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Put Finch Feeders on the Christmas List!
Don’t forget about your birds out back…
Say Merry Christmas to them with a new birdhouse or bird feeder!Stanley Tate/For the Times-Georgian
Published: Dec 8, 2009Are you having trouble filling your Christmas list? I am. It was easier and more fun when I could just write a letter to Santa. Santa never made mistakes. Well, except for that time he brought me Elmo underwear. I don t know what went wrong that year.
Have you considered a bird feeder? A bird feeder for the backyard is a gift that shortens the distance between wild birds and people. A tube feeder filled with sunflower seeds attracts chickadees, titmice and finches. A platform feeder covered with millet brings in sparrows. Finch feeders will keep goldfinches and others fat and sassy.
There are a lot of really good feeders out there and a lot of bad ones, too. It s easy to be drawn to the ones with all the artsy stuff on them. However, there s a good rule of thumb when it comes to bird feeders: the uglier the better. Bird feeders and guard dogs need to look downright ugly to get the job done. A bird feeder in the shape of a church, a castle, or Graceland isn t going to make it through many winters just like a Schnoodle. Even if you take the bow out of its hair, it isn t going to keep many bad guys from stealing the gold you have hidden under your bed.
When I say ugly, I don t mean it has to look like a gargoyle or the face of an Ultimate Fighting champion, but it can t have cutesy flowers on it either. A good feeder should be all about lasting for years, and my experience is that the best feeders are made in this country. I have no problem with imported products, but unlike cameras and TV s, the best bird feeders are made here.
A good feeder must be easy to fill, but it is more important that it be easy to clean. A good feeder is made to come apart easily so you can remove old or wet seeds. If you can t figure out how to take a feeder apart and clean it, don t buy it.
Many people buy large capacity feeders so they don t have to fill them as often. That can be a mistake. In rainy weather, seed will get wet and spoil before it can be eaten. Several small feeders may be a better choice than one that is extra-large. Also, birds are only protected by a thin layer of feathers, so avoid feeders with sharp metal or glass edges.
Wooden feeders appeal to many people, and if cared for they will last. However, wooden feeders often will be chewed up by squirrels. If you buy a wooden feeder, you will need to protect it.
If you are going to buy the people on your Christmas list only one feeder, I suggest a tube feeder. Tube feeders are usually made of clear plastic 3 or 4 inches around and 18 inches tall with metal perches no, the birds feet won t sick to metal in winter and metal on other key points to protect against squirrels.
Good tube feeders keep the seed reasonably dry, are easy to fill, easy to clean, and with baffles, easy to squirrel proof. They cost between $20 and $40 bucks and most come with a lifetime warranty.
I know what you are thinking. This all sounds good, but $20 to $40 bucks is a lot to spend on a Christmas present for all my relatives.
If that s how you feel, forget everything I ve said and buy them all a set of Elmo underwear.
(Tate is a Carrollton resident and bird enthusiast.)
- Bird Accessories, Bird Bath, Bird Baths, Birdbaths, Ceramic Bird Baths, Misters and Birdbath Drippers, Uncategorized
Add Moving Water to a Ceramic Bird Bath
Moving water in a bird bath will make a huge difference in the numbers and species who frequent it. In fact, a fresh water source is one of the best ways to attract more birds. This is because all species of wild birds do not use birdhouses and bird feeders.So if water is the best way to attract them…moving water is even better! Like a visual magnet to birds, the gentle ripples of a water wiggler, or the slow, dripping from a copper tube commands their attention and keeps them coming back. The difference is really hard to believe until you’ve tried it! Whether you have a ground bath, deck-mount model, tall ceramic bird bath, or the new hanging baths with built in misters, moving water is definitely where the action is.
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The Beauty of Ceramic Bird Baths
Bird baths are one of the most effective ways to attract more feathered friends to your yard.
They may not use bird feeders, and many are non-cavity dwelling species (they won’t use birdhouses), but you can bet these birds WILL visit a fresh water source! Especially in winter, when many natural, shallow water sources have frozen over, birdbaths prove to be life savers for many wild birds.
With ceramic bird baths, there is the capacity to withstand a heater or de-icer. This makes perfect sense for keeping your bath available year-round for birds. I’ve just never understood why folks empty and turn baths upside down for winter? The need is so great this time of year. When ceramics are glazed, they tend to keep water cooler in summer’s heat too.
There are several heaters available that are safe for all birdbaths now, so there’s never any worries of damage or melting. Ceramic bird baths are available in every style and color imaginable. Hanging, pedestal, or even deck-mount (with the use of a special bracket) will all be visited and appreciated by your birds! Even a plain ceramic saucer on the ground, or a tree stump makes for a great birdbath when maintained with fresh water….Just add water and see the difference!
Birding Tips, Information & News
Moving water in a bird bath will make a huge difference in the numbers and species who frequent it. In fact, a fresh water source is one of the best ways to attract more birds. This is because all species of wild birds do not use birdhouses and bird feeders.
