Category: Bird and Hummingbird Feeders

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

For most people choosing the right birdfeeder consists of very simple criteria.  A feeder purchase is based on: durability, weather resistance and squirrel resistance.

Noone want to fill up a feeder and watch the squirrels gobble down every last bit of seed before a single bird has had a chance to visit the feeder.  There a number of different type of weight resistant feeders that limit squirrel seed munching – but many people prefer to keep it a bit simpler.

The Caged style birdfeeders are simple, do not have moving parts and many of them are very durable as well as weather resistant.

Pictured to the right is Birdscapes Preserve Birdfeeder, a customer favorite.  Over the years it has become a favorite because of it’s beauty, squirrel resistancy and simplicity.  The simple design, as well as the ability to see when the seed is getting low are common accolades that our customers use in reviews of this feeder.

It is very easy to clean and the feeder refills from the top, which is a well liked feature.  Most of all, our customers like that it is fully assembled upon arrival.  Easy as 1-2-3.  Hang, fill and watch the birds fly in to feed!

It is time to think about spring!   Warmer temperatures, snow melted, buds on tree, crocus blooming and your backyard birds returning.  Now is the time to purchase new feeders and plan out where you will hang or mount them.

The Homestead Triple Bin Party Birdfeeder is an all time favorite. It is considered a gazebo type feeder, but has the special feature of haveing 3 separate seed bins.

The 3 separate bins on one feeder   means you can feed a variety of birds with just this one feeder.   The  Homestead Triple Bin Party Birdfeeder is made of  heavy duty galvanized steel with an automotive quality powder coated finish.  The bins are clear acrylic and make it easy to see the level of seed available. The bins do not absorb bacteria or mold. There are 6 steel perches to allow for big bird parties.   The roof easily lifts off allowing easy filling and cleaning.      The feeder will hold up to 11 1/2 pounds of food so you won’t be refilling all the time.   3-in-1 Mounting: can be hung with included hanger, pole mounted up to 1 1/4 pole (mounting clip included) or wooden post mount (hardware included).  Feeder comes fully assemble and is MADE IN THE USA!

Homestead Triple Bin Party Birdfeeder is the perfect feeder to attract a variety of birds.  The  variety of seed will attract a variety of birds and the feeder is large enough that different birds can hang around and feed without be disturbed by the others. 

Place your feeder in a spot that birds feel safe, but also in a spot where you can enjoy the beauty of the birds visiting it.  Remember to have a source of water for your birds. Water is just as important as the feeders are in attracting birds to your yard.

Happy Spring!

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

Spring will be here before you know it and most of the birds will return to look for a great source of food.

To prepare yourself for spring and the birds, it is a good idea to get your bird feeders now ready for feeding the birds if you haven’t done so already.  Before you fill up your bird feeders with bird seed, they should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for any damage.  It is a good idea to throw away any birdfeeders that is cracked because cracks can be breeding grounds for bacteria and mold.

To clean your bird feeders properly, use hot soapy water to kill any bacteria or mold.  Dish soap is great for removing grim and mold from the feeder and rinsing clean.  Use a brush like the Perfect Little Brushes to get into the corners and crevices and to thoroughly clean out the feeding ports.

A kit like the Bird Feeder Accessory Starter Kit by Droll Yankees is also great for starting off your bird feeding season.  This kit contains a soft brush for cleaning out your bird feeder, a great scoop for scooping out and pouring bird seed and a chain for hanging up a bird feeder.

If you have a collection of hummingbird feeders, the Hummingbird Foam Cleaning Mop is great for cleaning out your feeders.  This soft, sponge is designed to get into all of the crevices of the feeder.  It is ideal for cleaning out a tube style hummingbird feeder or an irregular shaped feeder.

After you have scrubbed down your bird feeders, carefully rinse them out and allow them to air dry in a warm, indoor spot.  Once dry, your bird feeders are ready to be filled and hung.

Use a variety of birdseed to start off the season right!

There are quite a variety of finch species. From the American Gold Finch, also known as the wild canary because of it bright canary yellow color and canary song to the Purple Finch that looks like it has been dipped in raspberry juice to the Lesser Finch that is only  3 ¾ to 4 ¼ in length.  These birds are distict from other because of their cone shaped beak and undulating flight.  Finches are cling and peck feeders.  This means the feeder should not have perch, but should have something like mesh for the Finch to “click” to.

There are many fun things about squirrels. Squirrels are entertaining while trying to get food or playing with each other, especially a good game of tag. Squirrels are very important ecologically. Since squirrels bury nuts and seeds in preparation for winter, and will not eat even close to the amount buried, you can thank squirrels for the many plants and trees that  sprout each spring.

It is important to know that squirrels have a great sense of smell, which is why they can easily find the food put out for birds.  Squirrels also like to hoard food which is why you often see them running away with food in their mouths as they run back to their nests.  Squirrels teeth are always growing and they must chew  to keep their teeth from growing too long.

The best way to keep your squirrels as friends and not be mad at them for stealing birds’ food is to set up a squirrel feeder. Squirrels are very territorial animals. Squirrels will mark their feeder area as their own and in doing so will leave the bird feeders alone.  It is important to set up the squirrel feeder(s)  at least 15 feet away from the birdfeeder(s) and away from your house.

There are many types of squirrel feeders availabe.  Some holders are for corn cobs, some for nuts and others for wild life seed.  The Audubon Squirrel Munch Box Feeder in the picture can be filled with sunflower seed, corn, peanuts in the shell  or squirrel or wildlife mix.  For the entertainment of both the squirrels and humans, the squirrels will lift the hinged  lid and grab the food inside. There is a plastic front so you can see how much seed is available.  The wood lid protects the seed from the weather and the little front porch area gives the squirrel a place to sit.  There are two pre-drilled holes for easy mounting on a post, tree or deck.

Keeping a filled squirrel feeder in your yard will entertain the squirrels and you, while keeping the squirrels out of the birdfeeders.  Now, that is what I call a happy yard.

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

Purple Martins are beautiful and practical birds to have living in your backyard.

These insect eating birds are more difficult to attract and maintain, but make useful tenants in any yard because their diet consists of high-flying insects. Throughout the years, Purple Martins have become completely dependent on humans to provide shelter for living and reproducing, so maintaining the proper home is essential.

Gourds are modern-looking homes for Purple Martins that have been around for many, many years.

They are easy to clean and maintain and Purple Martins love to nest inside them. Gourds can be placed on a gourd pole far from your home in the early spring to attract the scout bird.

Heath Manufacturing makes some great gourds for attracting Purple Martins and preventing Sparrows and other types of wild birds from trying to make them home. The Easy Clean Deluxe Purple Martin Gourd helps to keep Sparrows and others out and splits apart for easy cleaning. A drainage hole at the bottom also helps to keep the nest dry, which encourages Purple Martins to stay.

A gourd pole is essential for hanging up your gourds. The Telescoping Spiral Steel Gourd Pole is adjustable and made of steel for durability. It is important to check your Purple Martin gourds on a regular basis and this pole allows you to easily access the gourds because it can be lowered. The spiral configuration allows birds to easily enter and leave the gourd. Place pole at least 30 feet from a home and trees for a clear flight path.

Once you have set-up your pole with gourds, you may want to place straw, twigs and other nesting materials nearby to keep your Purple Martins happy.

Developing a Purple Martin habitat is not easy, but it is very rewarding and helps to continue the Purple Martin species. Rachel’s Robin has all your Purple Martin birding needs!

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

We know, it’s difficult to think about the spider in your shoe as a friend, but there are alot of great things about insects – as your wild bird friends would tell you, if they could.

Let your mind wander and think about the beauty of insects – not just the butterfly!  Dragonflies are gorgeous also and bring no harm to humans.  The further south in the United States we wander, the more insect varieties seem to show up.  Insects are of course, most diverse in the tropics.

And what about the beautiful flies that attack our pets and horses in the summer?  (well, maybe they are downright ugly). Not many of us like flies because they carry a variety of disease.  But … don’t forget that many of our most attractive birds depend on flies for their diet.

As spring approaches us, remember to leave a small part of your lawn or backyard area wild to create a natural habitat for insects.  This will attract a wide variety of crawling,  flying and hopping insects that pollinate flowers, gather nectar and eat some of the more pesky bugs.

But if you really can’t stomach all those insects in the yard and the birds really do love insects, think about stocking up on Pine Tree Farms Insect Suet Cake (shown to the right).  These will really help in getting the birds back in early spring!

Your birds will thank you too!

Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind was created for the exact purpose that is its name. To create and foster unlimited opportunities for blind and partially sighted people throughout Michigan and the world.

This organization, comprised mainly of blind adults who have a passion for blind youth, was created in 1994.

As the presence of the Michigan School for the Blind began to greatly diminish it became apparent that additional mentoring, leadership and education were vital to ensure that the blind youth of today would grow into successful competent blind adults.

Opportunites Unlimited for the Blind has partnered with RachelsRobin.com to raise awareness and funds for Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind.

When you purchase anything at www.RachelsRobin.com, use the code: OUB (all capital letters) in the referral box near the completion of checkout.  OUB will receive 10% of all revenue generated from your sale.

Thank you for supporting OUB and  their programs.

There aren’t many pests that create a feeling of disgust quite like the snake.

They tend to visit where they are not invited and often their presence can be dangerous for homeowners and their pets.

Liquid Fence Snake Repellent Granular keeps snakes away, guaranteed.

The innovative time-release granular repels snakes up to 4 weeks, and packs the Naphthalene-free punch of Liquid Fence Snake Repellent Spray.

It’s safe for your family and pets, easy-to-apply and guaranteed to work.

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

Bird watching can be a fun, summer activity for the whole family. This outdoor activity may be done in your backyard, a park, or a rural area with lots of trees. For city dwellers, any wooded location is ideal for bird watching, but a nature walk in a local park can be the most fun for the whole family. Here are some helpful tips to remember when bird watching:

1. Remember to take along a pair of binoculars for up-close viewing of birds and their habitats. Binoculars make bird identification easier because you can view all of their intricate details. For bird watching from a long distance, choose binoculars that are either seven- or eight-power in strength. The more powerful binoculars tend to be heavier. Also, the size of the binoculars will determine the amount of light that enters into the lens. The most important feature is that the binoculars are sturdy and durable because you will want to use them year after year.

2. Bring a comprehensive bird guide to help identify local birds. Once you spot a bird, you will want to look it up for identification. This is especially helpful if you are in your own yard and want to attract a particular type of bird.

3. Stay quiet, so you can listen to the birds. Listening to a bird’s song is just as important as watching birds for identification. By listening carefully to the birds around you, you should be able to identify them by their song. Before you go out bird watching, you may want to purchase a CD with a variety of bird songs to help with identification.

4. Be an early riser. Birds are very active and vocal in the morning. The increase in activity makes birds easier to identify by sight and sound.

5. Don’t forget your camera. Once you spot a beautiful bird, you will want to capture it on film to share with others. You may also want to start a scrapbook of all the interesting birds you have seen.