Wild Birds | Exotic Birds Blog

Tips to Attract Wild Birds to Your Garden

April 28th, 2009 by Johnson

You can attract wild birds to your garden in many different ways. Provide food that they like and somewhere safe for them to feed. Garden bird feeders are ideal for providing food for them. Natural sources of food are scarce in the winter so they can be really helpful to the birds.

Feeding stations can be set up with food to attract different species. For example finches feed on small thistle seeds and specially designed bird feeders that allow the finches to feed easily can be purchased. Keep seeds dry and prevent spillage by using tube feeders. You could also use a window bird feeder so that you can watch the birds from inside your home.

You can purchase bird feeders specially designed for woodpeckers,goldfinches and hummingbirds. Attract the birds by placing them close to your birdhouse in a safe place. Check the food in the bird feeder daily to make sure it is dry and mold free. Regularly clean up spilled food as it will attract wasps, ants and other pests.

Although birds benefit the most by winter feeding, they can suffer from shortages during the Spring and Summer too. All through the year put out suitable food to help them if shortages occur. Food suitable for fledglings should be provided during the breeding season as shortages can have a severe effect on them.

Pans of water or garden bird baths should be provided to give them a safe place to drink, bathe and preen their feathers. Set out water containers at different levels as some species prefer to drink and bathe at ground level, others prefer above ground containers. Fill shallow containers or pans with water and place away from the noise of birds feeding at your bird feeders. The sounds of running water will be attractive to the birds. Attract the birds with a water dripper attached to your bird bath. It will also stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.

A natural environment in a part of the garden will increase the birds sense of security. Leaving an area to grow naturally with wild flowers and trees will provide an attractive place for them.

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Tags: attracting wild birds, bird baths, bird feeders, garden bird baths, garden bird feeders, wild birds

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Is Bird Watching For The Birds?

April 2nd, 2009 by Johnson

for the birds

Normally, when someone says something is “for the birds” you can assume that they mean the idea or subject they are talking about is crazy or outrageous. Bird watching enthusiasts take the phrase to a whole new level. It is a hobby that they gladly devote their time and money into. It does have its rewards, such as getting out into the fresh air and finding interesting species of birds that appeal to you. The best part is that even the novice can take up the hobby and be immediately rewarded.

Bird watching is one of those hobbies that you do not need a lot of information or equipment right off the bat. However, some people do want to get some guidance. One website that does offer guidance, equipment and hints/tips is www.birdwatching.com. They have tons of information for the beginner. They can even give you tips on setting up bird feeders in your yard so that the birds will come to your yard instead, eliminating the need to go traipsing through the woods to find them.

A great way to get into watching birds is to go on birding tours. These tours can be local or they can be to some tropical destination where you will observe exotic birds, such as Toucans or Flamingos. Just the thrill of seeing wild birds in their own natural habitat can be a treat for anyone. It not only gets you outside in the sun but it also can serve as an excellent form of exercise. You can easily cover miles when you are absorbed in watching the skies or trees for the birds that you are seeking out. If you are not quite ready to spend a lot of money on a birding tour, then you can always borrow a book from your local library and discover the birds that live in your area. There are many books that can offer you tips and tricks to seeking out local birds.

As mentioned above, if you do not really care for bird watching out in the forest or on birding tours, you can always set up bird feeders in your own yard. The birds will come in to eat and if you have provided special housing for them, they may even nest. This gives you a chance to observe how the birds parent their young. Just remember that different birds require different types of enticement.

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