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Posted on Sat, Oct. 10, 2009 10:15 PM
Set up bird feeders to attract migrating species
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Bird feeding: It’s not just for winter.
Sure, winter is a crucial time for birds. They feed by sight, and it’s tough to find food when the ground is covered with snow or ice. Plus, food provides energy that keeps our feathered friends warm when temperatures plunge.
It’s important to start feeding in the fall so birds can find your feeders once winter starts. Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to attract birds.
“They’re eating nuts and seeds fresh off the vine,” says Doc Gover, co-owner with his wife, Diane, of Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shops in Shawnee and Kansas City.
Migrating birds, though, appreciate the pit stop as they head south. Urbanization makes it harder for traveling birds to find food.
“We need to transform our yards into beds and breakfasts,” says Wendy Jacobs, owner of 50 States Bird Feeders in Mission. Then there’s spring and summer.
“You don’t want to miss the babies,” says Debbie Reasoner, who has about 40 bird feeders in her Shawnee backyard that attract 20 to 30 species. “The babies wait and beg while the parents feed them from the feeders.”
Find the right feeder
Bird feeders have gone green, with models made out of recycled plastics such as milk jugs. Although they may cost more, they won’t rot or split, Doc Gover says.
•Platform feeder: It’s a simple design that looks like a tray. Choose one with a screen in the bottom to help keep seed dry. Hang it from a tree or shepherd’s hook. Many birds like it, especially cardinals. Unfortunately, squirrels and large birds, such as grackles, like it, too.
•Hopper feeder: This house-shaped feeder is the best all-around choice, Reasoner says. Some hoppers have the advantage of being “squirrel-proof.” One version uses the squirrel’s weight against him, denying access to the food if anything too heavy sits on the tray or perch.
•Tubular feeder: Finches love these cylindrical-shaped devices. Get one with what looks like a false bottom so seed won’t collect just beyond the birds’ reach. Add a tray and cardinals will come, too.
•Window feeder: These fasten to windows with suction cups and are popular for apartment dwellers and assisted-living residents, Diane Gover says. Indoor cats find them entertaining, too.
Learn the basics
Don’t buy more than a 30-day supply of bird feed unless you can store it in the fridge or freezer.
“Nobody likes stale food,” Jacobs says.
Seed can contain moth eggs that may hatch. If you don’t keep the feed in the refrigerator or freezer, make sure it’s in a metal container — a popcorn tin or metal trash can with a lid will do. Rodents can chew through thick plastic boxes.
Why go to the trouble of feeding the birds? When a bird shows up in her yard that she has never seen, Reasoner says, “It’s like opening a gift on Christmas day that’s a total surprise that you didn’t expect.”
BUFFET FOR BIRDS
Watch out for mixes that contain fillers such as rye, wheat, milo, oats, flax or rapeseed/canola. These will end up on the ground, possibly even sprouting. Other mixes may cost more, but you’ll have less waste. As you anticipate bird watching, consider the following feeds and what they attract.
Watch out for mixes that contain fillers such as rye, wheat, milo, oats, flax or rapeseed/canola. These will end up on the ground, possibly even sprouting. Other mixes may cost more, but you’ll have less waste. As you anticipate bird watching, consider the following feeds and what they attract.
And don’t forget water, even in the winter.
•Black oil sunflower seeds: All seed-eating birds, especially cardinal, chickadee, house and purple finch.
Diana Reese is a freelance writer in Overland Park. Sources: Cornell, Wild Birds Unlimited
Posted on Sat, Oct. 10, 2009 10:15 PM
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