My bird feeding station has been designed with care to prevent, repel, deter, and get rid of starlings. And before you say that I should feed all of God’s creatures with a smile on my face, I want you to know that I wholeheartedly disagree! *Click here to skip directly to the 3 strategies that help stop starlings!* Here are the four reasons […]
The DEFINITIVE Guide to Attracting Birds To Your Yard!
“How do you attract birds to your backyard?“ The entire reason I created Bird Watching HQ a few years ago was to help answer the above question. My goal has been to create a small oasis for birds and wildlife in my backyard, which sits in a suburban neighborhood between two large cities (Cleveland & Akron, Ohio). Here’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned so […]
The 6 BEST Heated Bird Baths To Try This Winter (2019)
Below you are going to find a list of some of the BEST heated bird baths that are available to purchase online. But before we dive in, I want to first talk about three things you should consider when shopping for a new heated birdbath: 1. Price And because the cost is important to so many people, I have organized the bird bath reviews […]
The Bird Bath Buying Guide: 8 Questions To Ask Yourself (2019)
Bird baths are the thing everyone knows they SHOULD have in their backyards. Unfortunately, not many people actually pull the trigger and offer a fresh source of water year-round for their birds. And most enthusiasts that do buy a bird bath often don’t keep up with the maintenance, and it ends up being nothing more than a lawn ornament filled with filthy water. *Click Here […]
Create A Bird Feeding Station With These 7 Simple Steps!
Creating a bird feeding station in your backyard is a bit more complicated than just hanging a bird feeder and filling it with some cheap food you found at the store. Birds are dynamic creatures with both needs AND wants. If you’re going to attract the widest variety of species possible, you need to learn how to be a fantastic host that leaves our […]
The 2019 Hummingbird Food Guide (Easy Nectar Recipe + 8 FAQ’s)
Are you looking for a proven hummingbird nectar recipe? Do you have questions about how to make hummingbird food that is both safe and effective? If so, you are not alone and join thousands (millions?) of other hummingbird enthusiasts across North America. My goal is to answer all of your nectar related questions in this post. First, you are going to learn an […]
How To Attract Hummingbirds: 38 Simple Tips (2019 Guide!)
Many years ago, my dad and I visited someone’s house whose entire backyard was dedicated to attracting hummingbirds. It was unbelievable! There were dozens of hummingbirds flying every direction visiting nectar feeders and beautiful flowers scattered across their yard. Now that I have a house and yard of my own, I have spent the last few years trying to transform my backyard […]
28 Common Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds (Native, Easy To Grow)
“What flowers attract hummingbirds?” This is probably the most common question people have as they construct their hummingbird garden and habitat. I know it was for me. Trying to sort through hundreds of potential flowers that hummingbirds (might) like was more frustrating and time-consuming than I had initially thought. I have spent hours trying to find the perfect mix of flowers and […]
Squirrel Feeders: The Best of 2019 (6 total)
I have found there are typically three reasons that someone wants to add a dedicated squirrel feeder to their backyard. 1. They love squirrels! And they adore them so much that they want to make sure they get enough to eat, away from those pesky birds. 🙂 (Not very common.) 2. Entertainment! Squirrels are incredibly athletic, acrobatic, and relentless. They will do […]
The 6 Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders (Stop Wasting Food!)
Trust me; there are LOTS of bird feeders that claim to be squirrel proof. It’s an effective marketing term because companies know it’s something everyone wants to hear. But finding a squirrel proof bird feeder that actually works is kind of hard. Think about it: The feeder has to allow a variety of bird species to feed comfortably AND at the same […]
7 Effective Ways To Keep Squirrels Off Your Bird Feeders (2019)
It’s incredibly challenging to keep squirrels away from bird feeders! I know this statement is obvious, but whether you love ’em or hate ’em, at some point, almost every backyard birder has to deal with squirrels trying to stage a hostile takeover of their bird feeders. Personally, I like squirrels and want them in my backyard. I enjoy watching them, and they are as […]
The 4 Best Window Bird Feeders (That Are Proven To Work in 2019!)
About a year ago, I decided to try and hang a few window bird feeders on the back of our house. When it comes to feeding and enjoying birds, this has easily been one of the BEST decisions that I have made! Here’s why: It’s incredible to see our backyard birds this close. If I move slowly, I can easily get right […]
6 Proven Tips To STOP House Sparrows From Taking Over Your Feeders
“How do I get rid of all these @$&^*%! House Sparrows?!” Does this statement sound familiar? If you feed birds, you have probably frustratingly muttered (or screamed!) something like this before. I know I have! House Sparrows can be annoying to have in your backyard for many reasons: They are an invasive species. Originally from the Middle East, they are highly adaptable […]
Cheapest Place To Buy Bird Food? Online vs Retail! (9 Case Studies)
I have recently been pondering a question every time that I buy food for my bird feeders. Is it cheaper to buy bird food online or locally from a store? Personally, I love supporting local businesses with my money. But it’s also incredibly convenient to buy birdseed online from Amazon at 11 pm on Sunday night while in my pajamas drinking bourbon. […]
The 14 Best Bird Feeders For Your Backyard (2019)
I have found that trying to find the best bird feeders for my backyard is about as challenging as trying to order food at a Mexican restaurant. Here’s why: There are too many options! With dozens of companies making thousands of unique bird feeders, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and give up. But I think this guide to some of the best […]
5 Types of Woodpecker Feeders Your Birds Will LOVE (2019)
Can you think of anyone who doesn’t enjoy woodpeckers at their feeders? These unique birds are fascinating and fun to watch. And did I mention that woodpeckers love coming to feeders?! Why wouldn’t they? They get an energy boost and easy meal, which helps provide the extra calories needed to survive a harsh winter. So as you can imagine, owning a few quality woodpecker […]
The Two Best Bird Feeder Poles – Squirrel Proof, Sturdy, & Stylish
Your bird feeder pole system is the true unsung hero in your backyard. It’s not sexy, glamorous, or exciting. It will never be the center of attention (even though it’s literally located at the center of your backyard feeding station). It’s easy to show off your new squirrel proof bird feeder or brag about your fancy heated bird bath. But your bird feeder […]
The 7 Best Cameras for Wildlife Photography (2019)
Whether you’re considering your first DSLR camera for wildlife photography or looking to upgrade your current camera, the following question typically arises: What are the top-rated and best cameras for wildlife photography? The list below helps answer this question and provides 7 cameras that can take excellent pictures of wildlife. The list is organized by price since that is what (most) photographers claim […]
The 4 BEST Bird Feeders For Cardinals (That Actually Work!)
What are the BEST bird feeders for cardinals to use in my backyard? It’s a common question asked by both experienced and beginner bird watchers. But why? Well, in my opinion, it’s because the Northern Cardinal is one of the most beautiful and stunning birds you will find in your backyard and arguably the most popular bird that is native to North […]
Finch Feeders: The 4 Working BEST For Me (2019)
Having a quality finch feeder is a cornerstone of any successful bird feeding station. That’s because finches are some of the most colorful, active, and entertaining birds to observe in your backyard! In my neck of the woods (Ohio), the two most common finches that come to my feeders provide a nice contrast of colors. The House Finch displays beautiful shades of red, while the […]