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

    Upside Down Thistle Feeder

    Why do they make some bird feeders upside down? Basically it’s to discourage certain birds from that feeder. There’s an upside down thistle feeder made for feeding American Goldfinches only. House and Purple Finches are unable to consume seed from these perches. The sweet nature of the Goldfinch is to give up rather than fight for a spot at a crowded thistle feeder.

    With the upside down version, there’s no worry of anybody but a Goldfinch at the feeder. Pretty cool idea! They make a suet feeder like that too, it discourages Starlings and Grackles. It also protects suet cakes from the weather.

    For your next thistle feeder….try an upside down one. Happy Birding!

  • Bird Accessories,  Thistle Feeders,  Uncategorized

    Thistle Feeders Feed More Than Finches

    If you think Goldfinches are the only songbirds to feast at thistle feeders…think again!

    House and Purple Finches are known to crowd thistle feeders, which is why they make an “upside down” version to  discourage them. Towhees and Pine siskins may also be seen at thistle feeders. But likely the most vibrant, other than the Goldfinch, is the Indigo Bunting. They can be seen at thistle feeders during summer months, and are more likely to visit your yard if there is a fresh water source too.

    Check out this great video clip of a male Indigo Bunting at the Rainbow Finch Feeder.

  • Bird Accessories,  Bird Nesting Materials,  Hummingbird Feeders,  Misters and Birdbath Drippers,  Nesting Material,  Uncategorized,  Window Hummingbird Feeder

    Add More to Your Window Hummingbird Feeder

    It’s a known fact that hummingbirds practice site fidelity – if they find great accommodations, there’s a very good chance they’ll return the following season. If you love watching the tiny sprites and have  window hummingbird feeders or hanging ones, there’s a couple more things you can offer to accommodate more hummingbirds, and keep them coming back.

    They love water, and if it’s moving water – even better! Birdbath accessories like fountains and drippers act like a magnet for hummingbirds. I think the leaf misters might just be their favorite. The way they dance, back and forth to play and bathe in the fine mist is mesmerizing. I could sit and observe for hours if there were time. We have two misters, one is upright, staked in the ground, wrapped around a simple green plant stake with a twistie to hold the nozzle in place. The other is up higher, and more horizontal, off the front porch railing, attached to a metal bracket. They really love these things!

    Another wonderful accessory (actually endorsed by The Hummingbird Society) is Hummer Helper Nesting Material. It’s a kit with a hanging, red flat basket, and nest material. Goldfinches use this material as well to build their nests. The good thing with the kit is that refills are also sold separately. Our kit saw a lot of activity last season, but I never could figure out where the nests were?

    Try it and see for yourself!