It's an odd time of year for us to become first time bird house owners. But we just moved our home office to a different room and the window is calling out for a bird feeder or bird house. Maybe we're also getting a little weary of the isolation of working from home and Arlo the dog just isn't noisy enough so we want some little chirpers to listen to. We'd love your thoughts about where to find unique bird houses...
You'll probably tell us it's easy to make one. But honestly, it's probably not going to happen. We're thinking we'll take a shot at ebay and see if we can find something unique there. But we'd also love some leads on some other fun bird houses or bird feeders.
Do you have a bird house or bird feeder and if so, do the little cuties swing by much in the winter? Any other tips you'd like to share?
Thanks!
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If you'd like to prevent larger, more aggressive birds from dominating your feeder (noisy mourning doves, bluejays [yes, beautiful, but will chase away other smaller birds], etc...), you might think about getting one that has some sort of weight responsive mechanism. These feeders work on a spring and will "close" when a larger bird (or squirrel) climbs on. Unfortunately, these tend not to be as attractive as the cute little wooden thatched-roof versions like that pictured above, but if the idea is to adorn your window with beautiful birds and not just a beautiful feeder, this might be worthwhile.
Also, be very conscious of what you hang the feeder above, and any perching areas very close-by. Everything will be polka-dotted white.
view amt230's profile
There's Wild Birds Unlimited...
http://www.wbu.com
view tyniapt's profile
Oh sure, you'll get birds year-round at a feeder. Visit a garden center and they'll be able to tell you what type of food is right for your area. Or you could look for your local Audubon Society's webpage.
It's very important that if you choose to set up a bird feeder, you don't just end up feeding the invasive species. You'll be doing more harm than good. House sparrows are cute and ubiquitous little fellows, but they are also incredibly invasive and territorial. If you don't understand why it's important to prevent invasive species, visit this bluebird homepage at http://www.sialis.org/hosp.htm.
Warning: the stories are not for the squeamish.
view Molly Margarita's profile
That's www.sialis.org/hosp.
view Molly Margarita's profile
Plastica has some unique birdhouses/feeders:
http://www.plasticashop.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=P&Category_Code=P9
view Alrac's profile
In Montreal, the CROMs (readaptation centers for Downs syndrome and autism, etc.) sell bird houses and other hand-crafted items made by their clients. I'll bet lots of similar organizations in the states do too.
view Lisa Hunter (Montreal)'s profile
I just saw some interesting carved ones at the Renwick Gallery of American ARt/Craft in DC. Guess they don't have them online (just checked), but local craftspeople probably make them.
view Christine (the one in DC)'s profile
birdhouses are hit or miss, but birds find feeders pretty fast. get the most functional (easy to load, easy to clean) one you can stand.
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Here in the frigid midwest, we have some birds that stay year-round. I got a heated bird bath from my local garden shop. It cost about $75. Even if I can't have my own hot tub, they can!
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Hi, please take a look at this birdhouse. It's really beautiful, sturdy (made of iron), and would look adorable hanging outside a window. Best of all the price is very affordable. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=250323623807
It's hand painted and has a door that opens for ease of cleaning. I also have this item for sale on my website, www.birddreams.net
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http://www.jschatz.com/eggbirdfeeders/index.html
http://www.jschatz.com/eggbirdhouses/index.html
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