Why You Should Consider Squirrel Proof Birdfeeders

Author: Ellery Flanders

Before putting your cash into squirrel proof birdfeeders you may examine a couple of techniques to encourage the squirrels to point out farewell to your feeders. Place your bird feeders in regions far enough from trees to prohibit the creatures jumping on to your feeders and make certain your feeders are as a minimum five feet off the earth.

If these ideas don't deter squirrels, there are 2 possibilities, either buy an attachment for your existent bird feeders to make them squirrel proof or buy a bird feeder that is specifically designed to be squirrel proof. You'll sometimes experience larger success should you buy a feeder that is squirrel proof rather than trying to equip your current bird feeders with a gadget.

While the ground is covered in snow, the simplest system to delight in feeding wild birds is to only throw seed around on the snow covered earth. This is the work-shy individual's technique of bird feeding. Nonetheless, it's a great deal safer for the birds to get their goodies from a more conventional above the ground bird feeder.

There are now a wide selection of good quality and effective squirrel proof birdfeeders available on the market and they come in a range of styles and shapes. There's a squirrel explanation version for almost every kind of bird feeder.

regardless of the time of the year, bird food that that spends even a short time on the ground is susceptible to contamination from animal droppings, bacteria, moistness, mold, and lawn chemicals. But there's no written rule that claims bird feeders need to be fancy.

Once the love of bird watching takes hold, you will find yourself searching for feeders that bring a wide variety of birds and a smaller population of resident squirrels. Fortunately , or unfortunately when you basically begin the shopping experience, there is a huge spread of manufactured squirrel proof birdfeeders for you to make a choice from. Some minister to only tiny birds, some serve peanuts, some hold thistle, some hold suet, and others hold enough seed that you only fill them once every week. Feeders also alter significantly in quality and durability, as well as bird safety.

selecting the'right' squirrel proof birdfeeders boils down to a handful of issues : the type of birds you would like to attract ; the proposed feeder placement ; the quality you want ; the aesthetics or appearance of the feeder ; the simplicity of cleaning and caring for it ; and, last but not least, the squirrel-proof nature of the feeder.

All else being equal, if your feeder is constantly raided by squirrels, you'll be robbed of your original intention... To enjoy the peaceful pastime of bird watching. Those lovable small rodents will take over your feeders, scare away the birds, and eat all of your seed, not to say the fact that they'll destroy your feeders in the process. To keep squirrels out of your feeders takes a mix of the right bird feeder design, and thoughtful placement to escape their stalwart ingenuity and amazing athletic capability.

So how do you make the'right' bird feeder choice?

Placement - Pick a location which has straightforward year-round accessibility ; consider the'mess factor' around any bird feeder ; select a view that is rewarding for you ; and find a place that doesn't help the squirrels. Remember... Squirrels can jump 4 to 6 feet vertically and six to eight feet horizontally

Quality - Design, sturdiness and craftsmanship have some relationship to cost. The better the materials going in, the better the final product and its lifespan. When selecting squirrel proof birdfeeders look for materials that are guaranteed against squirrel damage and are made from quality, sturdy materials.

Aesthetics - Looks are a matter of personal choice. Personally, I'm not as nervous about how a feeder looks as the way the birds will like it.

maintenance - concentrate on what it takes to scrub your feeder. Some are simple and some are designed as if they will never need to be opened up and cleaned... But they'll.

Squirrel-Proof Design - the only sure way to understand if any bird feeder is successful in repelling squirrels is to have a look at the feedback of prior consumers. Each manufacturer claims their feeders are squirrel-proof, but few really are. Amazon.com has the most purchaser contributions on this topic if you have some time to wade through them.

Squirrel Proof Birdfeeders Top Reviews

squirrel proof birdfeeders allow your birds to co-exist happily with the squirrels by stopping the squirrels from taking the bird seed from your bird feeders.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/why-you-should-consider-squirrel-proof-birdfeeders-1756410.html

About the Author

About Us - We set out to find the best alternatives for backyard birding. Now we share our discoveries with others through a simple blog. To see our researched selection of high quality bird feeders, bird baths, bird houses and birding accessories with excellent feedback, please visit our blog. We are proud to have selected only the most attractive, durable, truly Squirrel Proof Birdfeeders, established by the highest, most uniform buyer satisfact

Bird Feeders: The Ultimate Garden Accessory

Author: David Wilson

Want to spruce up your garden or yard? Nothing else does the job quite like a bird feeder does. A bird feeder will brings dozens of beautiful birds into your garden and yard, giving it a colorful, lively feel. To get the full benefits of a bird feeder, though, you must first learn about the different types and varieties of bird feeders, and how you can go about the best on for your needs. It isn't complicated, but knowing a few things can go a long way towards making your bird feeder a success.

The first thing to consider with any bird feeder is the look. If it doesn't fit with your garden and house, its not going to do you any good. Fortunately, you can get bird feeders in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can get sheet metal bird feeders, wood bird feeders, hanging feeders, standing feeders, solar powered bird feeders, and many more. Look with what fits in with your garden, and make your decision. While a stone angel feeder may look great in one yard, the gazebo style might be a much better choice for yours.

You also need to consider what type of feeder you want. The most common type of feeder is the traditional birdseed type feeder. These feeders take the traditional mixed birdseed, which will attract a wide variety of different birds. If you have a lot of finches in your area, a finch feeder maybe be for you. Since finches have long, narrow beaks, and can eat different types of seeds, you can attract these birds with a specialized finch feeder. These can be a great compliment to your regular feeder, as it will provide some nice variation. Finally, you can get a hummingbird feeder, which feeds liquid sugar to hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are always fascinating to watch, so getting one of these feeders is a great idea.

You should also consider some special features for your feeder. The most important feature, in my opinion, is squirrel proofing. If you have squirrels in your area, they will get into your feeder if you let them, no doubt about it. You will find out how outlandishly clever squirrels are once you start trying to keep them out of your feeder. Even though many of the squirrel proof designs aren't perfect, if you don't have this, you're just giving them a free lunch.

Another interesting feature you can get with your bird feeder is a lighted feeder. Powered either by battery, or a rechargeable battery powered by solar panel, you can watch birds feed into the evening and in the early morning with the feeder. This makes it a great conversation piece for those summer outside parties. A very unique and wonderful choice for a bird feeder.

Overall, you can see that choosing a bird feeder isn't an extremely easy decision, but neither is it that hard. Just make your choice among the wide variety of styles and options available, and you will get to enjoy the relaxation and aesthetic appeal that only a bird feeder can bring to your yard or garden. Just keep those squirrels away!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/landscaping-articles/bird-feeders-the-ultimate-garden-accessory-448573.html

About the Author

David Wilson loves birds, bird feeders, and life in general. Shop for a wide selection of great bird feeders, including hummingbird feeders, garden angel bird feeders, and many more, at the best prices on the net.

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A Guide to Bird Houses

Author: Baker

Building a bird house is very interesting thing to do. Everybody loves birds and you can provide these birds a place to live at your backyard. The bird house saves the birds from their enemies and provides shelter to them. Bird houses give an attractive look to the backyards with stylish painted bird houses. Keeping different color combinations attract different birds. And it also helps to witness some beautiful colored birds in your backyard and getting a chance to become one with the nature.

Birds like their nests at a height and you don’t have to worry if you don’t have a tree. The bird houses should be made at a height of six feet from the ground level which helps in attracting more birds. There are some species of birds those prefer a height of maximum twenty feet high from the ground level. By nature these birds are like that only that they prefer making their homes at such an elevation as they feel safer.

An appropriate bird house should be able to provide cover and protection for the birds. The bird houses should be able to protect them in all weather. It should also provide proper exposure to air. During the summer weather the bird houses should be kept shaded as the eggs needs proper temperature to get hatched. The bird houses should have the roofs that overhang at the entrance. The bird houses should be hinge gap from the base so that it could easily get cleaned.

Here are some guidelines before you make a final decision:

• First and foremost it is very important to decide which type of birds you want to keep, so that the shape is appropriate. Keeping the openings small will attract small birds.
• Ducks, Woodpeckers, and other large birds require bird houses with bigger space.
• The material should be made up of wood. The bird houses could also be made by metal but it might be dangerous for the birds as there is a risk of excessive heating in the summers. A bird house is appropriate if it is made up of wood as they coming out or newly born. Making use of paint could also be harmful for the new born as there is a risk of chemical reaction. If you want to use paint or some decorative products then make it sure that it is used at the outside of the bird house.
• Introducing the bird houses with green surroundings has a negative impact as the birds you want to attract might not even notice the bird house you have built. The other major reason is the risk of other predators could easily target. Majority of the birds prefer making their bird houses on the trees which are dead. It is also safer from getting attacked by some predator as the attacker won’t get any place to hide.
• If you are planning to keep more than one family then make sure that you situate them separately. It is in the nature of some birds that they are very protective about their nests and choose to live in solitude. Preferably it should be kept at such a distance that they are not visible to each other. You should make them as comfortable as possible and the birds should not think unsafe for one moment otherwise they will be forced to desert your bird house.

To make the birds feel good make sure to apply bird baths and shower with seeds of the flowers. In the end make sure that the bird house that you select has a door or an opening so that it is convenient to change the nests. There should be proper arrangement of drainage. Keep in mind the height for hanging the bird house while you are deciding a particular spot as it matters a lot.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/a-guide-to-bird-houses-223915.html

About the Author

Baker is a freelance author who writes on various subjects. For more information on Bird Feeders and Bird Houses, please visit: http://www.birdsanctum.com/

Attracting Birds to Your Garden Bird Feeder

Author: Janet Ashby

It is most beneficial to feed wild birds during the winter months when their natural food may be unavailable but shortages do occur at other times of the year. So putting food out for the wild birds at any time of year can help when there are shortages. During the breeding season a temporary shortage of food will affect the young fledglings so it is especially helpful to put out food for the birds at this time.

Feeding in the Spring and Summer

During the summer and especially when they are moulting, birds need high protein foods. Good examples to put in your feeder are raisins, currents, black sunflower seeds, grated cheese, meal worms, soaked sultanas and commercially prepared summer seed mixtures. You can also purchase mixes for insect loving wild birds.

For fruit eating birds put out grapes, bananas, apples or pears, suitably chopped into smaller pieces. Avoid the use of peanuts, bread or fats as they can be harmful if taken back to baby birds. Home made fat balls are not really a good idea as they quickly go off in the warm weather. Commercially prepared fat bars are better and last for around three weeks before they must be thrown away.

During unseasonably cold or wet weather there may insect shortages. If the weather is very dry earthworms become difficult to catch. For birds with young in the nest they will be tempted by food on bird tables during these times so it is essential to make sure any food you put out is suitable for the young birds. Never put out loose peanuts, large pieces of bread, fats or hard, dry food at this time as these can be fatal if taken back to feed the baby birds.

Feeding in the Fall and Winter

During the colder months put food out for the birds regularly, twice a day if possible, especially in very cold weather. The birds need high energy food during this time so foods high in fats are particularly suitable. Put out good quality food and remove any uneaten food regularly.

Attracting Birds to Your Feeder

You can attract different species of birds to your garden by providing the food they like in a suitable feeder. Large birds will need a feeder with large, sturdy perches, hummingbirds will be attracted to a nectar feeder, finches to a thistle feeder. You can also purchase goldfinch feeders, jay feeders and woodpecker feeders.

Types of Bird Feeders

Feeders suitable for different types of food:
Tube feeder - small seeds including thistle seeds
Platform feeder - fruit or other food types
Hummingbird feeder - nectar
Squirrel proof - mesh cage feeders - peanuts, larger seeds, suet
Standard type feeder - safflower seeds, sunflower seeds

Food suitable for different species.

* Bluebird - bluebird seed available to purchase, cornmeal with peanut butter
* Bunting - small grains and seeds.
* Blackbirds - breadcrumbs, small seeds and grains
* Chickadee - sunflower seeds, unsalted nuts, safflower seeds, suet
* Finches - black sunflower seeds, thistle seeds
* Jays - peanuts, suet, corn, sunflower
* Mourning Doves - cracked corn seeds, wheat, sunflower and safflower seeds
* Mockingbirds - bread, suet, raisins
* Robins - breadcrumbs, raisins, apples
* Northern Shrikes - Suet.
* Siskins - sunflower seeds, thistle seeds
* Thrashers - suet, raisins, bread
* Towhee birds - seed mixes for small birds
* Woodpeckers - cracked corn seeds, wheat, sunflower and safflower seeds
* Warblers - peanut butter, suet
* Townsend's Warblers - cheese, peanut butter, suet
* Yellow Throated Warblers - breadcrumbs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/attracting-birds-to-your-garden-bird-feeder-664619.html

About the Author
For more information on attracting birds to your garden and some good deals on garden bird feeders check out Garden Bird Feeders or Finch Bird Feeders

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Attracting Birds to Your Garden Bird Feeder

Author: Janet Ashby

It is most beneficial to feed wild birds during the winter months when their natural food may be unavailable but shortages do occur at other times of the year. So putting food out for the wild birds at any time of year can help when there are shortages. During the breeding season a temporary shortage of food will affect the young fledglings so it is especially helpful to put out food for the birds at this time.

Feeding in the Spring and Summer

During the summer and especially when they are moulting, birds need high protein foods. Good examples to put in your feeder are raisins, currents, black sunflower seeds, grated cheese, meal worms, soaked sultanas and commercially prepared summer seed mixtures. You can also purchase mixes for insect loving wild birds.

For fruit eating birds put out grapes, bananas, apples or pears, suitably chopped into smaller pieces. Avoid the use of peanuts, bread or fats as they can be harmful if taken back to baby birds. Home made fat balls are not really a good idea as they quickly go off in the warm weather. Commercially prepared fat bars are better and last for around three weeks before they must be thrown away.

During unseasonably cold or wet weather there may insect shortages. If the weather is very dry earthworms become difficult to catch. For birds with young in the nest they will be tempted by food on bird tables during these times so it is essential to make sure any food you put out is suitable for the young birds. Never put out loose peanuts, large pieces of bread, fats or hard, dry food at this time as these can be fatal if taken back to feed the baby birds.

Feeding in the Fall and Winter

During the colder months put food out for the birds regularly, twice a day if possible, especially in very cold weather. The birds need high energy food during this time so foods high in fats are particularly suitable. Put out good quality food and remove any uneaten food regularly.

Attracting Birds to Your Feeder

You can attract different species of birds to your garden by providing the food they like in a suitable feeder. Large birds will need a feeder with large, sturdy perches, hummingbirds will be attracted to a nectar feeder, finches to a thistle feeder. You can also purchase goldfinch feeders, jay feeders and woodpecker feeders.

Types of Bird Feeders

Feeders suitable for different types of food:
Tube feeder - small seeds including thistle seeds
Platform feeder - fruit or other food types
Hummingbird feeder - nectar
Squirrel proof - mesh cage feeders - peanuts, larger seeds, suet
Standard type feeder - safflower seeds, sunflower seeds

Food suitable for different species.

* Bluebird - bluebird seed available to purchase, cornmeal with peanut butter
* Bunting - small grains and seeds.
* Blackbirds - breadcrumbs, small seeds and grains
* Chickadee - sunflower seeds, unsalted nuts, safflower seeds, suet
* Finches - black sunflower seeds, thistle seeds
* Jays - peanuts, suet, corn, sunflower
* Mourning Doves - cracked corn seeds, wheat, sunflower and safflower seeds
* Mockingbirds - bread, suet, raisins
* Robins - breadcrumbs, raisins, apples
* Northern Shrikes - Suet.
* Siskins - sunflower seeds, thistle seeds
* Thrashers - suet, raisins, bread
* Towhee birds - seed mixes for small birds
* Woodpeckers - cracked corn seeds, wheat, sunflower and safflower seeds
* Warblers - peanut butter, suet
* Townsend's Warblers - cheese, peanut butter, suet
* Yellow Throated Warblers - breadcrumbs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/attracting-birds-to-your-garden-bird-feeder-664619.html

About the Author
For more information on attracting birds to your garden and some good deals on garden bird feeders check out Garden Bird Feeders or Finch Bird Feeders

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Attract Bluebirds To Your Garden With The Proper Bluebird Houses

Author: Lee Dobbins

Nothing beats watching birds especially bluebirds in the most natural way possible. One way to be able to achieve this is to set up a bluebird house in your own backyard.

Bluebird species in the northern part of America are actually composed of three kinds: the bluebirds eastern which are usually seen in the half east part of the United States continent all the way to Mexico.

The bluebirds Western, this is predominant in the half west part of the United States, to Canada's southwest and all the way to Mexico.

The bluebirds mountain, these are usually the prairie high bluebirds that are found in the mountaineous area of the half west part of North US, all the way to Alaska and Mexico.

What do bluebirds look like?

The fact of the matter is that bluebirds are the type of thrush birds that has a gorgeous blue color and one that prefers spaces that are open with a cover that is adjoining.

They usually sit and perch on low areas in order to wait for bugs and insects to wander nearby.
They also will swoop down suddenly on a caterpillar that is unsuspecting. They also choose fruit and berries as the food they prefer to eat.

Setting up a bluebird house near your area is a good way to attract bluebirds that are flying low and along your neighborhood.

Though the bluebird houses are usually used by birds in the springtime, the autumn months is also a perfectly wonderful occasion when the bluebird houses could be built.

Another reason for this is that bluebirds nest early. They also nest during the early month of February.

Bluebirds also nest during the wintery cold weather. Having a bluebird house is a good way to shield bluebirds from cold bitter winds as well as for these bluebirds to go together and roost, sharing each others heat in order to eventually keep all their fellow bluebirds warm.

Where do bluebirds usually dwell?

Believe it or not, bluebirds are dwellers in places that have cavities. They use holes in existing trees that are usually made by other types of birds like woodpeckers.

Since a large number of forest habitats have recently been damaged or destroyed in the past years, the bluebirds have been left with no place where they could nest comfortably.

Since it has been discovered that the bluebird population have been declining, this fact has caused some alarm in a lot of bluebird loving people.

This is another reason why the creation and building of bluebird houses all across the United States continent have replaced the woodpecker-made natural holes where they usually live in.

A lot of bluebirds have adopted happily to these newly erected bluebird homes. Believe it or not, a lot of these bluebird houses could be found along the bluebird trails such as areas of wildlife and golf courses.

Due to this fact, the population of bluebirds have been steadily increasing once again.

In order to attract the bluebirds to perch in the bluebird house you have made, make sure that you have used the appropriate dimension when constructing it.

There are many bluebird house plans that are available in the internet.

Also, as much as possible, when building more than one bluebird house, be sure to space these bluebird houses apart from each other - about a hundred feet.

Always make sure that you consistently monitor the bluebird house. Check inside the bluebird house regularly. This is to ensure that no other types of bird have moved in and that no house sparrows have made it their dwelling.

House bluebird designs

Believe it or not, there are two house major designs for the bluebirds. There is the traditionally conservative square bluebird house as well as a Peterson house - this has a slope that has a steep roof and a floor.

All in all, creating a bluebird house is easy as long as you make it as fun and enjoyable as you possibly could.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/attract-bluebirds-to-your-garden-with-the-proper-bluebird-houses-88381.html

About the Author

Lee Dobbins writes for http://birdhouses.garden-g8way.com where you can learn more about bird houses and find out about more about bluebird houses.

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Your Backyard Birds: Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Author: Bill Askenburg

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Scientific Name: Melanerpes carolinus

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a member of the Picidae family, and is the largest common woodpecker of the eastern United States.  It is found primarily in  northeastern US and southern Canada, ranging as far south as Florida and as far west as Texas.   Its common habitat is wooded areas, including suburban neighborhoods and parks.  Red-Bellied Woodpeckers are very tolerant of humans, and are regular visitors to backyard garden feeders (especially during the winter), favoring sunflower seed, suet, and fruit.  Red-Bellied Woodpeckers climb and "hitch" along branches and trunks of trees, picking at the bark.

Red-Bellied Woodpeckers have a very thick skull and strong neck that protects them from brain damage when they "drum" to attract mates, excavate nest cavities and forage for food.  They are equipped with a unique tongue that can extend 2 inches beyond its beak, and is barbed and sticky to catch insects inside deep crevices, where they gather and store food.

Identification Facts

Head to Tail Length: about 9" - 10.5"

Distinctive Features: The Red-Bellied Woodpecker can easily be identified by its red crown and black-and-white striping on its back.  Its name is derived from a subtle red patch on it's abdomen that is rarely seen.  Adult Red-Bellied Woodpeckers' abdomen, chest and face are mainly grayish white.

Male & Female Characteristics: Males have a red crown running from their bill to their neck, where females have a red patch on the nape and another above the bill.  Males have a bigger tongue than females.

Songs & Calls

Red-bellied woodpeckers are highly vocal and noisy birds.  Their calls sound like churr-churr-churr or  with an alternating brr sound. Both sexes are vocal, but males call and drum more often than females.  Male woodpeckers drum their beaks to attract females in the spring, sometimes pounding on metal siding and even cars to create a resonating sound.

Nesting Behavior

Distribution: The red-bellied woodpecker can be found in most of the eastern United States, except for northernmost New England.

Nest Type: Cavity

Breeding Season: The breeding season lasts from late January to late June

Migration: During severe winters, Red-bellied Woodpeckers have been observed migrating south from northern areas to escape extreme weather.

Nest Facts: Red-bellied Woodpeckers are cavity nesters. The male carves and excavates a new cavity in a dead tree or sometimes a live tree in 7-10 days.  Three to six eggs are incubated by both the male and female. The male incubates at night, the female during the day. Chicks hatch in about 12 days, and fledge in 22-27 days. Both parents care for the young.

In some areas, many Red-bellied Woodpecker nesting cavities are taken over by starlings.  Red-bellied woodpeckers will occasionally use bird houses.

Recommended Bird House: Audubon Woodpecker Bird House

Diet

Red-bellied woodpeckers eat mostly nuts and fruits, with seeds being their primary food source during the winter.  They also eat berries, corn, acorns, beechnuts, tree sap, ants, grasshoppers, beetles, lizards, frogs, and some bird eggs and nestlings.

Commercially available food options include sunflower seed kernals, fruit and nut blends and suet.

Recommended Feeders: Clinger Feeder, Fruit Feeder, Suet Feeder and suet log feeders

Similar species

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a rather close relative but looks entirely different.  The Gila Woodpecker has a darker brown head and abdomen, and lacks the red neck and spot above bill. The Golden-Fronted Woodpecker is also similar in coloration to the Red-Bellied Woodpecker.

Originally published at New England Birdhouse blog.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bird-watching-articles/your-backyard-birds-redbellied-woodpecker-1043517.html

About the Author

“by Bill Askenburg, Owner - New England Birdhouse. We specialize in fine architectural bird houses and feeders, offering handcrafted custom and stock replica bird houses and backyard birding supplies and garden decor. For more information or articles please visit our blog.”