I have been feeding black oil sunflower seeds in shell, peanuts, suet and water. The birds and squirrels love it. Cause we had our first day of cold weather. Temperature today was 41 with rain. They actually emptied both my feeders. Love watching the birds and squirrels eating around each other. The squirrels really like their peace offering on the ground.
I love having squirrels around, they are the security guards and inform the little birds of predators. It's good to also have a evergreen bush close by when possible for the little birds to hide.
I've fed the song birds for many years have a big following but I got into chickens a couple of years ago when I left the job market. There was some conflict there for sure. More so from the song bird side being afraid of change and the giant birds running around under their feeders. Glad to say that they pretty much resolved those issues. My birds rally have nothing more than a passing interest in the little guys and don't bother chasing them away unless they are pretty much in their face. I go through piles of black oil seed on both sides and hulled millet to a lesser degree. I keep some in one feeder mostly for the tiny guys and mostly Chipping Sparrows. They love the stuff. So do my chickens but mainly as a treat and I add some to their scratch feed that I make myself. This past spring I had a Thrash come along with one of their babies and cashed in on some soaked layer feed that was out for the chickens and stuffed the baby full of it. High fat, protein and calcium. Probably not so bad for a growing baby. Little bit of an issue with Cardinals getting into my runs while the doors are open all day and have trouble finding their way out. Happily none have been killed for their transgressions. lol Few weeks ago I did notice some some of my birds converging on something in one of the runs and found a little wren down in the corner that had given up waiting on it's fate. I walked up to them and shoed them away with my top rooster standing over it. He wasn't being aggressive just checking the tiny bird out. He's such a thoughtful and awesome bird. He amazes me sometimes. But I reached around him and picked up the little guy and carried it outside. Let it calm and rest in my hand. My rooster standing beside me watching. He just sat in my hand and let me stroke him as I talked to him and after about ten minutes flew off into the bushes. Don't know how anyone could not love birds. Amazing creatures, all of them.
I discovered in one shop yesterday that the suet pellets contained 20% suet, while the suet cakes contained 35% fat. Some packets didn't give the percentages, but it was obvious they (and the pellets I'd been buying up till then) had the lower percentage suet. So I bought a suet cake holder and swapped suets.
Good video. I have to deal with a large population of squirrels, grackles, starlings and house sparrows. I have secured all the feeders on one pole and do not have a problem. My hopper feeder is still overwhelmed with house sparrows. I have tried, safflower, striped sunflower and a mix of the two but the sparrows are still wiping it out each day. I am getting blue jays and the occasional cardinal to this feeder. I have a new magic halo on the way. I have one on my tube feeder that finally stopped the sparrows and I am hoping the new one will do the same for my hopper feeder. The weather has turned cold enough here that the bird bath is frozen each morning so this week's purchase is a heated bird bath. Your videos have really helped me get started with bird feeding.l
I recently watched a video that recommended against water heaters. He said, the warmer water actually can cause ice to form on their feathers quicker than cold water - and can kill them. When I lived in town where there wasn't much in the way of a water source, I would put out a dripping milk jug of water out every morning which kept the bath water moving.
@@blujeans9462 That is why they are de-icers and not heaters. The water does not get “hot” only when enough to keep it from freezing over. Where is his data? We don’t find frozen birds all around yards with heated bird baths and we have been using them nationwide for over 60 years. Groups like Cornell and Audubon would be all over this if it was true.
Your pole has to be at least eight feet from any roof or trees. Those squirrels can just about fly from a roof to a pole. The pole should have arms that are 18” from the pole. A baffle is absolutely necessary to keep squirrels and raccoons off. We have had some problems with hawks. Have to figure out a way of providing more protection. Right now we do use a covering over each individual feeder.
Just what I was looking for: building a cover. I want to put a feeding station on my second story porch but it would be wide open. I thought about putting branches into buckets. All in hopes the squirrels are not making their way up there :)
I heard that if birds bathe in the heated bird baths when it's really cold, their wet feathers will freeze. Someone suggested adding some large rocks to discourage bathing but not drinking. Also clean it out once or twice daily! Mine is so popular it gets poopy really quickly.
Hello, I would like to give water to the birds, but the water turns to ice. Do you put a small water heater in your container? I am returning from Quebec to Canada. I am waiting to hear from you. Thank you💁♀️😀
I live on a golf course in Colorado winter. There is a creek that runs partially unfrozen all winter close by my house. Do I need to have a heated bird bath out if I have that water source from the creek close by?
In winter is it better to help them conserve energy by feeding all hulled or to extra protect food from winter weather exposure by feeding all shelled?
I don't think they expend enough energy cracking open seeds to make a bird impact on them. The hulled seeds are vulnerable to moisture for sure but if you have it in a well protected feeder you should be fine.
@@linda18777 unfortunately not. I have customers who run their extension cords under a door, even a garage door to plug them in. The length of the cord doesn’t matter as long as it is outdoor rated. There just aren’t solar options available. Especially in northern climates.
I thought I replied earlier but maybe accidentally deleted my comment. Pardon me if this appears twice.. You *can* have liquid water without an electrical outlet. I put a tea light inside of a can (like from a can of corn). I put a piece of foil over the top to keep the breeze from blowing it out and poke holes in it so the candle will get air. I place this is a shallow metal tray with an inch or so of water. I have kept water liquid for a good 6 hours with a 6 hour tea light this way and it has been in the 20s and the teens. Most tea lights only burn for 2 or 4 hours but on Amazon I have been able to find 6 hours tea lights. I do periodically add boiling hot water because the water can evaporate. Placing it in the sun, if there is any, will help and if you have the option of a black pan that would help even more. I favor metal over plastic or other material because I am concerned the heat from the tea light might cause it to melt. I use a pan large enough that the birds can get at the water without having to rub up against the can. Hope that helps!
My squirrels are really creative, they crawl upside down on the electrical wire to jump onto my feeder. When I discovered them doing this I said let em eat.
Thanks ! Im so sick of the house sparrows dominating my feeders ! So frustrating! They even fight each other. Ugh , I don’t like them . Sorry it’s true 🤷♀️ (seen too many exposes on what they do to my precious Tree Swallows & other birds as well )
Off topic but I thought it was interesting. I didn't know that birds have more rod and cone cells in their eyes and can see more colors and shades than humans.
@@MarksBackyardBirds Nice, I didn't see that one. I'm just a bit north of the store and wanted to pick up an upside down suet feeder. Of the 3 you have on the website, is there a favorite or advantage of one over another?
My neighbour was laughing at me because I have 5 different feeders hanging from my feeder pole. I explained to him that each feeder has different food in it to attract different species of birds. One feeder attracts Cardinals and Blue Jays. Another feeder is for Gold Finches. Another is for Sparrows and so on and so on. Why Sparrows? At first I was angry that sparrows were at my feeder until I learned that because we have changed our architecture for building houses, sparrows no longer have a place to breed. This has cut the Sparrow population in half world wide. When I learned that, I stopped complaining and welcomed Sparrows to my feeder. Afterall the Bible says God even counts the feathers on a Sparrow. So who am I drive them away when God loves them.
House Sparrows in the USA are not native and are a threat to our Eastern Bluebird which is a beneficial native species here. For this reason I discourage House Sparrows from using our feeders and houses. It’s important to be knowledgeable and respond accordingly.
I have been feeding black oil sunflower seeds in shell, peanuts, suet and water. The birds and squirrels love it. Cause we had our first day of cold weather. Temperature today was 41 with rain. They actually emptied both my feeders. Love watching the birds and squirrels eating around each other. The squirrels really like their peace offering on the ground.
I love having squirrels around, they are the security guards and inform the little birds of predators.
It's good to also have a evergreen bush close by when possible for the little birds to hide.
I've fed the song birds for many years have a big following but I got into chickens a couple of years ago when I left the job market. There was some conflict there for sure. More so from the song bird side being afraid of change and the giant birds running around under their feeders. Glad to say that they pretty much resolved those issues. My birds rally have nothing more than a passing interest in the little guys and don't bother chasing them away unless they are pretty much in their face.
I go through piles of black oil seed on both sides and hulled millet to a lesser degree. I keep some in one feeder mostly for the tiny guys and mostly Chipping Sparrows. They love the stuff. So do my chickens but mainly as a treat and I add some to their scratch feed that I make myself. This past spring I had a Thrash come along with one of their babies and cashed in on some soaked layer feed that was out for the chickens and stuffed the baby full of it. High fat, protein and calcium. Probably not so bad for a growing baby.
Little bit of an issue with Cardinals getting into my runs while the doors are open all day and have trouble finding their way out. Happily none have been killed for their transgressions. lol
Few weeks ago I did notice some some of my birds converging on something in one of the runs and found a little wren down in the corner that had given up waiting on it's fate. I walked up to them and shoed them away with my top rooster standing over it. He wasn't being aggressive just checking the tiny bird out. He's such a thoughtful and awesome bird. He amazes me sometimes. But I reached around him and picked up the little guy and carried it outside. Let it calm and rest in my hand. My rooster standing beside me watching. He just sat in my hand and let me stroke him as I talked to him and after about ten minutes flew off into the bushes.
Don't know how anyone could not love birds. Amazing creatures, all of them.
That is awesome that you have been able to find a way for them to all get a long. Thanks for watching.
Woodpecker mix, peanuts, shelled sunflower seeds, black oiled sunflower seeds and cracked corn. They love that woodpecker mix most.
Love the " brush piles." So rustic. I was inspired and made one too. A big hit. All the birds sit on it.
@@Cynophileandavianenthusiast excellent!
I like the pic Deer near the Weber.
They can reach up to 6 feet.
Thanks for mentioning the American Tree Sparrow. I've been trying to attract them.
They are beautiful birds of open country for sure.
I discovered in one shop yesterday that the suet pellets contained 20% suet, while the suet cakes contained 35% fat. Some packets didn't give the percentages, but it was obvious they (and the pellets I'd been buying up till then) had the lower percentage suet. So I bought a suet cake holder and swapped suets.
A higher reward for sure.
I like 👍 birds 🦅
kindred spirits
Good video. I have to deal with a large population of squirrels, grackles, starlings and house sparrows. I have secured all the feeders on one pole and do not have a problem. My hopper feeder is still overwhelmed with house sparrows. I have tried, safflower, striped sunflower and a mix of the two but the sparrows are still wiping it out each day. I am getting blue jays and the occasional cardinal to this feeder. I have a new magic halo on the way. I have one on my tube feeder that finally stopped the sparrows and I am hoping the new one will do the same for my hopper feeder. The weather has turned cold enough here that the bird bath is frozen each morning so this week's purchase is a heated bird bath. Your videos have really helped me get started with bird feeding.l
I am so glad you like the channel. I hope the halo helps. I've tried them with only limited success.
I started putting out chopped roasted peanuts, I think I"ve created a monster. They love them.
Free peanuts are a high reward for them!
I didn't know you could feed them roasted peanuts since they usually have additives like oils, salts and spices.
Your not to feed them roasted peanuts!! I have been birding for 60+ years. No bread either!!
@lindawagar3777 Exactly!
I was being fastidious and was wondering when someone else out there knew that - it's common sense!
I recently watched a video that recommended against water heaters. He said, the warmer water actually can cause ice to form on their feathers quicker than cold water - and can kill them. When I lived in town where there wasn't much in the way of a water source, I would put out a dripping milk jug of water out every morning which kept the bath water moving.
@@blujeans9462 That is why they are de-icers and not heaters. The water does not get “hot” only when enough to keep it from freezing over. Where is his data? We don’t find frozen birds all around yards with heated bird baths and we have been using them nationwide for over 60 years. Groups like Cornell and Audubon would be all over this if it was true.
Your pole has to be at least eight feet from any roof or trees. Those squirrels can just about fly from a roof to a pole. The pole should have arms that are 18” from the pole. A baffle is absolutely necessary to keep squirrels and raccoons off.
We have had some problems with hawks. Have to figure out a way of providing more protection. Right now we do use a covering over each individual feeder.
You are so right.
Just what I was looking for: building a cover. I want to put a feeding station on my second story porch but it would be wide open. I thought about putting branches into buckets. All in hopes the squirrels are not making their way up there :)
@@kleineroteHex Even an artificial evergreen tree would be good
@@MarksBackyardBirds thought crossed my mind, will keep my eyes out for after the holiday throw-aways :) Thank you!!!
Cardinals at the open tray feeder‼️👏‼️👏‼️👏
Their favorite feeding spot
Great Post, sharing!
Thank you so much!
Three feet is enough distance in tree to keep out critters I have so many birds that feeders are empty at night.
Good to know!
Thank you so much! I think I'm definitely purchasing a heated bird bath now. Do you recommend putting them near cover as well?
@@michelletoth9125 If possible, yes. They feel more confident when using it if escape cover is close.
I heard that if birds bathe in the heated bird baths when it's really cold, their wet feathers will freeze. Someone suggested adding some large rocks to discourage bathing but not drinking. Also clean it out once or twice daily! Mine is so popular it gets poopy really quickly.
What is best bird seed for blue bird?
@@jasonvortherms1167 they require hull-less seeds like sunflower kernels and peanut pieces. Dried mealworms are a real favorite.
Hello, I would like to give water to the birds, but the water turns to ice. Do you put a small water heater in your container? I am returning from Quebec to Canada. I am waiting to hear from you. Thank you💁♀️😀
Hi Michele, We do have several de-icers. Here is the link to the page with the various ones tinyurl.com/25d8zsbw I hope this helps, Mark
I live on a golf course in Colorado winter. There is a creek that runs partially unfrozen all winter close by my house. Do I need to have a heated bird bath out if I have that water source from the creek close by?
@@teresacesario6247 I would recommend one. Creeks are pretty unreliable in winter. Especially for a source of shallow water.
My birds like flat hanging surface the best.
In winter is it better to help them conserve energy by feeding all hulled or to extra protect food from winter weather exposure by feeding all shelled?
I don't think they expend enough energy cracking open seeds to make a bird impact on them. The hulled seeds are vulnerable to moisture for sure but if you have it in a well protected feeder you should be fine.
Thank you 🐦
Is there a way to have unfrozen bird bath without plugging in? I live up north and I dont have an outlet outside!
@@linda18777 unfortunately not. I have customers who run their extension cords under a door, even a garage door to plug them in. The length of the cord doesn’t matter as long as it is outdoor rated. There just aren’t solar options available. Especially in northern climates.
I thought I replied earlier but maybe accidentally deleted my comment. Pardon me if this appears twice..
You *can* have liquid water without an electrical outlet. I put a tea light inside of a can (like from a can of corn). I put a piece of foil over the top to keep the breeze from blowing it out and poke holes in it so the candle will get air. I place this is a shallow metal tray with an inch or so of water. I have kept water liquid for a good 6 hours with a 6 hour tea light this way and it has been in the 20s and the teens. Most tea lights only burn for 2 or 4 hours but on Amazon I have been able to find 6 hours tea lights. I do periodically add boiling hot water because the water can evaporate. Placing it in the sun, if there is any, will help and if you have the option of a black pan that would help even more. I favor metal over plastic or other material because I am concerned the heat from the tea light might cause it to melt. I use a pan large enough that the birds can get at the water without having to rub up against the can. Hope that helps!
Do house sparrows use the clutch feeder for goldfinches? I think it may be a good choice to support goldfinches and discourage house sparrows.
@@dankeener3307 They will use them. It is not preferred but they are survivors and learn quickly to take advantage of free food.
My squirrels are really creative, they crawl upside down on the electrical wire to jump onto my feeder. When I discovered them doing this I said let em eat.
They are truly entertaining to watch.
I recently got a big bag of sunflower chips...so many various birds love it!
That's great, sunflower chips are a good choice.
My tube feeders are overwhelmed with sparrows. The finches are standing in line waiting to eat.
Stay away from any millet in your feeders. Feeding only on the ground or a low platform feeder and see if that lures the sparrows away.
Thanks ! Im so sick of the house sparrows dominating my feeders ! So frustrating! They even fight each other. Ugh , I don’t like them . Sorry it’s true 🤷♀️ (seen too many exposes on what they do to my precious Tree Swallows & other birds as well )
I hang on long wires so squirrel don’t get to it.
Can you explain this better please?
Off topic but I thought it was interesting. I didn't know that birds have more rod and cone cells in their eyes and can see more colors and shades than humans.
They do have a lot more, which results in high acuity. Here is my video on the topic: th-cam.com/video/CLIWwOMSyxQ/w-d-xo.html
@@MarksBackyardBirds Nice, I didn't see that one. I'm just a bit north of the store and wanted to pick up an upside down suet feeder. Of the 3 you have on the website, is there a favorite or advantage of one over another?
@@judsonbertoch7928 It really is personal preference really. The one holds two cakes stacked which some like.
My neighbour was laughing at me because I have 5 different feeders hanging from my feeder pole. I explained to him that each feeder has different food in it to attract different species of birds. One feeder attracts Cardinals and Blue Jays. Another feeder is for Gold Finches. Another is for Sparrows and so on and so on. Why Sparrows? At first I was angry that sparrows were at my feeder until I learned that because we have changed our architecture for building houses, sparrows no longer have a place to breed. This has cut the Sparrow population in half world wide. When I learned that, I stopped complaining and welcomed Sparrows to my feeder. Afterall the Bible says God even counts the feathers on a Sparrow. So who am I drive them away when God loves them.
House Sparrows in the USA are not native and are a threat to our Eastern Bluebird which is a beneficial native species here. For this reason I discourage House Sparrows from using our feeders and houses. It’s important to be knowledgeable and respond accordingly.
Black oil sunflower seeds.
🎈
We have birds feed 65% of fat all birds feed are extremely good here in Finland 🇫🇮