Can I get some details about your log feeder? It looks like it’s tied horizontally with bungee cords (one visible in the photo - I’m assuming there’s another one at the other end). Any benefits vs vertical log feeders? Any issues with squirrels getting to it? Thanks
Indeed, it is hung horizontally between two branches.. here's a wider view. I hung it like this with the suet at the bottom because it makes it more difficult for the starlings and house sparrows to do any significant damage. Only the woodpeckers, nuthatches, and titmice (and occasionally the chickadees) can cling and really have good access to it. The starlings and house sparrows need to try and hover below and peck at it.. basically it just slows them down from wiping out the suet in one sitting.
You can find the log feeder HERE. The squirrels leave this alone because I use Hot Pepper Suet!
None of those birds where I live. But I have lots of trees so I could install some horizontal log feeders to add variety - I’ll look into hot pepper suet as a squirrel deterrent.
A bit of search and yes, hot pepper suet is common and safe for birds - thank you so much for this game-changer information. I make my own log feeders but the problem is to squirrel-proof them. The greedy bastards are not satisfied with the sunflower seeds scattered at the base of my numerous poles - they want the suet and unless I clear the snow in a wide circle around the poles, they manage to jump over the squirrel baffles and eat the suet and chew bigger holes in my log feeders… greedy bastards.
Anyhow, I can make more log feeders and hang them horizontally - many trees on my property. All I’m seeing at my log feeders in the winter are downy, hairy, red-bellied and pileated woodpeckers. Nuthatches and the occasional black capped chickadee in need of fatter food than the hulled sunflower seeds. The jays and house finches stick to the seeds. Therefore, I won’t have to worry about placing holes only on the underside of the logs - I’ll give my feathery friends options with top holes as well. It will be interesting to see what other birds like that during the spring migration.
How do you fill this? The site mentions suet plugs but when I click the link they look like the standard suet bricks. Do you just cut a regular suet block and jam in the pieces?
Haha as a matter of fact I did! I heard them yesterday morning so I knew he was in the neighborhood, that’s actually why I had my camera out.. hoping he would stop by the house.
So beautiful! Wonderful pics! I’m always so stunned by Northern Flickers, their size is such a shock to me. I’ve never been lucky enough to catch one at a feeder, I hope you’ve made a friend that will pay you many returns!
Love all the Northern Flickers in my backwoods here in Rome, Ga! Sometimes it sounds like I'm in the Amazon rain forest with their clucks and shrill calls. Must be about 5-6 back there!!
Northern flickers are so spectacular. Great pics!
I get red-shafted ones and I love them! I have a few males and one female that come to my feeders daily!
https://preview.redd.it/gagus1hk2v6g1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0a36a120e891029797054781f974099083baa5b2
Good job! I only get to see them once per week or less.
That one looks like a juvenile!
It might be. I had a mating pair that had some babies this year. They don’t all come at the same time during the day so I can’t always compare them
What a beauty!!
Beautiful!
I am always excited when Northern Flickers show up to my suet feeder! Such gorgeous and interesting coloring.
Can I get some details about your log feeder? It looks like it’s tied horizontally with bungee cords (one visible in the photo - I’m assuming there’s another one at the other end). Any benefits vs vertical log feeders? Any issues with squirrels getting to it? Thanks
https://preview.redd.it/0vbvwvx66w6g1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f9e79d12759168643bf4d02f1d598a554fdaf26c
Indeed, it is hung horizontally between two branches.. here's a wider view. I hung it like this with the suet at the bottom because it makes it more difficult for the starlings and house sparrows to do any significant damage. Only the woodpeckers, nuthatches, and titmice (and occasionally the chickadees) can cling and really have good access to it. The starlings and house sparrows need to try and hover below and peck at it.. basically it just slows them down from wiping out the suet in one sitting.
You can find the log feeder HERE. The squirrels leave this alone because I use Hot Pepper Suet!
None of those birds where I live. But I have lots of trees so I could install some horizontal log feeders to add variety - I’ll look into hot pepper suet as a squirrel deterrent.
Thank you so much for the detailed response!!
wow, that is a beautiful picture! May I save it to use as a reference?
Yes, please do!!
Thank you!!
A bit of search and yes, hot pepper suet is common and safe for birds - thank you so much for this game-changer information. I make my own log feeders but the problem is to squirrel-proof them. The greedy bastards are not satisfied with the sunflower seeds scattered at the base of my numerous poles - they want the suet and unless I clear the snow in a wide circle around the poles, they manage to jump over the squirrel baffles and eat the suet and chew bigger holes in my log feeders… greedy bastards. Anyhow, I can make more log feeders and hang them horizontally - many trees on my property. All I’m seeing at my log feeders in the winter are downy, hairy, red-bellied and pileated woodpeckers. Nuthatches and the occasional black capped chickadee in need of fatter food than the hulled sunflower seeds. The jays and house finches stick to the seeds. Therefore, I won’t have to worry about placing holes only on the underside of the logs - I’ll give my feathery friends options with top holes as well. It will be interesting to see what other birds like that during the spring migration.
How do you fill this? The site mentions suet plugs but when I click the link they look like the standard suet bricks. Do you just cut a regular suet block and jam in the pieces?
They are cylindrical plugs, but you still have to separate them and really shove them in there.. it’s not a very clean process haha
Beautiful!!!
Aww I love flickers!! Did you hear the kyeer calls?
Haha as a matter of fact I did! I heard them yesterday morning so I knew he was in the neighborhood, that’s actually why I had my camera out.. hoping he would stop by the house.
u/OP, is this really your feeder? If so, you got great photographs!
Haha yes it’s really mine! It’s in a Japanese Maple right outside my front window. It’s a great setup to watch these birds so closely.
So beautiful! Wonderful pics! I’m always so stunned by Northern Flickers, their size is such a shock to me. I’ve never been lucky enough to catch one at a feeder, I hope you’ve made a friend that will pay you many returns!
Love all the Northern Flickers in my backwoods here in Rome, Ga! Sometimes it sounds like I'm in the Amazon rain forest with their clucks and shrill calls. Must be about 5-6 back there!!