bird feeder

How to Clean Bird Feeder
birds

Casa Quickie: Clean Eats

We all have enough trouble keeping up with cleaning our own homes, but we shouldn't forget about the birds, either!
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We all have enough trouble keeping up with cleaning our own homes, but we shouldn't forget about the birds, either! According to the National Audubon Society, you should empty your birdseed feeders of old seed and hulls about once or twice a month, and then clean them by immersing them in a nine-to-one water-bleach solution. Rinse them thoroughly and then fill them with new seed before you replace them. Disinfecting them regularly will keep the feeders free of pathogens, bacteria that can cause disease in our beloved birdies!


Simple Soda Bottle Bird Feeder Isn't Squirrel-Friendly
Eco

Simple Soda Bottle Bird Feeder Isn't Squirrel-Friendly

Back in 1984, a designer by the name of Norman Earl created the aptly-named Soda Bottle Bird Feeder ($15).
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Back in 1984, a designer by the name of Norman Earl created the aptly-named Soda Bottle Bird Feeder ($15). The cast zinc contraption seen on the right is an eco-tastic solution — simply fill any two-liter plastic jug with seed to feed chickadees, robins, and other birds that favor hanging feeders. Better yet, it solidly screws on to keep those unwanted four-legged pests guests like squirrels out of the flutter's dining establishment.

Nice and New: Folding Bird House
birds

Nice and New: Folding Bird House

I just noticed this Folding Bird House ($50) new at the MoMA store, and I'm completely smitten.
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I just noticed this Folding Bird House ($50) new at the MoMA store, and I'm completely smitten. If you haven't already caught that I adore birds, I do. And, obviously, I'm a design fiend. So what better way to combine my two loves than with a sharp, contemporary bird feeder? This one comes flat-packed and easily folds upright, meaning more compact and eco-friendly shipping. It includes a wooden perch and a metal string for hanging, so all you'll need is some bird seeds to feed your little gentille Alouette. Oh, and did I mention it's white-painted steel? You know how I crave white furniture . . .

Stylish Bird Feeders for a Modern Home
Home

Bare Bones: Stylish Bird Feeders

Even though I live in an apartment, I still would like to have a bird feeder for my window.
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Even though I live in an apartment, I still would like to have a bird feeder for my window. Watching birds is a relaxing way to spend a lazy weekend morning while I have my coffee. But, since embarking on my own bird feeder hunt, I've run into a bit of a problem – finding one that I like . . . and can afford. If you've even Googled "Bird Feeders" lately, you may also be stumped to find modern feeders to match your stylish taste. Thankfully, there are some sleek bird feeders out there, I just had to dig a little to find them. Take, for example, this set of feeders replicated after historical homes by an Austrian design firm. These swank digs protect the food from squirrels and droppings, but come with a hefty price tag of $200. If you're into modern design, but your pockets aren't so deep, check out my widget for a few more affordable options when you read more