Bird Feeders - Kindness For Our Feathered Friend

A bird feeder is a small container shaped like a cylinder used to attract birds to your garden. They vary in shape but are often designed to be tall and slender to hang from a tree branch. The container is filled with birdseed and has a grill or small opening through which the bird can get the seeds. Most have small perches on which the birds can stand, but some simple use a wire mesh that the birds can easily grip. There small tray that fits underneath the feeder to catch errant seeds that you can purchase.

The color of the feeder, and the type of seeds placed in the container, are changed in order to attract different species of birds. The most common is millet or sunflower seedS but any can be used that apply to the diet of the local wildlife. This is useful to bird watchers who want to attract a variety of bird to their home for photography or study. Living food such as mealworms can be placed in some feeders, allowing birds with offspring to use the device.

One problem with bird feeders is that other garden animals will be attracted. Often, squirrels or even mice will steal the seed. Some companies produce separate feeders for mammals, and some employ inventive methods of deterring pests. Some feeders have perches that very lightly shock or fold downwards when an object heavier than a bird is placed on it, causing any interlopers to be cast aside.

Different types of birds sometimes have their own types of bird feeder. For insect eating birds you can get a feeder that contains a block of suet that can be slowly worked away on. For birds like hummingbirds, which feed off nectar, there are feeders that contain a liquid and sugar mixture than the birds can drink. Some species of birds like to feed at ground level, and so there are feeders built for this purpose also.

Choose The Best Bird Feeder

The most rewarding thing for many bird keepers is to have the best bird feeder. A bird feeder which you won't have to worry about or keep an eye on to keep away squirrels and other animals targeting the bird's seeds. One which will be able to attract as many birds to your garden as possible and one which will give a good viewing of how the birds are feeding and to know the level of the bird's seeds. To be able to attract and keep many birds in your garden you'll require a well designed bird feeder, one which will make the birds enjoy visiting your garden. The bird feeder should be able to hold a sizable amount of the bird's seeds. It should have many perches for the birds.

One of the special classic bird feeders is the wooden cedar wild bird feeders. These bird feeders are designed to add charm to your garden while at the same time making your favorite birds enjoy their meal. The feeders are designed to be the excellent choice feeders. They are designed in different sizes smaller ones being able to hold mealworms and small sized grains. They are designed for one to be able to add suit cakes at the sides.

These bird feeders are designed to keep off squirrels that are always a bother to bird keeping farmers. The feeders are designed in a way to enables one to add a squirrel baffle protection device. They have many different shapes to make your garden beautiful.

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders - Get Rid of Squirrel in Your Feeder

There are two basic approaches to keeping squirrels out of your bird feeder. The first is to try to block them from getting to the feeder. There are two common types of feeders that do that.

Baffled Bird Feeder - By simply restricting access to the the food in the feeder, you frustrate them and they move off. The advantage to using a baffle is that it more or less separates the squirrel proof barrier from the feeder itself, so that the bird have free access to the bird seed, and any size bird can still use the feeder. This is often the more aesthetic approach. This is often done by pole mounting the feeder, and putting the baffle on the pole. Other types use a hanging arrangement and the baffle forms a roof over the feeder.

The disadvantage of this approach is that squirrels can leap about seven feet, and are incredibly agile climbers, so that they will often find a way to land on the actual feeder and bypass the baffling. With the top mounted feeder you may also find a squirrel smart enough to climb down and cause the feeder to swing, and while they may not gain access to the feeder itself they can cause the bird seeds to spill to the ground, where they can get all the seeds they want.

Caged Bird Feeders - Another very common solution is to use a caged feeder. These are easy to spot, the construction includes some type of cage around the actual feeder area. It's a fairly open mesh, and in fact a tube style caged feeder looks similar to an electronic bug zapper with the open mesh surrounding the tube.

Caged feeders are better at keeping the squirrels out of the feeder, but they can still get to it and scare off the birds that are trying to use the feeder. This is often the case when you are trying to attract smaller birds.

The second approach to getting rid of squirrels in your bird feeder is to move them out. The much more effective types of squirrel proof feeders are those that cause the squirrel to fall off or be thrown from the feeder. There are two types of those feeders as well, weight activated feeders and the battery powered or electronic motorized feeders. While this won't harm the squirrels they are fun to watch in action.

Squirrel Proof Birdfeeders- Do They Really Work

You have spent a lots of money on a feeder that claimed it was squirrel proof. However, the squirrels spend an entire day eating your bird seed. So, is there really a squirrel proof bird feeder you can trust? Probably the most asked questions are. Have you tried all those feeder that claim to be squirrel proof? Are the squirrels on the feeder all day long? Let me help you understand how these feeders are designed and what their purpose really is.

A properly designed squirrel proof bird feeder should thwart the average squirrel about 95% of the time. That means about 5% of the time the animals will successfully obtain a bird seed reward for their diligence. For most people, this is fine. However, some are not pleased with this result and, unfortunately, allow these small number of invaders spoil the marvelous hobby of backyard bird feeding. There are some people who literally flips out each time they even sees a squirrel.

When you provide free food for your birds, you are basically offering to any aspect of nature, including deer, fox, raccoons, and yes, squirrels. Learning to enjoy all of nature in it's glory simplifies this hobby tremendously. Birds have learned to live with squirrels and a successful backyard birder can too.

Many people use a humane trap and drive great distances to release these intruders into the wilds. There is one man I know who has trapped over 75 squirrels in the past two years and is still going strong. Oh well, it keeps him busy and he is having fun doing it. However, for most of us, living with a couple of squirrels is part of nature and we enjoy that as well.

There are a number of excellent feeders designed specifically to keep red, grey, and fox squirrels from monopolizing the bird seed. Each one can satisfy your desire to allow the birds to feed, but not the squirrels. Be sure to inform your local bird store about what squirrel proof bird feeder you choose. Let them know what critters you wish to deter and what birds you wish to attract.

Bird Houses - Choosing And Maintaining Nest Boxes

Choosing bird houses for blue birds, wrens, or nesting shelves for robins doesn't have to be difficult.

Here are a little information you need to select the best type for the bird or birds you wish to attract to your backyard.

Nest boxes should be designed and built for a particular type of bird.

While it may be tempting to buy that cute one with multiple openings, don't do it.

Most wild birds do not nest near others of the same species.

Except for purple martins a bird house should be for a single nest. Unless your decision is just to decorate your yard or garden, stay away from nesting boxes built for multiple birds.

Most likely you won't get any birds to nest in these homes, or worse, the bird watcher may get less desirable birds that chase away the very ones you wish to attract. Birds can be very territorial during the breeding season. The size of territory varies with each species.
Unless you live on several acres, its unlikely you'll be able to attract more than one pair of a particular species to your bird house.

No need to be discouraged. The idea is to attract a variety of birds to nest in your yard. Several nest boxes of the same shape and size may attract just one pair, but using a variety of bird houses can attract many species of birds to nest in your yard at the same time.

There are about fifty species of North American birds known to be cavity Nester's. Some of the more common ones are: Eastern Bluebird, House Wren, Chickadee, Northern Flicker, Nuthatch, and Purple Martin.

Some bird species can be attracted to your yard by using nesting shelves Unlike bird-houses, nesting shelves are not fully enclosed boxes but usually have a roof, back, bottom, an open front with narrow side walls.

Birds that can be attracted to nesting shelves are: American Robin, Barn Swallow, Eastern Phoebe, and Mourning Doves.

Earlier, I mentioned, that putting up several bird houses of the same size, shape, and dimensions wouldn't attract more than one pair of a particular species to your yard. While this is true, there are exceptions to the size, shape, dimension rule.

When And Where To Place Birdhouses:

If at all possible try to get your nest boxes up by late summer or early fall. Birds tend to be attracted to birdhouses that have a more weathered look. Which is one more good reason not to paint your nest boxes.

If you are unable to get your boxes up by fall, try to get them up as early as possible in the winter. Don't wait until you see the birds in your yard before you mount or hang your nest boxes. No matter what, just get them mounted.Even if you don't get any birds this year, your bird house will have time to weather and be waiting for them next season.

Shade:

If you know where you have some afternoon shade keep this in mind. How much shade you have is important to many birds. But dense shade is not recommended. Most birds prefer a sunny open space.

It is best not to mount bird houses on the sides of trees where squirrels and cats have easy access. While there is no way to guarantee predators won't get to your bird houses there are steps you can take.

Consider mounting your nest boxes on post or polls, using squirrel baffles, ( a devices that detour squirrels) or hanging bird houses from limbs.

Nesting Shelves which will attract Robins, Mourning doves, and Phoebes to nest, should be placed under overhangs and eaves.

Always monitor your bird houses for undesirable birds and to protect them from predators.

Care And Maintenance Of Bird House

s important as picking the right house for the right bird, so to is the maintenance of the nest box. If a bird species raises more than one brood a year, as the wren mentioned above, it's a good idea to clean the house out between broods.

Parasites, blowflies, and other insects can cause harm to future broods. Some birds that raise second broods will not reuse a nest. Others, like the Eastern Bluebird will use the same birdhouse for up to three brood each season.

The best time for a once a year cleaning is late fall or early winter. Be sure to do a through cleaning.

When choosing to purchase or build a birdhouse, make sure that there is an easy way to clean it. Most quality birdhouses are built to clean by having hinges or slide out bottoms. Either way, you want one you don't have to disassemble in order for it to be cleaned.

It is best not to paint your birdhouse. Most people prefer nest boxes made from cedar. Cedar weathers to a nice natural silver gray and blends in with nature. Dark paint colors absorb heat and can lead to the death of the young birds.

Hopper Feeders Are A Great Choice For Beginners

There are lots of bird feeders that you can put in your garden, but you might want to consider Hopper Feeders – they're an excellent choice for the novice.

Hopper Feeders are sometimes called Wood feeders, but they shouldn't be confused with wooden bird feeders. This feeder is great because birds will feel very comfortable with them. The Hopper Feeders also blend in very well with the rest of your garden and the surrounding environment.

If you spend the extra money and get hold of a kiln dried Hopper feeder made from good quality Western Cedar wood, you'll find it lasts for a long time and it will weather to a beautiful silver gray color.

Another great thing about Hopper Feeders is that you can use them right through the year. Most Hopper Feeders have all-weather screws to help the feeder stand up to whatever type of weather your region will experience.

The top of the feeder has easy access which makes storing bird feed and opening the feeder for cleaning a breeze, and since the Hopper Feeder is made from wood the rain will simply run off the top leaving all the seeds inside nice and dry.

Some birds will prefer to eat from a feeder that has a solid perch or platform for them to stand on. Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, Chickadees, Finches and others will always come visit this sort of feeder. Owning one of these large-sized feeders like the Hopper Feeders will allow you to keep several pounds of sunflower and other seed mixtures in it without any worries.

Needless to say, this will mean that you'll spend less time refilling the feeder and more time bird watching. Of course the larger seed capacity is very important during the winter. The cold winter season means that with less food in the wild, the birds will depend much more on you. Your Hopper Feeders will then provide them with a valuable source of food.

Hopper Feeders come in a wide range of sizes but a good sized Hopper Feeder will measure about 11½ inches in length, 9½ inches in height and its width will be 9½ inches. Because these feeders are made from wood you'll need to take care where you place them in your garden. Squirrels will take apart any Hopper Feeders that have no protection around them.

Because of this, make sure that your wooden Hopper Feeders are in an place that has no trees or jumping points nearby for squirrels to take advantage of. Getting yourself a good squirrel baffle is another way to deal with the pesky problem.

On the other hand, if you actually like these little furry friends you could just place some extra seed away from your Hopper Feeders for the squirrels to enjoy. But whatever you decide to do, buying any of the Hopper Feeders available will only enhance your garden and ultimately bring a great many more birds to it.

When Are Tube Feeders A Good Idea

Tube feeders usually come in two different models, one designed to serve thistle seeds or nyjer seeds, and the other designed to dispense mixed seed varieties. For each type of seed, you'll get different bird species coming to your feeders.

The thistle seed Tube Feeders are long and thin and have lots of little perches next to the many small slotted feeding ports. Birds such as Woodpeckers, Pine Siskins and House Finches will enjoy eating at this type of feeder as well. Because these bird types are relatively small they can easily and comfortably fit on the small perches.

This particular perch size will also discourage larger birds such as Grosbeaks, Cardinals, Doves, Blue Jays, Grackles and Blackbirds from coming and eating at your Tube Feeders. If you want to attract these kinds of birds you should take a look at hopper hopper feeders or ground feeders instead.

The patented Upside Down Thistle Tube Feeders are also great at discouraging unwanted bird types from feeding in your garden. This is because the feeding holes are actually placed underneath the perches. Thus, any bird that wants to eat from these particular Tube Feeders must be willing and able to cling upside down and eat. This usually discourages a lot of birds but will readily attract Goldfinches and Pine Siskins. They are known to be quite acrobatic and don't mind dining while hanging upside down.

If you prefer to serve mixed seeds or black oil sunflower seeds then you'll need to take a look at the Tube Feeders which have feeding ports which allow for the dispensing of larger seeds. Like the Thistle Tube Feeders, these feeders also have lots of perches and feeding ports. To reduce the amount of competition near feeding stations, tube feeders that have perches spaced a little bit apart are a good idea.

Of course with the constant menace of squirrels around you might want to find a way of protecting your Tube Feeders from these animals by getting hold of a squirrel proof bird feeder. One way is to invest in a Tube Feeder that has a wire mesh type frame or cage around the feeder. This way only small bird types will be able to feed from these enclosed Tube Feeders.

You will sometimes find Tube Feeders that come with attachments of other tubes which you can the use to create a longer Tube Feeder that will allow more birds to feed at the same time.

Whichever Tube Feeder you decide on though, remember and make sure that you'll have a clear line of sight to your feeders, half the fun of bird feeding after all lies in watching the antics of the various birds. And this is especially true of the upside down feeder – the picture of fully a dozen or so birds all hanging upside down while they feed is a sight to behold and shouldn't be missed.

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

Even though squirrels are very cute little fellows, they're also intelligent and very devious. Instead of spending their time foraging for food they're easily clever enough to spend their time raiding the bird feeders that you've put in your garden instead!

Any wooden, tube, or ground feeders in your garden are in danger from these little thieves, and the answer to your problem may be squirrel proof bird feeders.

For those of you with normal bird feeders you should really position your feeder in a clear and open area where there is at least 10 feet between the feeder and the nearest tree or other object from which the squirrels can jump on to the feeder. The feeder should also be mounted on a pole so that it's at least 5 feet or more off the ground.

This position may help to keep your bird feeders safe, at least for a little while. Unfortunately this is unlikely to last for very long, and you will probably have to resort to tricks like keeping black oil sunflower seeds in a pile some distance away from your feeder. However, no matter what you try and whatever tricks you use, the squirrels will eventually find where you've kept the bird feeder and they'll begin to eat again. A specially designed squirrel proof bird feeder maybe just what you need.

Have you looked on eBay for squirrel proof bird feeders? They usually have a great selection and you shouldn't have too much trouble finding something. Here's a small sample of what they have available right now;

You'll be glad to hear that there are many squirrel proof bird feeders on the market today. These feeders have become more sophisticated and actually more entertaining for the bird watcher, although I'm sure that's not their purpose. The long running battle between man and squirrels takes a turn for the interesting as the Yankee Flipper becomes the bird feeder manufacturing industry's answer to the squirrel problem.

Squirrels have the size, strength and the intelligence to take over any unprotected bird feeders, so a feeder that can use their own size to repel them is a great innovation. These squirrel proof bird feeders are battery powered, and the motor is activated by the heavier weight of the squirrels. When the squirrel comes and sits on the perch its own weight triggers the perch to spring shut. This closing action can send the squirrel flying through the air. After the squirrel has left and his weight has gone, the feeder opens up again.

You can also try using baffle and feeder combos to try and keep the squirrels away from the bird feeder. Large domes or tubes are used to stop the squirrel reaching the bird food. Because the squirrel can't jump over or around the dome or climb around the tubes, they have trouble getting to the bird feed.

Another type of squirrel proof bird feeder is the caged feeder. These keep the squirrels out of the seeds by surrounding a tubular feeder with a wire cage that has only small bird-sized openings to the food.

So, even though no bird feeder is guaranteed squirrel proof, your bird visitors will more than likely enjoy their bird seed in peace and the latest squirrel proof bird feeders will send the thieving squirrels flying – literally!

Trees And Brush That Attract The Most Birds

If you want to attract birds, build a landscape that encourages them to linger in your yard. Just a few modifications to your yard can bring the birds flocking in.

Birds are looking for a shrub that provides a safe haven from predators and inclement weather. Dense shrubs and bushes provide this protection and a safe place to nest in the Spring and Summer. Evergreens such as firs, pines, junipers and hollies are preferred nesting sites for birds. Deciduous trees and shrubs are also dense enough that birds will flock to them.

While not as traditional, some birds will enjoy tall grasses to hide quickly from predators in. This grass can also cover a nesting spot quite well for ground birds.

Birds are looking for food as well as shelter in their environment. A bird feeder is good, but plants that provide a natural food source for birds is better. Plants and shrubs that produce fruits, flowers, or nuts attract birds regularly. Remember that many plants produce fruits at different times of year and plant a variety of trees to keep the birds coming all year long. Plants that produce nectar will attract the hummingbird.

If you take the time to upgrade your landscape to accommodate birds, you will be surprised at how pleasant life can feel in your own backyard. Not only will you have a nicer plant-life, but birds fluttering about you.

Enhancing Your Backyard Bird Experience

Backyard bird watching is one of the most inexpensive and relaxing hobbies you can pursue along with your family and friends. It is both fun and educational because you can learn a great deal about your environment and survival from the many different species of birds that are prevalent in your local area.

Equipment Necessary for Backyard Bird Watching

Birds are very sensitive to sound and the presence of humans so you have to maintain a safe distance so the birds aren't frightened away. A pair of binoculars is a must if you want to watch the birds behave in their normal manner. If you want to keep a record of the birds you see, you may want to invest in a camera with a telephoto lens as well. Having pictures will also aid you in researching the birds so that you can later look-up the species of the birds you have seen either at your local library or over the Internet.

Most birdwatchers who take their hobby seriously also keep a journal to record the various types of birds they see. It can also be used to take notes on their different behaviors as well. It can be fascinating to go through the pages of your journal every year as you will observe some of the same birds returning to almost the exact same location at the same time of the year. After doing this for a few years, you will find yourself waiting for them and predicting the time of the year that each species of bird returns.

Attracting Birds to Your Backyard

There are many different ways in which you can attract birds to your backyard to ensure that they visit your home. One of the most common practices is to install a water fountain or birdbath where the birds can find relief from the summer sun and quench their thirst. You can also provide them with a feeding place by putting a birdfeeder in your yard or hanging one from a nearby tree. You may want to experiment with different types of birdseed and food in order to learn what types of food attract different species of birds. You can also provide some nesting facilities by hanging birdhouses in the trees in your yard. If you don't have trees, pole-mounted birdhouses are available as well. You may be surprised that some of the birds may adopt your bird houses as their home and return to them every year.

Backyard bird watching can turn into a fun and enjoyable adventure for the whole family if you dedicate some time to this pursuit. You will find that you can recognize most of the different species of birds each season without having to look up their picture and description. You will also learn their behavior and habits.

Helpful Tips

When preparing for backyard bird watching, be sure that you have plenty of water and some high energy snacks available, especially if you plan to spend several hours under cover entertaining your hobby. A baseball cap or visor during the summer time and a stocking cap in winter will protect you from the sun and cold respectively. Also, during the summer, you'll want to have plenty of bug and insect repellent, as well as suntan lotion if you aren't watching the birds from a shaded area.

Birds can be fascinating creatures to observe and in time you will find yourself planning bird watching vacations, especially if your family enjoys the same backyard bird watching hobby as you do. If you've been looking for ideas on how to bring your family closer together, then you'll seriously want to consider getting them involved in bird watching.

Bird Feet

Most perching birds are beautifully adapted for grasping the twigs and similar objects on which they perch. Their feet are slender, for they don't have to do much more than just hold onto their perch.

No perching songbird would possess powerful feet with dangerous-looking talons. The feet of a Barred Owl are powerful enough to grabbing victims such as rodents and small squirrels, wounding them or even killing them in the process, and later tearing the prey to shreds.

Therefore, each time you see a bird species that is new for you, it's a good idea to notice its feet, for their adaptations may cue you to something special the bird does. Maybe the most famous non-perching feet are those of ducks, who possess webs between the front three toes, for paddling water. Woodpeckers cling to the sides of trees and thus need very powerful grips, and have their third toes swung around so that their feet are equipped with two toes up front and two in the back. Ground-living birds like pheasants and chickens possess very thick, powerful toes with well developed nails, perfect for scratching the ground.

The average bird foot has four toes, and typically the first big toe is turned backward, while the other three toes face forward. Usually the big toe grows at the same level as the other toes so that it can grasp an object from the opposite direction of the other toes. Some birds -- cranes, many rails, and members of the Pheasant Family, for example -- have their halluces growing higher up their legs so that they never touch the ground. These birds usually walk or run on the ground, so a big toe dragging along behind the main part of their foot would only get in the way.

Swifts, which may rest hanging on vertical walls, have all their toes turned forward, or can turn them forward when they want. Among kingfishers, two toes are fused for part of their length. In ducks, the three front toes are connected with a web of skin. Among cormorants, gannets and pelicans, all four toes are connected by webbing.

Claws on a bird's foot are actually specialized scales formed into horny sheaths. Claws grow continuously and are worn away through daily activity. Claws are usually called talons when we are referring to birds of prey such as owls, eagles and hawks.

GAZEBO BIRD FEEDER AND THATCHROOF BIRDHOUSE

Fall is the time to start working on your bird feeders, because the birds are coming. And when they get there your yard and garden décor better include some fully loaded bird feeders. The Garden Gazebo Bird Feeders are an example of the platform feeders. These types of bird feeders have a long narrow platform to encourage birds to feed from the edge. The garden gazebo bird feeders will minimizes contamination of the feeding station and is the favorite of a wide variety of species, including wrens and cardinals.

If you enjoy watching the birds in your yard and garden the easiest way to bring in a variety of birds is to include one or more bird feeders in your collection of wooden lawn ornaments. Both beautiful and functional the garden gazebo bird feeder will provide you with hours of endless bird watching.

Here are some simple tips to feeding birds in the winter. If you offer a variety of food in your gazebo bird feeders you will attract many species of birds. If you are hanging your bird feeders, or some of them anyway, hang them at various heights above the ground. Hanging garden gazebo bird feeders can be filled with Black oil sunflower seeds, not the grey and white striped sunflower seeds that you and I eat. The black oil sunflower seed in higher in oil content has a softer shell and is cheaper. And hanging your bird feeders makes them safer from squirrels and raccoons. Offer water, some bird baths are specially made so the water does'nt freeze.

The food and water that is out in the winter is for the birds that stay around all winter. If you have not already put out some wood birdhouses then this would be a good time to start. Painted decorative birdhouses come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. The thatch roof Birdhouses with their thatched roof give them a look that makes them unique birdhouses that also provide nesting areas for the birds that visit your garden décor birdhouses.

The size and shapes of your wood birdhouses should be determined by the type of species you wish to attract. If your decorative birdhouses are for a variety of birds then some of your unique birdhouses should measure at least 6 inches across on the inside making it large enough for the Purple martins, the largest members of the swallow family. Its opening should be two and a half inches in diameter. Wrens are'nt too picky about their birdhouses and will nest in small, plain wood birdhouses. Unique birdhouses for wrens are usually simple and fairly small on the inside. Make sure the opening is only about one inch in diameter to keep predators out. Chickadees and nuthatches prefer homes that simulate natural environments, so wood birdhouses are best. Decorative birdhouses for Chickadees will be deep and narrow; the opening in these unique birdhouses should be in the top so that the Chickadee can nest in the bottom of the wood birdhouses and feel safe.

HOW TO CHOOSE BIRD FEEDERS FOR YOUR YARD

Most local garden center or online retailer is likely to have a large selection of bird feeder to choose from in various sizes, shapes, colors and prices and it can be difficult to know which bird feeder will be the best for the birds in your garden or backyard. Regardless of the type of bird feeder you decide to purchase it should be built of sturdy material, easy to clean and squirrel proof!

The most popular choices are tube bird feeders and platform feeders. Tube feeders are built using a plastic or metal tube with various holes to allow the seed to come out. Many of these feeders have perches for birds to rest on while feeding. Look for a tube bird feeder that has a solid hook or chain to hang it from a tree or pole, a large tube so you are not refilling everyday and a mesh or dome to protect your food from squirrels.

Platform feeders can be simply a sheet of plywood raise off the ground and covered with seeds, fruit or other food. A platform feeder about one foot off the ground is perfect for attracting birds that feed on the ground such as sparrows, doves or juncos. You can also hang a platform feeder from a tree or mount on a pole to attract a vast array of different birds. Again remember to look for protection of squirrels and ensure any wooden surfaces have been protected from the weather.

Hopper feeders are a bit more expensive but are usually easier to look after and come in a variety of interesting styles, including a gazebo! The main advantage is this type of feeder automatically restocks the feeder until the seed has been exhausted from the hopper – this means you don’t have to refill the feeder every day. Look for hopper bird feeders which hold a decent amount of seed and are easy to clean. You’ll attract many kinds of birds with these feeders including woodpeckers, cardinals and jays.

Window feeders attach to a window seal will allow you to see the birds while they are feeding from the comfort and warmth of your house. It may take slightly longer for the birds to feel comfortable feeding in this way but soon you’ll have a variety of birds feeding right next to your glass window!

The final types of bird feeders are the suet feeder and nectar bird feeders. Suet feeders are usually consist of a wire mesh that suet cakes are attached to – suet feeders can be difficult to clean but do attract a variety of birds in winter and summer. Nectar bird feeders are designed to attract hummingbirds and Orioles. The birds ‘suck’ a sugary water from an inverted bottle or from a saucer that drips the liquid through the feeder.

It’s often worth having a selection of bird feeders in your garden to attract different types of birds at different times of the year. If you buy bird feeders that have been built well, they should last for a number of years and bring you lots of pleasure.

PROVIDING WATER HELPS BIRDS

When you are setting up a long-term water source for your yard or garden, plan for the type of water feature that birds adopt most quickly: a shallow, rough-bottomed pool of still water. Birds are wary of water that is more than two to three inches deep. Add a few stones that emerge from the water for smaller birds, and butterflies, to land on.

The surface of the container, where birds enter the water, should be rough to provide sure footing. Textured materials appropriate for birdbaths, streams, and pools include sand, stones, pebbles, and concrete. A lip or perch at the edge where birds can light before entering the water is an advantage. The birdbath should deepen very gradually, to no more than inches.

Most songbirds can't swim, so they seek shallow water with sure footing. Most birds prefer water in a spot in a clearing, so position it in a sunny spot, away from trees and shrubs. That way, bathing birds can keep an eye out for predators and will have time to fly for cover.

If cats roam your neighborhood, avoid close shrubs and overhanging limbs which will give the cats cover for watching the birds. Where hawks are more of a menace than cats, close cover over water is a necessity to allow birds a quick escape from danger. Some species, such as thrushes and quail, prefer open space interspersed with dense shrubbery, at ground level.

A natural depression in the ground that stays moist is natural-looking and a good alternative to a bird bath. You can keep it filled with a hose in dry weather. Be sure to place the birds' water source where it is visible and convenient for you, keeping in mind the view from indoors too.

Water for birds should be as close to a water source as possible, for refilling and cleaning. Empty and scrub the birdbath every 2-3 days in the summer, to prevent algae and bacteria from fouling the water. When water is scarce, birds will seek it wherever they can find it - a bucket, an air conditioning outlet, or a pet's water dish.

How you decide to provide water for birds will depend on the time and money you wish to spend, and what you find appropriate to beautiful for your yard. The sound of gently moving water is extremely attractive to birds. Audible water in the garden can be provided by a simple dripping hose or by a water fall. Remember that a little water music goes a long way. A thunderous waterfall or a huge, erupting fountain will frighten more birds than it attracts. Small drips, tinkles, and bubbles are what birds like.

Providing water for birds during the frozen winter is as important to them as food, and it is relatively easy now that birdbath heaters are widely available.

PROVIDING SAFE FOOD FOR BIRDS

Organic gardening is an essential ingredient in any landscape that welcomes birds and butterflies. One reason is that organic gardens are swarming with insects and other organisms that birds enjoy. Many of the insects that thrive in an organic garden are beneficial: that is, they eat other insects and keep the populations in check.

Birds will help control garden pests, along with insects such as gnats and mosquito's. Instead of waging war against pests and diseases with an assortment of chemicals, organic gardening nudges the ecosystem into a healthy balance. Preventive techniques like building healthy soil are an important first line of defense against pests.

A working knowledge of organic gardening is important to a gardener intent on attracting birds and butterflies. Avoid the use of pesticides in your yard. Many insecticides remove all insects, which serve as the prey base for insectivorous birds. A poisoned insect will in turn poison the bird. Using plants native to your region reduces the need for pesticide use since the native plants are resistant to local pests and diseases.

Mockingbirds, warblers, vireos, wrens, and many others relish insect pests. Provide splashes of color in different areas of the garden. Birds and butterflies are highly visual and are attracted by brightly colored flowers and fruit. Hummingbirds are especially fond of red and orange tubular flowers. Red flowers will attract birds during migration.

Use native grasses as accent plants and in wildlife meadow patches. Many birds eat seeds of native grasses. Consider letting your garden go to seed rather than dead-heading flowers and removing spent plants. Doing so provides a wealth of nutritious food for many species of seed-eating birds. To find out which plants grow best in your area and will best fill your specific needs, consult a local gardening book, or nursery.

Plants native to your region are excellent for birds, because they are familiar and accepted as food sources, shelter, and nest sites. Native fruits and berries are nutritious, and they ripen on a schedule that coincides with natural needs at nesting and migration times, or during winter months. They are also perfectly sized for birds to eat, unlike some improved varieties or exotic plants whose fruits are unpalatable or too big.

PROTECTIVE COVER FOR BIRDS

Except for birds of open country, most birds rarely stray far from dense cover, because their lives depend upon a quick get-a-way. Areas crowded with weeds or brush are frequently occupied by birds, although you may not notice them at first because birds become still and silent as you approach. Brush piles are also favored, because the tangle of branches and trees prevents cats or hawks from gaining quick access.

Protective cover is also vital when birds are sleeping or waiting out bad weather. Conifers and other evergreens, as well as dense deciduous plants, shelter roosting birds from predators and wind, rain, and snow. Needle and broad-leaved evergreen trees and shrubs, such as white pines, spruce, junipers, cedars and hollies provide essential winter protection as well as food.

Different species of birds need different types of cover, however. Species like meadowlarks, field sparrows, and bobolinks prefer grassy meadow or prairie habitat for feeding and nesting.

To arrange your cover plants, determine the prevailing winter wind direction, and plant to provide protection from these winds. Winds from the northwest are common around the country, though the east coast may have its worst winter winds from the east. Rows of evergreens, or evergreens mixed with tall deciduous trees are effective for blocking wind, if planted with the wind direction in mind.

To create an effective barrier that is also rich in food and nest sites, mix in smaller trees and shrubs along the protected side. Add beds of perennials and annuals in front of that, for seeds and nectar. Look at the conditions that prevail in your yard and area to determine which habitat you want to emulate - whether it is wet and shade-loving, or sunny and dry.

Nature centers, botanical gardens and wild bird centers have information about plant communities that are native to your region.

LANDSCAPING WITH FOOD SOURCE IN MIND

Creating a landscape that provides birds with a year-round food supply, you need to plant an assortment of plant species that provides seeds, nuts,berries, or other food throughout the year. Planting a wide variety of plants helps ensure that a variety of food sources is always available. Choose different plantings that produce food throughout each of the four seasons.

You want to plant trees or shrubs whose leaves drop off in winter, generally bear the most fruit, nuts, and seeds for wildlife. In addition, they offer shady, leafy nesting sites in the spring and summer. Even a flower garden can provide a place for birds to hide and eat.

Evergreens, which bear leaves throughout the year, offer a good source of berries and seed-filled cones. They also offer year-round shelter, protection, and breeding sites.

The best way to start planning a food supply for your guests is to take an inventory of what is already growing in your yard. Draw a rough map of your property. Make notes about what plants are growing in your yard. Use a field guide or garden book to identify plants you're not familiar with. Also note the sun exposure and shade throughout the day. Then use a plant guide to determine which plants your yard has that are good providers, and which are not.

You may already have a number of trees, flowers, and shrubs or a well grown in garden arbor attractive to various species of birds. Plan to supplement with native fruiting trees, shrubs, and vines. Reduce the area occupied by the lawn. Wide expanses of turf grass are sterile habitats attracting less desirable "generalist" species, such as feral pigeons, starlings, cowbirds, and grackles, all of which compete with our native songbirds for food and nesting spots.

You will want to determine when your plants are providing food for birds, for example, nuts and acorns in winter, flowers and seeds in the summer. You may want to remove some plants that do not provide food in order to make room for ones that do. Make separate lists for each season.

Begin with what your yard provides, and add to it plants you can grow that will provide more food that season. Concentrate on first adding plants that provide food during seasons when nothing much is available in your yard.

Trying to transform your yard into a haven for birds and butterflies overnight is an easy way to become frustrated, so plan on making gradual changes over the course of several planting seasons. Use your notes as a guide. Identify one or two areas to concentrate on for the first year. For example, if you have a single tree in your front yard, consider adding more trees and underplanting with berry-producing shrubs and ground covers.

Plan to add plants gradually as your budget and time allow. Buy only as many plants as you can care for at one time. Newly added plants take more water and care than older, established ones. Proper soil preparation, watering, and mulching are all essential to getting new plants off to a good start.

HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD

Providing nest boxes, nesting materials, water, food and natural habitat can attract birds to our backyards, giving you a much nicer views of them and, when done properly, making life easier for the birds. Attracting birds is also a great way to introduce young people to nature, and it's something the whole family can share. Having a bird-friendly yard has never been more important – nearly 75 percent of wildlife habitat in the United States is in private hands, and an about 2.1 million acres each year are converted to residential use.

An easy way to start out attracting birds is to put up a bird feeder. You should choose the feeders and foods that appeal to the birds you want to attract, plus you should know where to put your feeder and how to maintain it. And there are some more food items, such as eggshells, fruits, and mealworms, that provide extra nourishment for some wonderful species.

A source of clean water, for drinking and bathing, may attract birds that don’t visit feeders. There are ways to ensure that your water helps birds, not mosquitoes or algae. Here is and ideas for a great attractants, a building a brush pile.

How you landscape your yard and deal with insects and weeds can make the difference between a bird haven and a pile of problems. Attracting birds to your property is full of rewards, but it brings problems and responsibilities too. From too many starlings or geese to woodpecker holes in your house.

THE BIRDHOUSE BASIC

There's a lots of North American birds that will nest in birdhouses. If you are lucky, your yard may be chosen by some of them. Providing the right birdhouse for your backyard habitat increases your chances of playing host to a family of birds. Whether you are successful or not will depend on many factors, including the type of birds you are trying to attract, where you place the birdhouse, regular maintenance and how you deal with predators.

The following guidelines are important for every birdhouse, no matter which species you are trying to attract:

1. A birdhouse must be the proper dimensions, have the correct size entrance hole and location for the type of bird that it will attract.
2. Good ventilation and drainage is a must. A roof overhang will help keep the interior dry.
3. It needs easy access for cleaning and inspecting the interior. The top or side should be hinged for entry without disturbing the nest.
4. It should be made of nontoxic materials and the inside should not be painted or stained.
5. A perch on the outside is not necessary; it may provide easy access for predators.

Bluebirds prefer birdhouses mounted four to five feet high on an old tree stump or fence post. The house should be 5 inches wide and 8-12 inches tall. The diameter of the entrance hole should be no more than an inch and a half across and it should be located about 6-10 inches from the bottom of the house. It may be necessary to use a metal guard on a wood post if cats, snakes or raccoons become a problem.

Robins prefer a nesting platform about 8 x 8 inches if the crotch of an old tree is not available. A spot 6 feet or higher under an overhang or in a shady tree will work. Robins line their nests with mud, so having a puddle near by will be a popular attraction.

Chickadees, Nuthatches and Titmice share similar habitats. They prefer a house in a wooded yard attached to a tree limb or trunk. It should be hung about 5-6 feet from the ground. The floor should be 4 x 4 inches and about 10 inches tall; the entrance hole should be no larger than 1 1/8 inch to exclude unwanted birds.

Wrens are not very picky birds, although a one by two inch slot located four-six inches from the bottom of the house may be easier for them to use than a round entrance hole. The male Wren will build several nests for the female to choose from, so hang multiple houses five-ten feet up on a sunny tree limb. A small house with a 4 x 4-inch floor and six-eight inches tall will be perfect. They are sociable birds and will not object to a location close to the house.

Purple Martins nest in groups, so they require a house with a minimum of four large rooms that are 6 or more inches on all sides. The entrance hole should be about an inch and a half from the floor and be about two and quarter inches across. Porches and railings will make the house more appealing. Since purple martin houses should be located ten to twenty feet off the ground, telescoping poles make maintenance and inspection much easier and help to avoid damage to the nests.

Although birds may find your birdhouse anytime of the year, having it up in early spring when birds are beginning to search for a home increases the chance that yours will be inhabited. Don’t give up if you have already missed the optimal time, late arrivals need home too!

Putting you birdhouse in the right location is as important as choosing the right house. Some important guidelines for proper placement include:

1. Try to face you birdhouse north or east to avoid overheating in the summer.
2. Do not place birdhouses to close to bird feeders.
3. Avoid putting more than one birdhouse in a tree, unless it is a very large tree.
4. Use no more than four birdhouses for one species per acre.
5. Keep about 100 yards between bluebird houses and 75 yards between swallow houses.
6. Mounting your birdhouse on a metal pole will discourage predators.
7. Have water and food available.

Watching out for your tenants is an important part of being a responsible bird landlord. Monitor your houses often and remove any unwanted guests like squirrels, mice, snakes or insects. If predators become a problem, install a protector guard to the house or pole to limit access. Clean out the nest after each family has left and it may be used again throughout the summer. After you have cleaned the birdhouses for the last time in the fall, you can leave your houses out all winter or store them until spring.

PURPLE MARTIN GROUD HOUSE

Making bird houses out of dried gourds is a growing trend that has many people looking for help and information on growing gourds, how to cleaning them and ways to decorate them so that they are both pleasing to the human eye as well as being attractive and safe for birds.

Gourds are easily made into houses by making an entrance hole and providing drainage. If you use gourds to attract Purple Martins, it's not necessary to add railings and perches like the Purple Martin houses. Adult martins will perch on the wire that you use to hang the houses and scout for food.

With Purple Martin houses, you have to use a pole mount variety that is elevated between ten and twenty feet. Although some poles are less cumbersome than others, this can still be a pain when it comes time to set up and clean the nesting box. Gourd houses, on the other hand, are the easiest to set up. You can string them in a colony from a wire between two poles, from a sectional aluminum pole, or on pulleys mounted to a cross-bar high up on a pole.

After scouring around and talking to a few people on the subject I found the best place to learn more about making gourd bird houses is in a book! I've showcased a few at right for you. Each of these books have been hand selected for their thoroughness and idea generation. To get you started growing and making your own gourd bird houses though I've provided some tips below.

Preparing the gourd: The first steps in preparing your gourd for decoration after drying is to bleach all surfaces with a one to ten, bleach to water, solution. Let it dry fully, lightly sand off any rough surfaces and seal using the following process.

The next step is to seal the gourd, both inside and out. You can use water sealant. If you're uncertain which brand sealant to buy, ask a clerk at the hardware store.

Sealing your bird house gourd will protect it as it hangs outside for many years to come. (If you live in a cold climate, make sure you bring it in over the winter.)

Let your sealed gourds drip dry in a well ventilated location for about a week to ensure full penetration of the sealant to the gourd.

Now you're ready to paint! To ensure a smooth surface that readily accepts your decorative talents, prime the area first with a good oil-based exterior primer. Let dry fully and start painting!

After all these drying and sealing times, followed up with an acrylic surface should ensure that the bird house you've created will be safe for the birds.

When you're satisfied with the results, grab some clear exterior grade, high gloss, transparent latex sealant and apply three to five coats to your finished gourd bird house.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BIRDHOUSE FOR YOUR BACKYARD

Although most birds prefer to create their own nests, there are still many different types of birds that will happily create a home in your birdhouse. However not all birdhouses are same and it is important to select a birdhouse that is right for your garden or yard and the birds that frequent it. Birdhouses come in a variety of sizes, are made from different materials and have different sized entrance holes.

When choosing a birdhouse it is important to think of it as both functional and attractive. In fact decorative birdhouses have become very popular in recent years as people make a feature of their birdhouses. They come in a many different colors, styles and shapes and there will definitely be a house to suit your yard or garden!

Its worth investing in a good quality birdhouse that has been constructed from quality materials - a high-quality birdhouse should last for a number of years. If you choose a wooden based birdhouse ensure any wooden elements have been treated with weather resistant paint or for a maintenance free option consider choosing birdhouses built from durable plastic.

Your birdhouse should also be easy to clean and have drainage holes. Don’t choose a bird house with a perch outside the entrance hole as it will encourage predators to visit the birdhouse. Keep your birdhouse away from the ground preferably mounted on a pole or if this is not possible hang from a suitable tree.

If you are not looking for a particular species of bird you can choose a conventional or decorative birdhouse for your yard or garden, look for birdhouses that have an entrance hole of between one and two inches. Certain species however have preferences on the size of the entrance hole and size and type of birdhouse they prefer to nest in.

The beautiful Purple Martin bird likes to have an entry hole between two and three inches in diameter and for their birdhouse to be covered in white paint. Often these houses have a collection of ‘pods’ stacked together to accommodate a number of Purple Martin families.

Birds such as Bluebirds, Nuthatches and Chickadees seem to prefer well camouflaged, natural looking birdhouses. Anything rustic looking and made from wood generally works well. Chickadees prefer birdhouses that allow entry at the top rather than the side.

Wrens are very easy to accommodate and like small, plain birdhouses. The entrance hole should only be about one to one and half inches to ensure predators cannot get inside but the wrens can.

When locating your birdhouse it is generally better to place them in an open area to discourage predators and allow the birds to find the birdhouse easily. In cooler climates consider turning the entrance hole away from the wind to protect the young birds from cool winds. If your birdhouse will be hung from a tree ensure it is at least five to six foot high to protect the birds from squirrels, cats and other predators.

BIRD WATCHING: THE STUDY AND OBERVATION OF BIRDS

When peoples observe birds and also study them it is known as bird watching or birding and the former term is most used in the United Kingdom as well as in Ireland while birding is an American term and mostly, bird watching is a pursuit that birdwatchers or birders undertake for recreational or social reasons.

The more formal pursuit of bird watching is known as ornithology that is a formal as well as scientific study of birds though ornithologists may often use the same methods of watching birds as do the amateur birders. In temperate weather zones, the most active time of the year for bird watching would be during spring as well as fall when there is bird migration and a large number of birds will be seen. Such birds usually travel North or South in winter to nest in those regions.

Early in the morning is perhaps the best time for birdwatching since at these times, birds may be actively searching for food and would be a better subjects for observing and studying. One may also require detailed knowledge of the appearance, sounds, behavior as well as the likely habitat of the birds to get success in their search for birds and their habits. One may also require being stealthy as well as patient to achieve the best results. Bird watching is a quiet as well as relaxing pursuit and for those who are rarity-seekers it may entail long distance traveling in order to find new species.

Another form of bird watching is sea-watching where observers are based at coastal watch-points in order to watch birds flying over the sea. Also, bird watchers may also take part in censuses of bird population and associated migratory patterns that are often specific to individual species.

PURPLE MARTIN BIRDHOUSES _ CHOOSING THE RIGHT ONE

Purple Martin's are known as a gardeners best friend and will eat a wide variety of flying insects before they destroy your plants. The vast majority of Purple Martin's live in birdhouses rather than natural nests, this makes them easier than most bird species to attract to your birdhouse however they do have specific needs which you need to be considered.

Your birdhouse should be painted white, because Purple Martin’s are attracted to this color, with an entrance hole around two inches in diameter. It is important that the entrance hole is located around a inch and a half from the floor of your birdhouses to allow easy access for the birds.

You will see some Purple Martin birdhouses that have a number of holes or consist of a collection of smaller units, these allow a number of Purple Martin birds to share the same birdhouse but nest separately. When purchasing your first house look for one with about four rooms and then consider buying larger birdhouses once your first one has become established. Purple Martins can grow quite large therefore you birdhouses should have at least seven inches of spaces inside to allow the birds to move around freely once inside.

When locating your birdhouse don’t place it near to tall trees or high vegetation. Purple Martins like open space and unusually seem to like to nest in areas where humans are present, ideally within fifty feet from your home.

Ideally your Purple Martin birdhouse should be mounted on a pole between thirteen to twenty feet high in an area clear of predators and in view of the house or a building. The main predators to a Purple Martin are squirrels, raccoons and snakes. Avoid attaching wires to your birdhouses that would allow them to climb in and consider using baffles on the pole to deter predators from climbing.

If your area has a large population of starlings, it maybe worth buying birdhouses with Starling proof entrances. Starlings will stop the Purple Martins nesting in your box and may even attack the birds.

Purple Martins tend to return to the same birdhouses year after year, so you may need to be patient and wait a while before your first ‘family’ nests there. However once they do you will have Purple Martins nesting there as long as your birdhouses are available for them to visit.

CHOOSING A BIRD FEEDER

There are a wide variety of bird feeders on the market from plastic tubes to elaborate birdhouses fit only for the royalty of the feathered kingdom. A visit to a good garden center will give you an idea of what's available and what will best fit your budget. Remember that some of the cheaper alternatives may be just as effective as expensive models.The important thing is that your feeder works properly and allows your featured friends access to your seeds.

You may even want to try building your own feeder or birdhouse. There are all types of plans available and, of course, you can design your own from scratch. If you plan on building something more elaborate than a simple plastic feeding tube, building materials become important. Wood is usually the best choice. It's easy to work with and maintain. More importantly, though, it doesn't radiate heat as much as metal and some plastics. This is an important consideration for two reasons. First, some fat-saturated bird foods like suet cakes will turn rancid very quickly if exposed to heat. Secondly, if you are building a birdhouse for nesting birds as part of your feeder, building from wood will minimize the heat build-up within the birdhouse. In even moderate sunshine, a metal birdhouse can quickly turn into a deathtrap for eggs and newly-hatched birds.

The choice of feeder depends to a great extent on the kind of food that you're going to be using. Suet cakes, for instance, which are blocks of fat and seed, can't flow through tubes and are best secured behind wire mesh. Though effective, suet blocks require regular cleaning and maintenance and this can deter some bird enthusiasts.

A better choice for many homeowners is loose seed. Birdseed comes in many varieties from mixed preparations of different seeds to specific seeds, like thistle, chosen to attract a particular species of bird. In general, though, many birding authorities recommend a seed mix which includes black oil sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds are a very good "all-round" birdseed due to its high nutritional and fat content. Unfortunately, sunflower seeds are also preferred by squirrels who will raid your feeder looking for sunflower seeds. A great advantage of loose birdseed is that it flows easily and is ideal, therefore, for low-maintenance tubes and feeders.

BIRDFEEDER AND EFFECTS ON THE BIRDS

The effects of bird feeder and bird houses on birds and wildlife should be understood. In other words, how do your free meals in bird feeders affect the birds? While the research performed is minimal, we understand that mocking birds, cardinals, tufted tit mice, and a few other species have been seen changes. Specifically, their northern range has expanded, possibly due to the availability of food and shelter via bird feeders and bird houses in backyards and outdoor sanctuaries. There is no evidence of bird feeders or birdhouses having a negative effect at all. It's difficult to stop once you start, especially with birds. Once you see a couple different species of birds enjoying your bird houses, you'll likely be hooked, and find yourself picking up a birding book to help recognize specific feathered friends.

ATTRACTING BIRDS TO THE BACKYARD

There are many things you can do to attract backyard birds into your yard for your viewing pleasure. Attracting a largest variety of wild birds to your backyard can be rewarding providing you follow a few basic guidelines. Where you live doesn't really matter, an apartment or single family dwelling, in the city, suburbs or country. Bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreation in the country.

The most effective way to attract a wide variety of birds to your yard is to put out separate feeders for each type of food and placing them around your backyard. Supplemental bird feeders and bird baths will draw large numbers of birds where you can see and appreciate them. You will want to consider different types of feeding stations such as a platform feeder for ground feeding birds, hanging feeders for perching birds and suet feeders for insect eating birds. It's healthier for the birds to get their food at a feeding station, rather than off the ground.

If birds pass through your yard, but don't seem to stay, it's most likely because your yard doesn't provide a varied, long-term food supply. All bird species have their own unique food requirements that will change as the seasons change. It's very important for you to learn the food habits of the birds you wish to attract. You can then plant the appropriate trees, shrubs, and flowers to provide the fruits, berries, seeds, acorns, and nectar.

Trying to transform your yard into a haven for birds can be very tricky so plan on making small changes by Identifying one or two areas to concentrate on for the first year. Many of the birds that visit your backyard feeders and baths may stay and nest in nearby trees. Most of them will not nest in boxes. You should consider their food and shelter requirements in your landscape plans.

When you are developing a water source for your garden, you will want to plan for the type of water feature that birds adapt to most quickly: a shallow, rough-bottomed pool of still water. Birds will shy away from water that is more than 2"-3" deep. The sound of loud, moving water is a great attraction to most birds and will draw them from longer periods. A drip or circulating pump can add just the right sound to attract wild birds.

A roof with sufficient slope and overhang offers some protection. Water for birds needs to be as close to a water source as possible, for purposes of refilling and cleaning. You will also want to empty and scrub the birdbath every 2-3 days in the summer, to prevent algae and bacteria from contaminating the water and to attract backyard birds.

PLANT LAYOUT FOR ATTRACTING BIRDS FOR BIRD WATCHING

The spacing between trees and scrubs, the preferred combination of open area and adjoining thick cover, and the degree of privacy and protection from the wind are all important factors when designing for birds. If possible, even open spaces should be well protected from wind and street noise to appeal to birds.

Increase the number and variety of plants attractive to birds in your landscape and you are guaranteed more birds will stay longer. Create a layered and multi tiered garden, increase the amount of edge between wooded areas and open areas, and provide a rich undergrowth.

Edges between habitats are prime opportunities to offer a dense and diverse assortment of bird-attracting plants. Where woods meet open lawn is a good spot for a mixed border of shrubs and small trees. This will increase bird species diversity in your yard.

Think in layers in the landscape to attract birds. Provide several layers for different kinds of birds by planting clusters of shade-loving small trees, shrubs, and ground covers under taller trees. Look at natural woodlands around you to get ideas for plant combination.

Many bird species appreciate edge habitat, such as hummingbirds, phoebes, titmice, and orioles. They utilize the open flying space of driveways, lawns, and other corridors, which allow them easy access to the lush plants along the borders. In all bird scape, a diversity of plants provides the greatest benefit. Berries and seeds will ripen at different times of the year, a range of nesting materials and nest sites will be available, and a greater variety of insects will be found on the plants.

Keep in mind that a natural woodland is generally free from human traffic, which can disturb the often shy birds of the forest. Let fallen leaves lie instead of raking them away. They will settle into a bed of mulch that adds richness to the soil as well as creating insect-rich areas for ground-foraging birds. Include about half evergreen and half deciduous plants in your woodland.

ATTRACTING BACKYARD BIRDS FOR BIRD WATCHING

Starting a small wildlife sanctuary in your backyard will reward you by attracting a variety of birds and butterflies for your enjoyment. Many will come, and some may actually stay to nest and rear their young in your backyard. You will want to create a yard or garden that will attract birds and butterflies and make them feel welcome.

If birds and butterflies pass through your yard, but never seem to stay, it's because your yard doesn't provide a varied, long-term food supply. Birds need to find food in your yard or garden 365 days of the year. Small birds eat almost constantly during daylight hours in the winter. Migratory songbirds need large amounts of food for varying amounts of time, often just a day or two.

Creating a garden that welcomes songbirds, hummingbirds, and butterflies is a somewhat simple task. It consists of supplying them with three basic requirements for survival: food, cover, and water. To birds and butterflies, the typical suburban landscape resembles an unfriendly wilderness. Close-cropped lawns, sheared foundation shrubs, and deadheaded flowers mean no place to nest, no food to eat, and nowhere to hide.

Fortunately, any landscape can become a haven for winged wildlife, and for the people who share it

TUBE FEEDERS

There are two types of tube feeders: One that disperse thistle seed and one that dispense mixed seed. Each type tube feeder attracts different bird special. Thistle feeder are a popular choice among many backyard bird watchers. They are Loved by finches and other small wild birds, thistle seed needs a specially designed feeder to disperse the thin seed easily yet not wasteful. However, although it is easily identified as “thistle” seed, the seed you are using with these feeders is actually called “nyjer” seed.

Nyjer plants are grown in Asia and Africa and is high in oil content. No one is quite sure how “thistle” seed became mixed up with “nyjer” seed but, to be sure, thistle is not what you’re filling your tube feeders with. Despite any incorrect labeling on packaging, sold commercially as “thistle” seed is really nyjer seed. Thistle bird seeds are long and thin. Those designed for thistle or nyjer seed have numerous perches with smaller, slotted ports, which finches can peck from easily. Styles come in different lengths, from several inches long to three feet long! Upside-down thistle feeders are a good choice because they feature ports underneath their perches. Goldfinches and pine siskins are eager to hang upside down to feed, while less desirable species will not.

Tube feeders can also be filled with mixed seed or black-oil sunflower seed. They also feature perches and larger ports to dispense larger seed. Some tube bird feeders are surrounded by wire “cages” that encourage small birds to feed by excluding larger birds and squirrels.

Whether you choose a tube feeder to distribute nyjer seed or mixed seed, there are many accessories to maximize your feeder’s usefulness. Seed trays attach to the bottom of the tubes to catch spilled seed, also long-handled brushes let you thoroughly clean deep tubes to keep old, spoiled seed from contaminating fresh seeds.

ATTRACTING BIRDS IN JULY AND AUGUST

We hear this from people every day in the summer that birds can fin for them self. And they're right. Most birds will find plenty of natural food in July and August. But this doesn't mean you should stop feeding birds when the weather turns warm, and it doesn't mean you should stop offering suet and fruit, either. If you do You'll miss quite a show.


SUET: Most customer provide suet only in the winter. But if it's cool where you live and you have a shady spot to hang your feeder, you might be able to continue offering fatty suet even in the summer.

If it's too hot and sunny for fatty suet, there's another option: suet dough, a no-melt mix of rendered suet and grain. It comes in a variety of flavors, and regular winter suet eaters love it. You can sometimes entice robins, bluebirds, and mockingbirds with suet dough containing berries.

And not only will your winter regulars come, but they'll bring their families. Every summer, a Ladder-backed Woodpecker calls its chicks to Mary's feeder and then shoves chunks of suet down their throats. Try orange-flavored suet, and you might even attract orioles.

As always, mount your suet cage on a tree so it's stable. A stable feeder will welcome a wider variety of birds than a hanging feeder and make it easier for clumsy fledglings. Since frozen suet is easy to handle and keeps forever, stash a few extra cakes in your freezer.


FRUIT: Most people knows that orioles like oranges. But did you know that Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, American Robins, Northern Mockingbirds, House Finches, and other birds also enjoy their morning juice? To catch their eye, spear a fresh orange half, meat side up, on a branch or pronged fruit feeder. You'll have the best luck when the fruit can be seen from above easily.

Apple halves, pomegranates, even grapes work in summertime, too, and so does grape jelly. You might get to see orioles feeding it to fledglings, and robins, cardinals, and other birds eat it as well. What's more, by mid- to late summer, orioles will be looking for food to fuel their flight south. Grape jelly might be just the thing.

DRIED FRUIT: Robins, catbirds, and other fruit eaters are also crazy about dried fruit. Dried cranberries, raisins, cherries, and blueberries hold up well in the heat and don't require as much cleanup as jelly. Place an open dish on or near the ground where robins eat, and watch for spotty-chested juveniles. Mix in a little birdseed to jump-start the activity.

A final thought: Fruit feeding can be tricky. You may have to throw away several oranges and dishes of grape jelly before your birds catch on.Keep trying. It's worth the wait.

GOLDFINCH: Whether you see the beautiful American Goldfinch in the East or the lovely, smaller Lesser Goldfinch in the West, now is the time to attract them.

Finches love nyjer seed (usually called thistle), but nyjer can spoil quickly in the summer heat and humidity. Keep unused nyjer in a cool, dry place, and discard and replace seed in your feeder if it goes uneaten for a month.

Some people like to feed nyjer in a stainless-steel mesh feeder, but a thistle sock works well too, and both will discourage the dominant House Finch.

GAZEBO BIRDFEEDER CREATE AN ATTRACTIVE GARDEN OR YARD

Bird feeder craze is not mainly focused on the typical production of such devices but more on the availability of various option on styles, functions, and serviceability. Hence, today's kinds are all-embracing and extensive and presenting many choices.

Using decorative and creative bird feeder do not just create and attractive and appealing garden or backyard. You can also attract a diversity of birds to your backyard sanctuary, which can extensively boost your gratification of your environment at home.

For people who are fascinated with bird watching, the utilization of an attractive bird feeder is not just an added attraction but also increase the bustle in your yard. With the accommodating feather of a gazebo bird feeder, the amount of birds flocking in your bird feeding station increased.

Bird feeder are available in various types and sizes. One of the most attractive bird feeder available in the market today is the gazebo bird feeder.

Like real gazebos, the gazebo bird feeder is specially created to accommodate different types of of seed or other types of bird feeds. With its pavilion make up, gazebo bird feeder provide spacious and attractive shelter and food supplier for most kinds of birds. They can also provide remarkable venues for resting. And because they are specially patterned next to the real gazebo, this particular type of bird feeder is considered as a good example of a decorative mark in a given setting.

SUET FEEDERS, THE WINTER FEEDING STATION

Winter time and the trees have dropped their leaves, the insects and grubs are hiding in their natural hiding places, and if there is something out that a bird might eat it is often hidden.

A great choice for feeding birds in winter is a suet bird feeder let's look at a the advantages of suet. Why use suet, what is suet, and why use it in a winter time bird feeder?

Suet has advantages for uses in winter, it holds up in cold weather well and don't start to melt til temperatures above 70 degrees F. Suet has a lot of fat content so it has a lot of calories, and you can mix it with additional high energy foods such as peanuts to provide another protein source. A large suet cake will last for a relatively long time so you don't have to bother with constantly refilling the feeder.

Suet comes from raw beef or mutton fat, often made from the fat found around the loins and kidneys. It was a common material hundreds of years ago, settlers found many uses for it like making candles. The beef parts has to go through a process called rendering in order to be useful for most applications. Rendering is a process where the fat is cooked and the results is a wax like material that can be shaped and used in a variety of ways.

Once you have the raw suet, it is usually prepared in a block similar in shape to a sandwich. To this you can add other ingredients like bird seed and peanuts which are mixed in so they are embedded in the block. This results in a block of high energy food that will survive well in the wintertime. You should note it can spoil in the summer heat, so don't leave it out in summer. Most people will just purchase the suet blocks, but you can also find a variety of suet recipes which are tailored for different types birds.

Usually a suet feeder looks like a small wire cage feeder where the suet block is placed. This may be placed on the trunk of a tree or suspended from a branch. Another common style is a bird feeder that has the usual hopper for seed, and has suet cages on the sides to hold the cakes. Another way you can use suet it to smear it onto pine cones which can be hung from a branch.

Suet feeders are often used to attract many types of birds, including woodpeckers, goldfinches, cardinals, thrushes, jays, bluebirds and wrens. Often they will also attract starlings, which some people don't care for. If you don't want to attract starlings you might consider using a suet bird feeder that only allows access to the food from the bottom, since starlings can't hang upside down. If you end up having problems with squirrels in your feeder you need to make sure it can't be accessed by climbing, use baffles at the bottom of feeder, and place it seven feet away from anything a squirrel can jump from this will help keep them away.

Suet feeders come in a variety of styles, ranging from simple cage feeders that simply hang from a tree branch, to decorative styles that can be freestanding in your yard.

BIRD LEGS AND FEET ARE POWERFUL

I'm not talking about a barbecue drumstick here. I mean the make-up and design of birds legs. Birds legs and feet have several functions and it often depends on the species of bird. Many people believe birds bone are completely hollow, they are not. Because bird skeletons must be light enough to fly, the inside of each bone is filled with long, narrow marrow supports that gives the bone both strength and a lightweight structure. However, this also makes bird bones much more fragile than those of mammals. If the bones were to be completely hollow, there is a good chance that they would be so brittle that even flight itself would be dangerous.

Birds need powerful legs to aid in take off, landing and running. When it comes to legs and feet, virtually all species of birds have solid bones that are more dense. Birds need strong bones in their legs for the daily routines they are involved in.

Take a look at Raptors. A bird of prey can fly in excess of 100 miles and hour and catch it prey in flight. Falcons have been recorded diving (swooping) at speeds of 220 MPH. Can you imagine snatching another bird out of the air at that speed? Even if the other object is moving, its strong legs and good eyesight.

Osprey dive into the water feet first to grab a fish. Bald eagles snatch a fish from water without ripping a leg off or loosing flight. Those are some powerful legs and feet. What about an owl or hawk that may snatch a rabbit, snake or squirrel as they swoop toward the earth? And do it quick and with powerful bone breaking force.

PURPLE MARTINS HOUSE PLACEMENT

A large number of North American maintain purple martins housing. Unfortunately, many of these people are unable to attract breeding martins. The advice given here will increase your chance of attracting martins.

Houses placed too close to the wood line or in yards that are too enclosed. The main reason people fail to attract martins is because they don't place their houses in proper purple martin habitat. Besides preferring their houses to be placed within thirty to hundred feet of human housing, purple martins also have very specific aerial space requirements. The air space immediately around the housing, should be unobstructed from trees in at least a couple of directions, so that they can fly on a straight path to and from the housing. There should be no trees taller than the martin housing within 40 feet of it, but 60 feet is better. The farther the martin housing is placed from trees the better. If your yard is not in this 40-foot rule, try mounting the housing higher relative to the trees, moving the martin housing to a more open space, or, as a last resort, trim or remove some of the trees.

Purple martins have been known to build their nest in cavities of dead or dying trees, holes in cliffs, or just about anywhere from three to thirty feet high. But the most popular nesting place for the purple martin is in your own back yard in the houses you construct for them. However since the purple martin is now facing the threat of having their homes appropriated by starlings, people have altered the design of the martin birdhouse so that it has a lidded or crescent shape doorway. This makes it more difficult for the larger birds to squat in side these martin birdhouse and take over. Martin nests are made from leaves, grass, straw and twigs and the eggs are white and unmarked.

Many people build purple martin houses to attract martins early in the spring, which are generally well liked by the birds. They prefer the condominium or villas type houses. Most people like to paint there bird house white as white keeps the house cooler and is attractive to the birds. Aluminum and plastic is used also in the commercially built bird house, but wood is by far the best choice for keeping cool. The best height to mount your bird house is from fifteen to twenty feet in the air, but lower heights to ten feet will work in wide open spaces. Always protect your housing from predators, don't assume that because you never see any predators they're not around raccoons, snakes, and owls raids birdhouses at night. Most success in occupancy occur when the house are placed closer to human houses (within 100' and away from tree lines at least 40').