St Petesburg Fun with BirdsThis Is For the Birds!

Bird Feeder platform

Natural and Man-Made Butterfly and Bird Feeders

Butterfly and bird feeders provide a service to wild creatures by offering them a steady food source. Food sources are important both for birds who nest in your area, and for those who migrate through on their way somewhere else. A benefit for you, of course, is watching beautiful creatures right in your own yard. Your primary ways of supplying food are with flowers, the natural feeders, and with man-made bird feeders.

Flowers can attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. If you want to try planting a butterfly and hummingbird garden, check into some of the following plants: sage, thyme, lavender, butterfly bush, bee balm, phlox, purple coneflower, and sedum. These are only a few of numerous good choices. Depending on the area you want to commit to this flower garden, you may wish to check into even more varieties of flowering plants. Check with your local plant nursery to see which flowers they suggest.

In addition to flowers, hummingbirds also like hummingbird feeders. These are special feeders designed so that the birds can drink sugar water from it. Preparing the sugar water is simple. Mix one part sugar to four parts water. Boil the mixture and cool it completely before filling the feeder. Some people add red food coloring because they think it will attract the hummingbirds more strongly. But the coloring is not necessary, and some experts actually discourage it. Most hummingbird feeders have red parts anyway.

Regular cleaning is very important, at least once every week. Clean a Hummingbird Feeder by washing it with hot, soapy water and rinsing it with boiling water. Prepare a fresh batch of sugar water and refill the feeder. Using old sugar water can harm the birds. If you find they aren't drinking much, don't fill the feeders as high.

For songbirds, tube feeders and platform feeders work well. Place bird feeders a few feet away from shrubbery or trees, as they give birds a place to hide from predators. Cats and squirrels can scare birds away from a feeding area. Also, pay attention to the winds. Whatever direction the winds typically come from, place the bird feeders on the opposite side of the building. Your home will help to break the wind. Birds enjoy a calmer area for feeding.

Popular choices for bird feed include millet, mixed seed, sunflower seed, corn, and suet. You can attract different species, depending on which food you place in your bird feeders. If you prefer to keep things simple, black-oil sunflower seeds attract the largest variety of birds. You might see chickadees, finches, woodpeckers, blue jays, cardinals, sparrows, and more. Another popular feed is mixed seed. Sprinkle it on the ground, or use it to fill a platform feeder. Fruits such as apples, bananas, and raisins can also attract several varieties of songbirds.

Plant appropriate flowers and use bird feeders. Place the feeders in locations that will attract birds, and choose your feed based on the types of birds you would like to attract. Clean the feeders regularly to keep them safe and sanitary.

About the Author

Rachel Dawson is a freelance writer who likes to watch interesting animals. She writes about
bird feeders
and
outdoor relaxation
.

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	Avant Garden 8501-3 Cottage Lantern Bird Feeder List Price: $20.00 Sale Price: $11.71 Average Rating:
	Metal/Plastic. Durable, metal construction w/rust resistant finish. 2 lb. seed capacity. Easy to fill and clean w/quick release metal seed cap.

	Duncraft 1744 Champion Squirrel Blocker Platform Feeder List Price: $59.95 Sale Price: $41.43 Average Rating:
	Invite the cheerful song and beauty of birds into the backyard with this covered platform feeder from Duncraft. Designed to accommodate birds of all sizes, the feeder discourages bushy-tailed visitors with its Squirrel Blocker screen system...

	Clingers Only Bird Feeder (Green) List Price: $12.89 Sale Price: $7.99 Used From: $10.99 Average Rating:
	Clingers Only (Green) Easy to fill and clean. Protects the birds we love from disease. Entire lid comes off to fill from top & easily locks back into place. Very small port on others which swivel open to fill (in snow and ice these freeze solid)...

	Audubon/Woodlink Hanging Platform Feeder Tan 13 X 13 X 2.5 - Naplat2 List Price: $41.75 Sale Price: $33.04
	UPC: 715038304173• Handcrafted 7/8 inch kiln-dried natural cedar with zinc chromate screws.• The 3 in 1 design has the ability to post mount, hang, or with flip out legs becomes a ground feeder.• Open-tray design provides an excellent view of birds eating...

	Schrodt Designs Model SBL-BT Big & Tall Songbird Lantern List Price: $54.00 Sale Price: $42.73
	• Bird feeder.• Keep filled with your favorite bird feed.Hand Crafted Redwood Lumber And Glass All-Purpose Feeder With A Larger Capacity.

	Schrodt Designs Model LSBL Little Songbird Lantern List Price: $28.00 Sale Price: $19.95
	Features: Our Little Songbird Lantern. Five inches tall. Feeder will attract finches, chickadees and other small feeding birds. Top loading hopper. Protects the seed from the elements. Glass panes reveal how much seed is available...

	Classic Thermos Bird Feeder List Price: $33.00 Sale Price: $30.49
	Hand Painted Resin, Seed Capacity 24 oz.

3 in 1 Platform Feeder $32.49 Audubon 3-in-1 Platform Bird Feeder Sturdy & Easy to Clean Treat your backyard birds to their favorite seed with the incredibly versatile Audubon 3-in-1 Platform Bird Feeder. This feeder combines rustic beauty with unmatched practical function to feed a flock of your feathered friends in any of three different ways. The open, fly-through design of the 3-in-1 Platform Bird Feeder allows all birds to feed comfortably whether the feeder is used as a hanging feeder, ground feeder, or mounted on top of a pole. Offer mealworms, fruit, nuts, suet, seed, and virtually anything else on the generous 11.5" x 11.5" screen feeding platform. The screen feeding platform will hold 2 quarts of anything you wish to feed. The metal screen provides excellent drainage to keep feed dry and fresh. The feeder's open design makes cleaning or adding feed quick and convenient. The 3-in-1 Platform Bird Feeder is handcrafted from durable cedar that will add a rustic elegance to your birding haven for years to come. This feeder may be hung by the coated wire hanger and hook, stand on the included collapsible wooden legs, or mounted to any pole using a mounting adapter (not included) attached to the 3.5" board on the underneath side of the feeder. Made in the USA. Birds That Use This Feeder Cardinals Chickadees Finches Goldfinches Grackles Flickers Grosbeaks Juncos Titmice Redpolls Kinglets Mockingbirds Wrens Siskins Sparrows Jays Nuthatches Woodpeckers Type of Seed or Feed Options Cracked Corn Sunflower Seed Safflower Seed Peanut chunks Mixed Seed Sunflower Kernel CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) Bird Feeder Details Feed Capacity 2. Quarts Dimensions 13” square x 3.5"H Mounting Hang Weight 6 Pounds Material Wood, Metal Feeding Ports Communal Ships Quickly!

Fly Through Platform Feeder $89.95 Environmentally Friendly This Rubicon Platform Bird Feeder features an environmentally friendly design and will surely last for more than one hundred years as it is made from recycled plastic milk jugs. This feeder will not fade, peel, rot, crack, chip, or warp. Just mount it on a platform and you will begin to see a variety of feathery friends. Unconditional 100 Year Guarantee Durable Construction Environmentally Safe Available in Hunter Green Dimensions 18" x 15" x 11 1/2" In Stock-Ships Fast

Hanging Platform Feeder $39.95 Hanging Platform Feeder Environmentally Friendly This Rubicon Bird Feeder features an environmentally friendly design and will surely last for more than one hundred years as it is made from recycled plastic milk jugs. This feeder will not fade, peel, rot, crack, chip, or warp. Unconditional 100 Year Guarantee Durable Construction Environmentally Safe Birds That Use This Feeder: Chickadees Finches Goldfinches Grosbeaks Juncos Kinglets Siskins Sparrows Titmice Towhees Woodpeckers Wrens Redpolls Nuthatches Type of Seed or Feed Options: Safflower Seed Mixed Seed Sunflower Seed Cracked Corn Peanut Chunks Sunflower Kernel Bird Feeder Details Feed Capacity 1.75lbs Dimensions 12.75"L x 12.75"W x 1.75"H Mounting Hang Weight 6 Pound Material Resin Feeding Ports 4 Ports In Stock-Ships Fast

WoodLink Going Green Recycled Bird Feeder - Hanging Platform $27.99 Recycled plastic construction Powder-coated, perforated metal screen bottom Plastic does not harbor mold or bacteria The Hanging Platform Feeder from WoodLink is constructed from up to 90% recycled plastic. It does not absorb water; therefore it won't harbor mold or bacteria, which means a healthier environment for you and the rest of the world! Features powder-coated, perforated metal screen bottom and metal cable for hanging. This environmentally friendly feeder makes a great gift for any nature lover. Dimensions: 2.5"H x 12.75"D x 12.75"L. Made in USA.

The Bird Feeder Book $7.68 Buy and sell [The Bird Feeder Book] at great prices.

The Ultimate Bird Feeder Handbook $9.92 Buy and sell [The Ultimate Bird Feeder Handbook] at great prices.

Three In One Platform Feeder $43.99 Three In One Platform Feeder Feed the Birds! This Three in One Platform Feeder can be used as a hanging feeder, a ground feeder, or mounted on a pole. Metal platform with hammered copper finish. Dimensions: 2.4" H x 13.3" W x 17.7" L 4.8 Pounds Ships Fast!

Watch Me Make A Bird Feeder $3.16 Buy and sell [Watch Me Make A Bird Feeder] at great prices.

Songview In-House Window Feeder $110.95 Songview In-House Window Feeder Bring Birds To You Watch birds feed in your home with the Heath In-House Window Bird Feeder. This feeder is designed for use in single hung or double hung windows, and brings all the excitement of birding close to you. A one-way mirrored plastic panel encased in cedar housing allows you to view your backyard birds up close without them seeing you. The large semicircular platform with recessed lip holds 0.75 quarts of seed, or accommodates meal worms and fruit to attract different birds. A raised bar offers perching, while the rest of the platform allows birds places to rest and dine. Lift the center section of the roof for refilling the unit, keeping a varied diet available for the birds. Two white panels are included to close the remainder of your window, as well as a strip of foam for added insulation beneath the feeder. The cedar construction is resistant to insects and rot, for a sturdy addition to your yard for several seasons. Bring birding activity to you with this In-House Window Bird Feeder. Made in the USA. CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) Birds That Use This Feeder: Blackbirds Bluebirds Cardinals Chickadees Doves Finches Flickers Goldfinches Grackles Grosbeaks Jays Juncos Kinglets Mockingbirds Nuthatches Nuthatches Orioles Redpolls Robins Siskins Sparrows Starlings Tanagers Thrushes Titmice Towhees Warblers Waxwings Woodpeckers Wrens Type of Seed or Feed Options: Cracked Corn Fruit Meal Worms Mixed Seed Peanut Chunks Peanuts In Shell Safflower Seed Sunflower Kernels Sunflower Seed Thistle Bird Feeder Details Feed Capacity 0.75 Quarts; 1.25 Pounds Dimensions 22.5"L x 6.75"W x 14.125"H Mounting Window Mount-Hardware Included Weight 8 Pounds Material Cedar, Plastic Feeding Ports Balcony for Many Birds In Stock-Ships Fast

Gnome Bird Feeder $75.95 Gnome Bird Feeder Every Garden Needs a Gnome This lovely hand made statuary feeder will adorn any indoor or outdoor environment and is perfect for the garden or landscaping. This piece is sure to bring the spirit of adventure to your garden. Made of weather resistant cast-stone resin, this gnome is bound to enchant all who set foot in your garden or yard. Surprise and delight visitors to your garden with this friendly gnome feeder statuary. Measures 9" L x 8.5" W x 16.5" H. Ships Quickly!

Bird Buffet Feeder $27.95 Bird Buffet Feeder Great for Larger Windows CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) This attractive feeder is made of high impact material and the heavy-duty suction cups attach directly to the window. The patented seed trays easily lift out of their bases for filling and cleaning - without detaching the feeder from the window. 3 removable trays 3/4 quart capacity Birds That Use This Feeder: Chickadees Finches Goldfinches Grosbeaks Juncos Kinglets Siskins Sparrows Titmice Towhees Woodpeckers Wrens Redpolls Nuthatches Type of Seed or Feed Options: Safflower Seed Mixed Seed Sunflower Seed Cracked Corn Peanut Chunks Sunflower Kernel Bird Feeder Details Feed Capacity 2 cups, 0.75 lb Dimensions 8"L x 4"W x 5"H Mounting Window Mount Weight 2 Pounds Material Resin Feeding Ports 2 Ports In Stock-Ships Fast

'A'-Frame Bird Feeder $9.49 *Attract wild birds to your yard with a colorful A-frame bird feeder *Bird supply utilizes breathable mesh for maximum drainage and air flow to help keep food fresh *Feeder keeps bird seed from getting and staying wet (forming unhealthy mold) *Colorful nylon fabric construction is lightweight but durable to withstand the elements