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butterfly feeders and these!
It may be a little difficult to spot in the photo, but to butterflies that gentle spray from the leaf mister is absolutely irresistible!Versatile for placement almost anywhere in the yard or garden, the rubber tubing is actually wrapped around a simple plant stake here. Our other mister extends over the railing of the front porch, coiled around a metal deck bracket.
The butterfly feeders in this yard are mostly natural. Consisting of host plants, like milkweed, butterflies may feast on nectar from perennial flowers like lantana, trumpet vine, and native hibiscus. There is also a staked glass butterfly feeder, and sometimes we’ll add over-ripened fruit. Melons, bananas, oranges and strawberries are a few of their favorites. The thing with fruit is to be sure it does not mold, which can be tricky in hot and humid Georgia summers. When the glass flower does not contain fruit, it’s easily moved near the leaf mister, and creates a small pool of water. This bath is frequented by the butterflies as well as hummingbirds and other songbirds.
If you’re not having such great success with butterfly feeders alone, definitely try a leaf mister. By creating an enticing butterfly habitat-you’ll be amazed at the bustling activity of these winged jewels!
- Bats & Butterflies, Bird Accessories, Butterfly Houses, Misters and Birdbath Drippers, Uncategorized
cool butterfly houses at the birding show
Last week in Atlanta, the Merchandise Mart hosted its annual gift show, with a whole floor dedicated to backyard birding. Spending a whole day there just wasn’t enough, I felt like a kid in a candy store and wanted everything!Unfortunately, that’s far from possible, so the search was narrowed to very unique birding products, namely one, butterfly houses. Many of the standards were there, in cedar construction from small to large. A few recycled plastic (or poly lumber) butterfly houses were shown in some fab colors.
This one caught my eye however, likely because of the mod curved entrances. The copper accents were nice too, so I inquired. Upon learning these butterfly houses are hand crafted in solid cypress, and included the tall mounting poll, I was pretty much hooked.
At home I don’t have a butterfly house, but last summer there were tons of butterflies. Planting the host plant (milkweed) helped, but the leaf misters are what kept them around daily. Butterflies absolutely love the gentle spray from a leaf mister, whether they really use these houses or not…you can attract them with mist! By the way…Hummingbirds and others really love that mist during summer’s sweltering temperatures too!
- Ant Moats, Bird Book, Bird Feeder Pole, Bird Field Guides, Bird Nesting Materials, Bird Seed Trays, Birding Accessories, Misters and Birdbath Drippers, Nesting Material, Squirrel Baffle, Water Wiggler, Weather Guards
squirrel baffle serves as weatherguard too
The most effective way to foil squirrels and protect your feeders from their disruptive antics, is with a squirrel baffle. A quality baffle is a one-time investment that will save your birdseed and ultimately your money in the long run.The best part about using a hanging squirrel baffle is the versatility. Some folks even use them as weather guards alone (like me) to protect feeders from the elements. Most will serve as weather guards throughout the changing seasons. Keeping snow in winter, rain, and direct sun in sweltering summer heat, from ever reaching and spoiling the bird food. This will also save money by keeping food fresher longer. Not to mention, squirrel baffles also protec
t feathered friends at your feeder while dining. Although this feeder hangs from a pole with a baffle in place, one is also used to protect the feeder. Check out that snow sitting on top!Planning and proper placement are two key factors when setting up new baffles. One must always remember squirrels’ uncanny acrobatic and athletic abilities! The little furry critters can jump sideways almost 10 feet. So, the horizontal “launching point” must be taken into consideration. Don’t hang the feeder near anything they might be able to jump from sideways. Vertically speaking, be sure the bottom of the feeder is at least five feet from ground level.
All in all, a great investment for novice to advanced backyard birders. Sparing you much aggravation and headache should squirrels be a problem in the yard.
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