Simply For The Birds

Squirrels can be a real challenge once they discover your birdfeeders.  Someone suggested to take some old containers and fill them with sunflower seeds and then place them on the ground near where your other feeders are.  The squirrels will go the feeders on the ground rather than having to work for the seeds in the feeders.  Another suggestion is spreading acorns underneath the feeders.

You can also try squirrel baffles of squirrel proof feeders.  It can take some patience to find which method works best for your situation.  Perseverance will pay off, however.

If you’re a dedicated bird lover, it’s likely that you’ve either purchased or been given any number of bird baths. And these certainly make lovely accents to any backyard. Not only can you enjoy the birds that will splash, play, and bathe in these products, but many of them are pieces of art in and of themselves. To that end, you’re sure to want to keep every bird bath looking its best by regularly cleaning it.

But you have to make sure that you clean these bird baths in such a way that it will still remain safe for the birds. Clean out the water frequently, as stagnant water might promote mold growth. This, in turn, could be harmful for the birds. Also make sure that you don’t use any harsh chemicals, as this too could be harmful or even lethal to some of your feathered friends. With that in mind, consider accompanying every bird bath gift with a scrub brush and some cleaning solution designed specifically for bird baths.

Since wildlife and plant life evolved together, it makes sense that the native plants in your area will make the best food souce and habitat for the birds in your backyard.  If you provide birds with these plants and water, you are sure to see increased activity in your yard. Unsure what native plants to plant in your backyard? Try doing a Google search ~ i.e. native plants backyard birds(state you are in), more than likely there will be many listings that will supply the information you seek.  The advantage of planting native plants, is that they will be readily available at local nurseries.

Pacific Northwest native plants that will attract finches, nuthatches, kinglets, Pine Siskins, Bushtits, chicadees, juncos woodpeckers and more, would be vine maples, shore pines and paper birches.  To attract Hummingbirds, try elderberries, mock orange, oceanspray, Nootka rose, columbine and penstemon.

You can always supplement their diets with bird feeders.

Bird lovers are usually enamored with all winged creatures, and that includes household pets and the migratory birds that temporarily make your backyard their home. If this sounds like you, your number one concern is most likely bird safety. To that end, there are several things to keep in mind in order to keep your pet birds (permanent and temporary) as safe as possible.

For your permanent pets, make sure that all the products in their cage are completely safe. Teflon, for example, shouldn’t be used in any bird cage. The self cleaning feature of the oven also shouldn’t be utilized, as the intense heat can burn off dangerous chemicals that can be harmful for your birds. And for the birds that are temporarily taking up residence in your backyard, make sure that you provide them a spacious and safe bird house. Also, put out a fresh supply of bird seed and water for them to enjoy until they are ready to move on.

If you live in a climate where the temperature dips below freezing more often than not, it can be frustrating trying to watch the birds in your backyard. After all, even if you fill a birdbath with water, subzero temperatures are going to prevent your birdie friends from enjoying that bird bath. If you want to transform your backyard into a bird watering hole all year round, consider purchasing a heated bird bath. These unique bird baths keep your water in its liquid form and your birds happy.

And don’t worry if you live in a particularly cold climate. Depending on the brand you look into, these heated bird baths have been shown to be effective down to twenty degrees below zero (in Fahrenheit). They are also proven safe for your feathered friends. Controlled by a thermostat, the bird bath doesn’t ever get too hot for comfort. In fact, it will be like a little outdoor spa for all those thirsty robins and blue jays coming around your backyard!