Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
mingbirds, thistle for i nches and siskins, peanuts for nuthatches and tits,
whole popcorn kernels for pigeons and doves, and suet for woodpeckers—
will increase the diversity of birds you can attract. Most birds readily take to
open-platform feeder designs, but some such as goldi nches require special-
ized tube feeders that favor their needle-sharp beaks. Placing feeders near
cover and away from windows increases their safety and therefore their attrac-
tiveness to birds.
Keeping your feeder full is only part of ef ectively supplementing the
diets of wild birds. Feeders need to be kept clean and dry, and food needs
to remain fresh to reduce exposing birds to pathogens, such as salmonella,
and communicable diseases, such as conjunctivitis. Your local Audubon
Society or specialty feed store can help you decide what type of feeder and
food work best.
The British Trust for Ornithology recommends feeding birds year-round.
Consistent food improves not only survival but also breeding success, because
overwintering birds with access to food are kept in top condition. It makes
sense to me to let feeders go empty every once in a while, however; uncer-
tainty in food supply is not uncommon in nature. When the feeders are empty
in my yard, birds turn to berries, nuts, and insects in my bushes and trees.
Filling feeders for a single day's use and letting them remain empty at night is
a good strategy to reduce rats, which otherwise help themselves to bird food
each evening. If you live in bear country, extra care is required to keep from
subsidizing backyard bruins. In this case, feeding birds only during winter
when bears hibernate is advisable.
Of ering food from feeders or “tables” is not the only way you can supple-
ment urban birds. Some birds, especially crows, jays, magpies, and nutcrack-
ers, quickly learn to recognize a person who reliably feeds them. They will
eagerly mooch nuts from a windowsill or deck. Whole nuts, unsalted in the
shell, work well for these birds, which cache surplus food for later use. Just
