Feed the Birds

Elaborate and decorative or simple and functional, birdhouses and birdfeeders are lovingly coveted by many people (and birds)!

The collector seeking a new piece for the den or study need only consider personal taste and aesthetics- many who enjoy the careful art and craftsmanship of a beautiful birdhouse or feeder would never think of placing their precious gift outside in the rain and other elements.

The serious or novice birder, on the other hand, has just a bit more to consider. With a minimal amount of work and some forethought, anyone interested can enjoy observing and identifying birds from their own urban or rural yards or decks throughout the entire year. It is possible to attract up to one hundred different species of birds to a yard with the careful placing of just a few feeders and houses!

While any type of birdfeeder or house will prove itself a delightful addition to your landscape, you should ask yourself just a few questions to guarantee that your bird-attracting efforts are successful for both you and the birds.

When choosing the type of feeder or house you need or want, you should consider the following:

Are you trying to attract a wide variety of birds or a specific type of bird?

How often do you want to clean and refill the feeder?

Do you want to see the bird close-up from a window or would you rather lessen the possibilities of window strikes?

Are you ok with starlings and jays that like to perch and can dominate a feeder, or are you trying to attract strictly smaller clinging birds like chickadees and nuthatches?

Further considerations include pests (squirrels?) and predators (housecats?).

This may all seem like a lot, but really, there are many resources at your local library, bookstore or on the internet that are not only interesting, inspiring and fun to read but will help you answer these questions in hardly any time at all.

How easy it is to become excited about the prospects of birdsong in the spring and a little life and movement in the middle of a dreary winter. Don't let the common misconception that birds become dependant on supplemental food from feeders and fail to thrive, or even die, if that food source is taken away hinder you from welcoming these highly interesting and lovely creatures to your home. This is not true! Conclusive studies from the University of Wisconsin and Penn State attest to this. Regardless of feeders, birds will continue to forage for the majority of their food. In reality, you are providing just a little luxury and ease in the relatively short and difficult life span of most birds. Now isn't that a nice thing to do?

If you're looking to spark a new hobby, searching for a unique gift, providing an educational opportunity for your children or just want to do something nice for birds, think about birdhouses or feeders. They are just plain charming and fun!

Children especially enjoy the feathered visitors that birdhouses and feeders bring about. Creating a bird habitat and feeding ground is easy. Rather than sitting in front of your TV, computer or X-box, try enjoying the abundant life and nature that can be found as close as your own backyard.

We could all use a little innocence and simple pleasure in our lives these days. Bird watching is an inexpensive, relaxing and enlightening activity for all. Well made and beautiful feeders and houses abound and they make wonderful gifts for any age. Don't forget to do something nice for yourself either! Feed the birds and they will come!

Note - Make sure cats in your immediate area have bells tied around their necks to warn birds of their presence. (You might also try this technique on annoying neighbors and unwanted salesmen!)

Happy birding!

Judi Hunter is an avid bird fan, attracting everything from finches to hummingbirds in her own backyard. Visit http://WindyHillsInc.com for delightful birdhouses and birdfeeders.

---

History of the Adirondack Chair

If you were to travel to Blue Mountain Lake, New... Read More

The Truth About Tulips

Roses may be beautiful but Tulips are magnificent. The huge... Read More

Pine Furniture Care Guide

First, some background on PINE WOOD. Pine is a naturally... Read More

Grey Water- Not Drinking Water- For Your Garden

The average home can reduce their water consumption by around... Read More

Cast Aluminum Furniture

In days gone by, outdoor furniture was cast from iron.... Read More

About Window Ledge Gardening

The growing of flowering or foliage plants on window ledges... Read More

Secrets of Growing Killer Tomatoes

Tomatoes have always been my favorite garden vegetable to grow... Read More

Garden Sheds: Wood Finishing and Weatherproofing Tips

To keep wood garden sheds, arbors, or trellises looking their... Read More

Homemade Hummingbird Nectar

HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR RECIPEWe love hummingbirds and love to watch them... Read More

Overwintering Pond Fish

The metabolism of koi and goldfish is controlled primarily by... Read More

Slugging It Out In The Trenches

In an effort to introduce a shaft of sunlight into... Read More

Backyard Ponds

Backyard ponds are a great source of fun and enjoyment.... Read More

Growing Your Own Herbs for Tea

If you love herbal teas, as I do, you know... Read More

Tips on How to Plant Roses

When spring comes and the ground is thawed, it is... Read More

Balcony, Patio, and Courtyard Gardening

People choose balcony, patio, and courtyard gardening for many different... Read More

Teak Furniture - The Proper Way to Care For & Clean It

Teak furniture is tropical hardwood that has a rich, golden... Read More

Companion Planting

If you look closely at the natural landscape, you'll never... Read More

Make Your Fresh Cut Roses Last Longer!

Women adore getting flowers, most especially roses, as it is... Read More

Toxic Pollutants & Their Effect on Fish Health

Once water temperatures increase in the summer months, fish become... Read More

Basil: The King of Herbs

One of the most popular herbs is Ocimum basilicum commonly... Read More

Protecting your Garden Pond from Pesky Predators

Notice any fish disappearing lately? While herons are present year-round,... Read More

Garden for Birds #4

I would like to know...WHO STOLE SUMMER???What did you do... Read More

Thyme: The Herb of Courage

Garden thyme, fresh or dried, alone or combined with parsley... Read More

A Quick Overview of Outdoor Hot Tubs

There is nothing quite as relaxing as a leisurely evening... Read More

Light Up the Night! Quick Facts about Outdoor Lighting

When the days start to get shorter, the darkness may... Read More

Imagine Your Own Orchid Garden In A Pond

Who doesn't love to hear the water rushing and flowing... Read More

y, Fun Garden Plants

I have a love for funky, fun and unique garden... Read More

Kirengeshoma palmata

Kirengeshoma palmata Sometimes known as yellow waxbells, Kirengeshoma palmata... Read More

Build a Rain Garden

There's a new garden in town. It is (mostly) easy... Read More

Garden Statuary - Time for a Fresh New Look

Spring is coming, and now is the time to get... Read More

Flower Meanings

Certain types or colors of flowers mean different things, and... Read More

Fall Pond Cleaning

Doing a full pond cleaning during the colder winter months... Read More

Buying Teak Wood Furniture Responsibly

Teak has many qualities that make the indoor and outdoor... Read More