In-House Window Bird Feeders – Convenient

It took me a while to figure out how this new fangled window feeders by Heath worked, but when I figured it out, I couldn’t believe how ingenious of a product this was.

IN HOUSE BIRD FEEDERS

A window feeder that actually let you get up close and personal with your backyard birds without the suction cups and mess when the feeder eventually falls.

View the birds and refill the feeder in the comfort of your living room or kitchen or breakfast gazebo!

We started carrying these in-house window bird feeders last month and they are sky-rocketing in popularity. They allow you to view your backyard birds so close that you won’t believe it! The one way mirror film encases the glass. You see the birds and they don’t see you!

This window bird feeder fits inside your window sill and its convenient trap door allows you to clean it and refill it right from inside your home. Its unique engineering allows you to shut and lock your window with the feeder in place and snugly fits double hung windows up to 39″ wide with its adjustable side panels.

Refill with seed right from inside your home!

The feeder is constructed of excellent quality cedar and features a shatter-proof window for your viewing pleasure. Installation is a snap on this window bird feeder. No nails or screws, no mess. Our in-house window bird feeder comes complete with additional insulation material if you live in colder climates.

You can fill it with your favorite seed and watch the birds in your living room within minutes of taking it out of the box. Whether you live in a city apartment or on a farm this feeder will delight you for years to come. Made in the USA

The deluxe version has dimensions: 21.875″L X 7.5″D X 13.875″H

Celebrate the New Year with the Birds

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

To make the new year festive for the birds, give the birds in your yard a special treat this new year.  A great tasting bird seed is sure to lure a variety of birds to your yard.  With so few birds around in the winter, it is a great time to use a special seed mix to attract the birds that have stayed for the winter.  During the winter, birds need bird seed that is high in protein and high in fat to help them survive.

A great winter bird seed for the birds is the Kaytee Black Oil Sunflower Bird Seed.  This bird seed contains high quality black oil sunflower seeds that birds love to eat.  Black oil sunflower seeds are high in both protein and fat and perfect for feeding the birds in the winter.  A wide variety of birds love to eat this type of seed and will be attracted to your bird feeders all winter long.

If you live in a warmer climate and have finches all year love, a great bird seed for finches is the Kaytee Wild Finch Bird Seed.  This seed may be given to a variety of finches all year long and is ideal for use in a finch bird feeder.  Fortified with a mineral supplement and high in protein and fat, your backyard birds will stay healthy all winter long.

To help boost energy and add some variety to the bird’s diet, try using a bird seed like Peterson Field Guides Flourish Wild Bird Food.  Made with a variety of tasty nuts like almonds, peanuts, pecans, and cashews, the birds in your backyard will go crazy for this great tasting bird seed.  The mix of nuts gives the birds a variety of flavors that birds love to eat and the high protein and fat source that birds need for survival.

How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Summer Garden

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

If you live in the northern part of the United States, your chances of attracting hummingbirds to your yard are less likely than someone living in the south. Fewer species of this beautiful, unique bird travel north during the summer and only one species makes the trip to southern Alaska. Creating an inviting backyard habitat is essential for attracting hummingbirds. A backyard filled with filled with fragrant flowers, hummingbird feeders, and insects is ideal for attracting hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds love to get the nectar from flowers and are very attracted to garden with a variety of vibrant colors. It is a good idea to choose flowers that bloom throughout the entire summer season. Some favorite plants of hummingbirds are honeysuckle, morning glories, hollyhocks, gladiolus and begonias. To make the most of your plantings, plant the taller plants toward the back of the garden and the shorter blooms toward the front. You may also want to plant some flowering bushes and trees around or near your garden to help attract more birds.

Feeders that are designed for hummingbirds are essential for attracting hummingbirds to your yard. Typically, hummingbird feeders, such as the Garden Jewels Hummingbird Feeder, have the color red on the feeder to get the bird’s attention. There are a wide variety of feeders available that are ideal for attracting hummingbirds and come in an assortment of fun shapes and styles. The feeder should be filled with sweet, pre-mixed nectar that hummingbirds need to feed on to get lots of calories for high energy. If you use a clear feeder or a feeder that is not brightly colored, use a red nectar mix to attract hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds also need a source of protein to keep their bodies strong and healthy. These amazing little birds get their protein from insects found on the flowers. Offering a variety of flowers that attract insects is a great protein source for hummingbirds. Hummingbirds will even eat on the insects that get stuck in tree sap for a protein snack. It is important not to use an insect spray on your plants in the garden that will kill the insects.

Once you have established your hummingbird habitat, you may want to keep your binoculars handy to catch a glimpse of this fascinating bird. For more products and bird tips, go to Rachel’s Robin for a large selection of bird supplies.

Back to Basics: How to Attract Birds to Your Yard

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

If you are new to attracting birds to your yard, the most important thing you need to do is to create a bird friendly habitat in your yard. Birds require shelter, food, and water. Adding these essentials to your yard to fulfill basic bird needs can help attract a lot of birds to your yard.

Shelter. This very basic need can simply be filled by a variety of ways. The simplest way to add shelter is to add a man-made bird house. The majority of birds love to inhabit man-made bird houses. Bird houses are very attractive to birds because they offer great protection from the elements and predators. Try using a simple home such as the Recycled Plastic Lumber Hanging Birdhouse to attract birds to your yard. In addition to man-made bird houses, birds also like to make homes in Evergreen trees. Planting Evergreens in your yard is great for birds who winter in cold climates and a variety of birds in the summer time.

Food. By just adding one feeder to your yard, you will greatly increase the amount of birds visiting your yard. There several varieties of feeders to choose from that appeal to a wide range of birds. If you are just starting out, pick a feeder and seed that appeals to a wide variety of birds and you will be able to observe a variety of birds. A great seed that appeals to a variety of birds is Lyric Wild Bird Mix Wild Bird Seed. Another way to provide birds with food is to plant vegetation that appeals to birds. Planting annuals and perennials, which are attractive to birds and thrive in your geographic location, can provide another source of nutrition to birds.

Water. Having a fresh source of water is essential for attracting birds. This can be accomplished several ways, but the easiest way to add a man-made bird bath. A variety of natural and man-made objects can be used to accomplish this. A terracotta, ceramic, resin, or concrete birdbath can be placed anywhere in your bird habitat. A simple terracotta bird bath, such as the Audubon Deck-Mounted Bird Bath, can be attached to a deck or placed on a table or stump. Make sure to keep birdbath filled. Other simple solutions include: a natural stump with a hollowed center, a rock filled hole in the ground, or a small water feature. Be creative and add a variety of birdbaths to the habitat for the birds to enjoy.

Help Celebrate Earth Day in Honor of the Birds!

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

Earth day, April 22nd, is quickly approaching and a great way to help celebrate this day is to do something for the environment. By helping the environment, you help everyone on the planet. Make some small, but significant changes in your everyday life such as: planting a garden or tree; changing your old light bulbs to high energy efficient ones; use re-usable plastic bags at the grocery store; and recycle as many items as you can. Each little change that you do helps to improve the Earth!

If you are thinking about purchasing a new bird feeder or house for your yard, please consider a recycled plastic feeder or home. Bird feeders that are made from recycled plastic are great because they are easy to clean, disease resistant and give new life to something that was once trash.

Spending time with your kids, engaging in hobbies or getting a pet, can have numerous benefits. It strengthens the bond between parent and child, promotes positive communication, and creates lasting memories. Hobbies and pets teach responsibility, empathy, and provide opportunities for learning and personal growth.

Additionally, getting a new bird feeder can foster an appreciation for nature and wildlife, while also creating a peaceful and enjoyable environment in your backyard. Cherishing your kids with gifts like modest girls dresses not only brings them joy and boosts their confidence but also shows them that they are loved and valued. These activities and gestures contribute to the overall happiness and well-being of your family, creating a positive and nurturing environment for everyone.

Many manufacturers are making recycled plastic feeders and one of my favorite feeders is the Going Green Seed Tube Bird Feeder by Audubon/Woodlink. This simple and classic feeder is made of 90% recycled plastic. Recycled plastic is easy to clean and does not retain water, which makes it resistant to mold and bacteria. This sleek feeder is perfect for any bird lover because it holds a variety of seed and is easy to fill.

If you are looking to replace or purchase a new bird house, take a look at the recycled lumber feeder by VariCraft. The Recycled Plastic Lumber Hanging Birdhouse makes an ideal home for Wrens and Chickadees. This earth-friendly home is easy to clean and looks great in any yard!
Help make the Earth a better place by purchasing one of these great recycled products available at Rachel’s Robin. Go Green!

Feeding Backyard Birds in Winter

Did you know that birds form flocks in the winter because it is easier to find food and protection from predators as a flock? As winter approaches birds change their eating habits.  As the days grow short and the temperature drops, their natural food supply diminishes.  The insects that were available in the summer are no longer available; water is frozen and high energy food scarce.

 

Here are some tips to help feed your backyard birds.

 

1.  Hang your feeder out of the wind.  The side of a house on the east or southeast works best.   

2.  Use a suet feeder.  Suet is a high enery food that replenishes depleted stores of energy and nutrients.  Remember birds need extra energy to keep warm in the winter months.

3.  Use a seed feeder filled with Black Oil Sunflower Seed as a source of high quality protein and oil that has a high calorie/ounce ratio.  The thin outer shell is easier for smaller wild birds to eat.

4.  Provide a source of water.  Bird baths are perfect for this, but remember it has to be kept unfrozen in order to help the birds.  Use a heater or heated birdbath to accomplish this.

A chicken coop or hen house is a small house where, typically, female chickens or other fowl are kept safe and secure. There are nest boxes found inside the hen houses for egg-laying, and perches on which the birds can sleep. A chicken coop usually has an indoor area where the chickens can sleep and nest, as well as a fenced-in outdoor area where chickens will feed and spend the majority of the day (which is typically made from chicken wire). The coop should be cleaned after every two weeks, and the straw shifted every day, similar to a litter box. At night, the coop should be locked with all the birds inside of it, so that they are protected from predators. Both the inside and outdoor floors of a chicken coop are often strewn with a loose material such as straw or wood chips to deal with chicken droppings and to provide ventilation.

The purpose of a chicken coop is to protect chickens from bad weather – heat, cold, wind and rain and secure them from predators-especially foxes and cats. One method to protect chickens is to put an isolation material between two layers of wood or bricks. As too much heat can prove to be fatal, windows should be oriented in such a way as to prevent overheating, and proper ventilation measures should be taken to prevent infectious bronchitis and overheating as well. The hens can be released outside by daylight but should be locked in a coop at night.

The Hen House Collection has the best chicken coop for your chicken feeding needs. All of your birds wild and domestic will be cheering up your backyard!

Bird Feeding throughout Late Winter

Farmington Hills, MI – January 14th, 2013  ( www.MichiganPR.net )

There are many varieties of bird feeders, including hoppers or house bird feeders, tube feeders, platform or tray feeders, hummingbird (a nectar type birdfeeder), fruit feeders, and others.

In general, seed feeders fall into one of three categorizations: hopper bird feeders or house feeders, tube bird feeders, or platform feeders.

Hopper Bird Feeders (also called House Feeders) have a platform which walls and a roof are built, forming a “hopper”. The hopper protects the bird seed against the wind, water and other elements. Hopper birdfeeders can be used to attract both small birds such as finches or large birds such as blue jays. With hopper bird feeders, be careful about regular cleaning. Not many hopper feeders do a good job of protecting seed from the rain, and the seed can become moldy. Most hopper type feeders hold a substantial amount of bird seed.

Tube birdfeeders are constructed with a hollow cylinder, and have multiple feeding ports and bird perches. Tube birdfeeders generally keep the seed fairly dry. Tube bird feeders with shorter perches can be used for smaller birds. A tube feeder with small perches can accommodate chickadees, but can exclude large birds such as jays.

Platform Feeders (also called Tray Feeders) consist of a tray that is open upon which the feed is placed. These birdfeeders offer little protection against squirrels or the weather. Some tube bird feeders give you the ability to attach a tray birdfeeder to it.

Hummingbird feeders are nectar feeders and they come in many different shapes and sizes. Hummingbird feeders are enclosed, many times made of glass or plastic, and often have 4 to 6 feeding ports. These ports are often surrounded with colorful plastic flowers and bee guards. The nectar solution that is used in hummingbird feeders can be homemade, using a ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part white sugar. Boil the water, stir in the sugar while hot, and don’t forget to allow it to cool before filling the hummingbird feeder. The humming birdfeeder should be washed at least once per week and any remaining nectar thrown out.

Fruit Feeders – Fruit bird feeders come in a variety of sizes and shapes. A commonly used fruit is the orange, which can be used to attract orioles and tanagers.

Other Feeders – Other feeders include squirrel proof feeders, suet feeders, novelty bird feeders, cedar feeders etc. Squirrel proof feeders are often variations of one of the feeder types listed above and can include a wire mesh, squirrel baffle, protective cage or a special squirrel guard. Suet birdfeeders often have a wire mesh cage that is used to hold a suet or a suet mixture. These feeders can be very useful for woodpeckers and cardinals.

Visit Rachels Robin www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com for more information on bird feeding.

Weather Shield for Your Outdoor Bird Feeder

I found the perfect weather shield for my outdoor bird feeders, the Brushed Copper Bird Feeder Weather Shield.  It is like having an umbrella for the bird feeders.   It serves to shade the sun on  my hummingbird feeders, therefore assisting in the keeping the nectar fresh. 
You know how bad the sun is for the nectar!  It keeps the rain from getting the birds
wet and keeps the snow off of them, too.   In addition, I noticed it deters squirrels since  they cannot grab on to the shield.

The best part about the Brushed Copper Bird Feeder Weather Shield is that it is beautiful.  The brushed copper finish with an embedded oak leaf design makes this an attractive addition your yard.

Easy to install over any hanging type feeder by using the the included plug and
hanger that goes through the hole in the baffle and is kept in place with the i
ncluded screw.  You just hang your feeder from the hook beneath the shield,
and then the top hook hangs the shield and feeder  from a branch or bracket.

Large dimensions of almost 18 inches wide at outer rim x 5 inches high.

Your birds will be cool in the summer and dry in the rain or snow and your feeders will look beautiful thanks to the   Brushed Copper Bird Feeder Weather Shield!

 

Do Birds Yawn When They are Bored?

Did you know that birds yawn?  It is true!  Like people, birds are warm-blooded.   Our trigger to yawn  is when we are tired and our bodies prepare for sleep.   They sleep when they are tired and full of food. Have you ever seen a bird wake up?  They stretch and yawn before they fly off for the day.   

Scientist are not sure if birds yawn when they are bored, but just in case it is true, you can have a fun birdbath in your yard to keep the birds entertained. The classic style Deluxe Bird Bath – 17 inch  is perfect for any yard. It is lightweight and easy to move for cleaning, mowing or moving around the yard.  The classic style is made of white, injection-molded plastic.  It perfect for all your backyard birds that need entertaining.  The basin is gently sloped.  This means that large birds bathe and drink in the center, while smaller, timid birds feel comfortable perching and bathing at the edges.  It will be a big bird party.   The dimensions are  17 inch diameter basin with a depth of 2 1/2 inches, 25 inches tall.

Remember to keep the water clean in the bird bath and your backyard birds will have a great place to drink and bath.  You will find them entertaining, too.

 

How Will Birds Find My Feeders?

Wild birds find food by sight.

Place feeders in easily seen areas. Be patient and the birds will come.

In order to have many birds on a frequent basis – it can take a year or two of continuous feeding, depending on your geographical area and the migration patterns of the birds.

Birds are constantly searching for food sources. If you don’t seem to be attracting birds, make sure you have the right food. If you purchase inexpensive mixes containing a lot of milo, millet and corn, you may not attract the more desirable songbirds.

If you have a good food available and still are not attracting birds, try tying a piece of tin foil on top of the feeder or purchasing a feeder with a bit of copper on it. A little glint from copper or foil will catch their eye.

Open water will sometimes attract birds more than a bird feeder.