For the gardener, or anyone interested in animals or nature, feeding wild birds is a wonderful, and educational, experience. Only a small amount of free time and a few necessities are needed to help out our fabulous feathered friends.
Rules of Attraction
Feeding wild birds in the backyard or garden can be a satisfying hobby for the entire family, and many wild birds rely on feeders for a significant portion of their diet. All that is needed to attract wild birds are the following essentials:
Bird seed or suet/peanut butter blocks
Assorted feeders
Protection from predators and the elements
Clean water
Seed and Feed
Many different types of food are available for wild birds. Mixed “gourmet” seeds are inexpensive and will attract several different species of birds. In addition, sunflower seeds, often sold separately in five or ten pound bags, are also appealing to birds, particularly the house finch.
Wild birds also enjoy mixtures made with suet (available from your local butcher or meat counter) or chunky peanut butter. Peanut butter blocks provide excellent meals for birds year-round, while suet blocks, made with animal fat, will spoil quickly in the summer months and are best suited for winter feeding. Both types of blocks can be used in specially made wire “cages” available in most pet or garden departments. Many stores also sell pre-made suet and peanut butter blocks, but purchasing these items is less cost effective than just making them at home. To make a simple peanut butter mixture, combine one part chunky peanut butter with five parts cornmeal; blend together and form into small blocks. Roll each block in mixed seed and store in a sealed container. No refrigeration is needed; simply add a block to the cage feeder to attract blue jays, cardinals and woodpeckers to your garden or deck.
Feeder Frenzy
A wide variety of feeders are available to the wild bird enthusiast. Many different styles exist which often cater to different species of birds. The most important aspect to consider is that the feeder is easy to fill. Also, make sure that the feeder offers enough perches and space for the birds to eat. Two popular varieties are the “bin” feeder and the “tube” feeder. Bin feeders have an angled, protective roof and can hold varying amounts of seed. Gravity forces the seed onto a platform from which the birds eat. The tube variety also relies on gravity to push out seed; however, the long vertical tube also provides several thin perches for the birds to use. Varying the types of feeders used is a good idea; some birds prefer one type over another. Many birds will also throw seed out of the feeders regardless of the style used. As messy as it sounds, the scattered seed also attracts additional ground feeding birds, like mourning doves, adding further variety to the birds that will come to eat from your feeders.
Location, Location, Location
The location of the feeders is also important. Placing the feeders close to the windows of your home will allow easy viewing and enjoyment of the wild birds that come to visit. However, the scattered seed from the feeders will also attract rodents and insects; therefore, if the feeders are located too close to the house, you may inadvertently invite unwanted guests into your home. Also, if other pets are kept in the same area, relocation may be necessary. Cats will find your new hobby of interest as well!
Bird feeders can be hung from tree branches or metal poles, but all feeders should be sealed against the elements. Soggy seed is neither appealing nor easy to clean up. Most feeders will have an overhanging roof that will protect them, but some “open air” feeder styles may need to be hung under an awning or similarly dry place.
H2O, please!
The last necessity for the wild bird hobbyist is a clean, easily accessible water source. A wide assortment of bird baths are on the market, but it is important to note that the depth of the bath will influence the bird’s use of it. If the bath is too deep, many varieties of birds will ignore it. A good water source should only be about one to two inches deep and should feature gently sloping sides so that the birds can gauge the depth that they need.
A good bird bath is also easy to clean and maintain. Many of the “traditional” concrete baths are not only too deep but also are difficult to clean. These bird baths can also freeze and crack during the winter months. A large, shallow, heavy plastic or ceramic bowl is ideal. Either option is easy to fill and clean and will last well throughout the year.
Identity Crisis
Identifying the birds that come to visit is a fun challenge. A wide variety of birds will come to your feeders on a regular basis; a good field guide is essential and you’ll need to keep a notebook handy to jot down their distinctive features. You may also wish to keep a camera close, as well.
What to Look for
Color: Pay close attention to the color of the bird; particularly any patterns present. If color only appears on certain parts of the body, noting this will aid you in identification. Keep in mind that the most colorful and attractive birds are generally male; their coloring helps them find mates. Females of the species may have a similar body type, but their coloration may be dull. Also, pay close attention to the bird’s feet. Often, birds will have a distinctive color on their legs and feet which will separate them from another species.
Size: Determine a rough estimate of the bird’s size. How tall is it? How long, from beak to tail feathers?
Eating Habits: Is the bird you are trying to identify a ground feeder, or does it prefer the perches on your tube feeder?
Beaks and bills: The type of beak the bird has is an excellent identification factor. Skinny beaks, long bills, and short stubby beaks are all distinctive features.
Behavior: How does the bird move? Is it quick and flighty, or slow and deliberate? Does it feed with another bird or an entire flock?
Song: What does the bird sound like?
All of these factors can assist the amateur bird enthusiast in identifying their feathery friends. Jotting down these features, or taking a quick photo, if possible, can help you find you bird in a field guide. This part of your wild bird education may be frustrating at times, but with patience, and the tips given above, you’ll be identifying birds in no time.