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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
For the birds
For the past three winters I’ve fed the birds in my backyard.
The first year I tried nailing a homemade feeder (a split log) to a tree in the back yard. Squirrels went crazy on the food, and I went crazy chasing squirrels.
Last year it was the crows constantly menacing the store-bought feeder. Big birds eat lots of food.
This year the crows and squirrels are gone (mostly), but I still don’t get many birds. That is, unless it snows.
I live somewhere between the country the suburbs (leaning toward the suburbs) and I don’t have much in the way of cover. But given an inch or two of snow, and my feeder is busier than a toy store at Christmas.
Any reasons why? Respond.
Here’s some feeding advice from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources:
“Mixed bird seed containing many seeds and grains is important to the vast number of seed eaters present over winter; pumpkin seeds are widely eaten by many birds; beef suet is important to a large number of birds, especially to insect eaters; oatmeal is popular food and sunflower seed is a favorite food, although an expensive one.
“By varying the kinds of food, it is possible to attract preferred species of birds. It is also possible to partially control the birds visiting feeders by the type of feeder used and the manner of erecting it.
“A game bird feeding station maintained in dense protective cover such as a briar patch benefits local game bird populations when it is continued throughout the winter. Ear corn is excellent fare. It may be placed on the ground or stuck on nails or stakes to keep it above the snow.”
Here’s the complete link.
Let me just say I have all that, except the cover. My feed is first-rate, and they get a full bowl every day. I have bushes and such in the yard, but nothing that serves as a bird hotel, I guess.
In the meantime, I’ll be waiting for this guy (or gal) to visit my backyard. Good shot from resident photo chief Marshall Gorby.
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