Mel Toellner, president of Gold Crest Distributing in Mexico, Mo., announces that Gold Crest has purchased all production equipment and marketing rights to the Feather Feeder® line of products from Novacon Products in Rochester, N.Y., and is now producing the line of products in Central Missouri.

"Why purchase this feeder when Gold Crest already distributes more than 5,000 different backyard nature items?" Toellner was asked. His reply, "This is the only feeder that can guarantee that seed stays 100 percent dry and available to the birds -- no matter if it's used in a blizzard or during day after day of spring or Pacific Northwest rains.

"Because of its unique weatherproof design, we are renaming the Feather Feeder® the 'All Weather Feeder®'."

Birds feed from a lower platform (making all birds visible), and reach up into a fully-sheltered slot to feed from the feeder. Consumers do not like the mess of cleaning out ice, snow, and rain from the troughs and seed ports of other feeders. The birds benefit from seed always being available -- which is especially important after ice storms -- and from better sanitation due to no wet, moldy or spoiled seed. Concern is rising about Avian disease being spread around through bird feeding. The combination of no wet seed and ease of cleaning also make the All Weather Feeder® the most sanitary feeder available on the market. Other important features include ease of filling and high capacity (4-quart and 6-quart models available), both important to the ever-growing number of older Americans -- many of whom enjoy bird feeding.

While Gold Crest will of course promote the All Weather Feeder® to its base of more than 1,000 wholesale customers, the #1 priority for 2001 is establishing a network of key distributors across the U.S. and Canada. "We recognize that different distributors have developed unique personal relationships with their customers. To build product awareness for retailers and distributors, Gold Crest is presently working hard to get the All Weather Feeder® placed in several high-visibility catalogs," Toellner said. "Several key web sites have also indicated that they will soon be adding the All Weather Feeder® line," he said. This press release is the first step in a year-long public relations campaign, and advertising in key birding publications will also be done.

The All Weather Feeder® line consists of three products: A 4-quart model #734 retailing for $59.95; a 6-quart model #736 retailing for $69.95; and a Squirrel & Grackle Guard, model #740 retailing for $14.95. The feeders are made from UV-stabilized polycarbonate and are now available in the original clear and a new "clear green" color.

Toellner concludes, "I believe that the reason the All Weather Feeder® will be a success is best summarized by Linda Rameriz, owner of Birdfeeders in South Daytona, Florida: 'I love this feeder! It is the only feeder I recommend to homeowners on the many golf courses around us. The All Weather Feeder® can take direct hits from golf balls (it is durable) and from sprinkler systems day after day and the seed still stays dry!' "

One of my favorite trips of the year is to the BirdWatch America trade show in Atlanta each January. Manufacturers gather to show off their new products and brag on their best from previous years. As always, a few items caught my eye.

The first is the "Feather Feeder," a large-capacity feeder (4 or 6 quarts) that appears to be truly storm-proof. Narrow feeding ports are tucked under a wide overhanging brim that protects the contents from snow and rain. If there's a weather-proof feeder, this is it.

Mel Toellner, a bird products distributor, likes this feeder so much he told me, "Like that guy with the electric razor on TV, I bought the company. This is the only feeder that has stayed snow-free this winter." (Mel lives in Missouri.)

I didn't expect to report on this feeder so soon because I thought it might take birds time to learn how to use it. I filled a 6-quart model ($70; $60 for the 4-quart model) with black-oil sunflower kernels and noted the time. Within 10 minutes, goldfinches were on the feeder taking seed I had scattered on the bottom tray. In less than an hour they were reaching up and removing kernels from the long, narrow ports. By day's end, house finches joined in. So much for an extended learning curve. A "Feather Feeder" filled with sunflower kernels seems to be the ultimate finch feeder, and even cardinals can use it.

An optional "Squirrel Cage" attaches to the "Feather Feeder." It may not stop squirrels from chewing through the tough, polycarbonate material, but it will keep out doves, pigeons, grackles and other larger birds.

My only criticism of the "Feather Feeder" is its name, which should highlight its weather resistance. "Storm Feeder," "All-Weather Feeder," or "All-Season Feeder" ring true.

Vari-Crafts' new "Birch Log" tube feeder ($40) also caught my attention.

For those who object to the sterile look of clear plastic tubes, the "Birch Log" tube has a rustic appeal. Vari-Crafts owner Vic Fasino has come up with an eye-catching birchbark design that looks surprisingly natural on a white PVC tube feeder. Clear Lexan seed ports allow birders to monitor seed flow, and the metal roof discourages squirrels. "Where people know the white birch tree, this feeder is really selling well," Fasino said.

If you have problems with house sparrows taking over nest boxes intended for bluebirds, tree swallows, or other native cavity-nesters, you'll be interested in the "Bolt Sparrow Trap" (Type H). Invented by Mel Bolt, an Ohio bluebirder, the Bolt Sparrow Trap installs simply and easily in nest boxes with an 11/2-inch hole. It's designed for front- and top-opening boxes.

When house sparrows occupy a box, simply insert and set the trap -- no tools needed. When a sparrow enters the box, it becomes trapped in a small holding cage. You simply remove the trap and dispose of the sparrow. (Remember, unlike native species, house sparrows enjoy no federal or state protection and are vicious enemies of bluebirds and other cavity-nesters.) Because the Bolt trap is so simple to install, it's also easy to move from one box to another.

The "Bolt Sparrow Trap" is available exclusively from Jenna Bird, P.O. Box 328, Whiteford, MD 21169 (800-500-2473). Delivered price is $17.95 each. A portion of sparrow trap sales is donated to the North American Bluebird Society for research projects on house sparrow control.

David Magness, owner of Jenna Bird, is a bluebird fanatic who puts sound science into the products he sells, which also include nest boxes and mealworms. Visit his Web site, www.jennabird.com, for more information.

Finally, Avian Aquatics' "Craggy Waterfall Rock" (with pump, $60) adds the irresistible sound of gurgling water to any birdbath containing as little as an inch of water.

Ask for the "Feather Feeder," Vari-Crafts' "Birch Log" tube, and Avian Aquatics' "Craggy Waterfall Rock" at your favorite nature center, wild bird store or garden center.