Author: WildBirds

Choosing the Right Bird Seed Tube Feeder

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

Tube feeders are a great way to offer your backyard birds some tasty and nutritious bird seed anytime of the year.  This type of bird seed feeder is available in a variety of styles and sizes that you are sure to find one that suits your needs.  A great feature about tube feeders is that they neatly hold the bird seed until the bird comes to take it and the seed stays fresher inside of the tube protected from the elements.  When choosing your bird seed tube feeder, here are some things that your should consider:

  • The type of bird that you want to attract.  Tube feeders can hold a variety of bird seed.  Some can hold only sunflower seeds, thistle seeds, and others can hold a variety of seeds.  Some birds, such as finches, desire thistle seed, so putting up a thistle seed tube feeder will help to attract these types of birds.  One of my favorite bird seed is the Triple Tube Wild Bird Feeder because it can hold either mixed seed or thistle seed.  It also holds 10.5 pounds of bird seed, so you won’t have to keep refilling it everyday.
  • The amount of seed you want it to hold.  There are several bird seed tube feeders that come in a variety of sizes to give you a coordinated look in your yard or you can use one length throughout your yard.  The larger amount of seed the tube feeder holds, the less you will have to fill it up.  A great tube feeder for any bird lover that is available in different sizes is the  Quick-Clean Seed Tube Feeder.   Not only is this feeder easy to fill, it is also easy to clean.
  • The type of material.  While most bird seed tube feeders are available in a clear, UV-resistant plastic, some manufacturers are now making bird seed tube feeders in an earth friendly material.  Whether it is glass, UV-resistant plastic or recycled plastic, it will be easy for you to clean and maintain.  The EZ Clean Recycled Bird Feeder with Green Seed Ports is a great feeder for any environmentally-conscious bird lover.  This feeder is made of recycled plastic milk jugs and has a snap-out base that makes it easy to clean.

With so many styles to choose from, it can be hard to choose a tube feeder.  It is a good idea to select a few different types if you are a new bird enthusiast to determine which feeder works best for you.  For a great selection of all your bird supply needs, check out Rachel’s Robin.

Easily Improve Your Knowledge of Birds with a Book

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

During the fall and winter, when most of the birds have migrated south, it is a great time to improve your knowledge of birds.  Improving your knowledge of birds is important when trying to attract more birds to your yard or when identifying a particular type of bird.  An informative book is a great way to increase your knowledge of both birds and attracting birds to your yard.

One of my favorite bird books is the National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds.  This informative book has great information on birds that are native to North America.  You will learn all about the birds that live in your zone and their feeding and living habits.  This type knowledge is ideal for learning how to attract the birds you want to see to your yard with seed, feeders, and shelter.  In addition, this book is great for taking with you as a guide on a nature walk in the park or the woods.  You will want to have this great book with every time you are bird watching.

For the beginning bird watcher, a great bird book to have is the Stokes Bird Feeder Book.  This book is very useful when planning out your bird feeder collection for the upcoming year.  It gives you imformative information on the various types of bird feeders available, what types of bird feeder shapes to start out with, and great pictures of both the female and male birds to help you identify the birds in your yard.  It also comes with a bird journal that is perfect for writing down the types of birds that visit you and the type of seed and feeder that they like.

In addition to these books, the Quick & Easy Attracting & Feeding Wild Birds, is perfect for the on-the-go bird watcher.  This quick read helps you to identify a number of birds that are the most commonly seen birds in North America.  It gives you tips on the types of plantings that are great for attracting birds and the type of seed that you should use.  With this easy-to-read book, you will become an expert in no time. 

A bird book is a great way for bird lovers to understand how to attract birds easier to your yard, helps with identification, and makes bird watching more productive.  Whether you are beginner or an expert, a great bird book is a must have.  For more great bird books, check out Rachel’s Robin.

A Window Feeder for Bird Watching Any Time of the Year

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

Enjoying bird watching all year long can be difficult especially when the weather gets colder.  A window bird feeder is perfect for enjoying the birds right from the comfort of your own home.  In addition, a window bird feeder allows you to get a close prospective of the birds and all of their beautiful details.  There are several styles to choose from including environmentally friendly, in-house, windowsill and more.

For the environmentally conscious bird lover, choose a window feeder like the Eco-Friendly Window Feeder that is made from recycled plastic.  This earthy-friendly bird feeder is great for feeding a variety of birds and holds approximately three pounds of bird seed.  To make your bird watching more interesting, try rotating the type of seed in the feeder to see what types of birds that it will attract.

An exceptional window feeder is the In-House Window Bird Feeder.  This window actually allows you to enjoy birds inside of your home.  The feeder fits into a window and bows out into your home.  You get an extremely close-up view of the birds and can observe all of their eating habits.  This feeder is weather resistant and may also be filled with a variety of seed.  You won’t believe how incredible the view is!

Another option for a window bird feeder is the Windowsill Bird Feeder.  This feeder has a beautiful, sleek design that looks great with any home and is made of natural cedar wood.  A shatterproof and UV resistant window in the center allows you to view the birds feeding at the sill.   The feeder attaches to your window with strong suction cups and the roof is hinged to easily open up and fill with your favorite type of bird seed.

When the weather is cold outside, having a window bird feeder makes bird watching more enjoyable and comfortable.  You will be amazed at how well you can view the birds naturally and the types of visitors that your window bird feeder will attract.  For a great selection of window bird feeders, check out Rachel’s Robin.

Cat Scratching Posts: An Indoor Playground for Your Cat

If your cat appears to be bored around the house, nothing is more fun for your cat than a giant scratching post.  A giant scratching post offers your cat several levels to jump up to and plenty of space to relax and scratch.  To peak your cat’s interest and get your cat hopping from level to level, add some catnip and some toys on each level.

One of my favorite giant cat scratching posts is the Large Kitty Townhouse Scratching Post.  This scratching post has four different levels for your cat to rest and relax.  Sprinkle some catnip on each level to get your cat busy scratching.  Toys may be hung from each of the levels to encourage your cat to swat, bat, and pounce.

Another great giant cat scratching post is the Large Kitty Bistro 2.  A big platform on top allows your cat to hang out and relax when checking out the surroundings and the platform may be removed for cleaning.  Place your cat’s food dishes on the top floor to get your cat’s attention and your cat will get a workout jumping from one cubbie to the next.  A sisal rope post near the bottom lets your cat unleash her desires to scratch. 

For more relaxing kitty fun, the Sleepy Inn 2 gives your cat a cozy place to rest and play.  A fun perch on top has a great view.  The middle level has a dangling toy with a sisal scratching post for tons of swatting and scratching fun.  The bottom level has a cozy, little home that makes a great resting place after hours of fun.

Fight your cat’s boredom with one of these fun, giant cat scratching posts.  Each one has special features that will keep your cat’s interest for hours and all are made with soft, plush carpet that is fun to scratch or rest on.  For a variety of fun scratching posts, check out GregRobert Pet Supplies.

Bird Watching for Any Bird Lover

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

Birds are very interesting and beautiful little creatures to observe in nature.  Getting a good view of the birds in your yard or in nature can be difficult and trying to capture that special moment can be tricky.  If you are bird lover and enjoy watching the various types of birds in your surroundings, then a great pair of binoculars is a definite must-have.

The Tasco Monocular with 10 x 25 Magnification is ideal for any bird lover who is on the go.  This sleek minocular travels easily and won’t take up too much room in your bag.  It is also great to have on hand when hiking in the park on a nature trail or walking along the bike path.  With this easy to use minocular, you will be able to see all the beautiful details of a bird from a far away distance.

If you like the compact style of the minocular, but prefer to watch the birds with a pair of binoculars, then the Powerview 10×25 Porro Compact Binoculars may be just right for you.  These binoculars are great for traveling and are lightweight and made to be durable.  They also have fully coated optics that are similar to full size models, but don’t have the bulk. 

Another great option for bird watchers is the Bushnell Trail Sentry 4 MP Birding Camera.  This unique birding camera takes amazing pictures and even allows you to capture short films of beautiful bird on short films.  It is easy to use and has a variety of great features that make your bird experience come to life on paper.  An adjustable strap makes this camera very easy to carry around and the batteries have a long life, so you don’t have to worry about constantly recharging them.

Whether you are bird watching at home or out in nature, a minocular, binoculars, or a birding camera can make your bird watching experience even more fun.  You’ll love being able to see all of the bird’s beautiful details and can make bird memories that you won’t forget.  For other great bird binoculars and more, check out Rachel’s Robin.

Keep Your Dog Warm and Toasty Outdoors this Fall

Most dogs love to spend time outdoors as much as possible, but when the weather gets cold, it becomes harder for them to remain outside.  By providing your dog with a heated outdoor space, you can extend the amount of time your dog can stay outdoors.  To create a heated outdoor space, here are some essentials that you will need to have:

  1. First, start off with some durable and sturdy shelter for your dog.  A wooden dog house works great for protecting your dog from the elements.  One of my favorite dog houses is the Premium + Aframe Doghouse that is made of natural wood.  This dog house is designed to safely protect your dog from rain, snow, and other elements.  It also has a clear plastic door that is sold separately for keeping wind, rain, and snow out.  By adding a dog house to your yard, your dog will have a place to go if he gets too cold or the weather is unbearable.
  2. Another piece to creating a warm outdoor space for your dog is a heated pad.   The Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed is ideal for keeping your dog warm when outdoors.  The pad may be used inside the dog house or in another type of sheltered area.  This pad is great because it offers a soft, warm place for your pet to rest, may be easily cleaned with the wipe of a damp cloth, and has a chew resistant cord.
  3. If you plan on keeping your dog for a longer period of time, it is a good idea to offer your dog a dish of heated water.  The warm water will help to warm your dog inside and make his stay outside more comfortable.  Choose a heated dog dish like the Heated Pet Water Bowl by Farm Innovators.  This dog dish is thermostatically controlled to keep your dog’s water at a constant temperature and holds one and a half gallons of water.

Your dog will be able to stay outdoors longer if you create a warm and cozy outdoor living space for your dogs.  By using a dog house, a heated dog pad, and a heated dog dish, you can easily create a warm place for your dog to enjoy throughout the fall and winter. 

Here is a nice article about the heated cat beds that GregRobert donated this week.

Deter Squirrels and Wildlife from Eating from Your Bird Feeders

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

A great distraction for keeping the squirrels and other types of wildlife away from your bird feeders is to place some wildlife seed to your yard.  By feeding the wildlife in your yard, you can deter the squirrels and wildlife from eating up your bird seed. Keeping the squirrels and other types of wildlife away from your bird feeders not only saves you money on bird seed, but also helps the birds to thrive in addition to the squirrels and other types of wildlife throughout the entire year.

One way to keep the squirrels away from your bird feeders is to place wildlife food near the squirrels.  The Wild Life Block for Squirrels and Other Wildlife by Pine Tree Farms is perfect for getting the squirrel’s attention and keeping their interest.  This block of feed contains a variety of nuts, seed, oats, millet, and more and is ideal for attracting squirrels, raccoons, and other types of big, wild birds.  It is fun to watch the animals pick away at the block.

You may also want to try a loose feed, such as the Chuckanut Backyard Wildlife Diet, in a wildlife feeder to attract the squirrels away from the bird feeders.  This seed works great in a ground feeder or in a feeder with open sides for easy access to the seed.  The seed mix includes a variety of healthy nuts and seeds that are irresistible to squirrels and other types of wildlife.

When feeding the squirrels or other types of wildlife in your yard, place the seed near your home for easy viewing of your visitors.  You might be surprised at the number of visitors that you have or the type of wildlife that are attracted to your yard.

For cute photos and more information on wild animals, be sure to check out campingfunzone.com.

Add Charm to Your Yard with a Decorative Birdhouse or Bird Feeder

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

A great bird house or feeder will instantly add character and charm to your yard, not to mention it is great for helping the birds to thrive.  Adding a stylish birdhouse or bird feeder is ideal for spicing up your patio or garden area.  There are some fun, decorative birdhouses and bird feeders available that are great for the birds and for adding a touch of fun to your yard.

One of my new favorite birdhouses is the Starfish Retro Chic Birdhouse by Rossos International.  This fun, vibrant birdhouse add color to your yard and gives the birds a safe, cozy, and dry home.  The hand-painted starfish on this birdhouse are very fun and whimsical and the little birdie sitting on top looks adorable.  Hang this charming birdhouse on a tree limb or a post in your garden and enjoy!

Another fun, decorative piece for your yard is the Peace Retrochic Bird Feeder.  This charming and unique bird feeder has a fun, vibrant peace design that is sure to bring attention to any spot in your yard.  It is ideal for feeding a variety of birds and can be used with any small, mixed birdseed.  The birdseed stays dry because the feeder has a galvanized steel roof.

Whether you choose a fun, decorative birdhouse or a bird feeder, you won’t be disappointed with the charm and whimsy that it brings to your yard.  Not only do these birdhouses and feeders add character and color, but they are very practical and help the birds to survive and be healthy.  For more fun birdhouses and bird feeders, check out Rachel’s Robin.

Get Ready for Autumn and Winter Bird Feeding

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

If you live in the north, fall can be a great time to continue feeding the birds, even though a majority of birds have gone south for the winter.  Some of the birds that stay around for the fall and winter are Sparrows, Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays. During the fall, these birds are busy stocking up on food to get them through the winter.

A great seed to get for your fall and winter birds is the Birdlovers Thrive RX Stress/Survival Blend by FM Browns.  This special blend of bird seed is formulated to give your birds the nutrients and energy they need to make it through the winter.  It is a great source of protein and carbohydrates for birds.

When feeding your birds during the fall and winter, use a feeder that offers some protection from the elements, such as the Go Green Coppertop Gazebo Feeder.  This feeder has a sturdy, copper roof that is great for protecting the birds from rain and snow.  It is also easy to fill up with bird seed and keep clean.

Another essential item for attracting birds to your yard this fall and winter is a bird bath heater.  Water is less available during the colder months and by offering birds warm water when the weather is cool, you are sure to attract birds to your yard during the winter.  A great bird bath heater is the Heated Rock Bird Bath De-icer.  This bird bath heater blends in nicely in your birdbath and operates only when the temperature is below 35 degrees.  It is energy efficient and easy to operate.