Bird Watching Binoculars

My First Real Success Hand Feeding Birds

I had written before about my attempts at Hand Feeding Birds. Basically, I did what the Hugh Wiberg book had recommended and went through the process of gradually moving closer to my feeders until the birds were comfortable enough to make some attempts. This involved a lot of sitting in freezing cold temperatures and patience. Deep down, I believed there had to be a better way. I had a breakthrough this week which has changed my outlook on hand feeding birds forever.
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Cheapest Way To Provide Water For Birds In Winter

If you live in a part of the country or world that has harsh winters, you’ve got a few choices to provide water for birds in winter. You can either buy a heated birdbath, buy a birdbath heater, or get creative.

The method I’ve been using for years is creative and has proven to be very fuss-free and effective. It involves no extension cords or electrical wiring to bury or any electric power consumption at all. Just two readily available components and a little help from you.

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Best Way To Keep Your Tube Feeders Dry

Tube Feeders Get Wet Easily

No matter what time of year it is one of the best things you can do for your backyard birds is to keep their food dry. It deters spoilage and helps stretch out the time between feeder cleanings.

Unfortunately, tube feeders seem to find a way to get wet even when you’ve taken precautions. I have upside down finch feeders that have domes and still find a way to get wet. The water pools on the top and then follows the hanging wire into the side of the feeder. As most of you know, thistle seed is especially bad to clump and spoil relatively quickly.

So what can you do?

Bicycle Tire Patches

Bicycle tire patches are one of the easiest and longest lasting ways to keep your tube feeders dry. They will intercept any water running along the hanging wire and allow it to drip harmlessly to the ground.

Here’s you do:

1. Buy a patch kit at your favorite retailer-get the less expensive ones that don’t self-apply. You don’t need the adhesive backed ones because we’re not going to stick the patch to the feeder.

2. Find an old piece of wood-you’ll be using this as a backing to punch a hole in your patch.

3. Get a tool to punch the hole with-you can use the corner of a flat head screwdriver, very small drill or hex bit or an awl if you have one.

4. Punch a hole big enough for the hanging wire-it can be a little small but try not to make it too big or it won’t work as well.

5. Pull both wires out of the holes in your feeder-these should be near the top of your feeder.

6. Fit one patch over the ends of the wires you just removed-try to leave the colored end facing out if they’re different because that doesn’t seem to spook birds as much as black. Blue, green, brown are best.

7. Re-insert the wires into the sides of your feeder-is the black side facing out? If not, flip it over and re-attach.

8. That’s it, you’re done!

You’ll notice after the very first hard rain that your tube feeders are much dryer when you eliminate the dripping from the hanging wire. Thistle feeders will see the most dramatic improvement because they don’t also have water getting in the seed holes that other tube feeders can have.

The best part is that it costs next to nothing, takes very little time and lasts for years.

If your birds are hesitant at first just be patient. All birds are naturally suspicious of changes. They’ll come around soon enough. Plus, it’s fun watching them test out the feeder upgrades.

I hope you’ll leave me a comment and tell me how this has helped you.

What’s The Best Way To Keep Squirrels Off Bird Feeders?

You Can’t Make A Deal With Squirrels

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is feeding squirrels will keep them from bothering your feeders. This is simply not true. I have yet to meet a squirrel that wouldn’t take anything it could get its little paws on to eat. I have them in my backyard and I do feed them but I take other precautions.

Among these are:
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New Bird Feeders For Your Backyard Birds

New Bird Feeders Are Great At This Time Of Year

Let’s face it. Winter is the time that wild birds need us the most. Naturally occurring food sources are all but gone and they need to find ways to replace them. Add to this their increased energy demands to keep them warm and you’ve got the makings of a rush on your existing bird feeding stations. Having overcrowded feeders also increases the risk of them spreading diseases and could keep youngsters from being able to eat at all.

That’s why this is the perfect time of year to consider adding additional bird feeders to your backyard stations.

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How And What Are You Feeding Your Northern Cardinals?

Every morning and every evening I have Northern Cardinals at my feeder. I get a few during the day but the most traffic comes at these times. I could set my watch by them. This came in handy when sick House Finches were taking over my squirrel-proof hopper feeder.

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