Though many birds migrate south for the winter, there are still some around during the cold months. Food is hard to find, especially when there is snow on the ground. By feeding birds close to your home, you can help them out and enjoy the benefits of their presence as well. Birds are great entertainers for winter months when you’re tired of television. And in the spring and summer, they’ll return your favors by eating the grubs and insects in your lawn and garden. Remember, if you start feeding birds, you should do so all winter. They’ll become dependent on your feeder in time.

Here are a couple of ideas for easy-to-make & unique bird feeders. You need:

a large pine cone
about 2 feet of thin, stiff wire
peanut butter
corn meal
suet (optional)
bird seed (optional)

Run the thin wire through the top of the pine cone and secure it well (string can be used unless you have squirrels, who can lift the pine cone with the string).

“Magic Mix” – Mix chunky peanut butter and corn meal to a consistency that is barely sticky, but not crumbly. You may add a small amount of suet during cool weather when it will stay fairly hard. Experiment with the quantity of ingredients, but the plan is to reduce the amount of (expensive!) peanut butter yet leave the mixture gooey enough to stick to the cone. Bird seed can also be added to the mixture but is not necessary. Press the mixture well into the “shelves” of the cone, filling it as full as possible.

Fasten the cone to a tree branch or clothesline so that it hangs 1 to 1-1/2 feet down from the branch and away from the trunk or pole. Then wait for chickadees, wrens and other small birds to find your treasure! (Larger birds like blue jays and grackles will be too heavy for the feeder.)

If you don’t have pine cones, you can purchase a small amount of 1/4-inch mesh hardware cloth (the small mesh keeps large beaks out). Make a cylinder of the cloth about 6 inches long and 2 inches in diameter.

This can be fastened at the bottom with small nails to an existing bird feeder, or you can put a firm bottom on the cylinder (a board or a piece of hardware cloth will do) and hang it as you would the pine cone. If you think necessary, cover the cylinder with a small pie pan and fasten it down. Fill the cylinder about 2/3 of the way with “Magic Mix.” You might be lucky enough to attract the Carolina wren, which can’t cling to a pine cone, but will really enjoy your peanut butter treat.

By taking the little time it takes to construct one of these hanging bird feeders, you’ll find you get an endless amount of enjoyment watching our feathered friends, & you’ll likely find yourself building more specialized types, such as oriole bird feeders etc.

Feeders bird baths are not only a great way of attracting wild birds and enjoying nature, they also enhance the beauty your landscape by adding a garden water feature. They can be a work of art as well. Decorative bird feeders and bird baths make wonderful house warming gifts. Bird baths are made of different materials, such as porcelain, marble, ceramic, resin, plastic and steel. Of all the different bird products, the bird bath perhaps is the most interesting one as it presents a pleasant view of different species of birds feeding and taking a bath.

The bird bath is an artificial puddle of water created for the birds to have bath and drink water. A shallow basin is put on a pedestal and a depth of two inches is sufficient for the wild birds, as they do not submerge their entire body in the water. They just dip their wings and splash water all over the body. You can heat up the water in bird bath with solar bird baths. The wild and migratory birds can get warm water to bathe in during the winter from your backyard. You can even add a suet bird feeder during the winter months.

The feeders bird bath like any garden water features should be cleaned regularly to maintain proper hygiene and to prevent the spread of any diseases. Different species of birds carry different harmful viruses and bacteria, which could affect the health of other birds. It is amazing how fast the feeders bird baths can get dirty. The bird bath can be scrubbed clean; however, a tablet containing naturally occurring bacteria and enzymes can be used to break down organic waste and keep the bird bath clean with less scrubbing, which will leave more time for bird watching.

The placement of feeders bird baths is also of utmost importance when you are planning for bird watching in your own yard. The bird bath should be placed near a big tree or bush so that when there is an imminent attack from birds of prey your winged guests can fly off and take shelter immediately. Bushy berry trees can serve the dual purpose of providing shelter and food. Many species will love the bird feeders and bird baths in your yard if they are assured of proper shelter and protection.

You have learned how to make nectar to feed hummingbirds, but what is the best way to feed them?  All bird feeders are not created the same and hummingbird feeders are special types that are specifically suited to their feeding habits.  If the hummingbird cannot reach the nectar they will not come back to feed.  You don’t want other animals eating the nectar either.  These are some of the considerations that should be made when deciding on the style of feeder that you want to use.

Types of Hummingbird Feeders

With the many types of bird feeders on the market today it is not difficult to find a feeder that is made specifically for the hummingbird.  When buying a feeder, remember that hummingbirds love bright colors, especially the color red.  Hummingbird feeders should be made to hold the nectar in a way that the hummingbird can get to the nectar without drawing other insects or unwanted creatures.  These feeders come in a wide range of prices and are easily affordable by all.  Feeders can be made from different types of material.  Most often they are made of plastic, wood, and glass.  Plastic feeders are usually easy to care for, but they do tend to fade with time.  Wooden feeders are beautiful and provide a pleasant feel to your garden or anywhere that you decide to place them.  Wooden feeders require extra care and are a little harder to clean but are worth the effort.  Glass feeders can provide some of the brightest colors which hummingbirds love.   These types of feeders are very artistic and provide a different look to the area that you place them in.  They also tend to be somewhat easier to clean than the wooden feeders. 

Hummingbird Feeder Safety

There are a few guidelines specific to hummingbird feeders.  Hummingbird feeders that are not cleaned can cause diseases for these sweet birds.  Feeders should be cleaned each time that you fill them.  Use a vinegar and hot water solution to clean all parts of the feeder.  Rinse the feeder well with clear warm water then let dry before replacing the nectar.  Change the nectar when you start to see it become cloudy.  Some experts recommend changing the nectar every 3 – 7 days.  To keep ants, bees, wasps, and other insects from the feeder use a little mineral oil on the wire to the feeder and on the ports of the feeder.  A word of caution when using the type of feeders that goes on windows!  There have been occasions when hummingbirds have flown into windows that had a dark film on them. If you do decide to hang your feeder outside a window make sure that is has no tint to it.

Each type of feeder has some really good aspects.  Only you can choose the feeder that is right for you and your décor.  Don’t be afraid of having to keep them clean and safe for the hummingbirds.  The joy of having these beautiful birds in your yard or garden far out weighs the job of maintaining the feeders.  Get the bird feeder that is right for you and enjoy!