. Abagail also said, if she had known her husband was taking pictures she would have put on makeup.
Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Alfano for the wonderful photos!
Birding Tips, Information & News
In attempting to attract bluebirds to my yard last season, I learned that housing didn’t seem quite sufficient to appease these lovely birds to take up residence. After experimenting with different foods, actually calling themselves “Bluebird Food”, I realized that live mealworms were the only thing that did the trick…and they really worked great, with two successful broods!
This is too cool!