Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
One of the biggest pests for any avid bird-watcher is squirrels. Perky-Pet® offers a variety of bird feeders that feature a weight activated mechanism for preventing any squirrels from eating out of your feeder. Whenever a squirrel steps onto the mechanism, the feeding ports in the bird feeders are shut off due to the squirrel’s heavier weight. Need help picking the perfect squirrel-proof feeder for your backyard? Why not take a look at a few of our suggestions below!
Birdscapes® Squirrel-Be-Gone II ™ Feeder – Looking for a simple feeder that keeps squirrels from sneaking off with your bird seed? Then the Birdscapes® Squirrel-Be-Gone II ™ Feeder is just for you! Featuring a weight-activated blocking bar, the squirrels have no chance of retrieving any birdseed from this feeder. Not only is this feeder effective, but it is aesthetically pleasing, too, coming in a brushed nickel finish and a 12 lb. seed capacity.
Perky-Pet® Squirrel-Be-Gone ™ II Home Style Wild Bird Feeder – With this innovative feeder, squirrels don’t stand a chance with raiding the birdseed. Featuring a weight-activated perch bar that closes to prevent squirrels from accessing the seed supply, this feeder offers adjustable springs that can be calibrated by the birdwatcher to accommodate different bird sizes. With a classic home style design and a removable roof peak for easy filling, this feeder is the perfect addition to your backyard!
Perky-Pet® Home Style Kit – This combination of squirrel proof feeder, squirrel baffler, and squirrel repellent is sure to keep the little pesky squirrels from reaching the seed. The Perky-Pet® Squirrel-Be-Gone™ Wild Bird Feeder features six feeding ports, U-shaped perches and a 2 lb. seed capacity. The feeding ports have sturdy metal perches that allow birds to feed comfortably but, when the squirrels perch on them, their weight causes the entire metal casing to slip down, completely blocking the feeding ports and their access to the seed. The interior seed tower is surrounded by rustic metalwork.
Perky-Pet® Squirrel Be Gone III Kit – Featuring nine feeding ports with an 8-lb. seed capacity, this feeder is the perfect set-up to keep squirrels away. Built with three separate seed tubes, you can fill this bird feeder with a variety of seed types while allowing birds to feed comfortably on the u-shaped perches. If a squirrel tries to access these perches, their weigh causes the entire metal casing to slip down, completely blocking the feeding ports to the seed!
With such a variety to choose from, Perky-Pet® offers you the best feeder options to keep away those pesky squirrels! Still not sure which feeder to buy? Check out our website to view our entire line of bird feeding products, or visit our squirrel proof feeder shop to get see more squirrel proof feeders!.
Keeping Feathered Friends Fed in Frigid Temps!
The other day the seed level in my feeders was incredibly low. Actually, a few of them were empty. My mother let me know this was unacceptable and she mumbled something like “What if I didn’t feed you when you were little.” She’s a huge advocate of the avian race. Being the researching type, I sat at my laptop and did some reading on why keeping your feeders filled was so important. I thought I’d share what I found with you.
When the days get shorter and temperatures get lower it is more important than ever to fill your feeders. Insects take off in the winter and are very scarce. Birdseed becomes one of very few food sources for birds to eat.
Birds also need water, like humans, on a daily basis to remain healthy and happy. During the winter finding water sources is especially hard for birds because most ponds and rivers freeze in the frigid temperatures. After researching, I was able to find birdbaths that are built with heaters that keep water from freezing in low temperatures. Even in snowy conditions, users of these birdbaths were pleased to find feathered friends frolicking in their pools!
You can also put the water source in an area with direct sunlight, where during the day the sun is able to melt the water. If you own a Sip & Seed it would be wise to pole mount the feeder where the sun hits around 11:30. This allows for the sun to help melt the ice when temperatures are at a high. This is a cheap and easy way to help your birds get the water they need!
By keeping your yard stocked with the necessities crucial to a healthy life, birds will continue to visit you even in the coldest of months!
Resident Birds
Over the millions of years this earth has been in existence most species have learned to better adapt to their environments. I have always been amazed at how some animals have taken elements in their surroundings and used them as tools to make surviving easier. When it comes to birds, many migrate in order to have greater accessibility to food or to return to certain regions for mating. There are a few birds you may be familiar with that do not migrate, or are better known as resident birds.
Doves, for example, are resident birds. They feed on seeds, fruits, and insects and build flimsy nests in shrubbery, trees, or on ledges. Most of us are familiar with their family member, the pigeon, and if you’ve ever been to New York you’re well aware they do not leave. This is due to their ability to feed off scraps from the public.
Bullfinches are another resident bird that have been known to eat outside their normal diet in order to survive winter’s scarcity. Generally the bullfinch feeds on seeds and berries, making it a nuisance to orchards, but during the winter when these items are not generally abundant they can be found feeding from poultry carcasses.
Blackbirds have been known to use natural elements as tools. They have been spotted using twigs to clear snow from their home and their food source.
The goose is both a migratory and resident bird. The creation of manmade water ways and communities available for feeding geese have created environments where geese feel comfortable living year round. Unlike the previously mentioned feathered friends, some people are not as happy about geese making permanent residence in their neighborhoods. Goose droppings and confrontational behavior have caused a disruption in some communities.
Birds employ various nesting techniques to stay warmer through the winter months. They will use fabric or cotton pieces to create bedding and will also find homes located towards the south west to have better heating. This allows for a nest or birdhouse to be solar heated during the afternoon before nightfall.
Many birds will fly south in the winter for better survival rates, but many birds do not. It is important for us, as humans, to welcome these resident birds in our yards by offering them food, water, and shelter. In return, they give us a wonderful display of wildlife we can peacefully watch from our own homes!