Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Backyard Bird Feeding Tips


Any time of year is a great time to attract birds to your yard with just a little effort. To have a bird - friendly habitat all you need is food, water and cover. Black-oil sunflower is a favorite of seed-eating birds. Many birds eat suet but be sure to use the year round suet for our area as it is less likely to melt (and I have to say in the middle of our hot summer I do not have suet out.)Year round suet contains animal fat but more dough so that it can be fed in hot weather and to this many things can be added such as seed ,berries, nuts and even hot pepper which the birds like but keep the pesky squirrels aways from the suet. Suet is put out in a little cage hanging on tree, fence, etc. 

Birds need water year 'round for bathing and drinking. The sound of dripping or splashing water is irresistible and will draw species of birds that may not visit feeders. Blue Jays and Starlings seem to be the most frequent bathers at my bird bath. The Blue Jays are especially fun as the bathe 3 or 4 times and really seem to enjoy it. Many birds bathe in water only about 1/2 inch deep. If your bird bath is much deeper place a few thin flat rocks around the edge and submerge them at varying depths. This gives the birds choices. Be sure to clean your birdbath as it can get quite dirty with dropping, feathers and the algae that grows rapidly in our hot weather. You can use a little bleach to clean it out well but be sure to rinse very well . There is also a bird bath protector available, just a capfull in a clean bird bath will really help to keep the algae down. 

Cover can be many things in your yard such as trees, shrubs, bushes and anything that offers protection from predators and the weather and increases the chances for birds to nest. 

Enjoy yourself, take time to smell the roses and see and hear our wonderful birds. 
 


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