See Fledglings at My Bird Feeders Amazing tips

Spring is the time to spot backyard birds, including those that recently left the nest. Fledglings are cute, endearing and clumsy. My latest video shows fledglings exhibiting "baby" behaviors such as begging from, and pursuing, their parents.

A great way to see adult birds and their offspring is at feeders. I hope you find inspiration in the simple, lovely alternatives to commercial feeders shown on my site and in my videos.

Attract wild birds

I get kibble and jelly at the market and suet, raw peanuts and seeds online (shelled for less mess). I don't bother with expensive food like nyger, which is highly perishable and requires a fine-mesh feeder.

Here's what I give the main feathered guests to my garden. All of these birds are common throughout the West.

• American Crow: I provide kibble made for small dogs or cats, and give the birds water to soften it. Crows also appreciate protein-rich leftovers.
• California Quail and Mourning Doves forage for seeds that fall from feeders, especially millet. https://amzn.to/3gLNemB
• California Scrub-Jay: Not fussy but like suet, kibble, and split whole peanuts (raw). https://amzn.to/3uOjxtc
• Finches (House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch): Raw, unsalted, hulled sunflower seeds. https://amzn.to/3BlExJa

Lesser goldfinches and house finches flock to a bird cage feeder

• Grosbeak (Black-headed): Suet, grape jelly. https://ift.tt/hgFfVT6
• Oak Titmouse: Raw, unsalted, split peanuts. https://amzn.to/3uOjxtc
• Oriole (Bullock's and Hooded): Grape jelly.
• Occasional and seasonal visitors include chickadees, warblers, wrens, sparrows and nuthatches. All like suet and sunflower seeds.

This Baby's a Parasite

Fledgling cowbirds squeak loudly and incessantly, like a dog toy

In the new video you'll see a surprise visitor: a fledgling cowbird. Adult breeding cowbird females lay eggs in the nests of other birds, which then raise them. It’s called brood parasitism. Bet you'll be surprised, as I was, which sleek adults are its foster parents.

Simple decorative feeders

To enhance the beauty and personalities of backyard birds, I repurpose thrift store items as feeders. They're visually interesting, and besides, commercial feeders are unnecessary. Birds don't care, so long as they can access the food.

A tea-party grouping makes birds easy to see.

I look for wrought iron candleholders, which provide perches and have glass votive cups to hold seed. I also use ornamental bird cages. These allow small birds to get to food while keeping larger birds (like jays) out. Not to mention that watching wild birds exit and re-enter cages makes human visitors do a double-take.

Where to put feeders

They need to be convenient or you'll not bother. Feeders should:

• Be seen easily from indoors
• Near where birds can dart into leafy cover
• High enough to deter cats and rodents
• Be quick and easy for you to access
• Close enough to windows so birds can't get enough momentum to slam into them.

If you're new to feeding birds...

• Add a birdbath or fountain. Birds need to drink and bathe, and water attracts those that don't go to feeders. https://amzn.to/3uUsHo6

Bird bathing in a garden fountain

• Be patient. It may take birds several weeks or possibly months to find a feeder.
• Hang breakable objects so they won't hit each other if jolted by wings or wind.
• At dusk, bring indoors food that might attract nocturnal varmints.
• When placing a feeder, keep in mind whatever is below it will be showered with bird droppings and seed fragments.
• To hang feeders from your eaves, you'll need S-hooks and chains, a hammer, and nails. https://amzn.to/3sCOb6l
• The sound of your voice may not startle birds, but sudden movements will.
• Obtain a Sibley's birding guide specific to your region or a bird ID app for your phone. https://amzn.to/3Bl7DZ0
• Get a good pair of binoculars. Mine are Polaris Optics.
• Keep feeders clean. Wash with soap and hot water, and rinse well.

Btw, I no longer feed hummingbirds because syrup attracts ants, but if you do put up hummingbird feeders, remember that mildew and fungus can be deadly.

Note: Amazon links are affiliate.

On my YouTube channel check out my playlist: Debra’s Bird Feeders.

Which birds are smartest?

I noticed that finches will feed vertically if need be---beaks straight down and tail feathers skyward. This made me wonder what other antics and acrobatics birds might do. So I made a puzzle feeder (link below) to find out, and to see how smart different birds are.

Bird Puzzle Feeder: A New Way to Enjoy Your Garden

A “puzzle feeder” is a fun, novel way to observe and enjoy backyard birds. When given a challenge to solve, birds show persistence, determination, and how clever they are—or not. In my new video you’ll see nine different wild birds, from darling titmice to badass orioles. Find a list of simple, inexpensive supplies below.

Read More

Creative Bird Feeder Materials & How-To 

To make lovely bird feeders like those in my YouTube video, Eight Creative Bird Feeders for Your Garden, you’ll find materials, suggestions and how-to here.

Read More

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