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Bird and squirrel watching
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items During the pandemic, we took up bird watching and created a habitat in our backyard to attract birds and squirrels. We have numerous feeders and a purple martin house in our backyard and spend most afternoons enjoying watching our birds and squirrels. Our frequent guests include a cardinal male and female couple, a woodpecker, lots of mockingbirds and bluejays, and squirrels. During the appropriate seasons, we also enjoy all the hummingbirds and the purple martins. Check out some of our recommendations below.
Sections
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Bird Cameras
Hummingbirds
Bird Watching
Bird houses for Purple Martins
Purple Martins
Squirrels
Bird Cameras
I have several bird camera feeders in my yard. This way I can see nature up close without having to disturb them. And, they work great as security cameras as well.
I have this particular bird feeder hanging on my front porch. Because the video quality is good, I use it as a security camera as well.
LongPlus® Hummingbird Feeder with Camera
I don't have this particular solar panel, but it's on my list to get. I do know having a solar charger helps extend the life of the batteries. However, the batteries on my cameras have a good battery life as it is by themselves.
LongPlus Solar Panel for Bird Feeder Camera, IP65
I also have a bird feeder that holds seed that I absolutely love. I catch several birds on that feeder.
LongPlus® Smart Bird Feeder with Camera, Solar
Here's another option for a bird feeder with camera. I think if I got this one, my husband would run me off, lol
AUXCO Solar Smart Bird Feeder Camera, 1080P HD
Hummingbirds
We love hummingbird season, and get super excited when they start coming around. I'm super excited I have camera feeders to capture them this year while they feed.
I love hummingbird season, and usually end up with quite a few hummingbirds. They are neat little birds. Here are some fun facts about them.
Fun Facts About Hummingbirds
Once we started making our own nector, we started attracting way more hummers. When making your nector - DO NOT use red dye as it is harmful for them. A bright colored feeder will attract them without the need for red coloring in their food.
Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
This feeder is cute and gives the ability for multiple birds to feed.
HYFPPET Hummingbird Feeder Wind Chime Kit
These are the best bird feeders. For some reason, my hummingbirds tend to love these feeders the best over the pretty glass feeders.
First Nature 3055 32-ounce Hummingbird Feeder
I had a winter hummingbird a couple of years ago. So I keep at least one feeder out all year now just in case it's there and I don't see it during the day.
The Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)
Bird Watching
Having a good pair of binoculars or a monocular comes in handy when wanting to watch your bird friends.
We sit on our backporch every evening and we each have our pair of binoculars to watch our birds and Purple Martins.
Hontry 10x25 Compact Binoculars for Adults & Kids
I also love using my monocular since it's much lighter than my binoculars are when watching our birds. Click on the link to hear my review and see pictures from the monocular.
Great for hunting, bird watching, or site seeing.
My birdwatching is just a past time, but if you're serious about it, here's a list of items you may want to get.
Here’s All the Gear You Need to Start Birding
Bird houses for Purple Martins
In the US, Purple Martins actually nest in houses we provide, even though they will nest under any covering, such as bridges. You want to make sure their houses are protective from enemies. I have listed some below that we use or want.
Before buying houses for the purple martins, you want to make sure that you do your research. If the holes for them to go in are too big, predators can get in and destroy their eggs. Also make sure you keep them a certain distance from houses or trees.
Choosing Purple Martin Housing
This is the purple martin house we have in our backyard. We plan on adding a second house next season.
Royal Wing Purple Martin Barn Bird House for 16 Families
You can also use gourds as well. We have not tried those yet, but I know other people prefer them.
BestNest Purple Martin Gourds with Hanging Bracket and Pole Kit
The poles are purchased separately from the purple martin houses. So make sure you grab yourself a pole to mount your house. Also, if you use a ground socket, you can use that to place in the ground first, and then put your pole in the socket. That way you can take the pole down during the off season.
S & K Purple Martin Birdhouse Mounting Pole, 12ft
So when setting up your pole, you'll want to place it in a ground socket. This can be mounted into concrete and allows you take your pole during the off season without having to worry about the hole closing in. This combo comes with both.
BestNest S&K Telescoping Purple Martin Pole, 15'
Since we bought our pole separately, we purchased this ground socket so we could mount this in the ground first. This way when they season is over, we can remove our pole, along with our house, and store it away. Our neighbor behind us did not use one, and he has to leave his pole in the ground year round, even when he takes his house down. So I 10/10 recommend one.
S & K Ground Sleeves
Purple Martins
We love Purple Martin season. Did you know that they come back to the same houses every year? So once the babies are born, they'll come back as well. I love to hear the music their chirping makes.
We love watching Purple Martins. I love listening to their chirping every morning and evening.
Attracting Purple Martins to Your Property | MU Extension
The one thing about purple martin houses, you want to make sure that holes are small enough only for them so predators do not destroy their eggs.
How to Make Purple Martin Houses: Super Easy!
The neat thing about purple martins is, they don't mind you checking on their nests and babies. In fact, to be a good landlord, it's encouraged that you take notes of how many eggs mature to babies and how many babies survive the season.
Be a Good Bird Landlord With a Purple Martin House
Squirrels
Fun fact: Squirrels do not venture more than 2 miles from where they were born. They can be destructive on birds feeders and such, but they are fun to watch. My goal is to one day have one eat out of my hand.
I have this feeder on my tree - it's my newest feeder, and love the fact that it is metal. This way the squirrels are less likely to destroy the feeder like they do the cedar ones.
TreeGun Squirrel Feeder Picnic Bench Table
I would probably omit the umbrella, just cause I know the squirrels would knock it down. Our first squirrel feeder was a picnic table, and we still use it. It's one of three feeders we have up.
Carbonized Wood Squirrel Feeder with Umbrella
I did not know that squirrels stay within a 2 mile radius of where they were born. I love learning about the animals that we feed and love to watch in our backyard.
Squirrels: Diet, Habits & Other Facts