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Birds are welcome additions to any outdoor landscape.
As we take an extra look at homes in this issue, why not educate ourselves about housing birds, which do so much to fortify outdoor natural habitats and provide hours of enjoyment to novice and dedicated birdwatchers?
While different varieties of birds require various types of birdhouses, there are some good starter homes. We asked Carol Chenault, manager of the All Seasons Wild Bird Store in Minnetonka’s Westwind Plaza, for some recommendations for birdhouses, feeders and feed.
For starters, what do we need to know when birdhouse shopping? There is a variety to choose from, but remember that the size of a birdhouse’s portal opening indicates what type of bird it is suited for, Chenault notes. For example, wrens need 1-inch openings, and chickadees require 1 1/8-inch openings. Perches, while adding a certain curb appeal, aren’t needed, but good ventilation is important. If hanging a birdhouse on a branch, lighter-weight houses can be positioned near the end of branches to deter raccoons and squirrels from paying a visit. A post model with a squirrel baffle is the most predator proof, notes Chenault.
Should we place nesting materials in birdhouses?
Chenault: There’s no need to put anything inside the house; birds will collect their own nesting materials. However, adding Best Nest Builder to the yard will provide extra nesting materials for chickadees, goldfinches and cardinals. (Best Nest Builder contains natural materials like cotton that can be placed near a bird feeder for the birds to find and use.) Tip: The end of the nesting season is the best time to clean out nesting materials. Some birds (bluebirds and house wrens, for example), nest more than one time a year, so be aware and clean out those houses after each nesting. Chenault wears a mask to prevent inhaling dirt and waste materials.
What is a good starter bird feeder?
Chenault: A bird feeder that attaches to the window with suction cups will bring birds up close to entertain children, cats and dogs. There are several types of window feeders, including hummingbird feeders for nectar, jelly feeders for orioles, seed feeders and suet feeders. Suet feeders are low maintenance and come in a variety of styles and colors. Tip: Cleaning out enclosed feeders once a quarter is ideal. Empty out the food, soak the feeder overnight in water and gentle dish soap. Use a bottle brush to scrub the interior, and rinse.
What are some bird seed options?
Chenault: Consider a compressed seed product to attract a variety of birds like northern cardinals, blue jays, rose-breasted grosbeaks, chickadees, nuthatches and goldfinches. The seed is compressed with edible gelatin—available in bell or cylinder shapes—and limits seed droppage and waste. Place your compressed seed product in a wire EZ Feeder or seed bell feeder for easy set-it-and-forget-it bird feeding. For loose seed, Joe’s Mix is a signature mix and is still our best seller after 35 years in business. It contains black oil sunflower, golden safflower, stripe sunflower, white safflower, peanuts, sunflower hearts, cracked corn and white millet that will attract chickadees, cardinals, nuthatches, jays, finches and woodpeckers. It can be used in a tube feeder, a hopper feeder, a platform feeder or a fly-through feeder. Suet is another great option that will attract woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches.
What about squirrels?
Chenault: To discourage squirrels, select a compressed seed product that contains hot pepper. The addition of capsaicin selectively deters squirrels; birds are not affected by this derivative of hot peppers, as they lack the receptor that indicates spicy flavor. Select suet varieties that contain hot pepper to discourage squirrels. Feed loose seed in a squirrel-resistant feeder like the Squirrel Buster Mini or Legacy. These feeders are weight activated and will close off the feeding ports with the weight of a squirrel.
All Seasons Wild Bird Store
4759 County Road 101, Minnetonka; 952.935.5892
12981 Ridgedale Drive Suite 103, Minnetonka; 952.473.4283
Facebook: All Seasons Wild Bird Store
Instagram: @allseasonswildbirdstore
