The Cardinals or Cardinalidae are a family of passerine birds found in North and South America. The South American cardinals in the genus Paroaria are placed in another family, the Thraupidae (previously placed in Emberizidae).

These are robust, seed-eating birds, with strong bills. The family ranges in size from the 12-cm, 11.5-gram Orange-breasted Bunting to the 25-cm, 85-gram Black-headed Saltator. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinctive appearances; the family is named for the red plumage (colored cardinal like the color of a Catholic cardinal’s vestments) of males of the type species, the Northern Cardinal.

The “buntings” in this family are sometimes generically known as “tropical buntings” (though not all live in the tropics) or “North American buntings” (though there are other buntings in North America) to distinguish them from the true buntings. Likewise the grosbeaks in this family are sometimes called “cardinal-grosbeaks” to distinguish them from other grosbeaks. The name “cardinal-grosbeak” can also apply to this family as a whole.

Most species are rated by the IUCN as least concern, though some are near threatened

Male Cardinal

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5.  Hanging Solar Bird Bath

Hanging Copper and Brass Solar Powered Bird Bath

This large multi-level bird bath with solar powered fountain will be a huge hit with dad.  The copper and brass bird bath is adorned with dragonflys, leaves, and butterflies and is as functional as it is beautiful.  It includes everything dad needs to use, including chains, bird bath, and solar device.

The solar powered fountain can be used to mist the air with a misting cap (included) or used as a traditional fountain sending up a larger stream of water.  The movement of the water will not only attract a wide variety birds to the bird bath, but also help to keep the water clean.

Because the bird bath is solar powered and self contained, there’s no wiring necessary and all dad has to do is hang it near his favorite window and relax and enjoy the view.

4. Southern Plantation Clubhouse Birdhouse

Golf Clubhouse Bird House

Inspired by the famed Augusta National Clubhouse, this Southern Plantation designed bird house will be the equivalent of a hole-in-one for the bird-loving, golfing father.

The bird house features a 1 ¼” opening, two separate nest boxes, is constructed of exterior grade materials and has a removable bottom panel for easy cleaning.  Birds that will nest in this replica architectural bird house are typical cavity nesters such as wrens, chickadees, nuthatches and titmice.

When dad sees this unique replica bird house, don’t be surprised if he slips into his green jacket, calls his friends Tiger, Phil, Sergio and Ernie and starts yelling FORE.

3.  Hand Cast Decorative Metal Hanging Bird Bath

Hand Cast Hanging Bird Bath

Adding a bird bath to dad’s garden will attract a variety of birds like nothing else.

This hanging metal bird bath, has rich intricate detailing including oak twigs, leaves and acorns accented with a  hand-applied verdigris finish.   The bird bath features a generous 15″ bowl, with a bird safe depth of 1″ to accommodate any feathered friend, and comes complete with a 24″ chain for hanging.

The Oak Leaf Bird Bath is cast from rust-resistant recycled aluminum and has a hand rubbed durable finish that will last for many Father’s days to come.

2. Squirrel-Go-Round Corn on the Cobb Feeder

Spinning Squirrel Feeder

If dad has a garden bird feeder in the backyard, chances are he’s also feeding the squirrels and they can be destructive to bird feeders.  The best way to deal with invading squirrels, is to turn them from a nuisance into entertainment for dad.

This twirling Merry-G0-Round style squirrel feeder holds five dried corn cobs, and with gravity spins when the squirrel grabs the corn cob.  The feeder will distract and divert the squirrel’s attention from the garden bird feeders, and provide hours of entertainment for dad as he watches the squirrels attempt to grab the corn cobs without spinning to the ground.

Don’t worry, the feeder is not harmful to the squirrels and they enjoy a good challenge.  To view a video of just how smart and resourceful squirrels are, click here.

1. Cedar Bird House with Interior Nest Box Video Camera

Cedar Bird House w/ Nest Box Camera

This bird house has a color video camera installed inside, so dad can watch the bird nest up close and personal from the comfort of his favorite living room chair.

The camera comes fully installed and wired with 100′ of cable, and easily plugs into RCA jacks on a television, DVR or VCR.  It features infrared night vision, a built in microphone, and a weather shield to protect it from the elements.

This remarkable birdhouse is made of durable, weather and insect resistant cedar, which will acquire a gray patina with age.

All dad will have to do is hang the birdhouse, run the 100′ cable inside and plug it into an RCA input on his TV, DVR or VCR.

“by Bill Askenburg, Owner & Artisan – New England Birdhouse.  We specialize in fine architectural bird houses and feeders, offering handcrafted custom and stock replica bird houses and backyard birding supplies and garden decor.  For more information or articles please visit our blog.”

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