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Thistle Feeders…Not Just for Finches!
You can attract a great variety of songbirds with thistle feeders. Thistle, also called Nyjer seed resembles grains of wild rice, and is coveted by American Goldfinches for its high fat and protein content. Other songbirds who will feast at your thistle feeders include: House and Purple Finches, Towhees, Pine Siskins, Juncos and vibrant Indigo Buntings, as pictured at left. Another great benefit of feeding thistle seed is that it has been heated to prevent germination, so sprouting weeds and grass below your feeder is not even an issue!
Mixing Nyjer with finely chopped sunflower hearts reduces mess in the yard and patio. Also, Pine Siskins and others prefer this to straight thistle seed. Commercial Finch mixes are readily available as well for use in thistle feeders.
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squirrel proof bird feeder
When it comes to bird feeders and squirrels, most folks will say good luck! But with a little attention to feeder placement and the use of squirrel baffles or a squirrel proof bird feeder, you can minimize pesky squirrels at your feeders and enjoy the birds a whole lot more.
Protect your bird feeders in the yard from squirrels with these easy tips:
First, feeders need to be at least eight feet from any horizontal launching point.
Next, the bottom of the bird feeder should be at least four and one half feet off the ground. When using a pole or post, a squirrel baffle must be placed right below the feeder to ensure non-entry for squirrels.
For hanging feeders, make sure the baffle is at least one-third larger in circumference than the feeder.
If you are feeding on your deck or patio, and don’t have adequate room for a baffle, then a squirrel proof bird feeder should be used. Many models on the market today have effective and ingenious ways of combating squirrels.
- Bird Accessories, Bird Feeders, Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder, Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders, Uncategorized
Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders That Really Work
There are tons of bird feeders on the market which claim to be squirrel proof. Many of them are successful at keeping pesky squirrels from raiding bird feeders…while others just don’t make the cut. Then there’s also the aesthetic to consider. This feeder will hang in your yard, so it would be nice to have one that looks good too. Sometimes the metal caged look is not ideal in a delicate flower garden.
Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders have come a long way since those metal caged types. Sleek styling combined with functionality expands the choices for some great feeders. The Sky Cafe, for example, is an excellent choice for a squirrel resistant feeder as it looks good and keeps seed protected from not only squirrels, but the elements too. Plus, this great feeder is available in may options such as colors, and has seed dividers to offer birds a variety in one single feeder. Consider the Sky Cafe or Mandarin Feeder for your next squirrel proof bird feeder.