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birds/feeders/attracting them
Apr 5, 2017 16:29:54 #
Another point is that only seed eating birds are going to come to those feeders. Insectivores like Robins, Eastern Bluebirds et al will not unless you put out dried mealworms. Then you might get them to come. However, many of the seed eaters will eat them as well. They can be found at a number of different places but they are a bit more expensive. I put a small tree that I cut down in an old Xmas tree folder so as to capture birds in more natural poses instead of at a feeder.
Apr 5, 2017 18:15:41 #
oldtigger wrote:
moved to a new house with large deck just outside kitchen door and good light all day.
Now how do i attract some birds?
Now how do i attract some birds?
I haven't looked at all the other replies but there are some birds that will eat the milo in birdseed, such as Mourning Doves and American Crows. I get a good quality seed from Southern States that has a lot of the small, white millet, as well as a lot of Black Oil Sunflower seeds. We never had more than 4-5 kinds of birds though until I started putting up suet. I made several suet feeders out of hardware cloth (ratwire) and they work perfectly. You can get a small roll and make dozens of suet feeders. All I did was bend the wire to the correct shape for the suet cake, then nail or hook it up in your tree of choice. You should have at least a dozen different types of birds visiting these homemade feeders. Don't forget the water. Birds need fresh water all year round.
Apr 5, 2017 18:30:23 #
If you want Hummers please also plant flowers that attract them. The nectar has vitamins, protein from pollen, etc that is more healthy than just sugar water.
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Apr 5, 2017 18:38:52 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
Another point is that only seed eating birds are going to come to those feeders. Insectivores like Robins, Eastern Bluebirds et al will not unless you put out dried mealworms.
Say what! They will eat whatever Mama brings them.
Apr 5, 2017 18:46:08 #
If you are a member, both SAMs and COSCO carry a large 40 lb bag of seed that is a good mixture of millet, corn, black oil sunflower, peanuts, and safflower. They each carry a different brand but both are good. Here in central Texas we get it for about $20.00 a bag. I go through at least 2 bags per month.
Dee Dee
Dee Dee
Apr 5, 2017 19:29:56 #
Find out what birds are in your area and what they eat. Also the ones you want to attract. Put out seed, suet, etc. accordingly. In SE Louisiana black sunflower seeds work great for cardinals, blue jays, blue birds and sparrows.
Don
Don
Apr 5, 2017 19:36:20 #
I had squirrels figure that spring loaded feeder out, believe it or not. They are amazing little rats with tails
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Apr 5, 2017 19:39:24 #
Ricinus
Loc: Leduc Alberta
If you deal with a local birding store, you get the proper mix of seeds for your area, get lots of advice and help, and support a Mom and Pop operation.
Mike
Mike
Apr 5, 2017 20:24:07 #
Bill_de wrote:
Say what! They will eat whatever Mama brings them.
The Bluebirds around here never visit my feeders. I see them all the time on the fences around the pastures behind my house along with the Barn Swallows going after flying & crawling insects. Here is a link to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's "All About Birds" website on Eastern Bluebirds... Note their comments about food...
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/id
Apr 5, 2017 20:28:33 #
BTW, Woodpeckers will feed at other than Suet type feeders...
Red bellied Woodpecker by Scott, on Flickr
Red bellied Woodpecker by Scott, on FlickrApr 5, 2017 20:30:00 #
Thomas902 wrote:
oldtigger we are in the same ecosystem i.e. VA Pie... (show quote)
...song & dance...
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Apr 5, 2017 21:08:14 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
The Bluebirds around here never visit my feeders. I see them all the time on the fences around the pastures behind my house along with the Barn Swallows going after flying & crawling insects. Here is a link to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's "All About Birds" website on Eastern Bluebirds... Note their comments about food...
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/id
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/id
That's why I prefer to learn by observation. My neighbor has a nest box that get bluebirds every year. The babies are sometimes killed by other birds. She has a trap set primarily to catch the culprits ... English Sparrows. The bait is bird seed mix. She often has to release bluebirds.
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Apr 5, 2017 21:11:37 #
custodian
Loc: New York
I have a feeder on my large front dining room window I put sunflower seeds or fruit and nut mix and I get a ton of bluejays if its empty they peck at the window and let me know they need food , I have sat right at the table and watched them eat and they just look at me like hey how are you! My grandkids love watching them especially my 2 yr old she laughs and says hi birdie I love you and waves to them, I also have a stand out side with a triple tube feeder and another individual feeder and a suet holder and a bigger holder for mealworms! Yes I have gone to the birds but I love watching the cardinals finches bluebirds and my woodpecker enjoy it! I also have to squirrels and 2 rabbits running around
Apr 5, 2017 21:24:58 #
oldtigger wrote:
Saw a costco in the mall yesterday, which of their seeds is the best choice?
Just get Black Oil Sunflower seeds. At my last house they attracted:
Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Cardinal
Nuthatch
Blue Jay
Downy Woodpecker
Red Bellied Woodpecker
House Finch
Gold Finch
pest birds as well :(
Apr 5, 2017 21:34:35 #
Do keep in mind, with all those little birds around you may get a visit from this guy. The snag he is on sticks up from the center of my feed tray.
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