One of the most rewarding parts of gardening, is to enjoy the butterflies, birds and other creatures, that are attracted to the flowers in your garden. You simply must have a bird feeder, somewhere in your yard. Very often other small creatures are attracted to the bird feeder, some not invited. Once you get your bird feeding station up and running, you may run into problems with uninvited guests.

These visitors fall into two categories - those interested in the seeds (squirrels and chipmunks, rats and mice, starlings and house sparrows), and those interested in a bird for dinner (cats and hawks).

If you have trees, you will soon get to know squirrels. You may marvel at their antics, until they take over your bird feeders. Then you’ll either love them, or hate them.

Those who love squirrels, tolerate their visits and may even encourage them, with special squirrel toys and feeders. When a squirrel is at the feeder, you’re not likely to see birds. Squirrels will scare off the birds, while they eat the seed and sooner, or later, they’ll eat the feeder too.

The simplest solution, is the squirrel-proof feeder, or pole and storing your seed in a metal garbage can. Chipmunks, rats and mice can also become a problem, where there’s seed spillage, under the feeder. Don’t use mixed bird seed and if you don’t have a squirrel problem, add a feeder tray.

Crow, house sparrow and starling problems can be eliminated, by seed and feeder selection. Cats are another story altogether. Feral cats and your neighbor’s tabby cat, are a serious threat to nestlings, fledglings and roosting birds. Too often, the presence of just one cat, on the prowl near your feeder, can take the enjoyment out of your backyard bird watching experience.

When a cat sits drooling under your feeder, you’re not likely to see any birds. You’re bound to feel much worse, when you find a pile of feathers on the ground. If your neighbor is reasonable, suggest a bell collar. If that doesn’t work, consider getting yourself a pet dog. Birds don’t seem to be bothered by most dogs, but cats and squirrels are. If there are no cats in your neighborhood and you find a pile of feathers near your feeder, look for a hungry hawk, perching on a tree nearby.

Don’t get upset. Consider yourself fortunate to see one, right in your backyard. Cooper’s and sharp-shinned hawks, eat birds and play an important role, in the natural community.

Don’t put out poisons, or try to trap them, since all birds of prey- eagles, owls and hawks - are protected by law. Apart from the obvious joys of brightly coloured flowers, there are other creatures of beauty, that can be attracted to your garden, so if you haven’t made the effort to attract them yet, start now. You’ll be pleased you did and you will get hours of pleasure, from watching their antics. Soon you will get to know the names of the birds, and other visitors.

If you are one of those who dislike chemicals and prefer natural remedies in your garden and if you love the country living, then get this book “Home And Garden, Country and Rural Life”. It covers garden topics, as well as wildlife, nature and other pastimes. If you are interested in being eco friendly and protecting the environment and if you are sick of the rat race and dream of relaxing in the rural country environment, then you should read this book on the good life. Titled Home And Garden - Country And Rural Life, it will show you how to best enjoy your garden, the birds and bees, how to raise chickens and goats and even how to bake your own bread. Change your lifestyle, by reading this book. Take a look here http://dersalsites.com/hag/

Sally Robson is an up and coming, South African internet marketer, with a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet. She and her husband Derek, have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. She also has a passion for gardening.

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