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Feed the Birds
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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). 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.
Give Back: Feed the Birds in Your Backyard
Aren't you just loving all the great ways to Give Back?! I know I'm not the only one who likes to pretend the birds that come visit my windowsills are like my pets so I've rounded up eight types of feeders, treats, and the types of feathered friends each will attract. See my high-flying suggestions to give back in your own backyard when you start this slideshow.
Bare Bones: HOM Bird House
Designs of all kinds were unleashed over the weekend at the Dwell on Design Expo in LA. Although I wasn't able to make it down to SoCal for the event, I have seen a ton of interesting pics, but sadly not many that cater to our four-legged pals. Not to fear – one of the companies that has me excited to see what else they can come up with is HOM, whose designs are definitely meant to remind you of nature, but possess a cool, modern flair.
Feed The Birds... But Not White Bread!
I remember going to ponds and lakes near my hometown with a bag of bread in one hand and my mom gripping the other. We were going to feed the ducks our leftover stale bread, a common practice back in the day. But a new study suggests that feeding the birds your bread may not be helping them stay as healthy as we once thought.
Feed the Birds: Make Your Own Peanut Butter Suet
Chickadee is one of my favorite words to say. Chickadee, chickadee, chickadee! So I know these birds (along with woodpeckers, goldfinches, thrushes, bluebirds, and wrens) like peanut butter suet .
Feed the Birds: Fruit Feeder and Jelly
There are many birdies that like fruit . . .
Feed the Birds: Dew Drop Feeder and Nectar
If you offer sweet sips of nectar, they will come! Hummingbirds usually move too quickly for a solid look but, as a child, they were a fave at our nectar feeder . .
Feed the Birds: Niger Lantern and Thistle
We're still feeding the birds here on PetSugar and it's now onto the thistle treats. I love this feeder ($21) because the prickly seeds are popular with many lovely songbirds that are welcome to chirp at my windowsill anytime! Some of the pricier foods, thistle runs about $16 for five pounds but, trust me, it's worth it – see who'll come to feed when you read more
Feed the Birds: Pinecone Tube Feeder and Sunflower Seeds
Although there are many types of sunflower seeds, black oil sunflower seeds ($4.99 for five pounds) are the most popular for wild birds. These are a great source of high quality protein and oil during cooler months that (unfortunately) don't immediately end on the first day of Spring. Just add them to a pretty tube feeder like this one ($41) or use a flexible alternative that attaches right to a window!
Feed the Birds: Mesh Cling Feeder and Peanuts
As much as North and I love peanut butter, the real thing, not so much. Still, peanuts aren't just for the lil critters, many wild birds enjoy them, too! You can pick up a bag of unsalted shelled or unshelled peanuts at any local store and add them to a feeder in your backyard to call out a bunch of new flutterers.
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