Thursday, May 3, 2012

Glass Hummingbird Feeders Attracting Hummingbirds with Grace

Glass Hummingbird FeedersGlass Hummingbird Feeders with Shelter

Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating creatures on earth. They exhibit grace in their activities, while buzzing through the air or nourishing from a sweet nectar. Hummingbirds are a pleasure to observe and enjoy their presence. With sixteen different species of hummingbirds existing in the U.S. alone, finding a way to attract hummingbirds is as easy as ever, with the right hummingbird feeders. Glass hummingbird feeders in particular are most ideal, bringing these amazing birds closer to home.

Attracting Hummingbirds Naturally

Glass hummingbird feeders meet the specific criteria and the unique nature demanded by hummingbirds. They are weatherproof, offering food and protection to hummingbirds for a sustained period of time. The smooth glass material used to make these feeders are more reflective of color, just like the iridescent wings of hummingbirds, making hummingbirds feel more at home. The glass material makes the feeder easier to clean with mild soap and water, allowing the feeder to be quickly placed back in the hummingbirds' natural environment. Some glass hummingbird feeders even have a small shelter, often further protection from sun or rain.

Red Hummingbird Feeders A Myth

Glass Hummingbird FeedersSequin Glass Hummingbird Feeders

Red hummingbird feeders have become a popular tradition because it was traditionally believed that the color red, specifically, attracted hummingbirds. We now know that this is a myth, and hummingbird feeders of all kinds can attract, if placed in the right setting. Hummingbirds themselves have wings of many colors so they can find beauty in many colors of hummingbird feeders. I imagine a hummingbird would feel he has reached the end of a beautiful rainbow, if he finds himself perched at a multicolored sequin glass hummingbird feeder!

Where to Place Hummingbird Feeders

  • In yard or garden area
  • Outside a viewing window
  • Near a sitting area

Any of these areas would be ideal as long as they are out of the way of traffic and noise. Place several of them in different places and at different heights, so if one is claimed by one hummingbird, there are still places for other hummingbirds to dwell and indulge. Some hummingbirds even prefer to be at ground level, but remember this would not be ideal if you have pet cats. Hummingbirds need insects as their source of protein, so do not use pesticides in the yard.

What Else Needed to Enjoy Hummingbirds?

  • Binoculars - to get a close up shot of their feathers and movements
  • Lines of string - in addition to hummingbird feeders, so that hummingbirds have frequent locations to perch and rest
  • Trumpet flowers - For nearby garden areas, add flowers that attract hummingbirds, giving even more reason for the hummingbirds to stay and enjoy their newly found and prized home.
  • Bird baths - for hummingbirds to drink and bathe in
  • Nectar - Store bought nectar is fine to use. If natural nectar is preferred, without any dyes or artificial flavors that could harm hummingbirds' sensitive organs, make a homemade nectar by following this hummingbird feeder recipe. Just make sure to follow the directions exactly, ensuring the hummingbirds' safety.

Interesting Hummingbird Facts

Once a bird lover learns the following facts about hummingbirds, they quickly want their own glass hummingbird feeder to attract them. Hummingbirds are the smallest of all birds, and the smallest among all species that have a backbone. Yet, hummingbirds exert an incredible amount of energy. They can flap their wings up to 80 times per second! They have a super fast metabolism, and require frequent refueling. Hummingbirds are migratory, and before migrating, they can gain up to 25 - 40% of their body weight by fattening up from insects and nectar. This ability allows for some hummingbirds to make remarkable migrations, such as a non-stop 500 mile flight over the Gulf of Mexico! When it is time to refuel, hummingbirds will swarm around feeders for longer periods of time, stocking up in sugar and energy.

Glass hummingbird feeders bring life and excitement to an otherwise dull back yard. Because of hummingbirds' tiny size, with time, they become fearless. Once acquainted with the area, they will even dare to zip past a bird watcher's ear or around the legs. Remember, hummingbirds do remain protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which mandates that it is okay to observe these birds, but touching or holding them is strictly prohibited. Incorporate several glass hummingbird feeders into the yard, ensuring the hummingbirds will feel safe to visit and thrive. Not only do you benefit from their presence, but they too, will find refuge in the safety of your yard.

"Like the hummingbird sipping nectar from every flower, I fly joyfully through my days, seeing beauty in everything." -- Amethyst Wyldfyre

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Decorative Birdhouses – Welcoming Nature Closer to Home

Unique BirdhousesUnique Birdhouse in Beach Theme

Make your backyard a safe haven for birds to live and play with decorative birdhouses. Attracting birds can be an enjoyable experience leading to the feeling of being just a step away from the tranquility that comes from nature. As the alarm clock sounds, or the first cup of coffee gets poured, imagine the sound of birds lightly singing just outside. While sitting and having a family meal or washing dishes in front of the window, imagine glancing up and seeing a colorful bird perched on the birdhouse. Keep the yard looking fresh for springtime and summer barbecues with decorative birdhouses hanging on trees or brightening up a dull corner. Use decorative birdhouses to transform the yard into a beautiful bird garden design.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Wooden Nesting Boxes Encourage Bird Returns in Spring

Wooden Nesting Boxes
Wooden Nesting Boxes

Valentines Day kicks off National Nest Box Week, a 7-day period in which environmentalists and recreational birders alike encourage the public to put out wooden nesting boxes for the returning birds. The goal of the week is to promote conservation of breeding birds, allowing them safe haven as they return from their winter flight. If looking to have a garden full of birds this spring, make sure to put out wooden nesting boxes.

What is National Nest Box Week?

Owl Wooden Nesting BoxOwl Wooden Nesting Box

National Nest Box Week is sponsored by the British Trust for Ornithology, though they encourage nesting boxes for all birds across multiple continents. The BTO studies and preserves garden birds and has been doing so for a decade. They advocate coexistence between species, offering information for the protection of local wildlife and encouraging layman participation.

What is a Wooden Nesting Box?

Wooden birdhouses are most used as nesting boxes. The perfect nesting box is large enough for the bird to build a nest at the bottom but small enough to offer safety. The hole of the nesting box must be approximate to the size of the bird living in it. For instance, a wood duck nest box would have a larger entrance than a chickadee nest box.

These wooden nesting boxes are then placed anywhere from 3' to 16' in the air away from predators to allow for the birds' safety. The BTO recommends placing these nesting boxes away from cluttered areas, giving the birds a straight and safe flight path to and from their nests.

Why Offer Wooden Nesting Boxes?

Bluebird Returns for SpringBluebird Returns for Spring

Because of deforestation and the removal of old homes, birds must look harder for shelter for their nests. Offering the birds a wooden nesting box stimulates their population and gives them an edge when returning. It also fosters bird visits in your garden as they raise their young, filling your garden with families of birds in the spring.

What Birds Use Wooden Nesting Boxes?

Several types of birds use wooden nesting boxes such as:

  • Blue tits
  • Sparrows
  • Owls
  • Robins

Any bird that leaves for the winter will need a wooden nesting box upon its return. To be best prepared, find out what birds are in your local area and prepare a nesting box for them.

Wooden Nesting Boxes Help the Environment

Wooden nesting boxes are important to the environment as they shelter birds from the still dangerous elements and foster bird re-population. Whether making or buying wooden nesting boxes, make sure you participate in National Nest Box Week.

Read more on birdhouses and their importance: