subject: Why Bird Feeders Are More Than Just A Garden Decor [print this page] Why Bird Feeders Are More Than Just A Garden Decor
We all love spending enjoyable times in our gardens and backyards, and one of our favorite kinds of garden and backyard decor accents are bird feeders. You can indeed add a unique
decorative element to almost any yard, patio, or garden. Bird feeders cultivate a liveliness in the yard or garden that flowers and plants alone cannot produce. And remember, the presence of birds add additional pleasurable experiences to time spent in the yard or garden.
What should I pay attention for when I decide to buy a bird feeder?
First of all focus on choosing garden accents such as primitive bird feeders, unique bird feeders, and decorative bird feeders. As any backyard and garden birder knows, a single bird feeder is not adequate once you get hooked on feeding the birds.
Remember, there are all types and styles to choose from. Larger feeders to accommodate more birds, getting different feeders for different types of seed, or just adding more feeders for a growing flock. One important factor is to choose a feeder style that will be attractive to birds. Keep in mind, you don't have to have a big yard or garden to put out some bird feeders. Some people even collect bird feeders as collectible items for there yards. Bird feeders are just a delight to have around your home, patio, and garden. Birds of all types will be attracted to your bird feeder, providing hours of enjoyment for you and the birds. After all, your feathered friends need a regular place to dine, and quality bird feeders will compliment your birdhouses.
What kinds and types of bird feeders are available?
There are so many different types of bird feeders, that you might feel overwhelmed when choosing one. Just remember, not all birds will use the same feeder, nor will they eat the same bird food. It is a good idea to hang several feeders in your yard to attract different types of birds. The more you attract, the more enjoyable your bird watching will be. Keep your bird feeders up all year round, because in the winter time food can be hard to find for birds. Providing a bird feeder allows them to survive the food-poor season and the bitter cold. The different kinds of bird feeders other than the normal feeders consist of Platform Feeders, which set off the ground about a foot. These are the easiest to maintain which are actually just a simple table with raised edges with a mesh wire bottom. These attract all the birds. Then there are the Tube Feeders, which are great for the smaller perching birds like the finches and chickadees. They are made to let these birds eat without being turfed off by bigger nuisance birds.
And then if you want to see the birds up close you can invest in a Window Feeder. These sit on the window sill or are suctioned to the glass. They include a one-way mirror so you can see them, but they won't scare away seeing you.
Also, there is the Suet Feeder that holds a protein filled snack for your feathered friends. They hang upside down which only allows woodpeckers and smaller birds to eat from them, so they can keep up on the high protein and fat they need.
Not to forget the Hummingbird and Oriole Feeders that you can hang in front of windows so you can admire these nectar drinking beauties from the comfort of your own home.
There are all kinds of bird feeders out there, plain feeders, colorful feeders, copper feeder, just to name a few.
What do I need to keep in mind when installing bird feeders?
After you have bought your bird feeders it is important to remember to mount or hang your feeders above a cat's leaping range and install an aluminum or plastic sleeve that will prevent the traction of cat claws. You can also place metal pie pans to serve as baffles on the wire to ward off the intruders. Your feeder can also be raised on a pole, hung from a strong tree branch or fastened to the railing of your deck or porch. Several feeding locations will bring you more different kinds of birds than a single feeder, because each species of birds will find its own preferred food, location, and level.
Now what Seeds should I use to attract and feed the birds with?
Okay, now once you have the bird feeders up it is time to fill them with food. There are all kinds of different seeds and food that birds love. Birds love black oil sunflower, white millet, niger, safflower, cracked corn, and broken nuts. Try to feed your birds every day on a regular basis, but if you have to be away from home don't worry because birds are use to having food source disappear, and they know where they can go find food until you come back home. When you do get back home start filling the feeders again or you will stop attracting the birds to your yard and garden. They will go on, and you will miss them more than they will miss you. So feed your birds if you want to keep their songs and beauty into your life.
Do I need to maintain and clean my bird feeders?
Now you have the bird feeders mounted, food in their feeders, and you are enjoying them. The most important now is to keep the bird feeders clean because a dirty feeder harbors bacteria, mold and other disease that eliminate bird population. You will need to clean all feeders once a month. Make sure also that you dump the old seed out before you add more seed. This is very important!
If you are cleaning a hummingbird or oriole feeder make sure you clean it out throughly each time before you add the nectar. Use proper cleaning solution when you clean your feeders. Feeders can be sanitized with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts hot water. Also you can use a mild solution of dish detergent that is unscented as well. Clean inside and out, including the feeding ports, lids, perches, and platforms. Also, don't forget to clean the hooks, poles, or any part where birds may perch or where feces may collect. To avoid any contamination use rubber gloves and a stiff brush to ensure thorough cleaning. A good old toothbrush also make a great brush to use for small parts and perches. Now, rinse thoroughly after cleaning and allow to dry before adding seed or food back into the bird feeder. After you are done, you will have clean dry feeders and you and your feathered friends will be happy.
So now you can curl up on your favorite chair in front of a roaring fire when it's snowing outside or any other time of the year and enjoy your feathered friends for years to come. Bird feeding is a wonderful adventure and you will never be bored by trying different seeds and different feeder types and styles. Enjoy your yard and garden. There are so many cute, and beautiful bird feeders out there they will make great garden accents. So grab a feeder, and get ready for lots of new dinner guest.
