St Petesburg Fun with BirdsThis Is For the Birds!

bird feeders and houses

Butterfly And Bird Feeders

Butterfly and bird feeders attract lovely critters to your yard. Your primary ways of supplying food are with appropriate flowers and with bird feeders.

Many flowers attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. You can plant herbs such as sage and thyme. Also try catnip, hyssop, or lavender. Try other plants such as butterfly bush and bee balm. Phlox, purple coneflower, and sedum make good choices, as well. And you have numerous other options that will help to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard.

Hummingbirds also like hummingbird feeders. You can boil together one part sugar to four parts water. Let the solution cool completely before adding it to the feeder. Contrary to popular opinion, you don't have to add red food coloring to the sugar water to attract hummingbirds. Some experts even discourage red food coloring. You should clean out the feeder once per week with hot, soapy water. You should rinse the feeder with boiling water. Then refill it with a fresh batch of sugar water. Even if the hummingbirds did not drink all the sugar water from the previous week, you should replace it. If you leave it longer, it can ferment and harm the birds. If you find they aren't drinking much, don't fill the feeders as high.

Hanging bird feeders attract other types of birds (finches, for example). Some songbirds prefer platform feeders, and others are most likely to eat right off the ground. When placing bird feeders, you should consider some of the following suggestions. Place bird feeders a few feet away from shrubbery or trees. Dense foliage gives birds a place to hide from predators. They may not want to feed in areas where they are more open to attack. Secondly, a location shielded from wind will probably help to attract birds to the feeder. If winds typically come from a certain direction, place the bird feeders on the opposite side of your house; the building will help to break the wind.

Depending on how you stock your feeders, you can attract different types of songbirds. If you want to buy only one type of seed that will attract the largest variety of birds, black-oil sunflower seeds will be your best choice. Chickadees, finches, woodpeckers, blue jays, cardinals, and sparrows all prefer sunflower. Mixed seed is also a popular choice, but it works best either sprinkled on the ground or offered in a platform feeder (as opposed to a tube feeder). Fruit can also attract birds such as robins and mockingbirds. In this case, try sliced apples or bananas, or even raisins.

By planting appropriate flowers, you may be able to entice butterflies and hummingbirds into your yard. Installing hummingbird feeders will provide an extra food source beyond nectar. Bird feeders should attract songbirds. Take care to place them out of the wind, in an area where they can hide from predators in bushes or trees. Choose your feed based on what varieties of birds you would like to attract. Then sit back and watch as interesting creatures visit your yard.

About the Author

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

Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder with Free Metal Hook $28.99 A classic among squirrel proof feeders, this one has ports that close under a squirrel?s weight, preventing the squirrel from raiding the seed supply. Includes FREE 23? metal hook. The Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder features six feeding ports, U-shaped perches and a 2 lb. seed capacity. The feeding ports have sturdy metal perches that allow birds to feed comfortably but, when the squirrels perch on them, their weight causes the entire metal casing to slip down, completely blocking the feeding ports and their access to the seed. The interior seed tower is surrounded by rustic metalwork.

Perky Pet Copper Sip And Seed Wild Bird Feeder with Seed Scoop $31.87 This classy bird feeder with its beautiful seed and water containers allows you to offer both food and water to wild birds in your yard. The Perky Pet Copper Sip and Seed bird feeder is made of glass and antiqued copper finish. The unique double silo design is sure to compliment any backyard décor. It is exclusive to Perky Pet; none of our competitors have anything like this product! The silos of the Copper Sip and Seed Bird Feeder feature a patent-pending collar that twists to feature a seed opening or a water opening. This innovation allows the consumer to serve seed and water, or when winter approaches and water will freeze, to fill both silos with seed. The feeder hangs from a decorative copper-finish scroll hanger. It holds 1.15 lb of seed and 22 oz of water. Comes with a FREE seed scoop.

Birdscapes Squirrel-Be-Gone I Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder, 350 $33.99 The anti-squirrel technology of this squirrel proof birdfeeder makes this one of the best on the market. Birds eat from 8 ports. Includes FREE 23? metal hook. The Birdscapes Squirrel-Be-Gone I wild bird feeder features 8 U-shaped perches, 8 feeding ports and a 6 lb. seed capacity. The interior seed tower is surrounded by metalwork. The clear, shatter-proof plastic reservoir makes it easy to monitor seed levels.

Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone II Home Style Wild Bird Feeder $34.82 This innovative squirrel proof feeder keeps squirrels from raiding the birdseed. The home style appearance of this delightful feeder will attract birds - and birdwatchers, too!! The Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone II wild bird feeder features a weight activated perch bar that closes to prevent squirrels from accessing the seed supply. Adjustable springs can be calibrated to accommodate different birds sizes and keep away nuisance birds as well as squirrels.

Perky Pet Break Away Bird Feeder and Squirrel Repellent $31.99 This squirrel proof birdfeeder plus squirrel repellent spray kit makes this combination one of the best ways to keep the squirrels from raiding the feeder while allowing the birds to eat to their hearts' and stomachs' content! he Perky Pet Fortress Breakaway Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder features 4 feeding ports, a 3.5 lb. seed capacity and an easy-fill wide mouth top. The perches ?break away? under the weight of a squirrel and the seed ports shut simultaneously, as a result. This model is for hang mounting and features a quick release metal top. The clear plastic reservoir makes it easy to monitor seed levels. These innovations makes this squirrel proof birdfeeder one of the most economical and convenient on the market!

Birdscapes 2-in-1 Triple Tube Feeder and Squirrel Repellent Kit $69.99 This economical feeder and squirrel repellent spray will help allow birds to eat from the nine perch/feeding stations without being hampered by pesky squirrels. The nine perch/feeding station set-up makes this feeder one of the most economical and convenient of the tube bird feeders on the market!

Birdscapes 2-in-1 Triple Tube Wild Bird Feeder, 329 $53.07 The Birdscapes 2-in-1 Triple Tube Feeder features an exclusive design allowing for easy switching from a mixed/sunflower setting to a thistle/finch mix position?the variety in food choice allows for variety in wild birds stopping by to feed. The feeder has an 11 lb. of seed capacity and 9 feeding stations. A triple tube system allows for three different types of seed to be dispensed and a tray catches seeds and shells. The clear, shatter-proof plastic reservoir makes it easy to monitor seed levels.

Perky Pet Squirrel Be Gone & Total Squirrel Control Kit $49.99 This combination of squirrel proof feeder, squirrel baffler and squirrel repellent is sure to keep the little pesky squirrels from reaching the seed. A classic among squirrel proof feeders, this one has ports that close under a squirrel?s weight, preventing the squirrel from raiding the seed supply. The Perky Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder features six feeding ports, U-shaped perches and a 2 lb. seed capacity. The feeding ports have sturdy metal perches that allow birds to feed comfortably but, when the squirrels perch on them, their weight causes the entire metal casing to slip down, completely blocking the feeding ports and their access to the seed. The interior seed tower is surrounded by rustic metalwork.

Perky Pet Aster Top-Fill, Push-Pull Hummingbird Feeder With Free Mop $12 Attracting, feeding and enjoying hummingbirds is so easy with our top fill hummingbird feeder. Includes FREE foam cleaning mop. The Perky Pet Aster Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder features our new Push-Pull technology for effortless refilling - just push, pour, then pull-and-lock! It includes an easy to fill wide mouth top and an advanced "sports bottle" like function to facilitate replenishing the nectar. The four feeding ports appear as yellow aster flowers, creating a sweet, inviting look.

Perky Pet Antique Hummingbird Feeder Set With Free Nectar $16.58 Hummingbirds and hummingbird enthusiasts will be attracted to this classic antique glass bottle design with brushed silver accents. Comes with all you need to feed the birds and keep your feeder clean! The Perky Pet Antique Bottle Hummingbird Feeder holds 10 ounces of nectar and features a sea-green glass bottle with brushed silver accents. In addition, the feeder features four decorative flower feeding ports surrounding its base.

	Recycled 10"x10" Hanging Tray w/Steel Rods Sale Price: $25.27
	Poly-lumber made from recycled plastic and milk jugs, lifetime guarantee to never crack, split or fade, stainless steel screws. This patented designed feeder is ready to hang!

	Stovall 15F Large Screen Feeder Tray List Price: $36.99 Sale Price: $33.22
	The Pavilion Feeder can be used for seed or food block. It is also great for an all around pavillion ground feeder.

	Aqua Globes AG011706 Glass Plant Watering Bulbs, 2-Pack List Price: $17.99 Sale Price: $6.97 Used From: $12.00
	Aqua Globes are an attractive solution for automatic houseplant watering. Fill he hand blown stained glass globes as the plant needs it. Aqua Globes are a great alternative to the daily chore of watering plants and an excellent choice for automatic watering while on vacation...

	Nite Guard Solar NG-001 Predator Control Light, Single Pack List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $19.99 Used From: $16.96
	The Nite Guard solar-powered night predator light is a maintenance-free unit that keeps nocturnal predators away from your birds, livestock and property. Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 3 x 1 x 2, Removal Of: Nocturnal predators, Single, Pair, or Set: Single, Power Source: Solar, Indoor/Outdoor Use: Outdoor, Material Type: Sealed temperature resistant plastic, Includes: Auto on and off

	K&H 9000 Ice Eliminator BirdBath 50-Watt De-Icer List Price: $33.99 Sale Price: $27.58 Used From: $28.05
	Color:White, Wattage:50 watts The unique design and low energy consumption aren't the only reasons Ice Eliminator has become a best seller. Let's just list a few more. Solid aluminum housing keeps the unit from falling out of the birdbath...

	Vintage Bird Films DVD w/ the Vulture, Eagle Owl, Falcon, Hawk & Cuckoo Birds List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $8.49 Used From: $21.53
	Amazing film about birds of prey found in the U.S., specifically the owl and the cuckoo. Incredible vintage footage of these birds in their natural habitat makes these beautiful documentaries come to life...

	Silent Vintage Nature Cinema: The Cuckoo DVD (1920s) List Price: $7.99 Sale Price: $4.99
	This is a rare nature film from the silent era in filmmaking. The subject (described by text cards) is the life of the cuckoo. The habits and behavior of the cuckoo were still a mystery in the 1920s, and this documentary explores all aspects of this cute and cuddly bird in great detail...

	Panasonic Wireless Network Camera and Pet Cam (BL-C20A) List Price: $199.00 Used From: $148.99
	Box Contents: Wireless/Wired Network Camera, bracket, power supply, mounting hardware, CD-ROM, software and instructions. There's a wise saying, "Be safe rather than sorry." The Panasonic BL-C20A Wireless/Wired Network Camera is designed to help you keep watch of anything inside your home using your PC...

	MESH HOUSE PEANUT/SUNFLOWER FEEDER, Color: BLACK; Size: 8 PORT (Catalog Category: Wild Bird:WILD BIRD FEEDERS) Sale Price: $40.48
	Powder coated metal peanut and sunflower feeder 8 ports Hanger attached(Color: BLACK; Size: 8 PORT)