Holiday Gift Guide for Birders, Gardeners and Artsy Folks! October 13 2019

Traffic Sparse at Your Bird Feeders? October 09 2019

There might be two sides to this question, the latter focusing on a bigger picture.

Bird feeders are likely to see less traffic in fall, mainly because natural food sources are plentiful. Berries, nuts and seeds are abundant, providing birds with a smorgasbord... courtesy of mother nature. The way it was before folks even fed birds!

Many birds have migrated to southern breeding grounds in Central and South America; grosbeaks, hummingbirds, orioles, tanagers and others. Your resident birds are still around... just not seen as often at bird feeders in fall.

Don't give up as the crazy polar-coaster weather will soon have birds feeding from dawn until dusk storing calories to stay warm overnight.

As for hummingbird feeders- please leave one or two up for stragglers further north. Although yours may have left, there's many recent sightings from northern states who are still seeing tiny sprites. Your feeders provide sustenance for weary travelers who are mostly juveniles and females at this point. Especially important since most nectar producing flowers from summer have faded.

The bigger picture and how you can help:
You may or may not have seen the fuss about disappearing birds? A shake-up, wake-up call from trusted authorities and years of cumulative citizen science, both Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon Society have recently publicized.

The link below is worth a click! Superb graphics and banter in the comments section is quite interesting too! Below is the forward... you be the judge:

"The Autumn 2019 issue of Living Bird covers breaking news on research published by the journal Science that shows a nearly 30% decline in total birdlife in the U.S. and Canada over just the past 50 years. The scientists who conducted the research say their results “signal an urgent need … to avert continued biodiversity loss and potential collapse of the continental avifauna.” Our hope is that communicating this knowledge now will help us all write a different ending.

Cornell Lab conservation scientist Ken Rosenberg, lead author of the study, says that if this kind of detailed information had been known about the Passenger Pigeon at the point of its 30% loss, the species could have been saved. “I don’t think any of these major declines among birds are hopeless at this point,” Rosenberg says. “But that may not be true 10 years from now.”

Too much detail?
In short, here's 7 easy ways you can help birds.

• Make Windows Safe
• Keep Cats Indoors
• Plant Natives & Reduce Lawn
• Avoid Pesticides
• Switch Coffee to Shade Grown
• Less Plastic
• Watch Birds & Share Observations

It's about biodiversity- it hangs in the balance. The Audubon cover is actually from 2013. We mentioned biodiversity 12 years ago on our about us page.

Consider joining the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Great member perks and a worthy cause as all nature is connected... especially to us!  Here's hoping the tide turns soon... for everyone's sake.

Cool Ideas for Bird Feeder Hooks and Poles August 22 2019

Need something different to hang your new feeder... or bird bath?

Standard shepherd's hooks may not always be the best route depending on your space. Other bird feeder poles and bracket options abound! Even for small yards and on balconies you can still entice lots of feathered friends with fresh water and/or bird feeders.

Just a small patch of green: These mod poles are ideal for small dish-type or hummingbird feeders. No-fuss, they stake right into the ground or in your favorite pot, which also makes them perfect on the balcony when tucked in a large planter among flowers. Adjustable to 42" height makes this pole versatile for most spaces too!

On the wall: Because the industrial look may not be so appealing with your pretty new feeder, these cast iron scroll hooks offer a rustic and softer solution. Whether on the wall of your home, a fence, tree or other structure, the charming iron hanger is strong enough for bird baths too. It sets off a hanging basket of flowers beautifully and again- perfect for the balcony and other small spaces.

On the deck: These round deck brackets absolutely rock! Because they're versatile for any shallow dish (plant saucers work great) you can easily create a birdbath or feeder with excellent views from inside your home. Brackets clamp-on so there's no damage to deck rails, use them from first to third floor decks... birds will find them!

When placed by the kitchen sink window, views to the deck come alive with magic as birds splash and preen right in front of you! Clamp-On Deck Brackets are available in 8" or 14" diameter.

In the yard: You just can't beat the Squirrel Stopper Pole System, especially if uber-squirrel resides at your place! Everything needed to create an ultimate birdie oasis is included with this one! Sturdy as can be, there's a ground auger to stabilize the main pole. The attached baffle thwarts pesky critters like nobody's business.

Unique new bronze color with 8 hooks on 2 main arms allow for a variety of feeders such as suet, peanut, thistle or mixed seed. Hang a bird bath for those who may not visit your feeders. Try some nesting materials in spring, even flower baskets if you choose. There's room enough for everything!

Birding accessories have come a long way, especially in feeder hooks, brackets and poles. Boring need not apply. Find unique brackets and hooks best suited for your space... whether installation is for a small yard, large yard or balcony. If you build it... birds will find it!

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