Subscribe to this Feed by Email
Okay, so you want to start feeding those pretty little backyard birds. You like hearing their cute twittering tweets and bubbly songs. You want them to stick around and gobble up all those nasty bugs and their larvae. By the way, birds can do a number on weed seeds. In fact, that's what helps to sustain them all winter long in the northern climates.
It's human nature to want to feed animals--to help nature along, so to speak.
So what is the best way to get started? What exactly do you need? Here are 5 essentials that will get you well on your way to making your backyard a favorite hangout for one of nature's best defenses against weeds and insects.
1. A fly-through or tray style feeder with a roof to protect the birds and the seed from wet weather. This feeder can be mounted on a pole, post, deck or window. It depends on your situation and how much room you have in your yard. If you select a tray feeder, it can be placed right on the ground. Be aware, though, that if you have cats or they might be present in the neighborhood, this type of feeder must not be used on the ground. Your birds would be easy prey. So be sure to hang or pole mount such a feeder to keep your birds safe.
I have found that the best poles come from the plumbing department at the nearest big box hardware store. They are available in long lengths which they will cut for you at the store. These pipes are inexpensive, very sturdy, and the galvanized metal lasts a long time in all kinds of weather. One end will be threaded so the right size fitting, also found in the plumbing department, will screw right on to the top of the pole. The fitting needs to be a threaded flat metal flange with screw holes. Use wood screws to attach the flange to the bottom of your feeder. Rotate the whole assembly into the threaded end of the pole and you're all set.
You'll need to dig a hole about a foot or 18" deep to accommodate your new pole and feeder. So buy a length of pipe that is a total of 6-½ to 7' long. I used a small torpedo level to make sure the pole was standing straight before I added a few large stones for support. Then I mixed up some quick setting cement (also from the hardware store) and filled the hole. Remember to check for level again before the cement sets up and make final adjustments. Once the cement has set, you can attach and fill your bird feeder and wait for your first bird to find it. Be patient, they will find it!
2. Black oil sunflower seed is universally accepted and eaten by a huge variety of birds. In my area, the backyard bird gang consists of chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, juncos, finches, cardinals, blue jays, titmice, sparrows, etc. And yes, you will learn which one is which by using #5 below! All these birds and many more can easily open and eat black oil sunflower seed.
This seed contains high energy, nutritious oil--a great source of good fat to keep birds warm in winter and healthy year round. I buy it by the 40-pound bag at the local tractor supply store. I keep it in a clean large sealable plastic-lidded garbage can, which I have in the garage for easy access and to keep the seed cool and fresh.
3. Don't forget that a tube-type baffle is necessary to keep those pesky, clever squirrels from climbing your pole and wiping out your precious seed before the birds ever get a chance! Placement of your pole is critical. It needs to be at least 8 feet from any overhanging tree branches or shrubs, and at least 5 feet from ground to feeder base. Squirrels are very adept at the standing high jump. I can attest to that!
4. Some sort of bird bath or suitable vessel to hold water. Don't overfill your bird bath. Two inches is plenty. Any more than that and you risk drowning your little friends. Clean water is as essential to the birds as it is to us. They must have it year round to avoid dehydration and death. I always add a clean flat stone so the birds can decide to 'wade in' or drink some water before their bath.
My Mom used a very large plastic pot turned upside down. On top of that she added a cake pan she no longer used. You don't have to pop for an expensive bird bath. Just make sure it is secure and won't overturn when birds land on it.
In winter it is essential that the water not freeze over. That's where a bird-safe low-voltage inexpensive bird bath heater comes in handy. Hook this up to an outdoor rated extension cord and you're good to go. The heater will keep the temperature of the water just above the freezing mark. It will have a cover that will protect the birds from the element inside, and there's no chance of shock if used with a UL listed extension cord.
5. Finally, a good bird guide makes identifying your backyard visitors a fun and easy task. It's optional to keep a journal, but I find it enjoyable to look back at my notes occasionally to see how far I've come in my quest at identifying as many different birds as I can. This is also known as a 'life list'. Many die-hard birders travel the globe looking for new species of birds to add to their life list.
There are numerous good bird guides available. I started with 'The National Audubon Society Guide to North American Birds', and I have also used the 'Peterson's Field Guide to Birds'. Both are excellent in different ways. Browse your bookstore or online to find the one that you like best.
There you have it. Five easy essentials to make bird feeding in your backyard a fun hobby. It's also great to know that you are making a difference in the survival of our beautiful wild birds. Make a connection to nature and you will be rewarded with color and song. And did I mention you won't have as many weeds or bugs?!
My name is Connie Smith, and I have been watching and feeding backyard birds for over 35 years. If you would like more information about wild birds, please visit my website at: http://www.rusticbarnwoodbirdhouses.com/ where you will also find an awesome selection of quality handmade reclaimed barnwood bird houses and feeders. First time ordering enter code for 10% discount.
0 comments:
Post a Comment