• Bird Feeders,  Finch Feeders,  Nyjer Feeders,  Thistle Feeders,  Tube Bird Feeder,  Uncategorized

    new experience with thistle feeders

    Fun Thistle Feeder filled with Goldfinches“We are just learning about the appetites of the finches.
    We are already out of thistle !!!
    But what fun !!  Jan”

    Recently some folks in Alexandria, LA developed an interest in backyard birding. Diving right in with a suet feeder, hopper style feeder for sunflower seed, a bird bath with mister (for summer) and two thistle feeders, the timing couldn’t have been better – for the birds and for them to witness the amazing flurry of activity this pre-spring season.

    By her note above, we’re gathering they’ve got flocks of pine siskins and goldfinches in the yard right now, we sure do here in North GA.! For months thistle feeders sat, with seed going bad due to lack of activity. Then out of nowhere… tons of birds chowing down on thistle!

    Also called Nyjer, thistle’s other nickname among many is “black gold” because it’s not a cheap seed to offer. A bit on the pricey side, it does have the benefit of being a non-germinating seed, one of very few seeds that won’t sprout weeds. But it’s about the only food adults will feed chicks in summer, so extra feeders (like thistle socks) and lots of seed greatly helps goldfinches thrive and flourish during their late breeding season (June and July).

    Being new to the birding scene, Jan had the right idea in mind when she inquired about creating a welcoming and bird-friendly habitat in their yard. No single feeder, house, or birdbath will attract as many song birds as an overall habitat with natural food sources and shelter. And since we’re in the same planting zone, it was fairly easy to come up with a few suggestions too. Rather than re-word, and re-type the email, here’s our thoughts on creGoldfinches are inundating thistle feeders this seasonating an attractive and wildlife-friendly environment.

    “OK, did some research and thinking of my own yard… here are some suggestions:

    Overall: Mature trees and Shrubs are very good for attracting all winged friends as not only a food source, but shelter. Since this is an open area, I’m thinking your yard must have mature trees along the back/sides? Many birds nest in trees and shrubs as they’re not all considered “cavity-dwellers” (birdhouse users).

    If you’d like some kind of height or focal point around the new area, Butterfly Bush, Viburnum, Mimosa, or a Crab Apple is a great choice. These are hearty, and provide both shelter and food (nectar or fruit). Any of the native berry-producing shrubs will also provide a great food source.

    Using pots for annuals is always a great option too, for color, nectar and seeds in fall!
    Petunias, Zinnias, and various salvias; most garden center plants now have tags depicting if the plants provide a food source, so just look around. There should be lots of options here! You can even save seeds in the fall for replanting in spring.

    Cardinals, chickTry Purple Sheep's Burr for a pretty ground cover near thistle feedersadees, finches and titmice will eat seeds of many plants. The trick is not to dead-head them in fall when the urge strikes! There are lots of perennials that fit the bill in this category:  coneflower, coreopsis, seedum, black-eyed susan, goldenrod, sunflowers, mexican sunflower, native salvia-(very good), coral bells,. Again look around at the garden center, and if you’re lucky… you’ll find an employee with some knowledge on the subject!

    As far as for ground cover: I think mulching the area and adding plants is a better option than a solid ground cover. You’ll want to be able to get to the feeders, bath, mister and “parts” of the landscape without stepping all over things. Also, spilled seed may sprout weeds, and it’s easier to control that if not covered solid with growth.

    Day Lillies also provide a food source for birds and go nicely around thistle feedersDay lilies are a good choice, the Stella de Oro’s are quite hearty and pretty! If you wanted something more low-growing that spreads, (full sun) try purple sheep’s burr, also called purple goose leaf.  In fact this would be a beautiful contrast with yellow lilies! The Stella variety tends to stay more compact as opposed to some which grow taller and appear “lanky”. Never, ever plant creeping strawberry, or ivy…these are the bane of my existence in parts of my yard 🙁  They are also a wonderful habitat for snakes, especially if you’ll have the mister going when it’s warm!

    Native salvia: I’ve got a bed of this which provides color from spring through fall. Vibrant red, there are always Other native plants provide nectar rather than seedhummingbirds and butterflies hovering. It’s actually below one of the misters, and does well with the “extra water”. Extremely hearty, it multiplies each year, spreading roots, but does tend to grow taller, more of a back-drop. Lantana would also be a good choice if you’ve got the space for it to grow. I love perennials!

    It may be helpful to actually sketch out the area on paper before planting. Drop in the plant names to get an idea. You can always do search for pics to get an idea too!

    Okay… hope this helps, and as always, feel free to ping me back with questions”

  • Bird Feeders,  Finch Feeders,  Nyjer Feeders,  Thistle Feeders,  Uncategorized

    thistle feeders are a great choice when starting out

    Goldfinches adore Thistle Feeders, and fresh water too.Here’s a real note (and our quick response) from an enthusiastic customer who’s just staring out with the backyard birding and gardening thing. This is the kind of stuff we love to see! Aside from a happy customer, another wildlife friendly habitat is being born.

    “I just received my Solar hanging bird bath and ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I LOVE it……I have it in my back yard…..I want to purchase another one for my front yard…..Do You have different styles and colors of solar hanging bird baths???  I am new to having a garden and bird feeding and baths….I love it!!!  It is soooooooo peaceful!!!  Do I need to put anything in the solar bird bath for the water???  Should I change the water everyday????  Thank You for the 2 gifts….I need to get a suet feeder.  What is the pop.outz that you are speaking about on the card that you sent me??  Also, I have a bird house, should I put the feathers, moss and horse hair in the house with some hanging out in order to attract birds???  I am not sure how I should present this to the birds?
    Thank You so much and any information is greatly appreciated!!!
    Lisa”

    Hi Lisa,
    Sounds like you’re on your way to becoming a bird-fanatic like me 🙂
    It really is so cool just to sit and watch, sorta takes you away from the “day-to-day”.  Even though I’ve been doing this for a long time, there are still scenes and birds who never cease to amaze and bring joy!

    The first brood of Bluebirds fledged a few weeks ago, and mama brought the babies down to the feeder last night. When they first leave the nest, they stay in the tree-tops for about the first 10 days. So darn cute!  I’ve been trying to lure Orioles for years (gorgeous birds) who are considered migratory (only here in summer). My first one was in the yard the other day. The brightest hue of yellow-orange I’ve ever seen! They eat grape jelly and oranges!

    Hummingbirds will come back to the same place every year if they find the spot to their liking. Last night while sitting outside, one buzzed my head and sat only a few inches away while drinking at the feeder! What a site when they’re that close!  Jeez… this sounds like a blog post right here!

    Anyway, you’re off to a good start because fresh water really does entice more birds.
    Not sure if you have any other feeders, but thistle feeders are very cool. Goldfinches (great little songbirds) will stick around all year if you feed thistle. In summer, they molt (shed old feathers and grow new new ones) and turn an electric lemon yellow color. Sweet songs and very gentle birds too! Thistle (also called nyjer) won’t germinate to sprout weeds, and squirrels usually leave these feeders in peace! It’s not cheap seed though 🙁

    Just buzz me any time with any bird questions!
    Have a swell day!
    Beth

  • Bird Feeders,  Finch Feeders,  Nyjer Feeders,  Thistle Feeders,  Tube Bird Feeder

    Large Capacity nyjer feeder won’t “go mushy” at the bottom

    Its great when cool stuff comes along that really works! This innovative nyjer feeder is unlike any other in the way it distributes the seed. Instead of one large tube with lots of perches, The Finches Favorite 3-Tube Nyjer Feeder operates on a horizontal principle. Typically, seed sitting at the bottom of a finch or nyjer feeder does just that… it sits there and molds – then it starts to stink! And then your finches will stop visiting.

    With the cost of thistle/nyjer seed these days (some refer to it as black gold) who can afford the waste? Not only does it make great sense as far as seed staying fresh longer… but all 36 birds will be in full view when this feeders’ perches are occupied. That’s a pretty impressive statement, and an even more fantastic sight to behold!

    Nyjer is also unlike any other birdseed or seed mix. Its non-germinating property means no weeds sprouting, and squirrels usually leave these feeders in peace! If you feed thistle year-round, Goldfinches’ electric yellow plumage will grace the yard in summer. If you already offer thistle in your yard, an extra feeder is always helpful during Goldfinches’  busy season. The babies are fed nyjer almost exclusively. Goldfinches have one of the latest nesting seasons, so it’s not too late! Don’t forget the fresh water too, birds are drawn to this life force year-round.