Don’t Forget Your Feathered Friends This Winter
During the winter months, birds often have a difficult time finding the food they need to survive. A bird feeder outside your window not only helps to keep your feathered friends warm and full during the winter months, but it can also provide you with hours of pleasure. You may even gain some permanent residents when springtime comes and they are looking for a place to build their nests! Here are some tips for keeping the birds fat and happy this winter.
What should I feed the birds?
Bird food normally means seeds. You can buy birdseed at any number of places. Even though it might be cheaper to buy large quantities, remember that birdseed may encourage insects. If you do buy large quantities, store in dry, covered containers. If you want to have a variety of birds, you need a variety of seeds. You can buy it pre-mixed or mix your own. Always include sunflower seeds as nearly all birds like those. Some birds also like suet, which gives birds the extra heat and energy they need to fly well.
What type of feeder should I use?
Different species of birds prefer different types of feeders. Among the basic types of feeders available there are:
Platform Feeders – These have a flat surface with a tray around the edge where the seed is scattered. If you live in a very windy area, these may not be practical as he seed can be blown away.
Hopper Feeders – These are the type that self-replenishes the seed as it is used. Perching birds such as finches, chickadees and cardinals are fond of this type of feeder. However, so are squirrels!!!
Suet Feeders – Suet feeders are good for areas where there are lots of insects, because insect-eating birds love suet but don’t normally care for seed feeders. These insect-eating birds will help control the insect population in your yard.
Nectar Feeders – These are used in warmer climates and help attract hummingbirds and orioles. The solution used is one part sugar to four parts of water. If you want lots of hummingbirds, place several feeders around the yard.
During the winter months, birds often have a difficult time finding the food they need to survive. A bird feeder outside your window not only helps to keep your feathered friends warm and full during the winter months, but it can also provide you with hours of pleasure. You may even gain some permanent residents when springtime comes and they are looking for a place to build their nests! Here are some tips for keeping the birds fat and happy this winter.
What should I feed the birds?
Bird food normally means seeds. You can buy birdseed at any number of places. Even though it might be cheaper to buy large quantities, remember that birdseed may encourage insects. If you do buy large quantities, store in dry, covered containers. If you want to have a variety of birds, you need a variety of seeds. You can buy it pre-mixed or mix your own. Always include sunflower seeds as nearly all birds like those. Some birds also like suet, which gives birds the extra heat and energy they need to fly well.
What type of feeder should I use?
Different species of birds prefer different types of feeders. Among the basic types of feeders available there are:
Platform Feeders – These have a flat surface with a tray around the edge where the seed is scattered. If you live in a very windy area, these may not be practical as he seed can be blown away.
Hopper Feeders – These are the type that self-replenishes the seed as it is used. Perching birds such as finches, chickadees and cardinals are fond of this type of feeder. However, so are squirrels!!!
Suet Feeders – Suet feeders are good for areas where there are lots of insects, because insect-eating birds love suet but don’t normally care for seed feeders. These insect-eating birds will help control the insect population in your yard.
Nectar Feeders – These are used in warmer climates and help attract hummingbirds and orioles. The solution used is one part sugar to four parts of water. If you want lots of hummingbirds, place several feeders around the yard.
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