1.  Squirrel Buster    *** Recommended by Paul Parent***

Great for both perching and clinging birds.  Openings in the bottom of the metal mesh are aligned with the seed tray and allows birds access to the seed.  When a squirrel climbs onto the feeder, its weight automatically forces the mesh down, closing access to the seed.  Squirrels are shut out but NOT harmed in any way.

2. Shepherds Hooks

These single or double sided hooks are great for hanging feeders anywhere in your yard. Sizes start at 70 inches tall, up to 106 inches.

 

3. Window Feeders

Window feeding brings birds up close. An easy to fill and easy to clean way of watching birds from the comforts of your own kitchen table or couch.

 

4. Going Green Feeders

NEW from Audubon this year the “Going Green” feeders are constructed from up to 90% recycled plastics. Did you know on average 30 recycled milk jugs will equal 1 feeder? With a recycled plastic top, recycled polycarbonate tube and recycled metal port, Audubon has the bird world going in a good direction.

 

5. Bat Houses

Got a mosquito problem? Mount a bat house in your yard. Studies have shown that a single brown bat can consume 600 or more mosquitoes in an hour. Bats DO NOT interfere with attracting wild birds.

 

Suet

Suet is a popular food source for many birds. Woodpeckers, Chickadees and Nuthatches are favorite visitors to suet feeders. Suet provides high energy for birds.

Commercially produced suet doughs (no melt) can be placed outside all year long and will not melt during hot weather. Regular suet can be used in colder winter climates.

Suet is the hard white fat found around the kidneys and liver. Deer fat and other fat sources can also be used. This fat is rendered and then formed into suet “cakes.” Fruits, nuts, seeds and insects can be added. Suet cakes are usually hung from tree branches or poles in nets or regular wire suet cake holders. As a general rule, suet should be used as a supplemental food since it is very low in protein, vitamins and minerals.

While many people often think of “low fat” diets, wild birds are just the opposite. They need very high levels of fat to survive. Wild birds have high body temperatures and use fat in a manner similar to the way a heat pump operates. Fat is used to produce heat during the winter and is used to produce energy and burn off heat in the summer months.

Insects

Many of the most desirable birds such as Bluebirds prefer insects as their primary food source. These birds also eat fruit. Mealy worms are available for feeding outdoor birds. They can be fed on the ground or in low platform feeders or feeding dishes. Several suet cake products also now contain insects.

Nuts

The meats of nuts are very attractive food sources for birds. Woodpeckers, Jays, Cardinals and other birds readily eat nutmeats. In addition, many insect-eating birds will readily consume these nutmeats because they resemble insects in their appeal. Nutmeats also contain high levels of vitamins, minerals, fat and protein often lacking in seeds. Wild Delight® products such as Nut N’ Berry® and Total Cuisine™ contain mixed sources of nutmeats (may contain pistachios, walnuts, almonds, peanuts and others). Inshell peanuts may also be used and are relished by squirrels, Blue Jays and Nuthatches. Shelled peanuts are popular with many bird feeders and are favored by some larger birds and squirrels.

Water - Wild birds need water for two important functions:

1. Water is the basic element of nutrition, and birds need clean, fresh water to drink. Because of urban sprawl and flood control programs, ponds, pools and streams no longer provide good water sources for our outdoor friends. A well-maintained birdbath is required to provide birds with clean, fresh water. However, remember that wild birds are more used to natural water sources such as rain and spring water. Tap water can contain chlorine and fluoride that may cause nutrient imbalances. It is important when using tap water for wild birds to make sure that the bird food being used contains added vitamins and minerals. Antioxidants such as Vitamin A and Vitamin E should be added to the food. (Wild Delight® Advanced Formulas™ contain added levels of these nutrients.)

2. Water is critical in preventing heat stress during hot months. Water is also required for bathing. Birds use water to clean themselves. This helps prevent many diseases to which birds are susceptible and also helps prevent mites and lice. Birdbaths should be placed in areas that are accessible to birds. Water should be changed or replaced daily and the birdbath should be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of algae, mold and bacteria. During winter months, water supplies often dwindle due to freezing in colder climates. A heater should be used in the birdbath.