Unique Birdhouse Boutique

A wild bird accessory that does more than one job?

One of the great thing about seed catchers is that they serve more than one purpose. First and foremost, they prevent ground waste, which in turn prevents weeds from popping up in the garden or lawn. This also creates a healthier habitat for backyard birds. Larger seed catchers also serve as platforms for other birds to feed on the fallen seed. Those who may not perch at the feeder itself, are apt to dine on the large, flat area. So you may end up attracting some new bird species.

This large 18.5-inch seed catcher is made for a any standard one-inch diameter pole. Because of the innovative design, it also acts as a squirrel baffle, and a good one at that! When squirrels shimmy up the pole, they can not get past the down-turned rim on the seed catcher. Like all Droll Yankees’ quality birding products, this seed catcher ensures many seasons of use and enjoyment. Bye Bye squirrels!

If you adore feathered friends and wild bird feeding but hate the ground mess, seed trays are definitely the answer. Many tube feeders come with attached trays, which also serve as perches for birds to eat. Some tube feeders are available with optional seed trays for a few dollars more, it’s a great investment!

The problem is that some feeders offer none. Hopper style feeders can still make a pretty good ground mess with which to contend. What to do? The SeedHoop! These have gotten wonderful reviews by the many folks who use them. Sturdy, universal seed trays that give you total flexibility on where and how they’re used. In 16 and 30-inch sizes, Seed Hoops are versatile enough for hopper feeders and the larger size can even be pole mounted. The large platform area of these seed trays acts as an additional feeder for birds who may not use the feeder itself. You can expect to see some new visitors when adding these innovative and high quality seed trays.

The most obvious reason for utilizing a seed tray is to eliminate ground waste. For us humanoids, it’s the unsightly mess and sprouting weeds that are annoying. For birds though, it’s really a health issue. Wasted seed tends to mold, it gets dirty with birds’ droppings and it attracts other critters who can transmit disease. Many avian diseases are airborne and spread rapidly affecting much of the local bird population if the mess or dirty feeders are left unattended for long stretches of time. This is why maintaining clean bird feeders is so important.

Adding a seed tray will pretty much eliminate this problem. There are a bevy of models from which to choose, including pole-mounted and post mounted. Hanging trays are used by attaching them to the feeder itself.

The other advantage is that a seed tray will attract more species of birds. Those who may not actually perch or eat from the feeder will find the platform area with spilled seed very inviting. Which brings us to the spilled seed itself and the savings in money spent on that seed. So, it serves more than one purpose to add a seed tray to existing bird feeders, as it creates a clean feeding environment and attracts more feathered friends!

When the simple joys of backyard birding become thwarted….it means that it’s time to do something. Simple solutions do exist for some of the most common problems associated with backyard birding. Wild bird accessories were created for convenience, and to attract more birds. There’s tons of gadgets and gizmos out there, but the basic ones are tried and true.

Seed catchers for example, will eliminate ground mess. Tired of weeds popping up in the garden? With a seed tray, or seed catcher the problem is eliminated. Available in several designs, seed catchers may be attached to hanging or post-mount bird feeders. The larger ones even serve as additional feeding space for birds who may not perch at a feeder. So you’ll never know who might visit?

Squirrel baffles – probably my favorite bird accessory! Every single feeder in my yard (and there’s lots of them) has a squirrel baffle attached. Whether they’re post-mounted or hanging feeders, they’re protected from squirrels. Don’t worry though, the squirrels have their own feeders, but it’s never enough. They’ve even learned to hang on and ride the twirl-a squirrel, thinking it’s some kind of amusement ride for them

Window Alert Decals are literally life savers for many birds. These decals are barely noticeable to humans, but act as a shield to guard birds from striking windows. After several stunned or dead birds on the back deck, I quickly realized these were a “must”. Also, if there’s a territorial male cardinal fighting with himself at your window…Cardinal Alerts will solve the problem.

Bird accessories like those mentioned here, really do make a difference in the everyday life of a backyard birder. You may not think any of this stuff is necessary, until you’ve tried them!

PS: If anyone knows how to get rid of the pain in the a$$  starlings in my yard right now, please let me know! They’re eating everything in sight, bullying the songbirds, and making a serious poop mess. Much thanks to that guy who brought them here from Europe!

Happy Birding….

How do you improve on a hopper bird feeder?

Add a tray of course, as this has numerous benefits. Then construct it from poly-lumber. Recycled plastics that last a lifetime and come guaranteed to never crack, split or fade. Now you’re talking!

Hopper bird feeders are known for attracting many species, and for they’re large capacity reservoirs. But some birds simply will not perch at a feeder. By adding the tray, there’s ample room for multiple species to feed at once. You’ve got a better chance at seeing more kinds of birds. The tray also serves as a built-in seed catcher, eliminating the wasted mess on the ground. This provides a healthier environment for all birds in your yard. This hopper is available in durable cedar or recycled plastics, both are guaranteed to attract more feathered friends. Add some nesting materials and a fresh water source to entice even more birds to stick around your yard.

When we feed birds it’s almost a catch 22 situation as far as their health in a natural setting. We attract many birds locally, populating our yards in an almost unnatural setting. It is our responsibility then, as backyard birders, to be concerned for the health and welfare of our feathered friends.

For example, if you have a bird bath and allow the water to stagnate and become nasty, are you doing the birds any favors? Of course not! Baths must be maintained with fresh water to be of use to birds. Same goes with feeders. If the seed becomes moldy or rancid, birds won’t eat it. They’ll stop visiting your feeders (there’s even a scientific name for this phenomenon too).  When spilled seed is allowed to sit on the ground, it too becomes moldy. Capable of spreading mold spores, this is one way respiratory problems arise in wild birds. They then share the same feeders and diseases are spread rapidly. This is why feeders need to be cleaned with a 10% bleach solution, preferably scrubbed, and then rinsed well at least twice a month. The newer recycled feeders with non-porous surfaces are easier to clean than wood, and less likely to absorb contaminates and germs.

Using bird seed catchers is an obvious strategy for ground waste. They’re available in hanging, pole, or post-mount models, fitting virtually any type of bird feeder. The SeedHoop shown above is a large 30-inch diameter tray, that adjusts to any feeder. The tray actually serves as a platform to offer birds additional feeding space. Use Bird Seed Catchers to eliminate ground waste and unsightly weeds…for the health and well being of your birds.

Good reasons for adding seed trays to your bird feeders:

Ground mess – spilled seed not only looks unsightly, it creates weeds…yuk!

Disease – When wasted seed sits on the ground, it also becomes moldy and nasty. Hungry ground feeding birds like sparrows and others will forage through nasty seeds. This makes them ill with respiratory problems and diseases are spread quickly among the bird population in your yard. Seed trays prevent the spilled seed from reaching the ground in the first place.

You can attract different species and actually see more birds as many seed trays also act as a platform, allowing additional feeding space. Birds who never perch at your feeder may likely drop by and land on the platform for a snack. So seed trays can also act as a whole new feeder below your existing hopper or tube style bird feeder.

Whether it’s a hanging, or pole-mounted feeder, seed trays are available to fit it. The SeedHoop pictured above is an adjustable seed tray that works with any tube feeder. It’s also available with in a 30-inch diameter for larger bird feeders. By saving wasted seed, you’ll save money too in the long run

Offer your feathered friends more space to feed…

Invite new birds who may not even perch at your feeder with a seed tray. They’re excellent for eliminating ground mess, while saving your birdseed and money. Any type of food, from suet and seed, to mealworms and fruit treats may be fed on this type of platform.

This recycled seed tray is made from poly lumber, and is guaranteed to never crack, split, or fade. The innovative design allows you to place it below a hopper style, or other bird feeder that’s mounted on a 4×4 post. Removable trays make it simple to clean this great seed tray.

Recycled plastics help to keep containers and milk jugs out of landfills, and they’re less likely to aid in the spread of diseases as they are non-porous. This makes them easy to clean too.

Backyard birding involves more than just birdhouses and bird feeders. You can take a great hobby (that gives us so much pleasure) to the next level with a few useful bird accessories.

For example, some seed catchers and seed trays will actually provide extra feeding space for birds who may not perch at the feeder itself. The tray also serves as a platform allowing you to add a variety of food and treats that can’t go in the feeder. Fruit, nuts, mealworms, or suet may be added to any platform for additional variety. This alone will attract more species of birds to the feeder.

Nesting material is another bird accessory that is often overlooked. Non-cavity dwellers will seek out nesting materials to build their nests and raise the brood. Cotton yarns, feathers, mosses, even dryer lint and pet hair are useful to these birds. You can make your own nesting ball using a mesh produce bag from the grocery store. We made one with horse tail hair that our birds just tear to pieces!

WindowAlert decals have done wonders in preventing bird window strikes. Barely visible to the human eye, these static cling decals act like a big stop sign for birds. They work brilliantly and truly reduce these nasty accidents if your birds are striking windows in your home.

If you’re new to birding, try one thing at at time and see how it works for your birds and you. The list is endless, from creating moving water in a bird bath, to weather guards for feeders, and squirrel baffles, the bird accessories really make a difference!

With all of the great advancements in backyard birding products, you would think someone would have developed a seed catcher that works with mult-hanger poles and shepherd’s hooks. Squirrel baffles are deigned to work on one pole, yet using one will protect all of the feeders on that pole. See our bird feeder/squirrel baffle set up in the photo at left.  Some pole-mount squirrel baffles have a seam and separate in order to install on the pole.  Why not seed catchers?

They’re  an excellent item if you’d rather keep the area clean below feeders.  So, then how come they don’t make seed catchers, or seed trays that will work in this fashion? We think it’s an excellent idea, and wish someone would get to work on it soon!