Backyard Bird Shop

What is “Thistle” (Nyjer) , and why would I want to feed it to birds?

What is Thistle, or Nyjer, Seed? Read more...

Why don’t I have any Goldfinches?

The beautiful bright yellow, black-capped American Goldfinch is a welcome visitor to our bird feeders. People sometimes ask why they don’t see goldfinches around their yards when others they know do get them. Read more...

Woodpeckers are excavating something I don’t want excavated!

Are flickers excavating something you don’t want excavated? Read more...

How do I keep a cat from interfering with my bird feeder?

Is a cat lurking near your bird feeder? Read more...

What’s the best seed to put in my new bird feeder?

I just bought a bird feeder and want to start feeding the birds. What seed is the best choice? Read more...

There’s a mess under my feeder!

Is there a mess under your seed feeder? Don't despair! Read more...

Rain is getting the birdseed wet!

If beautiful, northwest rain Is rain getting your seed wet, we have a few ideas for you! Read more...

Squirrels are taking over my bird feeder!

Here are five squirrel-discouraging techniques .... Read more...

Starlings are dominating my suet feeder!

If you’re starting to think that only shiny, black birds with yellow beaks eat your suet, consider a starling-resistant suet feeder. Read more...

I think I Have Grain Moths

Question: I think that I have grain moths! What can I do? Read more...

Bats, Our New Best Friends

If West Nile virus made mosquitoes the enemy, then bats are our new best friends! The common Little Brown Bat eats about 500 mosquitoes per hour. Multiply that by a colony of 30 or more, and we’re talking serious pest control! Read more...

Lackluster Bird Feeding? Take this Test!

If you're disappointed with the bird feeding action you're getting, ask yourself these questions..... Read more...

Choosing the Right Binocular

You don’t have to be an expert to select which Audubon binocular is right for you -- except perhaps on how you plan to use them! Just consider these factors, and choose based on your needs: Read more...

Squirrels: Backyard Buddies or Furry Felons?

When it comes to squirrels, everybody has strong opinions. Whether they raise your spirits, or just raise your blood pressure, we have a plan to help you with your squirrels. Read more...

Who’s That Squirrel?

If there's a bird feeder in your yard, chances are good that you are becoming an expert on squirrels. You might think of them as cute, furry little backyard friends, or criminal geniuses out to steal your bird food ….. or both! Active during the day, squirrels bound across lawns, skitter up and down tree trunks, and practice their telephone-line tightrope acts as they search for food. Opportunists and omnivores, they will eat nuts, seeds, plant matter, fungi, and fruit--and, they are always ready to raid a bird feeder . Read more...