In the last episode Brenda talked about keeping grackles and starlings away from feeders. This week is about keeping the squirrels off. The Brome Squirrel Buster feeders are really the best option. These are triggered to close with the weight of a squirrel. Another great option is to put a baffle on your pole. These […]
Flight or Fight: The Challenges Facing Birds in Spring
The Problem with the Flight As our migratory birds return to spring habitats, it’s a wonderful time to watch behaviours specific to this time of year. Many species migrate in large flocks, but once they arrive, their mating displays and territorial behaviours kick in. They chase or are chased by other birds over mates […]
GARDEN GATE: Episode 288 – The Return of the Grackles (March 15, 2024)
It’s that time again. The grackles have returned and many people are asking how to get rid of them and the starlings. As these birds are invasive it’s a good idea to try to deter them from visiting. Here’s a few tips that can help. As soon as they start showing up, you want to […]
The American Robin
Someone once described a day in the life of a robin as follows: Run, run, run, STOP. Run, run, run, STOP. Run, run, run, STOP. Run, run, run, STOP. There’s much contentment found in sitting quietly and watching robins. They’re keen worm finders, tilting their heads just so, to focus one eye on wormholes […]
GARDEN GATE: Episode 286 – Hopper Feeders (Feb 16, 2024)
Hopper feeders! In the winter it’s nice to have a large feeder that holds lots of seed; then you won’t have to fill up as often! One with a big roof also helps to keep the snow off the seed. There are wooden ones, Canadian made, and some made from a recycled plastic. You can […]
GARDEN GATE: Episode 283 – The best winter bird seed! (Jan 5, 2024)
The weather is getting colder and the birds are busy working hard to keep warm. Changing your seed to a hulled variety really helps them get their food quickly. It saves them energy not having to remove the shells, and also keeps things tidy at your feeders. We sell the hulled sunflower seeds, hulled peanut […]
GARDEN GATE: Episode 282 – Last minute gifts for bird lovers! (Dec 22, 2023)
We all have a friend or family member who is hard to shop for at Christmas time! If the don’t need or want anything but they love watching and feeding the birds, we have some ideas for you! Mixed seed trees and balls make great gifts that the birds will love as well. Top quality […]
GARDEN GATE: Episode 281 – Holiday Cards! (Dec 8, 2023)
There’s still a good selection of holiday cards available at the shop as we get closer and closer to the end of the year. More Quilling cards came in recently with beautiful designs. We even got some tiny ones! These one of a kind cards make great gifts themselves, as they can be framed and […]
GARDEN GATE: Episode 280 – Solmate Socks! (Nov 24, 2023)
Solmate socks are always super popular in the shop and for good reasons! Aside from the fun patterns and bright colours, they’re mismatched with love. The company uses sustainably sourced, eco-friendly fibers. This means that textile waste that would have gone to landfill is upcycled into quality yarns without adding any additional dyes to keep […]
GARDEN GATE: Episode 279 – Squirrel Buster Suet! (Nov 10, 2023)
It’s getting colder so that means it’s time to get out your suet feeders! Suet is easily digestible fat and calories which provides fast energy for hungry birds. In this episode the Squirrel Buster Suet is in the spotlight. This is a great feeder to keep the squirrels from devouring all the tasty suet before […]
