Contemporary homes and modern office buildings often use insulated and reflective glass in their windows and even to replace entire walls. Although these windows may be aesthetically pleasing to humans they are lethal to birds. Unfortunately, many birds cannot distinguish the difference between the real sky and a reflection of the sky in a plate of reflective glass.

In the United States alone, it is estimated that each year during migration, millions of wild birds fly full force into windows and are seriously injured or instantly killed.

You can minimize these collisions by breaking up the reflection on the outside of the window with a window screen, flash tape and bird netting or a combination of all three.

Life-size, animate scare devices such as plastic falcons, owls and balloons, or the falcon and owl silhouettes attached to windows with suction cups are not effective deterrents.

You could also try planting trees and installing window awnings to block the sun from hitting the window to eliminate some of the reflective qualities of the glass.

But wild bird migration seasons aren’t the only time homeowners have trouble with birds and window collisions. Birds may hit your windows during breeding season, for territorial and instinctual reasons, and in the winter as well.

During breeding season, male cardinals, woodpeckers and mockingbirds may ‘fight’ their own reflections in windows (and car mirrors). Readers of this site have also claimed to have yellow and gold finches acting in the same manner. Generally these birds will stop banging into the window (or fighting with the window) as the breeding season ends. You can discourage them with screens and other barrier techniques.

Regardless of the season, birds can also fly into your house windows when they’re frightened while visiting a feeding station. Try moving the feeders a considerable distance away from the window, or immediately adjacent to the window so that wild birds don’t get up to flight speed before hitting the window.

That’s all for today!

Veronica

Filed in: Wild Bird Feeders, Wild Birds

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These ‘guests’ fall into two categories – those interested in the seeds (squirrels and chipmunks, rats and mice, starlings and house sparrows), and those interested in a bird for dinner (cats and hawks).

If you have trees, you will get to know squirrels. You may marvel at their antics, until they take over your bird feeders. Then you’ll either love them or hate them.

Those who love squirrels tolerate their visits, and may even encourage them with special squirrel toys and feeders.

But when a squirrel is at the feeder, you’re not likely to see birds. Squirrels will scare off the birds while they eat the seed, and sooner or later, they’ll eat the feeder too.

The simplest solution is the squirrel-proof feeder or pole, and storing your seed in a metal garbage can.

Chipmunks, rats and mice can also become a problem where there’s seed spillage under the feeder. Don’t use mixed bird seed (far too much waste), and if you don’t have a squirrel problem, add a feeder tray to catch fall out before it hits the ground.

Crows, house sparrows and starlings can also be trouble guests. The troubles with these birds can be eliminated by seed and feeder selection.

Cats are another story altogether. Feral (wild) cats and your neighbor’s pet tabby are a serious threat to nestlings, fledglings and roosting birds. Far too often, the presence of just one cat on the prowl near your feeder can take the enjoyment out of your backyard bird watching experience.

When a cat sits drooling under your feeder, you’re not likely to see any birds and you’ll be horrified to find a pile of feathers on the ground one day when you know ‘that cat’ has been by.

If your neighbor is reasonable, suggest a bell collar. If that doesn’t work, consider getting yourself a pet — a dog! Birds don’t seem to be bothered by most dogs, but cats and squirrels are and they’ll high tail it off your property!

If there are no cats in your neighborhood and you find a pile of feathers near your feeder, look for a hungry hawk perching on a tree nearby and circling regularly. Try not to get upset if you do see one, Cooper’s and sharp-shinned hawks eat birds and play an important role in the natural circle of life.

Whatever you do, don’t put out poisons, or traps for birds of prey! These birds (as most) are protected by Federal law.

Filed in: Bird Feeders, Wild Bird Feeders

Well, perhaps not the only factor, but without considering the placement of the nesting box, you have minimal chance for success.

Where you put your bird house is as important as the design, entrance hole size, materials used, and construction of the box. Cavity nesting birds are very particular about where they live and begin their families. No matter how perfect your nest box, if you don’t have the right habitat, the birds aren’t likely to find it and use it.

Not everyone has the perfect habitat and location for a wood duck, purple martin, or screech owl. On the other hand, just about anyone can attract and entice a robin, titmouse, wren, or chickadee to their yard to rear nestlings.

If you’re reading this artilce I’m going to assume that you have either just built or bought the perfect bird house/nesting box.

But what happens when the birds don’t nest in it? After all it’s been sitting in your yard since February and now months have passed, and not one wild bird has landed on it much less been seen coming in and out of it. What could be wrong?

It may be that you don’t have the right habitat to attract the bird that would love the size and shape of your nesting box, or it may even be as simple as the height you’ve mounted it.

You have a lot of options but I’d always suggest starting with a good field guide or backyard birder’s resource. This will tell you the precise bird your box will suit, the precise bird house you need to attract the birds you’re after, as well as proper placement of the nesting box. You can also learn ways to make your yard more suitable to birds. This really can be as easy as adding a bird bath or planting fruit trees or berry shrubs in your yard.

Of course the easiest is to first identify the birds that are already pleased with your yard and then buy the appropriate nest box.

Should you hang it from a tree limb, nail it to a fence, or mount it on a pole or a tree trunk?

There’s a wide range between how high and low your preferred bird will want their nesting box.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• bird houses mounted on metal poles are less vulnerable to predators than houses nailed to tree trunks or hung from tree limbs,
• use no more than four small nest boxes for any one species or one large box per acre
• put about 100 yards between bluebird boxes and 75 yards between swallow boxes (if you have both species, “pair” the houses with one bluebird box 25 feet from a swallow box. Put the “pair” 100 yards away.)
• don’t put bird houses near bird feeders
• don’t put more than one box in a tree, unless the tree is extremely large or the boxes are for different species
• if you have very hot summers, face the entrance holes of your boxes north or east to avoid overheating the box.

Filed in: Wild Birds

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Nesting materials can also be hung in a wire cage. These cages are especially popular in the spring when birds will come and choose those that are suitable for them. Try thin strips of clothing or rags, small twigs, wool, and even feathers.

There are more than two dozen birds in the USA and Canada that are happy to nest in bird houses. The most important measurement in any nesting box and the birds it attracts is the diameter of the entrance hole. An inch and a half is small enough to deter starlings. Starlings and house sparrows have been known to kill many baby birds as well as adults sitting on the nest.

Nesting birds have problems with other predators as well. The easiest way to discourage predatory cats, snakes, raccoons, and chipmunks is to mount the nesting box on a metal pole, or pick up a metal predator guard for wood post mounts.

Here are a few of the most common, and preferred, wild birds that you can help in your neighborhood:

Bluebirds – If you put up a bluebird house near an open field, orchard, park, cemetery, or golf course, you’ll have a very good chance of attracting a pair of nesting bluebirds. These beautiful and beneficial birds prefer nest boxes on a tree stump or wooden fence post, elevated to between three and five feet high. Bluebirds will also nest in the old nesting holes of woodpeckers so if a dead or dying tree isn’t posing any troubles and you see a woodpecker hole in the trunk you might like to leave it standing – at least until autumn.

Robins – Robins are our largest birds of the thrush family. They prefer to build their nest in the crotch of a tree or a nesting platform. These birds like to nest six feet or higher up in a shaded area. We get them under the overhang of our hay shed and front porch. Creating “mud puddles” nearby assists robins in the spring, as they use mud to line their nests.

Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Titmice These smaller birds share the same food, feeders, and habitats. If you put a properly designed nest box in a wooded yard, at least one pair is sure to check it out and one may stay to grace you with babies that return year after year! Chickadee nesting boxes are perfect at 6′ elevation. Nuthatches can be between 5-6′ elevation. You can hang them from limbs or secure them to tree trunks. The entrance hole should be 1-1/8″ to attract chickadees yet exclude house sparrows. Encourage these birds to stay in your yard by continuing to fill your suet and peanut feeders through the summer and keep a bird bath or dripper going at all times for them.

Brown Creepers and Prothonotary Warblers – Brown creepers generally like to nest behind the curved bark of tree trunks. If your yard or garden is heavily wooded, slab bark houses will appeal to creepers. Prothonotary warblers also prefer slab bark houses, but they will only nest in boxes positioned over water.

Wrens – Wrens don’t seem to be very picky about where they nest and are a beautiful wild bird to watch rear their young. Try nest boxes with a 1″ x 2″ horizontal slot (larger for the Carolina wren) instead of the standard circle shape entrance as these rectangular openings are easier for the wrens to use. Wrens are notorious for filling up any conceivable nest cavity with twigs, regardless of whether they end up using the nest or not. Since male house wrens build several nests for the female to choose from, hang several nest boxes at eye level on partly sunlit tree limbs. Wrens have always been one of my personal favorites because they are not ‘put off’ by humans being near their homes so they can be poisitioned quite close to the house and are perfect for smaller lots.

Tree and Violet-green Swallows – Beautiful white-bellied birds with iridescent blue-green backs and wing, are a joy to have nearby. They’re also beneficial as they are insect eaters. Tree swallows prefer nest boxes attached to dead trees. Space the boxes seven feet apart, the ideal setting is on the edge of a field near a lake, pond, or river. The gorgeous violet-green swallows from the west, nest in forested mountains. Nesting boxes placed on large trees in a semi-open woodland attracts them.

Barn Swallows and Phoebes – Barn swallows and phoebes are another easy and beneficial bird to attract. It’s their nesting behavior, not their plumage or song, that you’ll fall in love with over and over again. These birds tend to nest where you’d rather not have them: on a ledge right over your front door or at the far entrance to the barn. To avoid a mess by your door, offer the birds a nesting shelf nearby where it’s more convenient and you may get lucky if they prefer it. These birds are not bothered by human activity nearby.

Purple Martins – Many people want martins because, it’s been said, each bird can eat 2,000 mosquitoes a day. While it’s true that Purple Martins eat flying insects, don’t expect purple martins to wipe out your mosquito population. Martins actually prefer dragonflies, which are far more benefical for mosquito control as they prey on mosquito larvae. Don’t cross martins off your list because they don’t live up to their mosquito killing reputation though, these gregarious wild birds from the swallow family put on quite a show for human observers! Martins prefer to nest on the edge of a pond or river, surrounded by a field or lawn. As they nest in groups, the houses you may purchase for a colony are often the most elaborate. Look for a house with a minimum of four large rooms, 6 or more inches on all sides, with a 2 1/2″ entrance hole. You might also like to check out bird house gourds as purple martins seem to prefer these.

Flycatchers – The Great Crested Flycatcher and its western cousin, the Ash-Throated Flycatcher, are common in wooded suburbs. Their natural nesting sites are abandoned woodpecker holes (see note on dead or dying trees above). Flycatchers may nest in a bird house if it’s elevated about ten feet up, in a tree in an orchard, or at the edge of a field or stream.

Woodpeckers – Beautiful and funny wild birds that are easily attracted with suet feeders. However, only the flicker and the red-bellied woodpeckers are likely to use a nesting box to rear their young. These birds prefer a box with roughened interior and a floor covered with a two-inch layer of wood chips or coarse sawdust. Flickers are especially attracted to nest boxes filled with sawdust, which they “excavate” to suit themselves. For best results, place the box in direct sunlight.

Owls – Owls seldom build their own nests. The Great horned Owl and the Long-Eared Owls prefer abandoned crow and hawk nests. Other owls (barred, barn, saw-whet, boreal and screech) will nest in tree cavities and bird houses though. Barn owls are best known for selecting nesting sites near farms. Where trees are sparse, these birds will nest in church steeples, silos, and hay mows. If you live near a farm or a golf course, try fastening a nest box about 15 feet up on a tree trunk to see if you can attract them onto your property (they’re great to keep the rodent population down!). Screech owls prefer abandoned woodpecker holes at the edge of a field or neglected orchard. They will readily take to a nesting box if you line it with an inch or two of wood shavings. If you clean the box out in late spring after the young owls have fledged, you may attract a second tenant–a kestrel. Trees isolated from larger tracts of woods have less chance of squirrels taking over, and often ruining the nesting box.

Filed in: Bird Specific, Wild Birds

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Check here for the absolute best deals on tube feeders right now!

Verdigris Finish Big Tube Seed Feeders

This big feeder has a capacity of 3.5 quarts. The seed tube is 4″ diameter x 18″ tall. Metal parts on this feeder have a durable verdigris finish. 6 feeding stations. Can be hung or post mounted. Order Now.

Brass Big Tube Seed Wild Bird Feeder

This bigger feeder also has a capacity of 3.5 quarts (It is the same as the verdigris version, just a different metal product used – both long lasting, both beautiful).

Metal parts on this wild bird feeder are plated with brass! Makes a great gift idea. Heavy zinc die-cast top, bottom and feed stations. 6 feeding stations.

A deflector in the base of the feeder directs the seed to the bottom seed ports so the birds are able to reach every last seed. Can be hung or post mounted. Polycarbonate seed tube is 4″ diameter x 18″ tall. Brass Tube Feeder – Order Now.

More Big Tube Wild Bird Feeders

The feeder on the left features a 3.5 quart seed capacity. Six individual perches at the reinforced seed ports. Clear, UV stabilized polycarbonate feeder tube keeps the seed level visible. Simply slide the die-cast metal cap up for quick, convenient cleaning and filling. Feeder may be hung on the included metal loop hanger or pole mounted. Internal seed baffle design directs seed to the ports. Made in the USA with a lifetime guarantee. Order this model here.

Brass Big Tube Wild Bird Feeder

The feeder on the right is the same as the model directly above on the left, only of brass. Made in the USA with a lifetime guarantee. See this and related wild bird feeders here.

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John Deere Absolute Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder

Order the John Deere feeder here. or check ebay for the best prices on John Deere gifts right now.

For more squirrel proof feeders scroll down (or type ’squirrel’ into the search box above left). Other signature feeders in this post are not considered squirrel proof, they have been selected for their unique appearance only.

Terra Cotta Fly Thru Wild Bird Feeder (above left) Click here for recent reviews or to order.

Metal & Ceramic Fly Through Wild Bird Feeder (above right) Direct link to the Metal and Ceramic feeder.

Fun Style! Olde Town Cafe Wild Bird Feeder

Learn more about the Olde Town Cafe Feeder here.

Garden Ballet Hummingbird Mobile. Graceful bends of sculpted metal combined with glass nectar containers create a stunning, hanging, garden sculpture that is both functional and beautiful. Tempered glass nectar containers resist scratches and fading even in the hottest sun rays. This unit holds nearly 30 ounces of sweet nectar that you can easily prepare yourself using just sugar and water (no dyes needed – which can actually harm your hummingbird visitors). Buy this hummingbird feeder online!

Filed in: Wild Bird Feeders

Search by: Squirrel Proof, Wild Bird Feeder

I know, I know, they aren’t entirely practical, but they sure are beautiful and will look great in your garden! Who says practical always wins anyway?

Dreaming of the seaside? Try the Lighthouse Bird Feeder in your backyard and see if it doesn’t make you smile every time you find the wild birds taking a break there! Made of glazed ceramic in true historic East Coast style. Each feeder has six feeding stations and wood perches. Suitable for use with all standard seed mixtures. Grab your own lighthouse bird feeder!

More lighthouse deals here!

Fun Terracotta Feeders. These feeders fill up with seed by a removable plug on the top of either design. Choose between Old Sol (featured above), or Mr. Moon. Better yet, buy both and hang them in the east and west! Old Sol holds approximately 3.5 pounds of seed. Mr. Moon holds about 1.75 pounds. See the Mr. Moon design here.

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First up, The Nuttery! (featured above left) Squirrel resistant and dishwasher safe. A great name and classic styling but it seems a little over-priced when compared to some other squirrel ‘proof’ feeders I’ve used in the past. If you’re interested, check it out here. And, if you have this product, please let me know how you feel about it!

Check out all the squirrel proof feeders currently on sale – starting at $5.99!

The real star – in my opinion – is a few dollars more, but is squirrel proof. You see it above on the right. Not only is it squirrel proof, but it is absolutely beautifully designed! This tube feeder features heavy-duty construction in either stainless steel or copper. It is virtually indestructible by squirrels and can hold a total of 10 pounds of seed which makes it great for those hard to reach hanging places or to continue feeding the birds while you’re on a winter holiday. Twelve feeding stations in all with one independent thistle and two seperate sunflower tubes. As well as mixed seed. The built-in funnel and a quick release seed tray allows for fast and easy filling and clean-up. My favorite, the copper finish, is shown above. Click here to see the stainless version or to order online.

Filed in: Wild Bird Feeders

Search by: squirrels, feeding the birds

Two great feeders from the same company with lifetime guarantees!

Aspects .75 quart thistle feeder (above left) comes with a lifetime guarantee and features individual perches at the six seed ports. I’ve had one of these feeders for years and it’s still one of my favorites for attracting goldfinches when they’re in my area – many other varieties of wild birds will also enjoy the thistle seed as well.

A clear, UV stabilized polycarbonate feeder tube keeps the seed level visible without fogging. Simply slide the die-cast metal cap up for quick, convenient cleaning and filling. The feeder may be hung on the included metal loop hanger or pole mounted. Internal seed baffle design directs seed to ports on the feeder base. Clear plastic skirt holds a pair of perches below. Made in the USA. Get the best price here.

Larger Model – Thistle Tube Wild Bird Feeder

This model is the same great design but holds 1.25 quarts of seed and has eight (instead of 6) thistle seed ports. Internal seed baffle design directs seed to ports on the feeder base. Clear, UV stabilized polycarbonate feeder tube keeps the seed level visible at all times. All the same features as above and is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime guarantee. About $4 more than the smaller size – order here.

Filed in: Wild Bird Feeders

The Black Forest feeder (at left, above) is an ornate metal hanging feeder adorned with metal branches and plastic carved birds. It comes with a metal chain and hook for hanging. The feeder holds up to 4 pounds of seeds. Refill by simply lifting the top. And…this item ships free everyday! Click here for any newly posted reviews or to order this model.

I call it Cobalt Elegance (pictured at right, above). It is gorgeous, especially when the sun’s rays twinkle through it! This is a silver-ringed feeder with a stunning cobalt blue seed tube. Designed to accommodate many backyard bird species, even the coveted Cardinal. The big ring perch is sturdy enough to hold them securely while they eat. The seed capacity of this model is approximately 3/4 gallon of wild bird seed mix. The seed tube is about 4 inches in diameter. Great gift idea for bird lovers! Buy it now on amazon.com.

Filed in: Wild Bird Feeders

The first, double-purpose tubular squirrel-proof feeder (above left) handles both seed and suet feeding. At 20 3/4″ tall, the 10 1/2″ diameter cage keeps squirrels and large birds away from the seed. The feeder has 4 seed ports and 2 suet cake holders. Song birds love the cage, which they pass through easily and also use for perching. This squirrel-proof feeder arrives at your door fully assembled and ready to hang. Includes the “Squirrel-Lock” seed protection which keeps seed out of squirrels’ reach so less is wasted. Seed is also protected from weather and snow build-up by the domed roof. A durable all-metal construction provides a long life for this top of the line feeder. Order yours today!

The Globe Squirrel-resistant feeder (above right) provides a safe feeding haven for small birds. This product was researched with the British Trust for Ornithology, and is a well-designed bird feeder that keeps average sized gray squirrels out yet allows chickadees, finches and other small birds in – just what you’re after!

The innovative design also keeps other predators like cats and large birds away from the seed and gives the smaller birds a safe feeding zone. Polycarbonate locking central food tube with four feeding stations is designed to hold sunflower and wild birdseed. The ‘cage’ is made with heavy-gauge powder-coated steel to ensure long life, feeding your backyard songbirds for many years to come. 12″ diameter x 11″ H. Order the Millenium Globe Squirrel Proof feeder – or check for recent reviews – by clicking here.

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A Backyard Birder wrote in and said: “Sturdy, Easy to Use & Fun to Watch. This feeder holds a lot of seed, which is great because the birds love to eat from this feeder. And my cat & I love to watch them. My cat will sit with her face right up against the window and the birds have no idea that she is there. The feeder is also easy to fill, just open your window and fill right from inside your home. I have many feeders, and this is by far my favorite. Order this model here.

The other window feeder model featured (above right) is the Easyview Windowsill Wild Bird Feeder.

One bird watching customer said: Improved viewing! “We’ve had this style of bird feeder for over 3 years. This new one provides even clearer view and protective cover that keeps food dry. It also has a screen under food so that it dries out and chaff blows away. Much cleaner.” Order the Easyview here.

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The Grandview and The Evenfeed Bird Feeders – Comparison and Reviews

The Grandview Wild Bird Feeder (above left) features twelve seed ports and a clear, hexagonal feeder tube that holds more than 5 quarts of your favorite wild bird seed. You’ll be able to see, at a glance, the the seed level in the tube at all times.

Innovative design and classic styling. Plus, all the feeding ports have individual perches. May be hung with included metal bracket hanger. 7.5″ square plastic seed tray. Easy to clean and fill. Made in the USA. To learn more about the Grandview, click here.

The Evenfeed Feeder System (above right) allows you to fill less often and feed more birds. How? This isn’t like a traditional feeder. Traditional feeders dispense seed from a single cavity, reducing the number of available ports as the seed level goes down. That will decrease the number of birds you can feed at one time and may discourage them visiting your feeder regularly.

On the other hand, the Evenfeed System is composed of three separate chambers that empty equally into 12 feeding stations. This allows birds to feed at all 12 ports until the feeder empties. Easy-fill Evenfeed System allows uniform feeding. Plastic feeder disassembles for easy cleaning. Tray reduces seed waste. Drain holes keep seed and tray drier. Holds up to 8 lbs. of black oil sunflower seed or seed mix.

If you’re looking for something a little more fun and unique, you simply have to check out the Metro below!

A little upscale, a little metropolitan…Looking for something a little different? This feeder holds 2.25 pounds of seed, is made of clear, sturdy plastic and U-shaped perches provide four feeding stations for your feathered visitors. 2-in-1 ports allows for switching from mixed seed/sunflower to thistle, niger or finch mix in seconds.

The sure-Lock cap system also helps to keep the squirrels out. Measures 7 inches in length with top cap measuring 9.75 inches in diameter. Includes a sturdy wire hanger. Get your own Metro here.

Filed in: Wild Bird Feeders

The Droll Yankees Domed Cage Sunflower Wild Bird Feeder (above left) is one of the hottest selling feeders available today. The style combines a very popular tube style feeder with an 8″ diameter green wire cage that allows songbirds easy clearance through the 11/2″ openings. Keeps squirrels and large birds away from the seed. The tube is easy to remove for cleaning to maintain the health of the birds. 15″ long x 8″ wide. This model is a little more expensive than the average feeder on the market, but in my opinion it is well worth the price as you’ll enjoy it for many years. Check out the best deals here.

The second model (shown above right) is the new Feed Safe bird feeder. It allows a wide varitey of birds to feed while keeping squirrels out.

The cage feature will not allow the body of an average grey squirrel to pass through to the feed which saves you money and mess! And allows your backyard birds to feed without interruption. Order this model now… or use our handy search feature to browse other squirrel proof wild bird feeders at AttractWildBirds.com.

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Search by: squirrels

Perky Pet’s Festival Wild Bird Feeder is constructed of acrylic with zinc cap and perches to resist squirrel damage. And it comes with a full-color poster to help you and your family identify the birds that will be seen at your feeder!

The attached cap slides along the hanging bail for easy filling and cleaning. Four feeding stations and a detachable feeding tray allow a wider variety of birds to feed and the tray reduces waste and mess. The clear see through construction allows you to monitor seed level to be sure the feeder is never empty. You can hang this model or use the handy pole mount. Some assembly is required. Order this model and get the free poster here.

Pretty, pretty feeder. A silver-ringed feeder with a cobalt blue seed tube. Designed to accommodate many backyard bird species. Big ring perch is particulary appealing to cardinals. Seed capacity of 3/4 gallon of wild bird seed mix. Seed tube is about 4 inches in diameter. A great gift idea for bird lovers! Buy it now on amazon.com.

Filed in: Wild Bird Feeders