Feeding birds is a great way to brighten up a dreary winter day. There’s action, color, drama, and song: All at your backyard bird feeder. It can be a source of entertainment as you get to know the regulars; and if you are lucky, get a visit from an unusual bird not normally hanging around the yard.
Different visitors
In winter, close to 30 different species of birds could visit your feeders. The type of habitat around the yard will influence the types of birds visiting your feeder. Trees and shrubs along with a water feature will increase the diversity of birds visiting. This along with having multiple feeders also helps. To learn to identify birds, consider getting a field guide.
Types of feeders
Different birds prefer different kinds of feeders. Having a variety will attract a diversity of birds. The main types of feeders are house feeders, tube feeders, and tray or platform feeders. There are also various specialty feeders designed for specific types of food such as suet feeders. Tube feeders are preferred by those birds which feed off the ground.
Large birds will need a larger perch then the smaller size birds. Tray or platform feeders have the disadvantage of being messy, are not animal proof or weather resistant. Think about all these things as you decide on the type of feeder to buy.
Bird food
The kind of food you provide will influence how many birds and what types of birds come to your feeder. Seeds are a popular choice. The best all-around seed is black-oil sunflower seed. It can cost a little more but is the preferred food by most smaller birds.
Besides seeds, consider other food such as suet; it is high-quality animal fat that is a great source of nutrition to birds, especially in the winter. You can buy a special suet feeder, or it can be hung in a mesh bag. You can buy suet cakes, or you can make your own. Visit The Nature Conservancy and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology at conetent.yardmap.org for a recipe. Type suet cakes in the search.
Feeder placement
Consider a spot where you can see it but also where it will be safe and secure for the birds. Most birds do not like to go far from cover such as trees or shrubs where they can have protection and a place to perch while resting between feeder visits.
Water
Water is as important as food. Heated birdbaths can be used; or use a plant saucer or similar material to hold water. Change it out if the water freezes. Ideally, you should place it near the feeders; but in winter, space may be limited. Experiment -- if you place it, they will find it.
What about squirrels and animals
Animals look for food too; and some are smart, and it is difficult to outsmart them. Many feeders are more squirrel-proof compared to others. Adding a baffle to the feeder can work. A baffle is a bowl-shaped plastic or metal barrier placed on the pole on which the feeder is mounted. The idea is the squirrel cannot get past it. Another option is to provide food such as peanuts or cracked corn a distance away from your bird feeder to distract them from eating expensive bird seed. Place your feeders in a place that will not be easy for the animals to access. Unfortunately, there is no perfect solution to the animal problem.
If you enjoy birds, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website at birds.cornell.edu is a must. In addition to great information, you can watch various live bird cams which provide a virtual window in the natural world of birds. Consider participating in this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) which will take place Feb. 12-15. The GBBC is a free, fun, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Visit the GBBC website at birdcount.org for more information.
Find more gardening information on our website, cceoneida.com, clicking on Home & Garden on the menu or call us at 315-736-3394, ext 100. Be sure to like us on Facebook (https://ift.tt/2Yi7RhI) and check out our YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/cceoneida) for great gardening talks.
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It's easy, and important, to take care of birds in winter - Rome Sentinel
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