Wild Bird Feeding is Fun for All Ages!

The following is an excerpt from the February, 2008 edition of WLFS "Feed for Thought" quarterly newsletter. The article was written by Steve Bingel in January, 2008.

Over sixty million Americans participate in feeding and watching birds. From young to old, it is a form of recreation that requires minimal expertise and little to no expense. While taking an early, winter-morning stroll, and with nothing more than your eyes, you could easily encounter five to ten species of birds here in the Upper Valley.

Utilizing binoculars will enhance your experience and allow for more positive identification of bird species. To increase your odds of seeing birds up close and personal you may also consider placing a bird feeder, bird bath or bird house in your backyard. Technology has come a long way, and some companies even offer cameras that may be installed into your feeder or bird house which would allow for daily observation right from the comfort of your living room. You might even choose to post daily bird house “happenings” on a website.

Let’s examine each of the listed suggestions. Bird feeders, certainly widely available and fairly inexpensive are very popular items used to attract birds. Nothing draws a crowd like free food! Many types are on the market and should be chosen according to type of birds you may wish to attract. If you are not sure and want to attract the widest variety of birds, the platform feeder is a good choice. Placement of the feeder is key; it should be near cover, but in the open for both easy observation and to make species like cardinals feel comfortable.

Installing a feeder in your yard is no guarantee that birds will use it! It may take awhile for them to discover it. You can increase your odds however by also placing a bird bath near the feeder. Birds love fresh, clean water. Consider using a bird bath deicer and see how many birds flock to the bird bath in winter when water elsewhere is frozen. Not many species of birds will move into a bird house during the winter, but late winter is the time to consider placing one or several on your property for use in the spring when arriving flocks of migrant birds are looking for nesting sites. This is true of tree sparrows, bluebirds and many other species.

Consider implementing a predator guard to exclude cats, raccoons and other predators that may be attracted to nesting birds. Many local organizations offer information and bird watching walks. Most are free and no experience is required. Check with your local Parks and Recreation Department to learn more.

*********************************************
Remember...WLFS is your wild bird feed and supply headquarters. See our extensive line of feeders, accessories, seed mixes, suets, and much more!