The old saying, "the early bird gets the worm" could
become a myth if you invest a little time and effort into feeding
your backyard feathered friends. Variety in feeder styles and food
is the key to attracting the most birds.
Feeders:
The feeder that tends to attract the most birds is the Platform
Feeder. Most have a screened base for drainage and an open tent-like
roof. You can fill this feeder with mixed seed, but choose a mixture
that has plenty of sunflowers, peanut hearts and other savory goodies
birds prefer. Try to stay away from seed mixtures that contain mostly
milo and/or millet. A nice feature of this feeder is that there
is plenty of room for everyone. Attach your Platform Feeder to a
post only about four feet above ground level. You will have to fill
this feeder frequently (nearly everyday).
Suet Feeders:
These are specialty feeders that can bring in a wide array of new
species to your yard. These wire cages are filled with fresh suet
(beef fat) from your butcher or pre-processed suet cakes. They will
attract species such as Downy Woodpeckers, Flickers, Blue Jays and
Chickadees. These wire feeders attach easily to the tips of slender
branches that are too limber to support the weight of hungry mammals.
Another specialty feeder is the Thistle Feeder. This type primarily
attracts Finches. It is designed for their tiny bodies and offers
them their favorite food, Thistle Seed.
Fill a Tubular Feeder with a birdseed "lasagna" (layers
of different seeds) to attract a larger variety.
A Sunflower Feeder is just that. This will entice all species of
seed-eating birds to your yard. It features an open, screen front
and has a catch tray to minimize seed loss on the ground.
And do not forget the Hummingbird Feeder, usually made out of clear
plastic or glass. This feeder can be hung anywhere, but make sure
to keep it somewhere close. These tiny birds are perhaps the most
entertaining to watch.
Weekly Feeder Check:
Once a week, check the seed levels on all feeders, add fresh water
to bird baths and brush off seed trays and tables to prevent the
spread of bird viruses.
Water World:
As the ground freezes and heavier snowfalls occur, birds work harder
to melt snow for drinking and preening. Keep your birdbath thawed
and ready.
Anti-Squirrel Security Devices:
Keep out greedy squirrels with a squirrel guard or bafflers mounted
on your feeder pole or rope. Squirrels can be sidetracked if you
provide a feeder box just for them.
Winter Birds:
Cardinals, Jays, Juncos and Chickadees are the more popular of the
cold weather species. They are a nice bunch, but they do not talk
much. They visit everyday, but always leave quickly with barely
a chirp or peep goodbye.
Summer Birds:
Robins, Wrens, Orioles, Thrashers, Mourning Doves, Warblers, Swallows,
Finches and Meadowlarks are just a few of the summer migrants who
turn your yard into a brightly colored musical concert.
