They Sing for Their Supper
Mar 12th, 2010 by Kathy
Birds give us much more than beauty, song, and constant entertainment (and that’s a heck of a lot). Even those that are often considered nuisances help to get rid of pests in the garden. Starlings, for example, gobble up the larvae of Japanese beetles and gypsy moths. So, when you see them canvassing your lawn, just sit back in your Adirondack chair, or relax on your porch swing or glider, and enjoy the rainbow of colors reflecting off their iridescent feathers.
Certainly, birds deserve to be rewarded with a reliable source of their favorite foods; and, no, putting up birdfeeders and birdhouses won’t make them dependent, and cause them to lose their natural instincts and abilities to survive in the wild.
Now, the number of birds that will come to your newly-installed birdfeeders will vary, depending upon what time of the year it is. If the weather is warm, and natural sources of food are abundant, there may not be as many, especially at first. No matter when you begin, your birdfeeders may stand neglected for a few days; but, once word gets around, which it will, quickly (after all, birds mastered the art of twittering millions of years ago!), you’ll be in business.
There are several types of birdfeeders, including hopper, platform, tube, hanging, and post-mounted, some of which are available in octagon, pagoda, gazebo, and log cabin styles. Different birds like various foods; so, to attract the widest variety, offer an assortment of black oil and striped sunflower seeds, hulled peanuts, thistle seeds, suet mixed with seeds or fruit, peanut butter, and white millet seed.
It’s best to have multiple feeding stations, and to put thistle (or nyjer) seed in a separate, hanging birdfeeder, with smaller ports, specifically for finches. This is their favorite food, and it’s difficult for them, with their tiny bills, to feed with the other birds. In fact, you may not see a goldfinch unless you do this; but you’ll be elated when dozens of them start descending on their special birdfeeder!
Birdfeeders should be placed between five and twelve feet from shrubs, or other sources of refuge from the elements and predators. Vines provide great shelter as well, so you can also put birdfeeders near arbors, trellises, and pergolas.
Soon, you’ll build up a regular clientele of cardinals, sparrows, tufted titmice, black-capped chickadees, finches, woodpeckers, blue jays, wrens, slate-colored juncos, mourning doves, nuthatches, and whatever else is native to your area.
Although these characters will keep you thoroughly entertained, every once in awhile, a rarely-seen bird will suddenly emerge from the woods to partake of your largesse. While such surprise guests will surely give you a thrill, unfortunately, they often fly in for just one show, sing for their supper, then take off again.
Yours Outdoors,
Kathy
