Feed the Birds
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
Bird watching and feeding is becoming quite a popular pastime in the U.S. today. While it seems fairly simple to feed the birds – simply toss out some seed and watch them flock to your yard, there are some things you can do to ensure bird health and a wider variety of birds for you to view.
Feeding and attracting songbirds and other wild birds to your backyard is a satisfying hobby, and you'll be helping some birds survive the harsh winters, too.
Two Types of Birds
First, it's good to understand what kind of birds you'll be attracting to your yard. There are two basic types of backyard birds – seed-eaters and insect-eaters. Swallows, mockingbirds, flycatchers, robins, and lots of other birds survive on insects they find around your home. You can attract these types of birds by putting out suet or fruit, which they love. Suet comes in pre-mixed cakes that you can place in a hanger and hang in a tree or along a fence.
The seed-eaters include most of the other birds, from sparrows, finches, doves, and other songbirds, to quail, jays, and juncos. You should check with your local garden shop, nursery, or feed store to find what types of birds frequent your area, and what types of food they like the best. Generally, seed-eaters enjoy a mixture of seeds, and many stores now carry pre-mixed blends of seed to attract a variety of birds to your backyard. Some of the favorite types of seed are white millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, and mixed blends with fruit or nuts.
Birdbaths
Birds also need a source of water, and a birdbath makes a great decoration in your yard as well as providing a good source of water for your backyard birds. Make sure to keep your birdbath full of fresh water. During the winter you can quickly install a small birdbath heater that will keep the water warm enough for the birds to enjoy and drink even on the coldest of days. Some birds also enjoy running water. You can find an inexpensive drip attachment that will fit onto your birdbath and provide a slow stream of water for those birds who enjoy a dip in a stream of water.
Feeding and attracting songbirds and other wild birds to your backyard is a satisfying hobby, and you'll be helping some birds survive the harsh winters, too.
Types of Feeders
You can find a wide variety of bird feeders at just about any store or market today. Understanding what types of birds like what types of feeders will help you pick the right feeders for your yard:
- Ground Feeders: Many birds enjoy ground feeding, and for them, you can simply spread seed on the ground or in the grass. Quail, doves, jays, robins, sparrows, and many others feed primarily on the ground, so you don't really need a feeder for these birds.
- Hanging Feeders: Some birds, like finches, enjoy hanging feeders. They will use a "seed sock" hanging from a tree branch, or a feeder mounted on a stake or hanging from a tree or fence. There are literally dozens of feeders to choose from. Finches also enjoy thistle seed, so pick a feeder with small openings that will allow the birds to feed but keep the tiny thistle seeds inside the feeder. Seed socks are great for thistle. When you choose a hanging feeder, make sure it is large enough to allow several birds to feed, and will hold a fair amount of seed. Too small feeders may be cute, but they need to be filled much more often. In addition, make sure the feeders are made out of durable material that will stand up to wind, storms, and rain showers.
- Table Feeders: Some birds, such as some finches, jays, cardinals, doves, and others enjoy eating from low stands or "tables." Stand feeders are simple to make at home, and you can also find them at most feed stores or nurseries. Using a variety of different feeders ensures you'll attract a wide variety of birds to your backyard all year long.
Learning about your own distinctive backyard birds can lead to hours of pleasure and satisfaction. The birds will thank you for your care, and you can watch birds enjoy their habitat from the comfort of your own home. It's a great, rewarding hobby for everyone.
