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new bird spotted at the finch bird feeder
Wow… if you think male bluebirds are vibrant blue – check out this little guy! An Indigo Bunting in brilliant cerulean blue was spotted a few days ago at my finch bird feeder. More common in Florida, it’s rare for them to make an appearance in my North Georgia yard. Once, and only once, a Painted Bunting also made a visit to the same finch feeder. Lucky are the folks who see these gorgeous birds on a daily basis!And fast? They almost as quick as hummingbirds, it was difficult to get a good look at him. Possibly the leaf misters were attractive, or he’d seen all the other bird activity going on? For two or three days now, he’s been spotted at the same feeder.
More than just Goldfinches are attracted to a Finch Bird Feeder. This protective feeder sees many Chipping Sparrows in winter, as well as Chickadees, and House Finches. Just because a bird feeder may be labeled for a specific species, it will always attract more than just that bird. Finch mix is a great staple to offer feathered friends throughout the year.
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Recycled Finch Feeders for Earth Day & Always
Happy 41st Birthday Earth Day!Recycle and Reuse… that’s the deal to minimize your carbon footprint. In all facets of life-including backyard birding, there so many recycled products from which to choose. Recycled plastic finch feeders, and every other kind of feeder and birdhouse seriously help to keep plastics out of our landfills.
A recycled bluebird feeder I purchased a few years ago came with a sticker saying how many plastic jugs were used to make this item. It wasn’t a “stock” sticker either, because the number 33 was hand written on it. Besides that… the feeder still looks brand new after three years!
These new recycled finch feeders are pretty cool too as they feature “all-over” feeding space. Unlike traditional tube feeders that have perches, these finch feeders have something called “magnet mesh” which is very attractive to clinging birds such as finches.
Consider making your next finch feeder, oriole feeder, bluebird or woodpecker feeder a recycled plastic one. The non-porous surface is easier to clean and minimizes mold and bacterial growth. They won’t warp, crack, split or fade, and it’s likely the feeder (or house) will still look new after several years of use. Recycled is a wise investment and saves money in the long run because the product lasts!
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Crowded Thistle Feeders?
With tons of Goldfinches out and about now, thistle feeders are likely to be a very busy spot in your yard. Because Goldfinches are one of the latest breeding/nesting birds, many juveniles are now crowding thistle feeders and learning to eat on their own. One of the favorite songbirds who will winter-over if thistle (or nyjer) is offered on a consistent basis, Goldfinches will grace your garden all year. A heated birdbath is also another major attraction for these sweet birds to stick around.With one of their two upcoming seasonal molts, vibrant yellow plumage will soon give way to a more olive-drab one. But as spring once again approaches, the electric yellow feathers will be seen through late summer and early fall.
The use of Thistle Socks or Thistle bags will help to alleviate crowds at your regular thistle feeders, and ensure that all babies get to eat. Fairly inexpensive and available from small to large, these mesh stockings provide an “all-over” eating area for finches and other birds who prefer thistle seed.
Cardinals are also molting right now, and although they might look a bit sickly…rest assured it’s just the process of shedding old worn feathers for vibrant new ones.
Birding Tips, Information & News
