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Unique Birdhouses…a Cupcake of a Home!
Cavity dwelling birds need places to nest and raise their young, and there seems to be a shortage in real estate! Competition for proper nest sites is fierce among wild birds this time of year. You can provide proper housing and have fun with it too. Unique birdhouses can add a touch of color and whimsy to any environment. They make excellent, long lasting gifts that will be enjoyed by the recipient, and used by the birds. Bird houses today are available in just about any theme you might think of, and some you might not!
The important factor is being a functional house, with proper ventilation and a clean out. If the house has these qualities, it’s likely proportioned correctly for wild birds as well.
Please Help House the Birds!
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Bird Accessories for Better Backyard Birding
Backyard Birding has come a long way, moving into one of mainstream’s biggest hobbies.The connection with nature is a huge relief and “de-stressor” from the everyday activities, and hustle-and-bustle for many folks.
The good news is there are some great bird accessories designed to enrich your birding experiences and help feathered friends to thrive as well.
Nesting material, for example, may attract birds who don’t use birdhouses (non-cavity dwelling birds). You’ll have a better chance of seeing more species, and fledglings, just by adding this simple accessory. It does not even have to be store-bought, you can make your own from dryer lint, pet hair, cotton yarns and string, mosses and things of that nature. Just collect, roll in a ball and place in a mesh bag to hang from a tree or limb.
Squirrel baffles are another excellent (and mandatory) bird accessory if you’ve got squirrels in your yard. Baffles let you turn any bird feeder into a squirrel-proof bird feeder when used properly. Many also work as weather guards too, saving seed from snow and rain. Hanging baffles should be one-third larger than the feeder, and placed at least eight feet from any possible “launching spot” for squirrels. Pole-mounted baffles need to be at least four feet from the ground, and again, eight feet from any possible launching spot. You’ll save birdseed and money with use of a squirrel baffle.
Bird accessories also make lasting and excellent gifts for the nature-lover on your list. Appreciated and actually used; what more could you ask for in a decent gift?
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A Bird Feeder Just Shouldn’t be a Squirrel Feeder
In our yard there are many bird feeders to accommodate different species. We take backyard birding pretty seriously and really enjoy the hobby, sometimes our birds eat better than we do! Lately though the squirrels have been getting out of hand, and getting more difficult to tolerate! They have their own feeders…but it’s never enough. After the destruction of our screen on the back porch, it may be time to re-think things. There is a common denominator with all bird feeders…squirrel baffles! For the most part, they work great, maybe that’s why the critters want “in” now?
We have a bungee cord Squirrel Feeder, and an old fly-thru feeder for the squirrels, which we’ll put old suet, fruit scraps, and cracked corn in. They get 2 corn cobs a day, as we’ve given up on the Corn Logs…they keep stealing them! Ample water, and spillage from bird feeders keeps them fat and happy. My problem is: Do they have to tell all their friends? Now, when we see them up on the deck, small rocks are thrown their way, but alas, they’re back in 5 minutes. I always liked the little critters, now, I’m not so sure!
Birding Tips, Information & News
Backyard Birding has come a long way, moving into one of mainstream’s biggest hobbies.
