Ideas For Your Backyard

When you think of recycling, what do you think of?  Paper, glass, plastic?, how about barns? Yes, recycling is really a big deal these days.  Well I found some birdhouses that are made from barnwood.  Tearing done an old barn and reusing the wood to make barnwood birdhouses. Pretty unique idea don’t you think?

This two story rustic birdhouse is a unique approach to a unique corner location. Measuring a staggering 18″ tall and 10″ long and wide, this house is the perfect addition to your rustic garden decor. The bird home features three separate holes; each hole is approximately 1.5″ in diameter and the top one goes through to the main dwelling. These beautiful two-story bird houses are also available in a variety of colors (only the main dwelling is painted),and feature square cut barnwood perches and a removable base for seasonal cleaning.

Did you know that all birds do not hibernate? So what do they do?  They still need food and shelter.  And for the most part they do it on their own, and they don’t need our help.  But what if  we have an unusual winter?  The snow is deep and the ground is covered.  I’m sure the birds will be grateful for a full birdfeeder, and it won’t matter whether it is a decorative feeder or a unique feeder.

I  love the look and feel of the rustic birdhouses that are available on the market today.  They just blend into the natural setting of any woodland backyard.  It offers plenty of room for it’s occupants.  What bird family wouldn’t want to move right in?

  Birds are hungry.   We all know by now that birds can survive without our help, but feeding them does help us both.  Some ornithologists have even suggested that bird feeding is more beneficial to humans than it is to the birds. Studies have shown that birds with access to bird feeders in winter survive at a higher rate than birds without access to feeders. Feeding birds in winter is a good thing for the birds.  If you live where there is winter weather , a blast of wind and  snowy weather will mean making an extra effort to keep the feeders going for the birds. 

Here are some ideas to help you prepare your feeding station for the worst of weather.  Be prepared to have plenty of seed, suet and peanut butter on hand. You might place some dried grass or wood shavings in the bottom of your wood birdhouses.  You could even cover the vent holes with some weather stripping (the birds won’t need this source of air in the winter).  Some birds are ground feeders, so you’ll want to be sure there is an area that is clear of snow so you can sprinkle seeds on the ground.

Now is a good time to lower your purple martin birdhouse.  This will make it easier to reach in and clean it out.  You may also need to do some repairs on it.  By doing this now,  it will be ready for new families in the spring and save you very much needed time when the weather breaks

 WOW!!   I’ve seen so many flocks of birds lately.  It is a sure sign that the weather is beginning to cool down and winter is around the corner.  The birds are heading south.

 I’ve placed some wooden birdhouses and feeders around, so that when they need to stop to eat or rest there’ll be plenty for them.  Are you prepared?

With the onset of the cooler temperatures, we have been “cleaning up” our yard and flower beds.  One of the things we do when pulling our sunflowers is to cut the dried head and place them in  hanging bird feeders.  When we have the giant sunflowers we often will leave the head on something high….perhaps the swing or picnic table.  The birds will have fun cleaning out the seeds.

 The Bufflehead, with its striking white sides and white patch on its head, is smaller than most cavity nesting ducks. They are dependent on nest boxes. There are many duck houses available online, check out the one you may need.

Breeds in Alaska east to western Quebec, and south in mountains to Washington and Montana. Winters in southern U.S., south to Mexico, Gulf Coast and northern Florida.

Whether you have  fancy birdhouses or the natural rustic birdhouse, it’s time to make sure that they are clean and in good repair.  The cold weather is coming and our little feathered friends will appreciate a clean dry place to rest or stay over as they begin the long trip to a warmer climate.

The birds are beginning to plan for winter.  Are you?  Birds have already begun to scout for food sources for the winter.  As they flit about, they’re watching for food, watch and shelter.  When the cold weather begins, they will know exactly where to go, so now is the time to make sure that you have bird feeders are ful.  And be sure to keep them filled, as they will come to depend on this source once they have begun to  use it. 

This is also a good time for you to prepare lodging (if you haven’t already done so) for them.