Customer Reviews

Projects for the Birder's Garden: Over 100 Easy Things That You can Make to Turn Your Yard and Garden into a Bird-Friendly Haven

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I'm a major bird lover and I have bird feeders set up around my house that have been successful to varying degrees. However, I decided this spring to turn a simple interest in birds to an all out hobby, and turn my simple yard with modest bird feeders into a practical reserve for birds of all sorts. While I'd classify myself as somewhat knowledgeable as to what birds like and need, I'm by no means an expert. So I started out on looking for a book that was simple enough for me to understand, but not so basic I'd be bored. And since money is a big factor, I wanted to find a book that suggested money-friendly ideas that were practical, not overblown ideas that were a major investment. This book fills that niche perfectly.

This book contains activities, projects, and tips that are easy to understand and extremely well written. There are activities in this book that are exceedingly simple (yet unbelievably effective) and other projects that are slightly more complex, but not so daunting that you are in danger of being overwhelmed. In fact, while this book is written for adults, I can't think of an activity in it that isn't something you could do with your children... Some activities I think your children could do quite well by themselves! This book is completely comprehensive, with a really good and equal spread of activities and ideas (meaning you won't pick up this book and find 100 different plans for birdhouses) in areas like bird feeders, houses, feeding stations, bird environments, planting for birds, bird food, water features for birds, to name a few. There are a good, solid number of activities varying from the typical birdhouse or bird feeder, to exotic feeding stations, nesting havens, or bird-friendly garden plans that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but a joy for birds of all sorts. One of the things I like best about this book is that not only do they give the "how to" of a project or activity, but the "why," such as what birds you'll attract, why you'll attract them, why it's appealing to birds, and how you can vary the project to exclude certain pests but include other birdfeeder favorites.

Another part of this book I like is how it talks about specific birds and bird types, behaviors that are typical, when to look for them, how to attract them, and what features, trees, or plants they respond to the most (or likewise, don't respond to at all or flee from). This book also tackles the touchy areas, like how to encourage birds but discourage pest birds and chase off predators, like cats. I also enjoy the illustrations, which are featured throughout the book. Simple and clear, easy to understand, without managing to be diagrams that have no visual appeal to them. And the section at the end of the book, "Resources for Backyard Birders and Gardeners" is unbeatable.

But do the suggestions work?? Well, I'm happy to report that, after implementing a few of the very, very basic tricks and tips, I've seen my feeder traffic increase dramatically. And I've only done the really, really, really basic stuff. I can't wait to see the success that comes with some of the other brilliant ideas offered in this book!!

It should be said this is not a bird identification book, and it assumes that the reader has a basic knowledge of birds and that can identify some of the more common birds, like Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches, Sparrows, Blue Jays, Starlings, Grackles, Woodpeckers, Goldfinches... If you have trouble, you might want to pick up a bird identification book to go along with this one... Actually, you might want to have one on hand regardless, so you can identify and track some of the new visitors to the feeder.

Overall, I love this book and I really can't think of any flaws to it. Whenever I read it, I fell like I'm reading the personal journal or diary of an expert bird lover, somebody who not only knows their stuff, but actually gets a lot of pleasure out of what they're writing about, which is completely refreshing. But considering this book is edited by the editors at Yankee Magazine, can I say I'm surprised the book is as good as it is? :)

One tip that isn't mentioned in the book, though I wish it was, is the wonderful resource the Arbor Day Foundation is. They have trees, healthy, good sized, trees and bushes of all varieties, sorted by your plant hardiness zone, all sold at cost. Where else can you buy 50 trees and bushes for under $40? If you plan on using some of the planting and tree tips and tricks in this book, save yourself an unbelievable amount of money and donate to a great cause... Check out the Arbor Day Foundation.

I have been feeding birds for the last four years, but decided that this was the year that I kicked it up. I wanted to learn more about what types of feeders are best, which foods attracted the birds I most enjoy, etc.

After looking at several books at the store, I found this one. Let me tell you I couldn't wait to read it when I got home. In just the first few pages I had all kinds of ideas. For instance, a simple way to attract woodpeckers is to take a piece of wood, nail it to a post and smear it with chunky peanut butter. I can't wait to try it out. I also am pretty excited about the recipes included in the book, since a person can spend hundreds of dollars per month on food.

I must say that it was thanks to a local bird store that I learned how to attract house sparrows and keep the grackles away - use safflower seeds. I am very pleased with the results.

I intend to use this book to the fullest, especially the tips on how to make my yard more bird friendly. With bird varieties declining across the world, it's a great idea - and very rewarding - to feed the birds. I get so much enjoyment watching them, too. Buy this book if you're looking to take your birding activities to the next level.

This book is full of easy projects, some of which kids can do with little supervision. Very detailed with pictures. Love it!

I have been a "birder" for over 45 years and a gardener (in a very sloppy, haphazard way) for just about as long. This is a wonderul work that fits well into my hobbies. It is simple, practical and a joy to work with. As another reviewer pointed out, the ideas put forth in this book actually work! I was also thrilled that most of these projects were ones that my four grandsons were more than able to help with and in doing so, actually taught them something. I happen to live in a rural area, infact, I live in the middle of the woods. Most of the projects in this book were non-intrusive and blended in well with the natural look that my wife and I strive for. Recommend you add this one to your library. Now if I can just train my nine barn cats......

Since there are plenty of lengthy, detailed reviews already, I will keep this brief!

I've been birding for a while now, I have read many birding books, and I think this one hits most, if not all, of the bases; birds in your backyard, landscaping for feeding, bird nests and eggs, habitat, making your own feeders, as well as DIY seed mixes, suet cakes and doughs, peanut butter pinecones, etc. Best idea I found was the flowerpot seed bell, which can be costly at stores, especially around the holidays. You would not believe how easy and inexpensive they are to make, and I intend to make several as economical gifts for Christmas.

And since I know everyone is wondering - yes, there are effective tips for keeping out squirrels!!

Overall, a very creative offering, packed with original ideas for the DIY backyard birder.

Numerous, easy to follow instructions on how to create wide variety of projects! Includes illustrations also. Must have for those that want to attract birds to their gardens without spending a fortune buying items ready-made. Would be a good resource for those wanting to learn how to make garden produces to sell also.

This book will delight the Do-It-Yourself types who would rather put something together and attract birds to their backyards than to merely observe them in the wild. It's a sturdy, glossy trade paperback with detailed line-drawings, tables, side-bars, and step-by-step project sheets.

It starts with a section of fast-and-easy projects for beginners to get your feet wet with the easiest of the various types of woodworking, cooking, and gardening projects you can do to attract birds.

Later chapters go into detail on each of the specialties (woodworking, cooking, gardening) so that you can either do it all or just focus on the chapters that address your talents.

The book also includes a Projects-at-a-Glance index so you can look up things to do involving Nesting, Water, Landscaping, et cetera. Highly recommended. Longer review at OrnateBirdGarden-dot-com.

I like this book. I'm a new bird watcher. I've made some of the projects mentioned in this book and they work quite well.

I got this book a few years ago & found the info in it very helpful.New birders should defenatly get this book.I liked it so much i bought it for a gift for a new birder.The projects are easy & alot of them are really inexpensive
as in the stuff you need is laying around your house.Buy it & you won't be sorry.

This book is SO much more than a collection of projects for attracting birds. It is full of very detailed information about backyard birds: what bird eats what food, what type of feeder attracts what bird, nesting patterns, behavioral characteristics and virtually every other fact you would want to know to maximize your bird watching experience. I like this book so much I've given it as a gift. It's a reference you will keep coming back to and the projects (many of which can save the thrifty birdwatcher a lot of money) are fun and rewarding.