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
.

Breaking the cycle of homelessness
After sleeping in shelters and living on the streets, Philip Fuller says his East Chattanooga home off Chamberlain Avenue is a “starter heaven.”

	HANGING PLATFORM FEEDER, Color: TAN; Size: 13 X 13 X 2.5 (Catalog Category: Wild Bird:WILD BIRD FEEDERS) Sale Price: $39.51
	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...

	PLATFORM FEEDER BRACKET, Size: 4 X 2 X 4 (Catalog Category: Wild Bird:ACCESSORIES) Sale Price: $22.62
	For use with the slot n pin pole system Connect to platform feeder and then attach to pole(Size: 4 X 2 X 4 )

	PLATFORM BIRD FEEDER, Color: BROWN (Catalog Category: Wild Bird:WILD BIRD FEEDERS) Sale Price: $47.75
	Platform feeder can be hung or pole-mounted. Attract all varieties of birds, or feed the critters. Can also be used as a seed catcher.(Color: BROWN)

	Songbird Essentials 30" SeedHoop Seed Catcher & Platform Feeder Sale Price: $24.12
	Size:30' Seed Hoop Save money and your lawn with a Songbird Essentials seed hoop. Saves money by catching up to 90% of spilled seed. Protects lawn and garden from rotting seeds, weeds, and damage to grass...

	Wingscapes A/C Power Adapter for BirdCam List Price: $33.98 Sale Price: $35.48
	The A/C adapter allows users to power the camera from a regular wall outlet. Six-foot cord. INDOOR USE ONLY.

	Mad Catz Video Game Cyborg Gaming Joystick Flight Stick Wireless Playstation 3 List Price: $262.55 Sale Price: $152.57
	Appearing for the first time for PlayStation 3, the F.L.Y. 9 follows in the footsteps of the Cyborg line of PC flight sticks and offers gamers a stunningly realistic control method for flight sim or flight combat software.

	C & S Products Easy Fill Deluxe Snak/Suet Feeder with Roof and Platform List Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $11.62
	Features: Green wire basket, steel roof and platform bottom. Deluxe model makes feeding snak cakes a snap. Necessary key to your successful wild bird feeding.

	New Songbird Essentials Two-Way Window Mirror 20X12 Film Clings To Window With Removable Glue Spots List Price: $35.68 Sale Price: $14.99
	Notice:There would be 20% restocking fee for non-defective item if it is in restockable condition (we must be able to put on our shelves as a new product.)

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 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.

Woodlink Going Green Recycled Plastic Platform Bird Feeder - Nature $28.99 Made from recycled plastics Ready to hang Easy to fill and clean Help the environment and attract a variety of birds to your yard with this Woodlink Going Green Recycled Plastic Platform Bird Feeder. This feeder is made of recycled plastics and features an easy-to-fill, easy-to-clean design. Ample perching spots give birds plenty of space. Dimensions: 12.75''L x 12.75''D x 2.5''H .Made in USA. Manufacturer model : NAGGPLAT. Made from recycled plastics Ready to hang Easy to fill and clean Help the environment and attract a variety of birds to your yard with this Woodlink Going Green Recycled Plastic Platform Bird Feeder. This feeder is made of recycled plastics and f

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 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!

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.

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.

Birds at Bird Feeder $19.99 Birds at Bird Feeder - Premium Poster

Perky Pet Squirrel Resistant Easy Feeder $23.99 Safeguard your feeder, and eliminate squirrel damage with the Easy Feeder! Includes free 23? metal hook. The Perky Pet Easy Feeder features a wire barrier that protects against squirrel damage and holds 4 lbs. of seed. This squirrel proof feeder is inch-for-inch the best in the business at keeping squirrels out and letting birds in!

WoodLink Going Green Recycled Bird Feeder - Hanging Platform - Nature $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. 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 i

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!

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.

Ceramic Hooded Bird Feeder - Mini $12.99 SPET CERAMIC BIRD FEEDER-SMALL Scatter-less Ceramic Bird Feeder, Small SPET CERAMIC BIRD FEEDER-MED Scatter-less Ceramic Bird Feeder, Medium SPET CERAMIC BIRD FEEDER-LARGE Scatter-less Ceramic Bird Feeder, Large