'Gone With The Wind'
Sometimes its more than your hair that gets messy in the wind! In adverse weather conditions bird seed can get blown about and feeders get knocked off their perches. We thought it might be a good idea to list some useful tips and tricks that we have found helpful in getting one over the terrible weather we get here in the UK!
- Moving the Location of Your Bird Feeders
- Using Pole Mounted Bird Feeders
- Removing Feeders Ahead of Stormy Weather Forecasts
- Weatherproofing Your Bird Feeders
Moving the Location of Your Bird Feeders
A really simple tip is to move your feeder to a place where it is less exposed to the wind. The direction of the wind is fairly predictable at different points in the seasons. Because of this you can move your feeders to different locations for different times of the year. Try out different sides of your house, placing by a fence or close the trunk of a tree. Even a thick hedge can do the trick!
Remember that the birds will feel more comfortable if there is a quick escape option for them if someone bigger turns up! So it is always best, if possible, to place your feeders near a shrub or thicket and if you're lucky they may even roost down there!
Using Pole Mounted Bird Feeders
Another great solution for feeding the birds in strong winds is to use a pole mounted feeding station. Like the one pictured below.
The hanging options may not be ideal in weather the strongest of weather conditions, but the mounted feeding option at the top ensures to stay in place for the strongest of winds. As the weather is likely to be cold in strong winds it is as important as ever for the birds to be able to get there feed.
This pole mounted feeding station has three different feeding areas and can be placed straight into the ground or in a universal patio base.
Removing Feeders Ahead of Stormy Weather Forecasts
The final feeding option we would recommend is removing the feeder in a pre-emptive move to stop the feeders from falling or spraying seed about. Unfortunately, if seed does spill it is likely to attract unwanted pests so it is best to remove them entirely from the situation. That said we would only recommend this after trying numbers one and two as its best to feed the birds, especially the smaller ones, in the cold and exhausting winds.
Birds are better adapted than us to harsh weather conditions though. As we are hot blooded creatures our blood runs hot until it reaches the skin and is cooled in cold weather. When it comes back around to completing the cycle the blood as been cooled and makes us run cold. However, with birds when the blood runs back having reached the surface it runs alongside the blood going the other way, warming up the cold blood!
They also have evolved to have feathers which traps air in layers before it reaches their skin. This means the air is warmer by the time they feel it helping to insulate them against the bad weather.
Weatherproofing Your Bird Feeders
Another great option to try before removing your feeders entirely is to weatherproof them. The rainproof guard (as pictured above) is a great way to do this. Keeping your seed dry and healthy has obvious benefits for the birds and means that less will get clogged up in your feeders to being with. Also have a look at the other bird feeder accessories we offer, to see if there is anything else that could suit your feeding requirements.
This article was written by Hilary Wiles. If you have any questions or queries about the article you can email contact Hilary by email on info@brinvale.com
