And P is for patience. If you want to get rid of Grackles and Starlings – and I know many of you do – the most important element you need (for both success and your sanity), is patience. The frustration caused by these two birds is real. We’ve addressed it several times over the years … Read more
The only certainties in life, it has long been said, are death and taxes. We can add to that: Discussions around suet and birds. Detailed debates include most affordable / flavours birds love best / safest and cleanest / how to discourage starlings from gobbling the entire supply in one go. (See bottom of this … Read more
Studies show that 68% of Canadians believe in the importance of shopping local. Which is a powerful economic force, since 66¢ of every dollar spent locally STAYS local. This superpower creates what is called the boomerang effect: Money spent locally means a reinvestment in the community through spending or donations. At Avant-Garden, here’s how we … Read more
Are your goldfinches packing their migratory bags, have they already headed south or are they only changing into winter clothing? The answer could be any or all of the above. Adult male in pre-breeding plumage, April 2025/photo credit: David M A O’Neill from Facebook The American Goldfinch (AGOL) spends the entire breeding season (May … Read more
On today’s episode Brenda is talking about some of the specialized bird seed, blends, and the feeders you can use to attract certain birds. The American Goldfinch is one of our favourite year-round birds. To keep them happy we have a blend of their most loved seeds called NiChip. It includes Niger seed and chips … Read more
With birds migrating south to winter homes, and starlings and grackles pretty much gone, now is a good time to make seasonal changes to your bird feeding routine. Something that new bird watchers may not know is something veteran birders have known for years (and that squirrels don’t particularly like): White millet. A grass seed … Read more
This time of year, as the weather starts to cool, we start to get our fall items in. We received some new really fun tea towels and napkins with art from Vicki Sawyer. We have carried her cards, mugs, and tea towels for many years and will soon be ordering her new calendars for 2026! … Read more
For all the reasons you think you can’t have a bird feeder, think again. Too many trees, too many squirrels, too much soggy seeds or not enough yard? Whatever the problem, we can likely help you build a system that works in your space, whether garden, patio or deck. Many who have said “we just … Read more
This summer there sure have been a lot of American Goldfinches at the feeders! These birds are such a joy to watch and hear their sweet songs. They are nesting right now and feed their young seeds, so they really appreciate you keeping your feeders full and clean. The finch tube feeders from Aspects in … Read more
Most North American backyard birds rely on water sources for both drinking and bathing. Water is only one element of a healthy, safe wildlife habitat, but it’s one of the most important. Fortunately, it’s also something many of us can fairly easily provide. If you happen to have an emu on your property, you’ll … Read more