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Finch Bird Feeder Disaster
Without fail buds are blooming and bulbs spring forth from the ground… in February. Likewise without fail, the Atlanta area will experience another cold snap, snow or an ice storm before spring decides she’s here for the duration. The rain’s been fairly continuous for about three weeks, yesterday was a balmy 80 degrees!Warm, wet weather spells disaster for bird feeders, especially finch bird feeders. It’s not that humidity affects thistle seed any differently from other seed mixes- it’s the unnatural and exaggerated number of birds feeding from the finch feeders.
Local populations of goldfinches, pine siskins and house finches are huge around this time of year. Combined with wet or moldy seed means disease can be spread rapidly, with the feeder itself or ground waste below as the main culprit.
Mold creates airborne disease which is usually fatal to birds. A form of strep, the most common way it’s passed is via the feeder. Telltale signs of infected birds are swollen eyes, lethargy (they allow you to get very close) and ruffled or unkept feathers.
The infected finch below will likely fall prey to predators or starve to death as total blindness sets in. It’s the best excuse for keeping bird feeders clean and the area below them raked free of hulls or waste. We attract birds to our gardens simply because we enjoy their beauty, song and grace… sick birds are anything but 🙁
It’s advised to take all bird feeders down and disinfect with a 10% bleach solution. Clean the ground below feeders well. Wait 2 to 3 weeks until the local thistle-eating population has subsided before hanging feeders again. This is a tough chore, both physically (and mentally for some of us bird nuts). So it’s best to avoid and practice good hygiene when enticing birds to your place! Humans do feathered friends no favors at all by causing disease or allowing it to spread.
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Think Vinyl Birdhouse-Feeder for Valentines!
Love Birds? Us too!
As in do you love wild birds? Vinyl birdhouses-feeders make awesome gifts… for countless reasons.
First, they look like wood. Some folks have even insisted they are not PVC or vinyl! Along with the solid copper roof (no metal over plywood) these vinyl birdhouse-feeders are guaranteed for life. It’s a one-time investment that brings birds and much joy indefinitely. Oh yeah… and curb appeal too, they’re quite handsome in the landscape!Second, there’s a wide range from which to choose. Bird Feeder or Birdhouse, which is best? Feeders will see more activity on a daily basis… but they must be maintained. Part of the beauty in these vinyl bird feeders is ease of cleaning. For a more thorough cleaning, simply slide the feeder off of the pos
t and take your garden hose directly to it for a good cleaning. Birdhouses on the other hand, only require nest removal after babies have fledged. Another major advantage is that vinyl is non-porous. This means mold and bacteria will not settle into cracks and crevices as it does with wooden feeders. Aside from the traditional Gazebo feeder which is post-mounted, there’s a hanging style with large capacity hopper. This allows for more bird-watching time and less filling the feeder.Two roof options are lacquered copper- which remains bright & shiny for about 4 to 5 years before weathering to a dark/aged finish. Think copper trim on a real house and how that looks dark after a few years. Patina finish is an acid wash applied with heat and remains an earthy and mottled blueish-green color.
From small (bluebird houses) to extremely large (martin birdhouse) and in between size dovecotes… the range offers something for everyone. Birdhouse-feeders are gifts with purpose. What they give us back is simply intangible. The nature connection alone has the ability to remove daily chaos and lift the spirit. To take in nature- even from the comfort of your own home is awesome gift for your Valentine… or even yourself 🙂
May you be showered with love (and feathered friends) this Valentine’s Day and always.
Use code FH10 to nab $20 off vinyl birdhouse-feeders. They ship for zip too!
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Happy New Year… Deep Freeze Calls for Heated Bird Bath
Resolve to help birds thrive in freezing weather…
When temperatures are soaring in the midst of summer, it’s pretty obvious to remember water for feathered friends and wildlife. We’re outdoors more often, gardening and relaxing- so filling the birdbath becomes intuitive. But throughout winter months, and especially in freezing weather we tend to prefer the cozy warmth of staying inside. But birds require fresh water regardless of the time of year or temperatures.
Some of the more hard core bird lovers will make the daily trudge through snow and ice to clear, clean and fill feeders (that’s us!). Several heated bird baths around our place remain ice-free (and worry-free) as resident birds are seen daily drinking from them. Although bathing is not as popular in freezing weather… water is critical for drinking!A popular birding magazine with an expert article mentioned that birds can fend for themselves when it comes to water in winter. Melting ice and snow for example will provide water. BUT during a week-long deep freeze in Atlanta recently, there was zero precipitation (luckily) – which means there was no melting ice and no snow. So… that theory’s not really valid.
Fresh water is so important yet so easy with a heated bird bath or a simple heater added to your existing bath. It’s an oasis for year-round use (just tuck the cord) and they come in several styles like deck-mounted, tall pedestal or heated ground baths. In many cases, a heater will keep your ceramic or cement birdbath from freezing and cracking as well.Nab a heated bird bath for this winter season. It’s a one-time investment that offers an ongoing, essential element to help wild birds thrive in cold winter months.
Birding Tips, Information & News
Without fail buds are blooming and bulbs spring forth from the ground… in February. Likewise without fail, the Atlanta area will experience another cold snap, snow or an ice storm before spring decides she’s here for the duration. The rain’s been fairly continuous for about three weeks, yesterday was a balmy 80 degrees!
