Bird Feeders Guide
May 1, 2010 by BirdWatcher
Filed under Bird Watching Equipment
In order to attract lots of birds, you have got to understand where to locate the bird feeder post and the bird feeder. When you make the seed a lot more available to the birds, they easily find it and visit on a regular basis. You could be baffled regarding where to locate your feeders though. Below is some information that should help you figure it out.
Birds locate their food by sight instead of by their sense of smell. So make sure that the birds can easily see the feeder. This way they are going to rapidly get accustomed to visiting the feeder.
Place the feeders in areas of the yard that are relatively peaceful, but where you can still see them. It really is wonderful to be able to watch them when you look out the windows of your home. This way you are able to observe the birds for hours if you'd like. So remember this when you're ready to place the wild bird feeder.
You would like the spot to be easy to get at so you are able to fill the feeder. Even in bad weather conditions, you need to be able to easily refill your feeder.
Also, locate your feeders near some type of protection like trees or shrubs. This way the birds have a place where they're protected while they wait to get at the feeders. You need to keep the bird feeder pole and bird feeder far enough away from this shelter so squirrels will not be encouraged. Likewise, your outdoor cats should have much more trouble pouncing on the birds if you give some thought to where you put your bird feeders.
Select a place where the overflow of seed, feathers, and bird droppings won’t matter. Many of the commercial seeds have additives so they'll not germinate. This could also cause other plants not to sprout. Don't forget this when picking the location.
Do not put all your feeders on the same height. The height that the bird feeder pole should be depends on which birds you are attempting to attract. Do a little bit of research so you will have all of your feeders at the proper heights.
Now remember that many birds like platforms to feed on instead of the hopper or tube feeders. So be sure to have a few platforms scattered around. These platforms can sit on top of the bird feeder pole, hang from one, or hang from a tree.
Several other birds are ground feeders and may consume the seeds the other birds push out of the feeder. This might help clean up part of the mess the birds make. No need to put out additional seed for these birds. The other birds will drop enough to feed them.
With the information above, you should better understand where to position a bird feeder pole and bird feeder now. You will appreciate many hours of watching the birds come and go. It is also enjoyable to make a list of the birds that visit your yard. This is called a life list by professional birdwatchers. So have fun today and set up some feeders for your feathered friends.
- Craig enjoys Bird Watching and writing at sites like Wild Bird Feeders
Why not check out this site Environmental Information
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DROLL YANKEES YANKEE WHIPPER SQUIRREL PROOF BIRDFEEDER $72.88 |
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SQUIRREL BAFFLE keep pests away from bird feeders ~NEW~ $7.49 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Plastic Mixed Seed 3 Qt. $70.58 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Rec. Plastic Suet Feeder, 2 Cake $48.95 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Plastic Nyjer Seed 1 Qt. $56.91 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Plastic Nyjer Seed 3 Qt. $70.58 |
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BIRD FEEDER-Bouncer Squirrel-Proof Feeder $108.15 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Thistle 2qt Green $68.30 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Caged 6 Port Seed Tube Feeder $70.58 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Caged Screen Sunflower Tube Feeder $46.67 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Coppertop Cages 6-Port Seed Feeder $76.27 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Copper Lantern Feeder $97.90 |
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BIRD FEEDER-Coppertop Sunflower Tube Feeder $61.47 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Coppertop Thistle Tube Feeder $61.47 |
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BIRD FEEDER-Fly Thru Feeder $75.13 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Oriole Feeder $51.23 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Premier Feeder 10lb. Capacity $113.84 |
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BIRD FEEDER-Magnum Sunflower Feeder 4 Qt. $37.57 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Magnum Thistle Feeder 4 Qt. $37.57 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Magnum Thistle Feeder 1 Pt. $27.31 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Going Green Platform Feeder $45.53 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Going Green Recycled Plastic Ranch Fdr $55.78 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Oriole Feeder Cut Glass Amber $45.53 |
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BIRD FEEDER- 3 in 1 Platform Feeder $48.95 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Ranch Style Feeder $45.53 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Coppertop Ranch Style Feeder Screen Base $68.30 |
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BIRD FEEDER-Large Ranch Fdr. w/Suet Screen $62.61 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Caged Squirrel Resistant Mesh Screen Fdr $61.47 |
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BIRD FEEDER- Caged Seed Tube Feeder $63.75 |
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Droll Yankees BIRD SEED SCOOP -Holds 2# & Great for Squirrel proof bird feeders $16.89 |
Getting Started With Bird Watching Equipment
March 7, 2010 by admin
Filed under Bird Watching Equipment
Whether you are a beginner or have been at birding for many years, the Bird Watching equipment that you choose make a great deal of difference in the type and number of birds that you are able to spot. The area where you will be doing most of your searching and viewing will affect the type of equipment that you choose. You could begin with just a pen and notebook, but it's a lot more fun when you add some of these typical bird watching tools.
Probably the first item of equipment that is purchased by most people is a good pair of binoculars. Birders today have the advantage over those years ago who had to lug around heavy and bulky binoculars. You can purchase a pretty decent pair of bins at most sporting goods stores or boutiques. A common magnification range is 8x40, but try some different combinations to find what works best for you.
If you need more power in your viewing tools, you might want to consider a spotting scope. Higher magnification or lens size can become heavy quickly and are harder to carry around with you. With a spotting scope, it's easier to get the magnification value without the weight. Scopes are easier to hold steady since they are lighter.
One simple but important piece of bird watching equipment is a notebook. Birders need a notebook or recording book to keep track of the species that have seen. Something that is compact and waterproof is an excellent choice. You will want to have room for the species name, where you saw it, the date, and any special conditions that you noted. It's important to have a working pen or pencil that is attached to the notebook.
A good field guide to aid in identification of birds is a necessity. If you see an unusual sighting, a compact field guide will help you make a positive identification. Weight and good quality drawings are key elements in the book design. Look for a design that is intuitive in the order of descriptions.
Most birders incorporate a good camera into the field equipment that they carry. Although taking good bird pictures in their natural habitat can be an arts, you still will enjoy the process of capturing the sight of unusual breeds as proof of identification.
Some birders get even more elaborate with their bird watching equipment. They may have recording equipment to attract or identify bird sounds and songs. They may use computer software as an identification tool. Keep in mind that each piece of added equipment is something that must be carried and maintained while in the field.
What Are The Important Features To Consider In Bird Watching Binoculars?
March 7, 2010 by admin
Filed under Bird Watching Equipment
Perhaps one of the most important things you will need when you take up the hobby of Bird Watching is the binoculars. Bird watching binoculars can make the difference between seeing a flurry of movement and identifying a rare species to add to your list. The best equipment can be a costly item, but you don't need a lot of other equipment to fully enjoy your hobby, so finding the right binoculars is worth the price.
If you've wondered about the numbers that are used in descriptions of binoculars, they are quite simple. The numbers will look something like 8x42 or 7x35. The first number is the amount of magnification. A 7x lens makes items look seven times closer. 10x binoculars make birds appear ten times closer. Many birders, particularly those who use the tool in varied conditions will choose an 8x set.
The second part of the number is the diameter of the larger lens expressed in millimeters. Larger lens allow more light to enter the instrument so that you can see detail more clearly. Choosing a much larger lens means a heavier and bulkier set of binoculars, so they may not be as desirable for a backpacking trip. The preferred range is between 35mm and 50mm.
Two main types of prism design are available in bird watching binoculars. The porro prism has the outer lens offset from the eyepieces, so the light path follows a z-shaped pattern. These binoculars are wider but less durable than the roof prism type. Roof prisms are placed so that the binoculars are very streamlined. They are also significantly more expensive. Veteran birders usually recommend purchasing the roof prism design if you can afford the cost.
Ease of focusing the binoculars is very important when you are changing viewing distances. Birds can move very quickly and you want to be able to follow a flight path without the necessity of turning the focus more than one full revolution. The focusing screw should be located between the eyepieces so that it can be operated with the one index finger
Advanced technology has made it possible to find quality, lightweight binoculars. Usually a few ounces won't make much difference in the comfort of using them. Be sure that the binoculars you choose are well balanced front to back or you will notice wrist strain after lengthy use.
These are just a few of the major features in a good pair of bird watching binoculars. You should also check the lens coating and the comfort of the eye cups. If you have special vision needs, you may need a higher priced model in order to be able to fully enjoy your hobby.
Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders Let Birds Eat And Keep Squirrels Out
March 7, 2010 by admin
Filed under Bird Watching Equipment
Hanging bird feeders in your yard or from the side of the house can help you attract many different species of birds to your yard and is a great way to extend your Bird Watching endeavors to your own home and anyone considering it should invest in squirrel proof bird feeders.
Some bird feeders double as squirrel feeders, not that they are designed with that intention. This is actually the result of some crafty squirrels that will do whatever they can to access these feeders. In fact that will do acrobatic tricks that would baffle the imagination of the greatest circus acrobats. This does not mean you cannot hang out bird feeders in your yard. There are some bird feeders that are designed to be squirrel proof bird feeders.
Keeping a squirrel out of an ordinary bird feeder can be a daunting task, but if you use feeders that are designed to keep squirrels out, that is exactly what they will do. One way to handle these pesky critters is to actually put out feeders for them. There are squirrel feeders that are designed specifically to attract squirrels and keep them out of the birds feeders.
There are many different sources for squirrel proof bird feeders and many of them provide products that are designed to keep even the most stubborn squirrels out. These products can range from less than $20 to upwards of $500. It all depends on what you want to spend.
There are also several different types of feeders. Many of these are designed to attract a particular type of bird. Some of the feeders that are designed to keep the pests out are designed with a plastic dome along the top that makes it impossible for them to climb over it and access the food. One type of this product is known as the hummbrella dome. This product is designed to feed humming birds and keep squirrels out.
Another way of keeping squirrels out of a feeder is with a device known as a caged tube feeder. This type of feeder is a typical tube feeder that is encased in a wire grid that has one and a half inch holes. The holes are big enough for many species of birds to get through but are not big enough for a squirrel.
Squirrel proof feeders also come in varying sizes. There are small feeders that are designed to provide food to one bird at a time while there are others that are intended for numerous birds at once. These may vary based on the type of birds, since different species of birds have different social characteristics. Some birds are loners while others are birds that tend to be with a crowd.
Another way of keeping squirrels out of a feeder is with a device known as a caged tube feeder. These types of squirrel proof bird feeders are a typical tube feeder that is encased in a wire grid that has one and a half inch holes. The holes are big enough for many species of birds to get through but are not big enough for a squirrel.
How To Select The Right Wild Bird Seed
March 7, 2010 by admin
Filed under Bird Watching Equipment
There is something special about watching birds converge on your bird feeder or occupy a bird house you placed in the yard. It seems like you have contributed to the life of those birds and have contributed to nature. You may also be fortunate enough to get serenaded to by these birds you feed. So if you are planning to feed the birds in your yard what kind of wild bird seed do you need?
There are many different kinds of bird seed available on the market, so it can be a bit confusing trying to figure out what seed you should use. The area that you live will in will determine what kind of birds might visit your yard. With different kinds of birds there are different kinds of food. However there are some bird seed that many different varieties of bird that will be attracted.
Black seed oil is one of those feeds that attracts many different kinds of birds and may attract birds to your feeder regardless of where you live. Black seed oil is a high meat to oil ratio bird seed that is high in fat. This seed is smaller than most and has a thin shell that makes it easy for the average small bird to handle.
One way to approach feeding the birds in your area is to start with sun flower seeds. Once you have tried these seeds you can graduate to other types of seeds. You may also want to keep in mind when looking for seed that some birds are particular and what they will eat in one area they won't eat in another area.
Determining what kind of birds you have in your area will help decide what kind of wild bird seed to use. Suet is a popular choice that is typically able to attract small insect eating birds. This product is actually the fat from the kidneys of a cow. In fact you may be able to get this from you local grocer's meat counter. There are also suet cakes that most bird stores and grocers may have for sale. Since suet is fat it should not be exposed to unusually hot temperatures because it is likely to spoil.
Most areas are home to one type of hummingbird or another. There are many different styles of hummingbird feeders available on the market. Hummingbirds will only be attracted to nectar. Nectar is a combination of water and sugar. If diluted correctly oriels are also likely to be attracted to these feeders.
Wild bird seed often contains grit, which is small articles of pebbles or other hard substances that help them digest their feed. Along with bird seed it is a good idea to provide a bird bath. Birds need water for drinking and bathing. While there are decorative bird baths you can also use a wimple dish that has a shallow pool of water on it.


