Redbelly Woodpecker

Thanks Marilyn,

That doesn't sound very appetizing to me. I was hoping it would be peanut butter, or something like that. I fill 5 feeders around the yard on a daily basis. Perhaps something like this would last longer between feedings.

I saw my first cardinal of the year today. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera handy at that moment. I told him I was glad he was here. He sang a little song and headed to the next feeder. It was music to my ears. :-)

Thanks to all of you all here, when I see birds out there, I'm becoming more familiar with what I'm seeing.

Janet

Janet,

The geletin that is 'keeping the seeds together' on the seed block I have does a pretty good job. It's a clear gelatin, not messy or 'goopy'. I have it in a seed block feeder that I found at Lowe's (it's rectangular shape with side perches).

Here's a photo of the seed block and the 'cage' feeder it's in. The 2 side perches are 'two or three rows of the cagey part on the sides of the widest parts (front and back). I got (and get) the Trail Mix.

I took this the day I got it, Jan. 10, 07.

Here's another view of the feeder showing the side perches which is next to the peanut feeder (with a Tufted Titmouse on it).

That looks delicious. Bird wise, that is! HAHAHAHAHA I noticed a feeder in the little building today that wasn't put out with the rest of them. It has 2 side suet pockets on a regular feeder. I never have used suet before because I assumed it was messy. I may have to try and make something like what you have there that will fit in those suet pockets.This doesn't look messy. I do prefer the black oil seeds to the others because I get enough sprouts in my yard. I don't mind if a stray sunflower comes up. I just don't like all of those "bird" grasses. :-)

I have been thinking I'd probably be smart to get my seeds from the feed store instead of buying them willy nilly when I need them. I go through quite a bundle of them all spring, summer and fall.

Sorry for sidetracking this great thread on the redbellies. I get those in my yard. This is the Woodpecker tree. That feeder has been there for many many many moons. It's been visited by birds, squirrels and flying squirrels (and yes by rats too, though not by invitation).

Janet,

I'm sure UncleGreenthumb (who started the tread) and everyone else don't mind, we just all get so excited about birds! ;-))

I have an upside down suet feeder (suppose to be Starling resistant, but it's not). To make it less messy putting the store bought suet cakes in it, I refrigerate them first, then pop them out, works great.

The seed block doesn't have any suet in it and isn't messy at all. I get them at Lowe's or couple of stores around here. It's Birdola brand or at Lowe's it called Garden Treasures (like all their bird items seem to be named). It's the Trail Mix seed cake. It has black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, safflower hearts, safflower seeds, cracked corn, red millet seeds, raisins, mixed feed nuts, peanut hearts, dried cherries and gelatin. The birds love it!!! I get Mockingbirds, Carolina Wrens, Chickadees, Downys, Cardinals, and I can't think of all the other birds.

They are a great product! WalMart also sells them. All the birds love that!

Marilyn, Heres the Junco on mine.

Sorry didn't mean to take the thread; my Red Bellies really love it.

Pell,

What kind of seeds are in your seed block? I so envious, I haven't seen any Juncos on my feeder (and the one I have just like you)

:-((

I'm positive its the same brand you have. Birdola

Marilyn ~ I think it's just the KY Juncos, they must have a mental block about feeders, LOL, I've been feeding the birds for about 3 years and have NEVER seen a Junco on any of my various feeders using several different feeds! I was amazed the first time I saw pics of them, in this forum, on feeders.

Sadie,

You're probably right! I've been feeding on the ground and with feeders for every day (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall every yr.) since Dec. 2000 and I've never seen a Junco on a feeder. I too, was amazed when I saw the photos of Juncos on feeders on this forum. I'm still jealous and envious! lol

Pell,

I think since the Mockingbird has "claimed" the seed block feeder as "his/her's", it won't let any other bird feed on eat when it's around. The Mockingbird chases any bird that thinks about using "his" feeder. lol

Thats funny because my Mockingbirds have never come to any of my feeders. I do see them eating Holly Berries out front.
I've been putting raisins, dried cherries etc. in a platform feeder for them but so far no luck.

My MB was eating oranges from a platform feeder, but now he's sticking to the peanut butter and oat concoction I made and put in a suet basket, also visits the other suet feeders from time to time. I've put out apples but he didn't touch them, my dad says that his eat ONLY Red Delicious so I bought 1 today to try. I did have to put "his" platform feeder away from the other feeders because it made him guard them all.

Pell,

Did you put the Trail Mix seed block in that feeder that the Junco is eating from?

I know it wasn't trail mix. I'll look at it tomorrow after work and let you know what its called.

Dave, I have been enjoying your photos and especially your Red-bellied pic.

Your bird looks so young and eager compared to the red-bellied pair we have visiting our feeders---ours look a bit old and cranky and bossy. Before I started watching birds closely, I didn't realized that it was possible to tell individuals apart (at least some of them) because of individual characteristics. And it helps if they've been banded, of course!