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
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
Suet, seed cakes and cylinders are a great feeding option for the colder months. Birds really love the quick energy boost they get from suet, peanuts and sunflower seeds! There are six different kinds of our premium suet from Mill Creek. They have only the best ingredients that birds love, including mealworms and fruit! Suet … Read more
When the birds are happy, we’re happy! To keep them happy and healthy a good quality seed can make a big difference. The seed at the Avant-Garden shop is fresh weekly from Mill Creek Seed Co. This is a family business specializing in wild bird food. Every blend has been specially formulated using only the … Read more
It might seem like an odd time of year to be talking about birdhouses, but it’s actually a great time to put one up! The birds can get used to a new house now before nesting starts again in the spring. Birds might also use them to roost and for shelter throughout the colder months, … Read more
Fall means lots of birds passing through our area as they leave their warm, food-rich northern breeding areas to spend their winters in warm, food-rich, southern climes. These movements have begun. I’ve written blog posts the past two Septembers about migration and how you can support birds as they make these incredibly exhausting and dangerous … Read more
Getting your bird houses up early, preferably in March, gives time for the houses to slightly weather and be ready for the birds’ return. If you get them up too late they may have already found a suitable nesting place. We carry lots of bird houses, some more decorative than practical. Some birds prefer a … Read more
Spring migration amps up in April Many bird species return or pass through our region in April and May for the breeding season. Migration is extremely risky for birds: unpredictable weather, predators, window collisions, and food scarcity are all threats, never mind the raw physical exertion needed to fly continuously for hours at a time … Read more
It’s been a good summer for the birds, and there are baby birds everywhere. Perhaps you’ve noticed more chatter as juvenile robins, cardinals, jays, and sparrows beg for food from their parents. Or perhaps you’ve noticed what sounds like familiar song but a bit off-key? That’s the sound of juvenile birds learning and practicing their … Read more