Feed The Birds

It'll cost a bit more than tuppence…but it's worth it to watch wildlife in your own back yard. Over the years we've accumulated enough for a little bird oasis.

Our Peaceable Kingdom 

 We began with one hopper feeder long ago. The original wooden one was pretty rotten, so last year we replaced it. This one is made of recycled milk jugs. It's virtually indestructible. All we had to do was move the suet cages off the old feeder and onto the new one. 

A lady House Finch enjoys her snack.

Our second pole feeder has been by the apple tree for several years. We added the woodpecker feeder last year. Now we see downy woodpeckers and northern flickers regularly. I'm hoping a big pileated woodpecker will visit someday.

Almost time to refill the safflower seeds!

And here's the newest addition, just a few weeks old. There are three feeders here - a stick with holes for a suet concoction called "bark butter", a tray feeder for goodies of all and sundry kinds, and a cylinder feeder for a suet pillar (they are pricey and the birds love them so they will be an occasional treat :)

Next week the hummingbird feeder will be added, just as the migrating hummers are due.

Speaking of migration, here's a treat! I was pretty sure this was an immature goldfinch. Luckily I double-checked in the field guide, with this photo to refer to. It's actually a yellow-rumped warbler on her way north for the summer. I'm so happy we were able to help her with some food and water on her long journey.

Safe travels!

 The birds all seem to appreciate having a tree nearby to survey the landscape while feeding. And they do need to be wary. In January two sharp-shinned hawks dined on songbird in our back yard. The juvenile let me get a great photo. 
The large one left a sad pile of gray feathers under a tree. It happens rarely, and hawks are beautiful wildlife too.

Keeping an eye out for predators.

The coast is clear!

 The birds all know Toby's not a threat to them. He hopes they'll be messy with the bark butter - he inspects under that feeder for any crumbs!

Sunshine - yay!

Did you drop any suet for me?

We get most of our bird feeding supplies from Wild Birds Unlimited, but you can find seed and suet in lots of stores. I recommend safflower seed if you start feeding more squirrels than birds. It tastes bitter to mammals but the birds don't mind.