March 1, 2009
When people think about relaxing and finding solace in their own backyards, perhaps the most ideal way is to hear the natural chirping of birds while outdoors. Totally relaxing and undeniably soothing, birds can actually be one way of putting your mind in a more relaxed mode. Visiting, migratory birds are practically common in many households. That is why it is very helpful to provide the birds with the proper bird feeding materials, such as a bird feeder filled with wild bird seed.
There are various types of feeders today. From the conventional tube feeders, suet bird feeders and the squirrel proof feeders, to the more elaborate decorative bird feeders, you have a lot of options to choose from. Providing the right feeders and food will always make them come back. One of the most popular and commonly used bird feeder is the tube variety. They are specially designed to efficiently hold seed blends or seed mixes, or even sunflower seeds or chips. Being the most popular type of feeder, it is available in different sizes, ranging from just six inches to over three feet long. There are some skinny feeders too, as well as wide ones.
One type of bird feeder that is very common among homeowners is the hopper feeder, which is indeed ideal for the birds because it can accommodate and feed so many different species of birds. These are durable and affordable, and are made purely from hardwood, yet you can find some made from cedar wood with clear plastic sides. Additionally, a suet feeder is considered to be a squirrel proof bird feeder. Two common examples of suet feeders are the log feeders, with drilled holes on its edges, and the sandwich feeders, which are comprised of two pieces of wood secured together, with the suet placed in between. These feeders are ideal to keep nuisance animals, such as squirrels and raccoons, away from the food. There is also another type of feeder today called Duncraft's "Cling a Wing," which was primarily designed to feed small clinging birds like Nuthatches, Chickadees, and more.
If you are looking for the right feeding equipment today for the birds that come to your place, then you basically have hundreds of options to choose from. As homeowners, it is a joy to provide for visiting birds. Additionally, bird feeders should always be kept clean. By providing a feeder and lots of wild bird food, getting these flying visitors will become an everyday experience.
January 5, 2009
Taking care of birds at home is perhaps one of the most fulfilling ways to relax. That is why it is important to provide birds with the right bird feeding tools. There are many different types of bird feeders, each designed according to the types of birds that feed from it. The most common ones are the wood hopper feeders, the tube feeders, thistle feeders, platform feeders, ground feeders and the suet bird feeders.
Hopper feeders are basically the most ideal feeders you can buy. They are made from wood, thus making them an additional accent to your outdoor surroundings. These bird feeders houses are very convenient since you just simply open the top and pour the wild bird seed in. They are also fairly well protected against weather like snow or rain. Generally, wood feeders are practical. But be sure to place these feeders in strategic locations, otherwise, squirrels might raid them. Tube feeders are another type.
These can be easily mounted onto a pole, or can be hung wherever you like. Additionally, when looking for feeders that have very tiny holes, thistle feeders are the answers. These feeders are basically designed for gold, purple or house finches because the seeds of the thistles no not pour out easily onto the ground. Most thistle feeders for wild birds have fun designs and you can normally see birds hanging upside down while feeding themselves. Moreover, the design effectively keeps birds always from each other, thus avoiding competition for the seeds.
Platform feeders are the ideal type of bird feeders, especially if you wish to see migratory birds. These bird feeding tools generally have open designs, thus allowing birds to easily notice any approaching birds of prey or cats. And when predators come, birds can simply fly away from the feeder. One great advantage of this type of feeder is that it can accommodate larger species of birds. Such birds can just simply perch and feed. And since these feeders have open designs, birds can feed themselves all at the same time. This is also similar with the ground feeders, which are placed on the ground. Both the platform and ground feeders however, need proper maintenance, as they are prone to different elements, such as snow and rain.
To attract interesting types of birds, suet feeders are a good idea. This type of feeder is actually a cage made from wire and can be easily placed with commercially-prepared suet cakes. Suet feeders normally attract Northern Flickers, and also Pileated, Red Bellied, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers. You have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a feeder, so be sure to have the one that will attract the species you wish to see.
