Plumelore Blog
Guides and how-tos on feeders, baths, seed and suet. Every article is built from manufacturer specs, owner reviews, and published birding sources.
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Hummingbird Feeder Hats: Do They Actually Get Birds to Land on You
A hummingbird feeder hat only works once birds trust a feeder in your yard. What the training takes, which wearable…
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Bird Feeder Trays: Do They Cut Down on Spilled Seed
A bird feeder tray catches most knocked-off seed, but only if it fits your feeder and drains. Which trays fit…
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Bird Feeder Plans: Free Designs Worth Building and Ones to Skip
Bird feeder plans compared on drainage, roof and cleaning access: three free designs worth building, the ones to skip, and…
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How to Store Bird Seed So It Stays Fresh (and What Spoiled Seed Costs You)
How to Store Bird Seed So It Stays Fresh (and What Spoiled Seed Costs You) Most people who feed birds…
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Bird Feeder Hangers: Which Hooks Hold Up in Wind and Weight
Bird feeder hangers compared: rated hooks and chains from 16 to 35 lb, why open S-hooks fail in wind, and…
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Bird Feeder Baffles: Cone vs Dome and the Size That Actually Stops Squirrels
A stovepipe baffle needs 8 inches of diameter and 24 of length; torpedoes ask 6. Mount 5 feet up or…
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Why Squirrels Raid Bird Feeders and How to Make Yours Not Worth It
Squirrels are not stupid, and every feeder design assumes they are. A grey squirrel can jump roughly four feet straight…
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Suet Feeders for Pileated Woodpeckers: Tail Props and Cage Size
A suet feeder for pileated woodpeckers needs a long tail prop and open cage access. Species sizing, the starling problem,…
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Bird Baths in the Garden: Placement for Birds and Plants
Where a bird bath garden setup works: 10 to 15 feet from cover, gravel under the splash zone, 2 inches…
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Hanging Bird Feeders: Branch Height and Baffle Placement
Hanging a bird feeder from a branch only works if height and baffle placement beat the squirrels. The jump distances…
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Bird Feeder Stands: Freestanding vs Shepherds Hooks
A freestanding bird feeder stand beats a single shepherd’s hook wherever wind reaches. Multi-arm stands, ground augers, paver tricks, and…
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Mealworm Feeders: Dried vs Live and Who Shows Up
A mealworm feeder brings bluebirds if the worms stay dry. Dried versus live mealworms, hopper designs that work, and placement…