CBN’s Tips for Bird Feeding
& Birding

 

Februrary 27, 2023

Make your own infinity bird bath!

I get alot of interest in my summer bird bath and I wanted to share just how easy it is to make.

What you’ll need:

  • A flower pot with an at least 19” diameter (Or bigger)

  • A 16” Harrow disc (or bigger, depends on size of your pot)

  • Pipe fittings: Coupler that will fit through the hole in the harrow disc

  • Adapter that attaches to the coupler, with a 3/4” female end that 1” clear vinyl tubing can attach to

  • 1 inch tubing for fountains https://amzn.to/3EGVr7S

  • 5 gallon bucket

  • A fountain pump  https://amzn.to/3KGYJMr

  • Pump filters  https://amzn.to/3SynYCi

  • Water weld putty  https://amzn.to/3xXNaZG

  • A drill, with 1 inch spade bit

Watch the video below for how it’s made

 

June 11, 2020

ALL ABOUT FEEDERS

TUBE FEEDERS

In my own experience I started out buying any old tube feeder not thinking of what type of seed I was using or what type of bird I was looking to attract, because I thought it was a one tube for all kind of thing. But after years of experience, self study and experimenting I have learned found that the type of tube feeders you use depend on the type of birds you’d like to attract.

There are tube feeders specialized for different types of seeds, and different sizes (height and perch type) as well. It can tricky to narrow down exactly what type of tube feeder you want, especially when starting out or on a low budget. I’ll do my best to summarize each type of tube and the birds you will attract.

The all around universal tube feeder: Great for attracting the smaller song birds. (Sparrows, Chickadees, Finches, Nuthatches, Cardinals, Warblers, etc) . You have to be careful however, because some tubes are just big enough or have the type of perch that bigger birds like the Red-Winged Blackbirds, Grackles, and Blue Jays . These tube feeders can hold pretty much every type of seed or seed mix (excluding larger nuts, like whole peanuts). There are a great buy if you’re looking for an all purpose feeder for small birds.

My feeder observations: Due to harsh winter conditions I get where I live, the slightly more expensive tube feeders with metal have stood up better than the all plastic ones. I have found the all plastic ones fade and fall apart quicker. I love the ones that have a removable bottom, it makes them a breeze to clean. My advice is to spend more if this is going to be your primary feeder. I have also found birds prefer to have the ring perches over the stick perches as well.

Nyjer seed tube feeder: As the name suggests, these solid tubes with perches are specifically made to hold nyjer seed. The American Goldfinch is a bird that enjoys nyjer (and hulled sunflower seed). There are also the Nyjer mesh type tube feeder as well. This style allows the American Goldfinch to clinch to the mesh pointing up, upside down sideways, in all directions to eat the Nyje. This is entertaining to watch. With this type of feeder I would suggest getting one with a tray attached to catch the Nyjer sells and falling seed.

My feeder observations: I didn’t like the plastic tube feeders much because moisture seemed to always get in them and nyjer gets really gross when it’s wet. As above, Finches enjoyed have the ring perches over the stick perches. I prefer using the mesh type feeder myself.

Peanut/Black Oil Sunflower seed mesh tube feeder: these tube feeders are not exactly a “tube” feeder but are still in the category of being a tube feeder (In my eyes). These are excellent to have as a staple at your feeders. With peanuts in the feeder you will attract Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, and Chickadees. With Black Oil Sunflower seed ( a winter staple), you’ll attract most other birds that are able to cling to mesh feeders, like Chickadees, Sparrows, and Nuthatches. You can find the Black OIl Sunflower seed mesh feeders in all different shapes and sizes. I would recommend getting a Black Oil Sunflower feeder that has a tray attached, the shells and free falling seeds can be messy under your feeders. Having a tray can catch some of that mess.

My feeder observations: this is a staple at my feeders, I use it for peanuts and have seen Northern Flickers, Hairy Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Chickadees and most other birds use it. I use it year round, it’s great to leave out during the summer when you don’t leave suet out anymore.