Feeding the Birds: Just the FACTS!!!

Okay, there are plenty of myths out there surrounding bird feeding. From taking down your feeder for migrating birds to throwing out stale bread, there is a lot of contradictory information to sift through.

Here is a quick run-down that I hope will help. As I am preparing for my photo show, I had to do this in a rush, but I will certainly be back soon with more!!!!

Once you start you should continue! Birds won’t starve in the winter, but they do get used to a certain area and will move on if food gets scarce.
Feed the birds all year for the best results.
Provide several types of feeders for the best variety and so birds don’t feel crowded.
Provide food, shelter and water
Keep feeders and houses clean! If you can’t clean them when you fill them, then don’t feed them.
Practice predator control.
Keep a bird journal.
Provide a variety of food:

v Millet
v Black-oil or striped sunflower seeds (hulled or not)
v Cracked Corn
v Nyjer (Thistle)
v Suet
v Nuts
v Mealworms


Other tips and resources:

Ø Birds like running water and clean birdbaths.
Ø Cavity nesting space is at a premium so putting up a box is a great family activity and helps your chances of attracting birds.
Ø Don’t feed last year’s feed. Seeds spoil and attract bugs, etc. Keep in a dry, sealed container and replace if it’s been around since last winter.
Ø There are better options than stale bread and it attracts other critters.
Ø Move your feeders around to discourage pests, disease, parasites and general mess.
Ø If large pests are a problem, don’t fill your feeders all the way. Provide food for the bigger critters in other areas of your yard.
Ø Add some natural materials nearby for comfort, perching, preening and shelter. I leave my hibiscus trees by the feeders so they have a place to hang out in. I also have a large crepe myrtle by the deck and arbor vitae along the deck.
Ø Don’t throw away your Christmas tree and garden cuttings. These make great habitats and provide nesting material in the spring.
Ø Use native plants, trees and shrubs. Plant winter resistant berry-bearing trees and shrubs.
Ø Let your flowers go to seed for food supplies in the fall and winter.
Ø Provide nesting material with the exception of dryer lint and other chemically treated materials.
Ø Location is often the key to placing feeders and nest boxes. Just like us, they are looking for an ideal environment.
Ø Turn to reputable sources such as the Audubon Society and Cornell Ornithology lab.
Ø My blog uses these as resources to dispel common bird myths and misconceptions.

Second Time's a Charm

As the "winter" continues, the Bluebirds have been consistently visiting the feeder. They have also fed on the seed feeders on desperate days or when the weather has gotten cold or inclement. I only use the hulled seeds now, so these are easy for them to eat. I also have noticed the Tufted Titmice and Carolina Wrens visiting the mealworm feeder.

A couple of observations I have made involve bathing and family. On exceptionally sunny days, even when the temperature is low, the bluebirds splash around in one of the three birdbaths I have. One is heated and they finally discovered that one.

I have also noticed that the number of bluebirds at the feeder and lined up on my roof is always five, leading me to believe that they are hanging out with their kids from the second brood. This is consistent with studies I have read about their flocking habits. It seems that the first set is on their own and the second set is allowed to stick around. The parents are also very tolerant of their presence and the children make way for the parents anytime they assert themselves where the feeder is concerned.

It makes one wonder why the first brood is cast off so hastily and the second one gets to hang nearby. It will be interesting to see what happens in the Spring. I now have there boxes in my yard and one in the field across the street. Last year, Tree Swallows took to the one at the back of my yard and the one across the street. Those two are recycled plastic and have nice plexi viewing panels on the side. They are by Rubicon and they can be found at bestnest.com. I also have a plain bluebird spec house attached to the deck as an experiment to see if anyone is bold enough to use it.

New Programs on the way!

I have some exciting news for the Naturalist program and all you local birders!!!!

I am having an exhibition of some of my nature photographs, including many local and exotic birds on JANUARY 27th!!!

From 6:30 until 9:30p.m., they will be on display for enjoyment and purchase. I have never done anything like this, but I am really excited! The following week is my "Bird Nerd 101" class and then I have a bluebird building class soon after that! Pretty exciting stuff!!

Feel free to ask me any questions or post for details or clarifications on anything!

Hope to see you there!