Providing fresh water reduces the calories and body heat a bird uses when melting snow and ice. Those in colder climates will need to add a heater, bubbler, or aerator to prevent the water from freezing. Make sure to provide water throughout the year. Gardener’s Supply fair trade roosting pockets are attractive, easy to hang, provide some needed insulation and are easy for birds to enter and exit. Supplement what trees and shrubs provide by including a few roosting boxes and pockets. Provide some shelter from wind, snow, rain and predators for birds spending the winter in your landscape. Once cleaned, rinse with clear water and dry before refilling. Wash the inside and outside of the feeder, perches and feeding ports. George NewsĬlean feeders regularly with a 10% non-chlorine bleach solution, commercial birdfeeder cleaner or mild solution of unscented dishwashing soap. Seed and water can collect there, increasing the risk of fungi and bacteria. Reduce problems on other tube feeders by blocking the bottom of the tube that extends below the lowest feeding port. Look for ones with wire surrounds to keep out squirrels and those that are easy to clean like the Gardener’s Supply Cleaver Clean Tube Feeder with a removable bottom. Select tube feeders with small ports for smaller seeds like Nyjer thistle and ones with larger openings for large seeds. Those with small perches discourage large birds from feeding. Those with perches above the openings attract birds like goldfinches and chickadees that can feed upside down. Tube feeders are cylinders with perches and feeding ports. But if the seed gets wet, the closed environment is perfect for bacteria and fungi to thrive. Hopper or house feeders protect seed against the weather and bird droppings. Help keep seeds safe and fresh with regular cleaning and by only providing enough seed for a day or two. Platform feeders like this, with excellent drainage, help minimize the risk of wet seed sprouting or supporting bacteria and fungi that can harm the birds. Look for ones like the Gardener’s Supply Twigs Platform Bird Feeder, which has a cover to protect the seed from rain and snow and a removable mesh floor for easy cleaning. You’ll attract a wide range of birds with tray and platform feeders. Roosting pockets provide some needed insulation for birds and are easy for them to enter and exit, location and date unspecified | Photo c courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company, St.
Select feeders that are easy to fill and clean and protect seed from weather and squirrels. Include a variety of feeders suited to the birds they want to attract. Help your gift recipient create a bird feeding station so they can easily watch the birds and enjoy their songs. Providing additional sources of food, water and shelter can increase the number and diversity of the winged visitors. Growing a landscape filled with plants that provide seeds, berries and shelter is a great way to attract these welcome guests to our gardens. Protein-rich insects and spiders are an essential part of the diet of 96% of North American terrestrial birds. Plus, the gardeners on your list will appreciate the help birds provide managing insect pests.
Just like gardening, bird watching helps us connect with nature, reduces stress, and elevates our mood. With the recent increase in people gardening and bird watching, what could be more perfect than a gift that supports both interests?īirds visiting feeders, munching on the coneflower seeds in the garden and perching in the shelter of evergreens help brighten the long, often dreary days of winter. FEATURE - Give a gift that provides beauty, entertainment and health benefits throughout the year.
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