Plant Gardens 101

It is most beneficial to feed wild birds during the winter months when their natural food may be unavailable but shortages do occur at other times of the year. So putting food out for the wild birds at any time of year can help when there are shortages. During the breeding season a temporary shortage of food will affect the young fledglings so it is especially helpful to put out food for the birds at this time.

Feeding in the Spring and Summer

During the summer and especially when they are moulting, birds need high protein foods. Good examples to put in your feeder are raisins, currents, black sunflower seeds, grated cheese, meal worms, soaked sultanas and commercially prepared summer seed mixtures. You can also purchase mixes for insect loving wild birds. (more…)

Choosing the right birdfeeder and/or birdhouse can be a rather difficult decision. Anytime is the right time to mount or hang your birdfeeder or birdhouse. As birds begin to search for a place to feed and create their nest, make sure your birdfeeders are mounted or hung and your birdhouse is ready for their inspection.

Birds that usually occupy bird houses include wood ducks, goldeneyes, buffleheads, mergansers, American kestrels, owls, woodpeckers, northern flickers, flycatchers, tree swallows, purple martins, titmice, chickadees, nuthatches, wrens, bluebirds, starlings, sparrows, and house finches.

Ever wonder which birdfeeder to use and/or what bird food will attract certain birds? Your solution is here. Use black oil sunflower seed in a tube feeder with a tray to attract cardinals, finches, jays, sparrows, chickadees, pine siskins, titmouses, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and redpolls. Use a thistle feeder with thistle seed to attract finches. Use a tube feeder with peanuts to attract cardinals, sparrows, starlings, chickadees, juncos, finches, titmouses, grackles, doves, and jays. Use a hummingbird feeder with hummingbird nectar to attract, your guessed it, a hummingbird! (more…)

Bird Houses Bluebirds and swallows seem to prefer a wide open area location for their birdhouse, but the robins like their nestboxes underneath eaves and in the trees. The nuthatches and wrens are attracted to a bird house that is mounted on the just inside a tree line. We carry wood bird houses for wrens, bluebirds, and bats. We also have decorative bird houses to decorate your yard and/or garden.

Bird houses for the bluebird are deeper than for the swallows, nuthatches and wrens. One thing that always amazed me is the lack of cooperation from the birds in using the correct bird house. Birds like to invade each others domains when they are unoccupied. A simple solution to this would be to place predator guards under or above your bird house if you have problems with such predators. A predator guard can consist of a thin sheet of tin about 18 to 24 inches high rapped around a pole, post, or tree. There are many methods used but I have found this to be the easiest solution. (more…)

For the friend or loved one who is an avid bird watcher, choosing gardening gifts that attract birds or gifts that can enhance your loved one’s bird-themed garden is a great way to show you care. Gardening gifts come in an assortment of designs, materials, and colors so you can easily find useful items for your loved ones. They make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, “thank you” presents, co-worker gift exchanges, Chinese auctions, or the Christmas season.

Birds are attracted to flower gardens, especially those packed with all the plants, foods, and accessories they love. For your bird-watcher friend, look for gifts that will complement their garden decoration as well as provide an easy place for bird seeds and accessories that attract an assortment of birds. Here are some gardening gift ideas to get you started. (more…)

Birds, birds, birds. They come in all shapes and sizes. They range in type from carnivores to herbivores. Birds have been the stars of their own movies. Birds have taught children the importance of personality over looks. Some are even the leaders of nations. Is it any wonder that bird watching is one of the world’s most practiced hobbies.

People from all walks of life enjoy bird watching. Anyone can do it. All it requires is patience, a pair of binoculars and most importantly, a bird feeder. And there are many types. Depending what birds you want to attract will determine what kind of feeder to get.

Hummingbird feeders are the most popular and come in two styles; inverted and basin style. The feeder usually has a small receptacle in which a sugar solution is placed. It has an opening just big enough for the hummingbird to put its long beak. But the solution is really just an energy boost for the hummingbird. A hummingbird’s main diet is gnats and other small bugs. Here’s a hint when choosing a hummingbird feeder. Choose one that can be taken apart easily. Your feeder needs to be cleaned every three-to-four days due to the unfortunate clotting habit of the sugar and water solution. (more…)