Tips for Successful Bird Feeding
Posted on November 29, 2005 by Kathi
Hello …
How are you today? I have a great article for you in this post about bird feeding. Ready? Let’s go!
Bird feeding tips: Some birds are seed eaters, others eat fruit, some eat insects, and some flower nectar. Some birds prefer feeding on the ground, and others prefer higher up. Some are winter visitors, or visit during summer or migration only, and others are year-round residents.
The types of bird feeders that work best are plastic or metal feeders. In general, seed-feeders fall into three categories: tray feeders, hopper feeders, and tube feeders. Additional specialty feeders include suet, hummingbird, and peanut feeders.
Place the bird feeding stations near trees or bushes where wild birds can seek cover from soaring or stalking predators. Then set the birdbath near conifers out of the way of cold north winds. Conifers play an imperative role because they provide shelter and nesting sites as well as protection from predators.
One study estimated that over 97 million birds collide with windows each year, and collisions can occur when frightened birds fly out from bird feeders. A good spot to place a feeder is in a somewhat open area but within about 10 feet of cover such as bushes or trees.
If no wild bird comes close to your bird feeder for a few days, sprinkle some seeds on the ground. In this way, it will make room for birds to be attracted and concentrate towards the feeder.
Do not feed wild birds during the nesting season (April 15-July) because then nest predators such as jays, raccoons, and squirrels can attack. Birds do not need bird feeders during the nesting season because insect and seeds are plentiful and birds feed their young high protein insects to ensure healthy chick growth.
Small black oil-type sunflower seeds are overall the most favorite birdseed, so these normally are the major portions of seeds offered. They have high energy content, and the thin shells allow easy use by smaller birds such as chickadees, pine siskins, juncos, and native sparrows, as well as cardinals. One seed combination that is attractive to a wide range of birds is: 50 percent sunflower seeds, 35 percent white proso millet, 15 percent finely cracked corn.
Oats, buckwheat, and cracked corn are also an essential feed for larger wild birds, such as crows, that push the smaller birds aside. Cracked corn sprinkled on the ground distracts them from the bird feeders.
Suet is a good choice for attracting insect-eating birds such as nuthatches and woodpeckers. Most suet is beef kidney fat, which is inexpensive and easily available.
Clean water should also be provided on daily basis.
Vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Carrots have Vitamin A; broccoli has calcium. Frozen mixed vegetables can be thawed and fed daily.