Birding Advice Thread

[Hank Camacho]

Mrs. Camacho and I recently moved into a new house. We are next to a bit of woods and we frequently see tons of birds in our back yard. My wife is obsessed with cardinals and I would love to get a ton of those visitors to the yard. I bought us one of those bird feeders cameras and we've gotten a ton of birds but so far no cardinals on video.

I know literally knowing about birding but I think I would like to get started -- at least backyard birding.

Some initial questions:

1. Can I murder squirrels? How do I keep these assholes out of my birdfeeder?

2. The Merlin App seems like the gold standard. Is that right?

3. Can someone recommend good guides to get started? I know I can google it but I am looking for some help pointing me in the right direction from people more experienced.

 

[Jerry With A G]

For the most part screw the expensive specialty seed unless you are trying for different species of finches. Black oil sunflower seeds bring in cardinals like crazy.

You must kill the squirrels, they are relentless. 22. pump pellet gun, field tipped pellets, with barrel suppression. Quiet and very effective.

 

[Hank Camacho]

You must kill the squirrels, they are relentless. 22. pump pellet gun, field tipped pellets, with barrel suppression. Quiet and very effective.

My bird cam has an alarm I can use any time I spot one of the little vermin on my feeder. Thus far it appears pointless.

 

[WildcatFan1982]

 

[cole854]

Squirrel spinner feeder.....expensive but worth it, and hang it far enough away from trunk so they have to jump which activates the spin. We use 100% safflower seed and have cardinals most of the year.

 

[*CatinIL*]

Something like this will keep them off the feeder. The one I have doesn't have the gap. My feeder is on one inch steel plumbers pipe which I drove into the ground. And keep it far enough away from trees or fences so that they can't jump above it. And Jerry is spot on about black oil sunflower seeds.

 

[CaptainBoogerBuns]

 

[Tskware]

Took a tour of the Arboretum last year with the local bird group, was well worth two hours of time, learned about the two (or three?) kinds of vultures around here, several hawk species, even saw a brilliant red headed woodpecker briefly. Was a lot more interesting than I expected.

Several years ago, we had a Great Horned Owl in the evergreen tree behind our house, could set your watch at 5:30 or so and he would appear. Then took off and have never seen him again, although we hear them from time to time in the arboretum.

And yes, I was told that Merlin is the bomb.

 

[Hank Camacho]

Took a tour of the Arboretum last year with the local bird group, was well worth two hours of time, learned about the two (or three?) kinds of vultures around here, several hawk species, even saw a brilliant red headed woodpecker briefly. Was a lot more interesting than I expected.

Looks like they've got another one on December 1. Thanks!

 

[BC_Wader]

If you like bird watching and live in Kentucky, do yourself a favor and head to Peabody WMA. You have to have a $15 permit to be in there but it's well worth it. I fish there a lot and when I eat a lunch on the boat, I always marvel at the birds. Lots of eagles, ospreys, owls, hawks, falcons, and many types of non raptors. My favorite is the Red Winged Blackbird. It loves the grassy areas and it's call is my favorite.

 

[rudd1]

-South Dakota for pheasant.

-Arkansas for ducks/geese.

-Turkey and Dove can be sourced locally.

-hope to head to Maine next year for grouse.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Something like this will keep them off the feeder. The one I have doesn't have the gap. My feeder is on one inch steel plumbers pipe which I drove into the ground. And keep it far enough away from trees or fences so that they can't jump above it. And Jerry is spot on about black oil sunflower seeds.

The baffle keeps the squirrels off my feeder. It does not have a gap. Those sides are pulled together and hooked by the lips on the baffle. Squirrels try and learn it’s not worth the work and give up.

Cardinals love the sunflower seeds.

 

[Blue Bigfoot]

Ahhhh, the rare, bearded road rage bird. Nice catch.

 

[IdaCat]

My experience with bird feeders:

Birdseed attracts hundreds of birds.
Birdseed falls to the ground and attracts mice.
Mice attracts snakes.

If you want your yard FILLED with all these critters then go for it.

 

[CaptainBoogerBuns]

Ahhhh, the rare, bearded road rage bird. Nice catch.

Found in any Florida Walmart parking lot