Tips to remember

As The Bird House prepares to close its doors this month for retirement, we leave you with a few tips to keep in mind for the caring for backyard birds.

Bird Houses
Now is the ideal time to clean out houses, make repairs or add homes to your backyard. Putting up a number of houses will give different species a selection for breeding and rearing their young in the spring. In March or April, put out nesting material such as 8-inch lengths of string, yarn or raffia. Pet hair works well too. Never use dryer lint for nesting material. When the lint becomes wet, it creates an unstable nest that takes long to dry.

Keep feeders thoroughly clean

Feeders
Clean out feeders monthly during winter, and more often during the summer. Wet, clumpy seed can get moldy. No bird will want to eat that! Use a long bottle or seed brush to get rid of solid material. If you have a tube feeder, wash it carefully using a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach. Then rinse thoroughly. Let dry before refilling. Tube feeders used to feed Nyjer seed to goldfinches deserve special attention. If Nyjer seed gets wet in rainstorms, the seed will cake and the birds will find food elsewhere. Platform and hopper-style feeders are a bit easier to clean. Still make sure there is no caked-on grit. Wash the feeder thoroughly and let dry before refilling. The weather remains a good time for a good clean. The temperatures are still relatively warm and many days are sunny, so the feeder should dry quickly.

Seed

Seed-eaters will find something on the menu

If you use just one type of seed, use black oil sunflower. It is high in protein and fat, and the thinner shell is easier for most birds to crack. Almost all songbirds love shelled sunflower seed—there is no work involved in opening the hull. If you want to attract the widest number of species, try a seed mix. The best kinds of seed mixes have black oil sunflower seed (50%), white millet (20%) and some shelled peanuts. Almost every bird will find something they will like. You can mix up the proportions depending on which birds you want to attract. For example, cardinals and House Finches will enjoy a bit of safflower seed in the mix. Experiment to see what works best. One word of caution: Never buy seed mixes that contain red milo. These seeds look like tiny reddish globes. Backyard birds don't eat red milo. Many big-box stores and grocery stores sell seed mixes that include red milo. The seed mix may seem much cheaper but for all it's worth, you might as well throw your money on the ground.

Red Milo

Hummingbird Havens
Clean your feeder every three to four days—each time you fill it. The high sugar content of the nectar can get cloudy and moldy quickly. The general rule for seeing hummingbirds is mid-April through the end of September.

Perfect Plantings 
Include vines, shrubs and trees that produce nectar, berries or nuts, or that attract insects. If you use the right vegetation, there will be something available for birds as a backyard buffet. Consult your nursery for the plants most favorable to birds. This is the ideal time to buy and plant shrubbery. Vendors are offering great discounts to sell off their inventory so they won't have to deal with it through the winter. Plant you bargains immediately. The plants will become dormant over the winter if properly protected from sub-Arctic blasts. When warm moist weather arrives in the spring, they will flourish.

Birds love a heated bath in winter

Splish Splash
The best magnet you can include in your backyard to attract birds is water! Water is essential for birds to drink and bathe. One of the biggest favors you can do is include a heated bird bath so there is a supply of water in the winter. When warm months arrive, simply unplug the bath. An alternative is to buy a heating element that is placed in the bath and attached to a source of electricity. (Fortunately we still have a few heating elements in stock at reduced prices.) Another feature that will bring birds to your yard is a "Water Wiggler"—a bowl-shaped battery-powered device that creates tiny waves of water that catch the birds' eye—just like tiny streams do. Another option are misters or tricklers. Any motion that Most birds prefer the bath to be filled with only 1 to 3 inches of water. If the bath comes with a deeper bowl, add a few flat rocks. Be sure to change the water often. During mosquito-breeding season, "mosquito dunks" can be used to kill the larvae without harming the birds. Finally, don't count on solar bird baths functioning during cold winter days. We've tried solar baths. They don't work in our climate. When it's a frigid night, the water freezes solid. Because the sun is so low in the sky, It takes most of the day to thaw the ice in the bath. By then, the sun begins to set and the water begins to freeze again. Think, too, of the number of cloudy days in the winter. There simply isn't enough sun to keep a bath free of ice on a daily basis.

Hummingbirds' needs

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (male)

Nectar is only one requirement for a hummingbird's diet. About 10 percent of its direct comes from sources of protein. 

Hummingbirds eat soft-bodied insects and spiders to gain necessary protein. A hummingbird will capture insects by a process known as "hawking," which is when a hummingbird will fly and dive to catch an insect in flight. 

We can assist the birds by hanging a banana peel near the hummingbird feeder to attract fruit flies. You should replace the banana peel every few days as it dries out.

Feeder-fighting among hummingbirds is a common concern for us. Like many birds, hummingbirds do not have the "share gene." When they find a food source, they are unwilling to share it with other hummingbirds.

Years ago the theory was to put feeders on the other side of the house so that the birds would not see each other. But that's not the newest thinking. Long-time hummingbird bander and noted author Bob Sargent says the best way to attract more hummingbirds is to put out more feeders and cluster them together. When the birds feed in a clustered area, a dominant bird cannot defend more than one feeder.

Multiple feeders mean attract multiple birds

You also can add more nectar-producing flowers to your landscape. They provide even more food sources for more birds to enjoy without arguing! 

Right now is the best time of year to buy and plant many hummingbird-friendly plants. Some of these plants will bloom in your garden this season and will come back year after year. They include red daylily, cardinal flower, bee balm, salvia and coral bells. Other flowers may take two or more years to establish. These include trumpet vine and red hot poker. Also consider annuals such as fuchsia—they bloom all summer and make great hanging baskets.

Controlling insects on hummingbird feeders is very important. Ants, wasps, bees and hornets may be attracted to the sweet nectar. They can be dangerous for hummingbirds. Some feeders are less insect-friendly than others. Saucer feeders position nectar away from the feeding port and insects are not able to reach the nectar; hummingbirds with their long tongues have no trouble.

Bleeding hearts are welcome at springtime

Ant moats keep crawling insects from accessing nectar without impeding hummingbirds from feeding. Make sure, though, that the moat remains filled with water. Perhaps add a drop of vegetable oil to slow evaporation. A full moat will prevent ants from climbing from the pole to the feeder.

Insects visit convenient food sources and are less likely to search for relocated feeders. Moving the feeder a few feet can minimize insects without discouraging the hummingbirds. 

Nectar may drip from the bird's beak onto the feeder. Each time the feeder is cleaned, make sure the outside feeding ports are cleaned as well.

You also can offer an alternate feeder if you want to keep bees in the yard out away from the hummingbird feeder. Place the division feeder, preferably a yellow cup, in an obvious sunny location with some sugar water in it.

Holiday gift idea: bird feeders

If you'd like to bring a bit of nature to your backyard, bird feeding is a must! You can scatter seed on the ground. But that comes with problems. Leftover seed may be consumed by critters of the night—ones that you'd rather not have around your property. Or the seed may become moldy. That won't entice the birds.

Using bird feeders is a better solution. Feeders can be designed for beauty or for utility. Or both. There are a lot of gift-giving options for the bird lovers on your Christmas list.

There are five basic types of feeders for use in the backyard:

• Tube feeders
• Hopper feeders
• Platform feeders
• Suet feeders
• Feeders designed for specific birds

Squirrel Buster Plus

Let's start with tube feeders. These can be hung from a shepherd's hook or a tree limb. Some can attached to the top of a metal pole. Here are a just a few of the models of tube feeders available at The Bird House.

Bothered by squirrels? The family of Squirrel Buster products is a solution. When a squirrel climbs onto the feeder's perch, its weight automatically forces down a metal shroud, closing the seed ports. The squirrel is foiled. The weight can be adjusted to keep out unwanted birds as well. The feeder is all metal, except for the chew-proof polycarbonate tube. It has a lifetime warranty. We've had a lot of customer satisfaction from these feeders. Four different sizes are available.

Droll Yankees Flipper

Another squirrel-proof line of products comes from Droll Yankees. At first glance, the Flipper seems like other feeders: a powder-coated metal cap and bottom, a UV-stabilized polycarbonate tube and solid metal perches. Birds can perch freely. However, when a squirrel alights, its weight triggers a battery-powered motor to spin the little critter until it loses its grip and is thrown gently onto the ground.

A similar Droll Yankees product, the Whipper, has four covered perches that enables cardinals and other small songbirds to eat. Each perch is individually sprung and calibrated to collapse when a squirrel tries to alight. Made in the United States, Droll Yankees offers a lifetime warranty against squirrel damage.

Caged tube feeder

Another way of dealing with squirrels is to encase the tube feeder in a metal cage. The mesh of the cage is wide enough for finches, chickadees, nuthatches, Downy Woodpeckers, siskins, sparrows and other small birds to enter. However squirrels—as well as larger birds such as starlings—cannot get in. The feeder is refilled by simply lifting the metal cap.

If you are lucky enough to not have a squirrel problem (or if you use a baffle to block squirrels from your feeder, try one of the Droll Yankees tube feeders. They range in size from 15 inches long to 23 inches and have four to six seed ports. The newest model, the Pull Ring feeder, features rustproof metal parts and a polycarbonate tube. It's easy to clean. Just pull the rod and the tube comes apart. Assembled in the United States, the feeder has a lifetime warranty against squirrel damage.


Hopper Feeders

Cedar hopper feeder

Hopper feeders are both attractive and functional. Some birds, such as cardinals and Mourning Doves, are more comfortable landing of a wide, flat perch. 

We carry several styles of hopper feeders from American manufacturers. The feeders attract cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, titmice, Mourning Doves, towhees and Downy Woodpeckers.

Birds Choice, for instance, has two different sizes of hopper feeders made of durable, long-lasting cedar. 

Fly-thru feeder

Made in the United States, the feeder is assembled with UV-resistant polycarbonate panels, weather-resistant screws and plastic-coated steel cable. As with the tube feeders, the hopper feeders can be filled with black oil sunflower seed, sunflower chips, safflower or white millet seeds, or cracked corn.

Several hopper feeders are built of 5/8-inch polylumber, a recycled material made of plastic jugs and bottles. (Some of the larger feeders reuse 31 milk jugs!) Birds Choice's hopper feeders have a lifetime guarantee never to split, crack or fade. They come in a variety of colors, including taupe and green. Some have attractive red or blue roofs.

"Fly-thru" feeders allow birds to enter and feed as they please. They have no walls, just a roof and a bottom. The bottoms are made of rust-resistant metal mesh to drain water away from the seed. Smaller ones can be hung these from shepherd's hooks or trees. Larger ones must be placed on the top of 4x4 posts.

Platform Feeders

Platform feeder

For some birds, flat platforms—with no roofs—serve as ideal feeders. The platform feeders can be made of cedar or polylumber. They have rust-resistant screws and mesh screens for drainage. Some sit on legs close to the ground. Others hang from shepherd's hooks or from tree limbs. Others are placed atop metal poles or 4-x-4 posts.

One advantage is that any kind of seed can be offered to the birds, even shelled peanuts, which are favorites of Blue Jays, a beautiful bird, noisy as it is. A ground-level platform feeder may attract birds accustomed to pecking for seed down low. For instance, juncos, cardinals, sparrows and Mourning Doves will come to this feeder.

Suet Feeders

If you are not offering suet at your bird feeder, you are missing out on a lot of bird-watching action. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, Tufted Titmice, chickadees and sparrows love suet. 

Caged suet feeder

Suet consists mostly of rendered beef. However other ingredients are added to made the bird's meal an even more enticing experience. Some suet contains peanuts, almonds, insects or blueberries, Another type contains a mixture of fruit, berries and nuts. If you have squirrel problems, try hot pepper suit. It's too spicy for squirrels but songbirds have few tastebuds so they don't mind. (A friend used to hang hot pepper suet on a 3-foot-high post. Squirrels never touched it but the birds did.) 

One cake actually contains relatively little suet. It's especially for woodpeckers: held together by glycerine, the cake consists of peanuts, sunflower chips and corn.

If squirrels or starlings are a problem, caged suet feeders are the solution. Several models have two cakes of suet encased by a cage made of powered-coated or galvanized metal. The metal roof both protects the suet from rain and keeps the squirrels out. The feeders are easy to refill.

Woodpecker feeders

Tail-prop woodpecker feeder

Some birds have their own feeding preferences. Naturally manufacturers have stepped forward to make the birds' job easier.

Birds Choice's Woodpecker Feeder, for instance, is made of long-lasting cedar and heavy-duty acrylic panels. Woodpeckers feed from each end; the feeder has a long base because woodpeckers use their tails to stabilize themselves while they feed or cling to trees.

One of the most popular woodpecker feeder is the Birds Choice "tail prop" feeder. Made in the United States, of polylumber and rust-proof coated wire mesh, the feeder holds one suet cake. The feeder is best hung from a shepherd's hook. 

Nyjer feeders

Goldfinches enjoy eating small-sized seeds. In nature, they prefer the seeds of coneflowers, black-eyed susans and certain wildflowers. But they really seem to enjoy Nyjer, a tiny black-colored seed that is commonly known as thistle. Because the seed is so small, special feeders are required so the seed doesn't tumble onto the ground. 

Nyjer feeders usually are tube-style feeders with four or six perches to accommodate ports notched into the sides of polycarbonate tubes. Inevitably a few seeds fall onto the ground. However these do not sprout. The seed is imported from India, Burma and other locations. Federal regulations require these seeds be heat-treated to prevent them from germinating. 

Another advantage of Nyjer feeders is that squirrels do not eat Nyjer. Goldfinches won't be the only visitors. Chickadees and Downy Woodpeckers enjoy the seed as well.

Hummingbird feeders

The Bird House offers seven different kinds of hummingbird feeders. One of the favorites is Dr. JB's Hummingbird Feeder, which has four flower-like ports. Most hummingbird feeders are made of color-stable plastics and plastic or glass nectar containers. 

The feeders should be cleaned at least twice a week to prevent the development of mold which can harm the birds. Usually the feeders are hung from shepherd's hooks but low-hanging branches also serve well. The Bird House offers powdered nectar that is dissolved in water; you can also make your own preparation using sugar but it requires boiling first.

Window feeders

Window-placed feeders allow you to watch hungry birds feed closeup. 

One model consists of polylumber and a metal mesh screen for drainage. The feeder includes two suction cups to attach the feeder to the window. Two metal props provide additional support from the window sill. Other models are made of lightweight clear plastic. These are affixed to the window by suction cups. These feeders tend to be smaller and are meant for smaller birds.

Keep in mind that window feeders cannot be used if you have a window screen. In addition, remember that you will need to refill the feeder from outdoors. Place the feeder out of reach of squirrels. Their weight can topple the feeder. Squirrels cannot jump more than 5 feet above the ground or 8 feet from nearby decks or vegetation.

Products sold at The Bird House may run short close to the holidays so hurry in for the best selection!

Holiday gift idea: all-season bird baths

A junco enjoys an ice-free bird bath

Heated bird baths are essential at this time of year. Birds need water for drinking and bathing. When puddles and backyard ponds are frozen, what do they do?

They might get a little liquid from frozen berries but they can't bathe. If snow is available, they might take "snow baths." Ingesting snow for drinking only leads to hypothermia, making it more difficult for birds to maintain a healthy body temperature.

Birds might fly to bubbling creeks but these may be located outside their normal territory. Long flights burn off calories that the birds need to stay alive. The biggest water source in our area is the Lehigh River. In some places there are small watering holes. Other locations are steeply sloped and the current is fast moving. Birds can get swept into the rushing water.

You can take a simple step to resolve these problems—and one that may make your bird-watching experience all the more fascinating: placing a heated bird bath in your backyard.

Heated baths come in two styles: one that has a heater integrated into the bowl or one that has an external de-icer that can be added to a conventional bath. (If you use a de-icer, make sure your existing bath can withstand wintertime temperature fluctuations.)

All-Season 3-in-1 Bath

One misconception about heated bird baths is that they will turn the bath into a sauna. They won't. They have thermostatic controls meant to keep the water temperature just above the freezing point. The water will remain largely free of ice, giving the birds an opportunity to drink and bathe. Most also have gently sloped bowls, enticing birds to enter, and rims for birds to make use their claws for stability.

The Bird House has several models available for this holiday gift-giving season.

The All-Season 3-in-1 Bath is unique in that it has the widest number of options for mounting. The bath can be placed at ground level, clamped to the rail of an outdoor deck or affixed to a fence post or deck post. (All hardware is included.) The thermostatically controlled heater is an electricity-miser, activating at 75 watts only when the temperature falls to 32 degrees. The heating element is hidden within the bowl. Another nice feature is that the electric cord can be tucked under the bowl so you can use the bath has a pleasing look during every season of the year.

The All-Season Heated Bird Bath from Birds Choice is more powerful at 120 watts. It promises to remain ice-free to minus 20 degrees. It too is thermostatically controlled to save energy. The heating element is in the bowl and is easy to clean. This bath includes a textured surface to make it easier for birds to alight and navigate. The bath is mounted on a metal stand. Made in the United States, the bath carries a four-year warranty on manufacturers' parts. 

The Allied All-Season Bird Bath is designed for year round use. The bowl is supported on a durable metal stand. Like the other baths, the heating element is hidden beneath the bowl. When spring arrives, you can leave the bath unplugged or you can remove the heating plate, cord and all, and store them until the next time cold weather arrives. Made in the United States, the bath is economical to operate, running on 50 watts of current.

Allied Heated Bird Bath

The Allied Heated Bird Bath is the most powerful of the three, having a 150-watt heating element concealed beneath the bowl. The manufacturer says the bird bath has been field-tested to below-zero conditions. A textured surface and a gradual slope encourages bathing. The bath is the widest of the three, measuring 20 inches in diameter. It is meant for attaching to a deck railing (the hardware is included). Made in the United States, the bath has a one-year warranty.

If you already have a bird bath that can withstand the cold, consider adapting your bath to wintertime use by placing a de-icer in the bowl. The de-icer has a thermostatically controlled wand that keeps the water above freezing. It doesn't overheat the water, so it poses no injury to birds' feet. The nonstick aluminum coating has a large heating area. The wand includes a 10-foot-long weathertight electrical cord. Made in the United States, the de-icer has a three-year warranty. 

De-icer

(One word of caution: Burley Clay baths may not work well even with a de-icer. Some baths are clay with just a light finish. Clay absorbs water. When water freezes, the ice expands, splitting the bird bath. Burley Clay baths work splendidly in warmer months, and they are among the most beautiful ones on the market today.)

Naturally a heated bird bath or a de-icer must be connected to an outdoor electrical outlet using a weather-proof extension cord. Many newer houses have outdoor outlets, especially around patios. Check the location of your outlet to decide whether a heated bird bath is right for you.

Click Shield cord protector

Plastic wrap sealed with electric tape can be used to prevent water or snow from seeping into the connection between the bird bath and the extension cord. Better yet, you can purchase a Click Shield, a weather-resistant cord lock. The internal gasket assures a tight, unbreakable connection. When spring arrives, just click the connection to reopen the device and disconnect the electric cords. The Click Shield easily blends into the landscape.

Four cautions about buying a bird bath: 

• During very cold weather, ice may form on the lips of the bowl of a heated bird bath. That's not unusual. Heating elements usually don't extend to the lips; manufacturers confine them to the bowl, where the water is. The birds are able to grasp onto any ice build-up.
• Stay away from aquarium heaters popular at pet stores. They're meant for indoor use only. 
• Forget trough heaters. They are meant for livestock and are apt to generate too much heat, which will harm the birds. 
• Solar heaters do not work in our area. We've tried them. They require direct sun on the black top, usually take until late afternoon to melt the ice, and as the sun falls, the water refreezes and the whole sad cycle continues. Our area contains too much cloud cover, and the temperatures too cold. 

If you buy an all-season or heated bird bath, you might want to consider the location. Keep in mind the outdoor electric outlet. Probably the best wintertime site is close to a window or a patio. That way, you'll get the maximum enjoyment watching the birds drink, bathe and jockey for their turn!

Products sold at The Bird House may run short close to the holidays so hurry in for the best selection!

Debunking the myth about feeding in autumn

There's a chill in the air. Many bird species are flying south for the winter. Should people feed birds at this time of year?

Absolutely, yes.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that giving birds a steady source of food will encourage them to stay and then later starve if feeders become empty during cold weather. Food source is a minor factor in migration. Daylight levels, climate and instinct play more important roles. 

In fact, feeding birds in the fall helps local migratory birds build reserves of fat for the energy needed for their flight south.

Another reason to offer nourishment in autumn is that the food helps migrating birds that come through our area to refuel and continue on their way. It's like providing rest stops along interstate highways.

For birds that do not migrate, fall feeding offers nutrition when natural food is depleting. This has been a strange year: a later spring followed by continuously hot weather and a lack of rain in summer. Who knows what natural food will be found?

Available food at feeders attracts the first of the winter arrivals and encourages them to stay nearby all season long. Juncos and White-throated Sparrows could be a common sight if you have food for them when they arrive.

Select energy sources with high oil content and high calories. These foods include black oil sunflower seed, white millet, safflower, peanuts and Nyjer. Don't forget suet!

Make sure feeders are clean and the seed is dry throughout the season. Mild daytimes are ideal for giving feeders a thorough cleansing. Make sure feeders are dry before refilling.

And as usual, sit back and enjoy the show!

Summertime feeding tips

Summer has arrived. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when spending time in your backyard:

Give your hanging feeders (especially tube and Nyjer feeders) a shake before you refill them to dislodge any compacted seed. Dump out old, damp seed.

Clean hulls off platform feeders and trays daily.

Use old spatulas or brushes for cleaning feeding stations.

Disinfect feeders by scrubbing with a weak bleach solution (one-quarter cup of bleach to 2 gallons of warm water) every few weeks. Rinse thoroughly and let dry in the sun.

Move the feeding station when the ground underneath becomes covered with hulls or droppings. Rake well to let the grass recover.

If raccoons and deer are feeding at night, put out only enough seed that the birds will eat in a day.

Store seed in clean, dry containers such as galvanized cans.

To protect the suet feeder from invaders, hang a dome-shaped baffle over the suet basket to prevent starlings from landing.

Set up a diversion for larger birds. Place an open platform feeder away from feeders for small birds. Fill with a mixture that includes corn and millet.

In hot weather, change hummingbird nectar and thoroughly wash the feeder every four days. 

Is the black bird you see a raven or a crow?

The fan-shaped tail of an American Crow

The Common Raven and the American Crow are big black birds that are found all across North America. These birds look similar in some ways, especially when viewed quickly from a distance. How can you tell the difference?

First, ravens are noticeably larger. They're closer in size to a Red-tailed Hawk. Ravens are 22 to 27 inches long, with a wingspan of 45 to 46 inches. Crows are about two-thirds that size: 15 to 21 inches long, with a wingspan of 35 to 39 inches.

Second, ravens tend to travel in pairs, while crows are seen in larger groups. (Their flocks are identified by different names: a conspiracy of ravens versus a congress of crows (or a murder of crows).

The wedge-shaped tail of an Common Raven

Third, watch the bird's tail as it flies over overhead. The crow's tail feathers are generally the same length, so when the bird spreads its tail, the tail opens like a fan. Ravens, on the other hand, have longer middle feathers in their tails, so their tails appear wedge-shaped when opened.

Fourth, listen closely to the birds' calls. Crows give a cawing sound. Ravens produce a lower croaking sound.

Of course you can always identify a raven by another sound. Quoth the raven: "Nevermore."

August's to-do list

Goldfinches will hang upside down to reach seed

As the final month of summer begins, here are some reminders that will make your backyard birding experience more memorable.

Fill feeders the same time of day if you can. Birds will get to know your routine. Even odd sounds can become the birds' dinner bell. Our back door sticks and makes a loud noise when opened. It takes but a few moments for the robins and catbirds to arrive to feed on the new offering of raisins.

A good summer seed mix has a high percentage of black oil sunflower seeds, with a lesser percentage of while millet and the rest safflower, striped sunflower and shelled peanuts. That will give nearly every seed-eating songbird something to enjoy. Don't forget Nyjer seed. It's the favorite for goldfinches.

Clean hulls beneath feeders and replace with mulch.

Move suet feeders to the shade if possible to slow melting. Another option is to use "No-Melt" varieties. Most of the suet cakes we offer at The Bird House are of the summertime "No-Melt" variety. We switch back to regular suet once the cooler months arrive.

Give nectar feeders a weekly cleaning, especially around feeding ports. Refill anti-ant moats.

Blueberries still are in season and affordable. Freeze them (and other small fruits) for wintertime feeding. The birds will appreciate the treats when berries become scarcer.

Robins and a Flicker enjoy a drink

Bird baths are a good idea in August, an unpredictable month for rain. If you already have a bath, you can attract more birds if the bath is kept clean. Be sure to scrub the it free of algae. Use "Bird Bath Protector" to slow the growth of algae and other organic growths. Use a "Water Wiggler" to keep water moving. Birds will notice moving water and mosquito eggs won't hatch.

Purple coneflowers are past their prime. Soon they will shed their petals and the plants will turn to seed. Let the plants stand through the autumn and into winter. The seeds are a favorite of goldfinches. You'll enjoy seeing goldfinches perching to reach the seed.

Visit your local garden center. Many perennials are past their prime and are marked down for quick sale. They may look a little ragged now but they'll bounce back next spring. Don't be afraid of placing perennials and shrubs close together. The tight growth mimics nature. Birds will welcome shrubs in winter. They use them as shelter from winter winds and as roosting sites.

What's the best way to store birdseed?

Spout makes filling feeders easy

It's easier to attract backyard birds if you offer them seed that is fresh and appealing. It's important to know how to keep store seed to prevent spoilage, spillage and infestation by rodents and other pests. Here are a few suggestions:

Purchasing. Don't buy more seed than you can use within a reasonable amount of time. You may find it more convenient to buy a large quantity of seed at one time, but if some of it spoils before it can be used, you may be wasting money.

Storage site. Choose a site that is convenient. A garage, shed or patio storage container may be suitable. For best results, use a dry, shaded location. It will keep the seed fresher longer. A dry basement or a closet near the door may work also suffice.

Size of container. Choose containers that are appropriately sized for your needs. Smaller containers are easier to move; larger containers will hold a larger amount of seed. The choice depends on how often you wish to fill your feeders. Another option is to keep a large container in place and use a scoop to carry the seed to the feeder for refilling.

Heavy-duty, cans hold 20 pounds of seed

Durability. Containers should be made of strong materials that will not chip, crack or break over time or temperature extremes. They should resist rodent damage. If you store seed outdoors, make sure to use galvanized metal containers.

Lids. These are a necessity whether the seed is kept indoors or outdoors. Seal lids tightly to prevent insects from contaminating the seed. Pay special attention to containers kept outdoors. The handles on galvanized containers often are sufficient, but we've had occasions when the neighborhood raccoon has tried to push the handle aside so it could pry open the lid. If you have a raccoon problem, place a rock or some other weight on top of the lid.

Label. If you use different types of bird seed, you may wish to label the containers. If you are away and depend on a house sitter to refill your feeders, your helper might find the job easier.

Check the seed. How do you tell if your seed has gone bad? The obvious clue is if the birds no longer eat it. If you see birds ignoring a favorite seed, then it may be time to replace the seed.

Use funnel for plastic 1-gallon milk jugs 

Look for signs of insects, larvae, webbing or other debris. Sift through the seed. Some nasties may lurk beneath the surface. Another sign is clumping or dampness. Use the "sniff" test. If the seed smells bad, the musty odor probably is a sign of mold or mildew. Get rid of it. Place the seed in a trash can where birds and vermin can't get at it. Then disinfect the container. Make sure the container is dry before adding new seed.

When properly stored, birdseed can last for several months. It's a good idea to rotate seed: Use the older seed first, then the newer seed.

Still have questions? Ask Dave at The Bird House for advice in storing seed and selecting the appropriate container for your needs.

How do I get birds to use my new feeder?

The first-time buyer of a bird feeder may be rewarded when birds quickly flock to the feeder and feast. But it's not uncommon for a feeder to go unused for days or even weeks. Don't despair. Have patience. Here are some tips for attracting birds to a new feeder.

Place the feeder in a safe location, preferably one near trees, shrubs or other shelter. Most birds don't like feeding in the open where they can become prey to hawks.

Fill the feeder with quality bird seed. A mixture of black oil sunflower seed, sunflower chips, white millet and split peanuts is a good choice as a starter. They are among the foods most birds will eat. Keep in mind that the choice of seed and the type of feeder will influence how many and what kinds of birds you'll see.

Spread some seed on top of the feeder or on the ground beneath the feeder. This will draw the birds' attention to your feeder.

Keep squirrels away from the feeder. Use a squirrel baffle to make the feeder more available to birds.

If you don't see birds after several days, take a closer look at the seed levels in the feeder. They may be eating while you're at work or away.

Check the seed. If it's moldy, birds will not eat it. Mold can develop during humid or rainy weather. Discard the seed, clean the feeder and refill using fresh seed. Don't use seed that has been stored for months in a hot garage or damp basement. 

Sometimes bird use depends on the characteristics of the feeder. Is the feeder the right type for the birds that you'd like to see? 

There are basically three types of feeders: tube feeders, hopper feeders and tray feeders. Birds are most likely to spot tray feeders because the food is entirely in the open. Next comes hopper feeders, which have the advantage of offering some protection from the elements. Birds may not go to tube-style feeders immediately, but be patient. They'll give you some of the most enjoyable opportunities for bird watching.

Many people like to see cardinals visit their backyard. Who wouldn't? The flash of a red male cardinal brightens anyone's day. The cardinal is so popular that seven states have designated it as their state bird.

Cardinals will come to a tray or hopper feeder but they may be reluctant to use a tube-style feeder. Tube feeders have short perches. Cardinals have short necks and prefer to face their food. The solution? Try attaching extendable perches or a tray, or hanging a "Seed Hoop" from the feeder. One advantage to these accessories is that they catch 90 percent of the seed that falls from seed ports.

Goldfinches perching on Nyjer feeder

If you'd like like to see goldfinches, make sure to use a Nyjer feeder. These are tube-style feeders with tiny seed ports used especially for the tiny black Nyjer seed, which sometimes is called thistle. 

Bluebirds are another favorite bird. Keep in mind, though, that they prefer insects and mealworms over seed. Feeders are available specifically for mealworms. Some of these are designed to keep out larger birds such as starlings.

Many birds will visit any style of feeder. Among the popular birds that you're likely to see are chickadees, House Finches and sparrows.

It takes time for birds to become accustomed to a new feeder. For them, it's a new situation. Patience is essential but by taking proper steps to make the feeder attractive, you'll soon be enjoying the sights and sounds of backyard birds.

Sunflower chips: How are they made?

Sunflower chips are one of the most popular seeds sought by backyard bird lovers. They have three major advantages: 

• Most birds love to eat them. They are high in protein, dietary minerals and fats.
• The chips are combined with other seed mixes.
• They leave no mess underneath feeding stations. (What the birds don't consume at the feeder are quickly gobbled up by ground-feeding birds such as Mourning Doves and sparrows).

But where do the sunflower chips come from? I mean, how do the sunflower seeds shed their hulls so they become tasty, shell-free morsels?

The Bird House uses premium sunflower chips

We got an explanation from one of our vendors, Lizzie Mae Bird Seed & Dry Goods, an Amish-run company based in Ohio.

Raw sunflower seeds are fed into dehuller machines. The shell is shattered off the seed by air that forces it against the inside of the bin. Screens then scalp off the shell while each sunflower seed goes through an electric eye. The shell-less seeds then are graded into separate sizes.

The best seeds are used for humans consumption. Kernels that don't pass inspection are sent to Lizzie Mae for use as bird seed.

In our store, we use premium sunflower chips—the coarsest types of kernels—in our bags of straight sunflower chips.

Coarse and medium chips are used in our shell-free medley, which includes split peanuts and hulled white millet. 

The finest-sized chips are mixed with Nyjer seed to create a finch mix that is popular with goldfinches and chickadees. Powdery seed is discarded.

Coarse chips also become the main ingredient in bags of #2 Chips, which are less expensive than straight sunflower chips. The #2 Chips include 70 percent sunflower kernels and 30 percent seed in the shell, primarily striped sunflower seed.

Sunflower chips also are used in several varieties of other blends, in varying proportions, depending on the types of birds you wish to attract.

Which kinds of backyard birds eat sunflower chips? Cardinals, chickadees, goldfinches, House Finches, Purple Finches, nuthatches, wrens, Tufted Titmice, Pine Siskins, woodpeckers, Mourning Doves, grosbeaks, juncos and House Sparrows are among the biggest consumers. 

And, of course, sunflower chips are coveted by squirrels. To keep squirrels at bay, consider using a squirrel-resistant feeder such as the Squirrel Buster Plus or a caged feeder that lets smaller birds in but keeps squirrels (and starlings) out. Another option is adding a squirrel baffle to an existing shepherd's hook or hanging feeder. We can advise you on the best option for your situation.

Finally where are sunflowers grown? The biggest producers in the United States are the Plains states: Kansas, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Colorado and Texas. California also is a major grower. 

According to the National Sunflower Association, major international growers include Russia, Ukraine, the European Union nations, Argentina, China, India, Turkey and South Africa.

Consumers increasingly are turning to sunflower oil as a lighter, healthier oil in cooking, according to the Wild Bird Feeding Industry. WBFI says this has pushed up the price for bird feeding.

Source: Lizzie Mae Bird Seed & Dry Goods