Thrush Bird

Thrush Bird

Getting your Birds Ready for the Fall Bird Watching Season!

Bird watching is a highly educational and fun activity, something that every family should enjoy every fall. However, there are some concerns that one must resolve to ensure satisfaction and success. To name a few, you need to ask yourself what kinds of birds you need to attract, what kind of feeders you have to install, and what feeds you need to place. Once you have these issues settled, expect birds to come around all year and expect those binoculars to be put to good use.

 

What are the best kind of feeders to use?

You can go simple or elaborate, depending on how much time, money, and space you have.  Make your backyard garden your own and enjoy every moment.

 

All of the following types of feeders work. Most successful bird watchers do several of these things.

A variety of feeding locations and types of feeders will bring you more kinds of birds than a single feeder, because each species will find its own preferred level and location.

 

If you want to get more elaborate, you can sink a post into the ground and mount a platform at the top. Put a bit of molding around the edge to keep the seeds from rolling off. Let the molding leak at the corners so that the feeder doesn't fill up with water.

 

Whatever you use, be sure to put your birdfeeder where you can watch the birds from where you live. Enjoy the chirps of chickadees while you relax.

 

And start now. You'll enjoy the birds all winter long.  I have put together a small description of a few types of bird feeders to help you decide what is best for you.

 

Finch Feeders

Hanging bird feeders are the best to use for finches. Finches are very popular seed-eating songbirds that have various colorful feathers and anyone will enjoy watching finches feed in the backyard. Finch feeders are common in many bird stores and are normally shaped like a long cylinder with perches on several levels. Normally priced between $20-$100, it is advisable to buy a finch feeder that is about 35 inches in length. This size should be able to accommodate 18 birds,  and it is a delight to watch so many birds feed on it everyday.

 

Hopper Bird Feeders

Hopper bird feeders are the most common type of bird feeders. Also referred to as gazebos, these are designed for ease of use and aesthetic values. Hopper bird feeders are normally shaped like little houses with trays where the seeds fall. Sometimes, these feeders may be designed like lamps or in cylindrical shapes. However, the most notably common thing in hopper bird feeders is the tray that allows the birds to rest on. Prices may range from $40-$250 dollars, depending on the material used and the design. These feeders are easy to clean and can maintain larger  amounts of seeds than other feeders. Many feeders of this type are made from wood and can withstand heat and rain.

 

Platform Feeders

This type of feeder is simply a flat tray where you put the seeds or bird feeds. There are some variations to this type of product for the purpose of deterring squirrels. Platform feeders are commonly used for attracting a wild variety of birds. It is an open tray that does not make birds feel threatened and makes the bird feel at ease to fly should it start getting anxious of its surroundings. Some platform feeders are design with screens that block squirrels from feeding on it.

 

Suet Feeders

Woodpeckers, goldfinches, juncos, cardinals, thrushes, jays, kinglets, bluebirds, chickadees, nuthatches, wrens, & starlings are all known to favor suet-based bird feeders.

 

Normally priced at $10 to $60, suet feeders are designed to give suet cakes to birds. These feeders allow birds to get fatty nutrients that will support them during the winter. Most feeders of this type are designed like a cage to sustain the weight of the suet cakes, mostly made from nuts, seeds, and of course, suet. Suet feeders are usually made for clinging birds, like woodpeckers.

 

 

About the Author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Rebecca Lauer has been a backyard garden enthusiast for many years.  She combined her love of birds and arts by combining them to create a website that features a number of artists that make handmade bird feeders, birdhouses and a number of other items that will excite any backyard enthusiast.  Anythingbirds.com is a great place to visit if you are looking for unique bird gifts or something for yourself.

 

 

Mystery bird pecking seed,field in Wales. Speckled like thrush, slimmer but 50% bigger. Greeny. Identify pl?

Fieldfare, google and check pics.

British Song Thrush