Sunday, November 20, 2011

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

!: Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

Tips to a great squirrel proof bird feeder.

Keeping squirrels out of the bird feeder is as simple as using one of three techniques - either place the bird feeder where the squirrels can't get to it, use a feeder which is specially made to keep them out, or, use bird seed the squirrels don't like.

Easier said than done.

Squirrels can jump unthinkable distances - either horizontally or vertical. Some say squirrels can jump 6 to 10 feet. This means that if the bird feeder is high enough or far enough away from the house, tree or limbs, the squirrels can't get access to it by jumping. This doesn't leave you many options. Who wants a bird feeder 10 feet high or way out in the middle of your yard.

Your options:

* Squirrel proof your feeder - those big plastic cones you see above or below the bird feeder are baffles which are put there to prevent the squirrel from climbing to the feeder. They need to be big enough, though, to be effective. Some say 18 inches in diameter.

If your bird feeder is hung from a wire, you can add baffles to the wire to keep them from scampering to the bird feeder. One good possibility for this is to string 2 liter plastic soda bottles on the wires. Although not impossible to walk on, these will certainly slow them down quite a bit.

* Buy a specially made squirrel proof bird feeder - There are plenty of these type of bird feeders on the market. Some of them will spin if a heavy weight (like a squirrel stands on it. The swirling should dump the squirrel. Other feeders will automatically close if the squirrels lands on it. Lastly there are many that have very small, light weight perches that birds can easily sit on, but squirrels can'.

* Use bird seed that squirrels don't like. Some say squirrels don't like safflower or thistle seeds and thus leave these bird feeders alone. (Birds obviously love these seeds.)

You can also "treat" your bird seed with hot pepper or cayenne flavoring. Squirrels don't like this "hot" flavored seed but has no effect on birds for some reason. They continue to eat it up.

Squirrels are fun to watch. Birds are fun to watch. However the two together can take the fun out of it.

If you are tired of having squirrels invading your bird feeder, try one of these squirrel proof bird feeder ideas.


Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

Brand New Eureka Vacuum Bagless Personalized Chocolate Gold Coins

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Finch Feeders - Finding the Best Location

!: Finch Feeders - Finding the Best Location

Proper placement is among the most important aspects of the backyard finch feeder so that you can attract as many of these wonderfully colorful songbirds as you can. The first factor to consider relating to placement is locating a place to hang the feeder where the birds can feel safe should any dangers arise, such as the neighborhood cat. Putting the feeder near a few bushes or small trees will be most appreciated by your flying friends.

If you place your finch feeder close to a window or deck you'll be able to easily view the birds, but it's best to watch them from inside or from a distance, at least until they're a bit more relaxed with your presence. Finches are notoriously social birds that will very likely arrive in large groups to look at the feeder, which makes bird watching all the more interesting.

To discover the best place for your backyard finch feeder you will also want to take into account the kinds of finches you're trying to attract as there are various varieties with different feeding requirements.

Finches like various types of seeds and possess short, tiny beaks so little seeds are best including thistle, Nyjer, millet, and black oil sunflower seeds. Your finch feeder will certainly attract other varieties of smaller birds who like the same type of seeds such as cardinals, grosbeaks or redpolls.

Competition is an additional consideration to bear in mind when it comes to locating the best position for your backyard finch feeder. You definitely won't want your finches to have to compete for their food or be unable to eat from the feeder at all any time larger birds bully their way in. One way to quickly remedy this is to have a separate feeder for other, larger varieties of birds in another part of the yard so everyone will be able to enjoy their meals peacefully.

Always keep your finch feeder filled with tasty seeds and clean. Cleaning your feeder with hot water and a little bit of bleach (10% bleach, 90% water) can help to be sure the birds that frequently visit your yard remain healthy.


Finch Feeders - Finding the Best Location

!: Tsw At Wholesale Prices Promotion Luggage Suiter

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Bird Watching for Beginners

!: Bird Watching for Beginners

Bird watching has become a sport that has been around for many years. Also known as "birding" people of many ages enjoy one of the fastest growing hobbies in America. People of all ages enjoy searching for birds in their region, watching them in their natural habitat and enjoying listening to the different songs. As fascinating as they are birds can reveal many things about nature and the beauty surrounding them.

The sights and sounds of nature are very familiar to the keen eyes and ears of a bird watcher. By catching a one-second glimpse of a bird darting through the woods along with a musical note sounding like only a "chirp" a bird watcher can tell you the general species of the bird and even narrow it down to the exact bird.

With over 900 + species of birds found in the United States, birders must quickly be able to distinguish birds by analyzing a lot of information such as call notes, color patterns, and the shape of their wings and bills. It takes an observant person to see a strange bird and analyze how the bird moves, flies and reacts in its environment. Many months of hard work is what it takes for a beginner bird watcher to grasp the techniques and be able to distinguish one bird from the next. Like learning an instrument, patience is the key and most important of all being able to enjoy the scenery and beauty of bird watching.

Why are so many people fascinated with birds even to the point of spending long hours watching them? Birds have long delighted people all over the world because of their beauty and power of flight. There are thousands of species all unique, mysterious and beautiful to the human eye. Historically, the Romans believed the flight and calls of birds could foretell the future. Today modern science uses birds and changes in their health and population as warnings of problems in their environment.

Watching birds helps people understand the fascination of how they relate to nature. We watch birds with interest party because of how accessible they are. Wherever we go they are there, and we share the environment with birds more than any other creature except insects. One reason people are compelled to watch birds is because of how amazingly different they are from one area to the next. You may find the same species of birds from one country to the next but notice they are entirely different in looks and the way they interact with the environment.

As mentioned before birds are amazing creatures. Be sure to give bird watching a try and give yourself a chance to enjoy the beauty of birds in the wild and the peace that comes with exploring nature.


Bird Watching for Beginners

Dyson Ball Dc25 All Floors Ideas

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Wild Bird Profile: The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

!: Wild Bird Profile: The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

Characteristics: Rose-breasted grosbeaks are large finches with very large bills and easily identified by their plumage. Males are black and white with a bright pink patch on their breast and inside their wings. Females are olive-brown with a distinct pale supercilium on their face and their breasts are streaky. First summer males are similar to males but have browner plumage and a duller pink patch on their breast.

Distribution: RB grosbeaks breed throughout the northeastern U.S. (from the Great Plains to New England) and in central Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia). They also breed along the Appalachian mountain range. During the winter, they breed in southern Pacific slope and Gulf Slope of Mexico, the rest of Central America, and northern South America.

Movement: Based on banding data, RB grosbeaks breeding in the eastern U.S. winter in eastern Central America and South America and western breeders are found in Mexico and western Central America. Migratory flights are typically during the night.

Food: During the breeding season, RB grosbeaks eat equal amounts of insect matter and vegetable matter including fruit and seeds. During the fall, they eat primarily fruits. RB grosbeaks are often found at feeders with black-oil sunflower seeds. They will use tube feeders as well as platforms feeders.

Sound: The male RB grosbeak song sounds incredibly similar to scarlet tanagers and American robins. The song is extremely melodic with a few pauses. The grosbeak song has few pauses compared to robins and is less crass compared to tanagers.

Nesting: Males will arrive to their breeding grounds before females in May. They have eggs and nestlings between May and July and generally have only one brood. Nests are open cups and their eggs are typically pale blue or green with brownish speckles.

Similar species: Rose-breasted grosbeaks are closely related to the black-headed grosbeak but looks entirely different. They will breed (hybridize) with each other where their ranges overlap.

Interesting fact: If you open the wings of the grosbeaks, you will see a bright orange (female) or bright pink patch of feathers. This is rarely seen without the bird in the hand.


Wild Bird Profile: The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

Low Cost Michael Kors Erin Handbag Stapler Discounted Coach Purses Outlets Right Now

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Cockatoo - Is This The Bird For You?

!: Cockatoo - Is This The Bird For You?

Cockatoos are sweet, loving, beautiful birds. They make great pets if they are given the proper care. However, they can be a handful. Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into before you bring one home.

The first thing you must do before even thinking about getting a cockatoo is to consider cockatoos to be like children. You would not leave a child alone all day. Cockatoos also cannot be kept alone all day. They need plenty of interaction. If no one is going to be at your house during the day, then I would not recommend getting one of these birds. The cockatoo is the most emotional bird species and needs human interaction every day.

Another thing you must realize is that cockatoos live for a very long time. They can live to be 100 years old! You will be taking care of this bird probably for the rest of your life. This is also a very expensive bird. The bird, cage and accessories really cost a lot!

Cockatoos need a very large cage. Many people even suggest you keep them in an aviary! The minimum cage size for these birds is 36 inches long by 36 inches wide by 48 inches tall. Inside the cage they will need perches, toys, food and water.

Toys are something that your bird must have. If they do not have toys then they will not get the mental activity they need. This can lead to serious health problems. You also have to change the toys as least once a month. Birds get bored if they have the same toys all the time.

For your bird's diet, you cannot just feed seeds. A little bit of seeds is okay but buy a food that is mostly pellets. You will also need to prepare fruits and vegetables every day. Take out any fresh foods once they have been in the cage for a while.

Cockatoos have dust in their feathers and must be given weekly baths or showers to prevent dust accumulation. If you have allergies, this bird is not recommended for you. Also, the wings, beak and claws need to be kept trimmed.

Every day you will need to clean out the food and water dishes and also wipe off feather dust from the cage bars and perches. Twice a week you need to clean the bottom tray of the cage. Once a week you will need to clean the whole cage and all accessories.

Cockatoos do not do well with small children. Some birds have even been known to attack small children for no reason. If you have small children, never leave them alone with the bird.

Cockatoos develop very strong bonds with their owners. They are extremely lovable and affectionate. However, they are very much like small children and will demand your attention. If you aren't giving them attention then they will scream, knock things over, or even bite to get your attention. Someone needs to be home most of the time with this bird.

If you give lots of attention to your bird, you will be greatly rewarded with a very sweet, lovable bird. Just be sure you have enough time to spend with the bird. These birds can cause serious problems if they aren't given enough attention. Many people buy these birds not knowing what they are getting themselves into and then end up having to give them away.


Cockatoo - Is This The Bird For You?

Help Singing Machine Pedestal Karaoke System


Twitter Facebook Flickr RSS



Français Deutsch Italiano Português
Español 日本語 한국의 中国简体。