Sometimes the simplest solutions are the ones most often neglected. Take buying a gift for your favorite bird watcher. Time and again I am asked “What type of bird feeder should I buy for a friend who’s really into bird watching?” My answer to them is nearly always the same: “Don’t buy a bird feeder for an avid bird wacher.”
Chances are your friend or relation who you know to be a dedicated bird watcher already has a bird feeder – likely more than one in fact. If they are really involved in feeding their local birds, they likely have preferences as to what types of feeders they prefer to use. Formed from years of expeience, these preferences are directly related to the types of bird species that visit your friend’s bird feeding site and their behavior when they are present. There also may be special considerations, such as a particularly large squirrel population, that necessitate the use of a special feeder design.
Try to discover the name of the local bird feeding supply store in your gift recipient’s area and buy them a gift certificate there. In areas without independent bird feeding specialty shops, local feed stores and hardware stores are also often good sources for purchasing bird feeding supplies – particularly seed and suet.
If you really want to give a gift that is immediately tangible, bird seed is a good choice. While there are many types of seed, as well as suet, on the market, and while preferences for types of seed and suet can be just as pronunced as those for types of bird feeders, a good bag of black oil sunflower seed is a gift that most all dedicated bird watchers will welcome (at any time of year).
Peace and good bird watching.
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