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Solstice Hopper Bird Feeder
When one thinks of a hopper bird feeder, the image is usually that of wood. Maybe a nice cedar, that lasts until pesky squirrels start to chew it up. New bird feeders come in great materials that are meant to last for many years of use and enjoyment. Not to mention really fun, high style designs.This hopper bird feeder is appropriately called the “Solstice”. With it’s fantastic celestial theme, it’s totally functional, holding about 5 quarts of seed. The satin finish metal roof and trim are actually better than wood because they are not porous. This type of feeder is less likely to aid in the spread of germs and mold among the bird population feeding in the yard. Cleaning is much easier too as opposed to wood.
Keep this one thought in mind for your next feeder purchase…non-porous materials are actually healthier for your birds.
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Tube Birdfeeders vs. Suet Feeders
All the feeders in the yard are extremely crowded during this weird cold snap. Platform, peanut, thistle and tube birdfeeders are kept filled constantly for chickadees, finches, jays, cardinals and others. Robins scavenging for earthworms and offered dried mealworms, fruit, bread and peanut butter to stay warm. Three heated bird baths also entice the crowds to stick around.
The biggy though, has got to be the suet feeders. EVERYONE is eating suet for the extra calories to stay warm. A friend snapped this photo of a two grackles fighting over suet. Even bluebirds with their live mealworms are going after suet. So, until spring finally hits and it begins to warm up, I’ll keep the suet coming for feathered friends.
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A Jay at the Tube Birdfeeder…Strange?
A friend sent this great photo last week of a small Blue Jay at their tube birdfeeder. First I thought “what a great photo” then started thinking about some oddities in my own yard. You just don’t usually see a Blue Jay at a tube birdfeeder? This crazy, cold weather has most birds eating just about anything to stay warm! Almost every bird is eating suet right now, and my bluebirds are eating peanuts too.
Yesterday at the park while walking the dog, the local ducks were accosting people for food! Not having anything to feed, I felt terrible and ran to the hardware store for a bag of cracked corn. Asking the sales lady “I wonder what else the ducks would eat, she gave me 72 hot dog rolls from store room! Asking if they’d eat the bread, I said sure…they’re pretty hungry right now, I think they’ll eat anything! Sure enough all gathered around for a feeding frenzy.
The cold weather can be on its way now…I’m ready for spring, nesting seson, and the natural order of things!
Birding Tips, Information & News
