Winter’s harsh ways are difficult even for the bravest of us: cold winds, icy sidewalks, and shoveling snow are a lot to deal with. It’s no wonder we forget about our bird friends. While some birds head south, many stay put. It’s a miracle that they survive! We can help make life more pleasant for our bird friends, here’s 5 tips.
Hang Bird Feeders
Hang one or many, you can’t go wrong. However, some feeders are better than others at keeping seeds dry. If the seed gets wet, it can get fungal and bacterial growth. Experts agree the hopper or tube feeders may be the best.
Fill Feeders with Nutritional Seed
Black oil sunflower seeds, or blends high in black oil sunflower seeds, are the best, attracting a wide variety of birds. Other food sources to consider are those high in fat, think: peanut butter. Spread smooth or crunchy peanut butter on a pine cone, roll it in birdseed, and hang it from a branch.
Beware Hungry Squirrels!
Squirrels have a great sense of smell and can detect food from considerable distances, plus their jumping skills are acrobatic! They can actually jump vertically (from 4 to 5 feet) and between objects that are 8 to 10 feet apart! You may need to add a squirrel baffle to stop them from getting on your feeder. Consider putting a little squirrel seed blend far from your feeder to help these hungry critters too!
Create Windbreaks
There are many natural windbreaks in your backyard: stacks of fallen branches, some cornhusks, and even your discarded Christmas tree can create an inviting shelter for all kinds of birds. Consider reinforcing it with weatherproof materials to create a kind of lean-to for birds. Windbreaks are another good place to scatter seeds.
Provide Water for Drinks and Baths
Start with a crack-proof plant saucer and place a rock or a few sticks in it for perching. Place the bath in the sunniest spot to make it more visible to birds, and to help keep the water warmer. Change the water daily, and empty it at night to keep it from freezing.
True ornithologists may want to consider adding an immersion-style water heater. More recent models will turn off if the water in the bath dries up. Always, check that cords and outlets are sheltered from snow or ice buildup. As a homemade alternative to a heater, place a light bulb in a flower pot and put a small water basin on top of the pot.
