http://blog.a-home-for-wild-birds.com Discover The Joy Of Birding In Your Own Backyard Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:15:21 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Cage-style squirrel proof feeders are a popular choice for backyard bird lovers looking for ways to keep pesky squirrels from stealing their bird seed. This style bird feeder is very effective. There are also several designs that are very attractive. The design and construction of a cage-style feeder is simple, ... http://blog.a-home-for-wild-birds.com/cage-style-squirrel-proof-feeders Baffle-style squirrel proof feeders are one of the more common styles of bird feeders used to stop squirrels. They come in various sizes and designs. Many of them feature a domed roof that does a good job at keeping squirrels away from the food. Larger feeders will hold ... http://blog.a-home-for-wild-birds.com/baffle-style-squirrel-proof-feeders [caption id="attachment_60" align="alignright" width="200" caption="I need a squirrel proof feeder!"][/caption] Did you know that buying squirrel proof feeders might actually save you money? Squirrels are without a doubt the biggest frustration for backyard bird watchers. We have all asked the question: How can I keep squirrels away from my wild bird feeders? ... http://blog.a-home-for-wild-birds.com/squirrel-proof-feeders-pay-for-themselves Homemade bird food is an economical alternative to store bought bird foods. If you're like me, you've probably noticed that the cost of bird foods, like black-oil sunflower seed, have gone up about 50% over last year. Many of my readers have contacted me with concerns about being ... http://blog.a-home-for-wild-birds.com/inexpensive-homemade-bird-food [caption id="attachment_47" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Ruby-throated Hummingbird"][/caption]This is a question I hear a lot this time of year. The answer depends on several things including where you live. One answer I often hear is: “You should stop feeding hummingbirds in the fall so that they can begin their southern migration.” This ... http://blog.a-home-for-wild-birds.com/when-do-i-take-down-my-hummingbird-feeders I first learned of migrating hawks last year when I was apple picking with my family. There were two guys laying flat on their backs looking straight up through binoculars. They were calling out names of hawks to a third guy who was writing down what they ... http://blog.a-home-for-wild-birds.com/migrating-hawks Attracting birds to your bird feeders and bird baths will be easier if the birds feel safe in your yard.  The best way to make them feel safe is to provide shelter. Wild birds need shelter to escape predators, for protection from bad weather, a place to nest and a place ... http://blog.a-home-for-wild-birds.com/attracting-wild-birds-with-shelter Over Labor Day weekend my wife and I took the kids to Wallis Sands State Beach in New Hampshire. It was our farewell to summer. We had perfect weather for a day at the beach. I was able to break away a few times to do a little bird watching. ... http://blog.a-home-for-wild-birds.com/bird-watching-at-wallis-sands-beach [caption id="attachment_22" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Northern Mockingbird"][/caption] I had bird feeders in my yard for six years before adding a bird bath.  I'm not sure why I guess I just never thought that birds would be attracted to water. To my surprise my bird bath attracted birds that normally did not visit my ... http://blog.a-home-for-wild-birds.com/use-a-bird-bath-and-attract-birds-with-water No matter where you live, wild birds share many common needs. They're always searching for food, water and shelter. Providing any one of these ingredients in your yard will attract birds. But provide all three, and you're on your way to creating your own wild bird sanctuary. Over the next few ... http://blog.a-home-for-wild-birds.com/create-your-own-wild-bird-sanctuary