For The Birds!

    As the winter has been ever so slowly creeping in, it is time to call our attention to the birds in our lives. A simple gaze outside your window will be proof enough that it is cold, & they could use a bit of help this time of year. I have 20 plus years of backyard birding credentials. At my present home, I have identified 43 different species in my yard (and there are few EASY ones that I haven’t seen) This is what keeps us hooked! If you already have a feeder set up then pay attention to location & seed type. Ideally, your feeders should be on a baffled pole or be a self-contained squirrel baffling type. I have both kinds which work very well. Squirrels make the hobby expensive & frustrating (and since we all like a little less stress…BANGING the window hurts after awhile!) If you are baffled, then choose the black-oiled sunflower type for starters. There are mixes that are wonderful, but choose those without fillers like millet. (birds rarely eat this & it ends up germinating all over the grass & garden beds). If you do not have squirrel protection, the safflower seed is a good choice because squirrels will not each this type. If you have no feeders & want to start small, then a suet block with a simple hanger will do the trick. The blocks are inexpensive (all this seed & suet can be found at this spavers favorite store for seed, Walmart. The blocks range from $0.99 to a little over a dollar & the holders only a few bucks). Hang from a shepard’s hook you may have or a tree branch. Make sure there is a good view from a favorite window for you to enjoy the fun. The squirrels may find this treat but at a dollar a block it’s not so bad. The suet feeder will attract in a day or two the downy, hairy, red-bellied woodpeckers for starters. If you buy suet that contains some seeds, you will also see titmice, chickadees, Carolina wrens, cardinals & nuthatches this time of year. Locate all your baffled feeders 8 feet from any roof or ledge that mighty squirrel will be sure to jump from. About the same 7-8 feet distance from the ground should work well too. More on thistle & Goldfinches in a later blog!

     I hope this hobby will be one for all to enjoy. The bonuses include an errant sunflower seed germinating in a unique spot in your yard. It’s like, thanks for helping me plant this year! Then later seeing the goldfinches feast on the same flower when it goes to seed. It happens every year for me & it doesn’t get more satisfying than that!

P.S.     Since I am an east coast girl, the hummingbird blogs will be coming in April – stay reading!