Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Q It's illegal to feed pigeons where I live. How can I keep them out of my bird feeders
so I don't have to pay a fine?
A
If pigeons are coming regularly to your feeders, it may take some time and ingenuity
toshoothem elsewhere. Firstandforemost, make sureseeddoesn'tcollect ontheground
beneath your feeders. Also, pigeons are far more likely to come to platform feeders than
any other kind, so you may want to close down those feeders and offer alternatives for
the duration. Try a hanging feeder, since pigeons virtually never come to hanging feeders
of any kind.
Housekeeping for the Birds
Q What's the best way to clean a feeder?
A
Holdit underrunningwater inalaundry tuborwith ahoseinthe yardwhile scrubbing
with a brush. If you do this every few weeks and there is no evidence of illness in birds
in your yard, you don't need to do anything more.
Beyond keeping your feeders clean, it's a good idea to rake up old seeds and shells
beneath your feeders every few weeks, and more often during wet spells.
Q How often should I clean my birdbath?
A
Clean your birdbath whenever it is visibly dirty, and at the very least every four or five
days to prevent any mosquito eggs from hatching and the larvae from emerging. This is
important not only because mosquitoes are pests to humans but also because they can
spread disease, including West Nile virus. The best way to deal with algae without harm-
ing birds or our environment is to be proactive, scrubbing at the first sign of algae and
rinsing thoroughly rather than resorting to detergents or bleach. Use clean water and a
stiff scrub brush.
