• Bird Accessories,  Bird Feeders,  Thistle Feeders,  Uncategorized,  Wild Bird Feeders

    An Upside Down Thistle Bird Feeder

    May 20, 2009 /

    Thistle Bird Feeder

    Thistle seed, also called Nyger is a favorite among birds and humans alike!  Many folks choose to feed thistle seed as it will not germinate…leaving no sprouting grass or weeds below the feeder.  Goldfinches aren’t the only birds who eat thistle seed–Pine Siskins, Juncos, Indigo Buntings and other Finches, like the House and Purple finch also feast on thistle seed.

    You may have seen an upside down thistle bird feeder before, and the reason is that it only appeals to upside down feeding birds like the Goldfinch, Pine Siskin, and Chickadee.  House Finches and Purple Finches will not visit this type of feeder as they are unable to peck at seed.  If your plain old tube feeder is being overrun by others, and you’d prefer to attract Goldfinches, an upside down thistle bird feeder might be a good choice!

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  • Bird Feeders

    Use Flowers as Wild Bird Feeders Too!

    March 29, 2009 /

    violas

    Another way to greatly help out wild birds is through habitat.  Aside from hanging wild bird feeders that offer seed and suet, try planting trees and flowers which provide sustenance for wild birds in your yard.  There are many native plants, hardy in temperament, which can add value and lasting beauty to your home.

    Cone flower is a popular choice for many wild bird species, and being a perennial is an extra added bonus.  Sunflowers are adored by many wild birds, and the faces can be used for decorative purposes after the flower dies.

    To attract hummingbirds for instance, check out this long list of beneficial flowers:

    Trees and Shrubs
    * Azalea
    * Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
    * Cape Honeysuckle
    * Flame Acanthus
    * Flowering Quince
    * Lantana
    * Manzanita
    * Mimosa
    * Red Buckeye
    * Tree Tobacco
    * Turk’s Cap
    * Weigela

    Vines
    * Coral Honeysuckle
    * Cypress Vine
    * Morning Glory
    * Scarlet Runner Bean
    * Trumpet Creeper

    Perennials
    Some may be annuals or perennials depending on climate.
    * Bee Balm (Monarda)
    * Canna
    * Cardinal Flower
    * Columbine
    * Coral Bells
    * Four O’Clocks
    * Foxglove
    * Hosta
    * Hummingbird Mint (Agastache)
    * Little Cigar
    * Lupine
    * Penstemon
    * Yucca

    Annuals
    * Beard Tongue (and other penstemons)
    * Firespike
    * Fuchsia
    * Impatiens
    * Jacobiana
    * Jewelweed
    * Petunia
    * Various Salvia species
    * Shrimp Plant

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