Winter care of wild birds

When winter arrives here in the north country, they are many species of birds that don't migrate south for the winter. Cardinals and Woodpeckers are common this time of year also. Woodpecker and Cardinal bird feeders are a great way to attract them to your yard. You may be wondering and what is the purpose with feeding wild birds? After all, they live outdoors and can find their own food.

While that might be true in many instances there are always exceptions that rule. Especially harsh winters can take a huge toll on the local birds when food is scarce, so by feeding them you help reduce the stress on them. Besides that, it's just a nice thing to do to give back to nature what we often so quickly take away.

There are three main types of bird feeders - tray, hopper and tube. For a real close up view of feeding birds you might want to consider window bird feeders. Cardinal bird feeders will attract other birds as well, so don't be surprised if you see a flurry of color at your backyard bird feeder with the red cardinal bird as well as other wonderful birds. With a platform bird feeder, or a tray bird feeder the birds that are attracted depends on the seeds, but if you are using a platform bird feeder, or flthroughru feeder then you may end up seeing a cardinal and other various birds. Another very common bird here in our area are finches, and thistle seed is one of their favorite staples in the winter other times.

Hopper feeders are the type of feeder most people picture in their mind when they think of a bird feeder. Allen Shaw is a successful author who provides information on birds, bird feeders and tips on buying a feeder. If squirrels and other rodents are feasting too much on your bird seed you can also buy types of bird feeders that are the weight activated and spring shut once it detects the presence of a heavier small creature. I have used this type successfully, but honestly, when it come to squirrels, they are smart enough to figure out most anything eventually.

You can purchase sturdy redwood and cedar bird feeders that are designed like country cottages, cabins and barns. They hold up very well in cold and wet climates. Clean bird feeders are very important on minimizing sickness and disease. With a string of yarn, a straw, and some Cheerios, even small children can help create these fun bird feeders. One problem with bird feeders is that other garden animals will be attracted. Soda bottles also make great bird feeders. There are also several attractive bird feeders that are easy enough for anyone to make. Different types of birds sometimes have their own types of bird feeders they prefer and you will need texperimentnt with them to attract the type of birds you are looking for. For more on bird feeders on my site go to http://www.wm8c.com/birdfeeder/

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