Video: Feeder choice
can determine what crowd comes to visit a backyard, and this summer, I have been a bit overrun by larger birds. As you know I love the Grackles, and they usually keep to themselves and eventually migrate, but Blue Jays and MoDos have been particularly dominating this summer. The other day I realized that I haven’t seen a Chickadee or Nuthatch or even Downy Woodpecker in a long time, and they used to be regulars here and I miss them. Usually, I have a big platform feeder and then several smaller stations in different spots and some food on the ground. They are fun for watching but once the MoDos feel comfortable, they will just hang out there and let noone else in. The same goes for my camera feeders. The small bowls hold about two Doves, and that has been most of what I have been getting in photos lately. So in an effort to bring back diversity, I pulled out the smaller, more restrictive feeders, like this one from Kingsyard, that especially Doves cannot access. They try, the rumble you hear here is the MoDo landing on the nut container I placed over this camera for poop protection. The Blue Jays are not happy but they are less clumsy and will still find ways to enter a feeder. And lo and behold - these Goldfinches came yesterday, and this morning I heard Chickadees. I thought this clip was funny because there is also so much going on in the back with Groundhog and Gracks.
Have a great Sunday!
Video: Peck, peck, peck
The Woodpeckers are slowly returning to feeders, which of course makes me happy because any bird that is not a Dove right now does :P I find it fascinating how many different feeder styles for these birds are out there and while I generally only rarely put out suet, I am always interested to see what else is possible. This is where this “sandwich feeder” came in that can be filled with bark putter or other speadable bird food. Now it is supposed to also be Starling proof but only if you spread the food inside so that it does not come all the way to the edges. I didn’t do that here because I wanted the birds to find the feeder first. It is easy to clean and easy to hang, but the birds have been pretty much ignoring it for weeks. Until today. Patience pays off, and with that, have a great Friday!
Video: Would you have thought
that House Finches like oranges? I was surprised when I noticed for the first time years ago. But who doesn’t like oranges? there are numerous options to offer oranges as food for birds, from spiking them on a shepherd’s hook to stuffing them into suet cages or putting halves in dishes. This feeder here was provided to me by the Canadian company Moore Birdfeeders to test. They have been making their feeders by hand for more than 25 years now, and I was excited to try them. This one here has a cool concept for the orange halves, and I was happy to see the House Finches using it.
Video: Bling for the yard!
I am always exploring new options for feeders to try and keep my videos and photos interesting. Often, feeders are more function than design, so I was delighted when the people from Moore Birdfeeders approached me to try out some of their work. Seen here is their “Diamond”, an absolutely stunning piece of art, made from glass and brass that adds some serious bling to the backyard. The coolest thing is that it can also work as a terrarium. I hung it yesterday, and so far, the Goldfinches have basically started to call it their home. I am also going to try out their Oriole feeder but it is still a bit too early to out that out. The company is Canada-based and can be found on social media as well as at mooredesignbirdfeeders.com Mother’s Day is coming!
