If you are reading this article, you probably know someone that is obsessed with taking care of their backyard birds. Are they the kind of person who works tirelessly to attract their favorite bird species? Or do they nerd out about the newest innovations in squirrel-proof bird feeding? When it comes to getting a gift for a backyard birder, it can be difficult to choose something that is just right. To assist you in your quest to find a gift that is both unique and useful, we have assembled a list of time-tested backyard birding favorites. These ideas are sure to bring joy to any backyard birder, with options for squirrel-lovers, squirrel-haters, hummingbird aficionados, and more. Let’s get started!
1. A Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
One of the eternal battles taking place in back yards across America is that of the passionate birder versus the seed-hungry squirrel. Once a squirrel finds a feeder, they can clear out a week’s supply of seed in what seems like hours. If squirrels are driving your friend or loved one mad, you could consider giving them a squirrel-proof or squirrel-resistant bird feeder. While we carry tons of options in this category, we highly recommend a caged feeder or a weight activated feeder. For a weight activated feeder, we love the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus. It is one of the most reliable and effective squirrel-proof feeders on the market. When a squirrel hops onto the perch, the feeding mechanism slides shut, only opening again when the squirrel hops off. While caged feeders have simpler designs, they are also highly durable and effective. The cages on these feeders have holes that allow small birds in, but keep squirrels out. Some squirrels may attempt to reach their little paws through, but they inevitably give up and leave the birds to dine in peace. Plenty of great caged feeders exist on the market, starting with the durable feeders that we build in our shop in Concord, New Hampshire. We hear from customers all the time that they still use their Duncraft caged feeders that they got in the 80’s. Browse our full collection of squirrel-proof feeders for more ideas!
2. A Crazy Squirrel Feeder or a Squirrel House
Okay, so we did just tell you all about squirrel-proof feeders. However, what we didn’t tell you is that some birders actually enjoy welcoming these fuzzy little critters into their backyard family. As it turns out, squirrels are endlessly entertaining to watch, especially if you give them a challenge. This Bungee Jumping Feeder is designed to feed the squirrels, but only if they really work for it. Squirrels looking for a free lunch will need to hang on tightly, nibbling corn-on-the-cob as they bob up and down on the bungee line. Other fun options include the squirrel-go-round and the squirrel-spinner, both of which put squirrels to the test with a spinnable wheel of corn-on-the-cob. Finally, if the person you are shopping for has a particularly large heart, they might enjoy offering a long-term residence to their local squirrels. Check out our variety of squirrel dens and houses, each designed to give squirrels a haven for raising their next generation of kittens. Yep, they really are called kittens. Weird, huh?
3. A Pretty Hummingbird Feeder
Help your friend or loved one attract one of nature’s most bizarre and charismatic flying critters with a shiny new hummingbird feeder. This is a great idea for someone who currently only has traditional bird seed feeders in their yard. While traditional feeders are excellent for attracting lots of common songbirds, hummingbirds will only be attracted to a feeder that offers nectar. The best part is that hummingbird feeders can either be very fancy, or very affordable. You’ll have the ability to choose a feeder with special features, like this HummerFest Feeder and Weather Guard, or an effective, budget-friendly feeder like JB’s Hummingbird Feeder. Whatever you decide to go with, you can make it a thoughtful gift set by purchasing some ready-to-use nectar.
4. A Bluebird House with Special Features
We have yet to meet a backyard birder that does not love bluebirds. Perhaps it is the calming hues of their deep blue wings and their rusty orange breast. Whatever it is, something special sets these birds apart from all the rest, because birders often obsess over “their little bluebird family”. One thing to know is that bluebirds can be picky about their living arrangements. First of all, they like to live in a house that is placed on a pole in the middle of a lawn or field. Next, they are very particular about the dimensions of their house, with special attention paid to the size of the entry hole. If you think a bluebird house might be the perfect gift for the person you have in mind, consider picking up a specially designed bluebird house that comes equipped with a pole. There are also options that come with extra defense systems, which help protect the bluebirds from predators like cats and larger birds. Feel free to explore our full collection of time-tested bluebird houses to find the right one for you.
5. Some Bird-Themed Apparel
Who doesn’t love a shirt that represents their hobby? Or a hat that perfectly encapsulates one’s quirks and passions? Maybe what your bird-lover would like best is a sweatshirt repping the common loon, or this cozy corduroy cap with a chickadee on it. When it comes to hobbies, some people really love to wear their heart on their sleeve, so browse our collection of bird-related clothing to see if the right piece is out there for your bird-lover.
Honorable Mention: A Bird Seed Subscription (AutoShip)
One thing that backyard birders will never have enough of is seed, suet, and consumable bird food supplies. For most birder-enthusiasts, a weekly or monthly package of seed or suet would be like receiving endless reminders that you see them for who they really are - your favorite bird nerd in the whole wide world. Simply choose any bird food product on our website, then select the AutoShip Subscription option to have it sent right to their doorstep. You can choose any frequency you want, cancel whenever you want, and if the first item doesn’t work out, you can switch to a different type of seed or suet without needing to cancel your subscription or start over. Bring constant joy right to your loved one’s home by delivering premium bird seed blends, high protein suet cakes, mealworms for bluebirds, corn for squirrels… the list really goes on and on. Check out all of our wild bird food supply options, or give us a call if you have any questions about the AutoShip program!
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, bird enthusiasts just want to enjoy the nature that exists in their backyard. Anything that helps them accomplish this task will make an excellent gift. If you still feel a bit unsure about what to purchase, we’ve got one more option that might just work - a Duncraft Gift Card. Some people deeply appreciate the opportunity to browse a diverse collection of items related to their hobby, with the ability to pick out whatever catches their eye. A gift card with us will give them access to an extensive variety of wild bird supplies, with the perfect item in store for experts and beginners alike. You may purchase a gift card here to set your bird-lover up with their own mini backyard bird shopping-spree.
Happy Birding!
