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Summer is for the Birds!
How many
times did you hear your mother say, “That’s for the birds.” I heard it a lot.
If your mom was anything like mine, she wasn’t talking birdseed, bird baths or
birdhouses. Rather, my mom used that saying to make a point - her point!
Frankly, one of my favorite childhood memories is remembering her express
doubt about something using the “bird” reference. To this day when my siblings
and I hear the phrase it evokes fond memories and a smile.
Chalk
it up to her delivery of the phrase or my well honed love of the outdoors,
summer is a favorite time of year. I love to listen to the birds sing and do
my fair share of making it comfortable for them to visit. Here are a few
basics to get your garden ready for the melodious sounds of nature.
Bird
Food
A
hanging feeder with sunflower seeds will attract numerous birds. If you want
to see woodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice and chickadees in your outdoor space,
suet feeders do the trick. Ground type, or tray-type feeders filled with
cracked corn or mixed seed is perfect for cardinals, doves, juncos, sparrows
and others that prefer feeding from the ground. Feeders should be placed near
shrubs or other shelters to make birds feel safe. (Although you should be
aware of cats hiding in nearby cover!)
Clean
feeders regularly by scrubbing with hot soapy water and always dispose of old
or moldy seed to avoid possible harm to birds. And once you begin feeding
birds don’t abruptly stop especially in the winter months. If you plan to be
away from home and cannot find someone to continue your bird feeding activity,
gradually taper off your feeding so birds will adjust to finding other food
sources.
Bird
Baths
A
better attractant than food for birds is water and bird bath is a perfect way
to bring birds into your garden. Birds need fresh water for bathing and
birdbaths can complement your outdoor decor. The best birdbath is shallow and
water should not be any deeper than 3" at its deepest. Shallow edges allow
your feathered friends to wade into the water to play and splash around. Birds
don’t want to lose their footing when wading in the water so a rough surface
bottom is better than glazed. A slippery bath won’t bring them back.
When
determining the best spot for a birdbath, look for a location away from
shrubbery or behind a concealing object. Avoid locations were cats may hide
and lay in wait for your birds. When birds are wet they do not fly well and it
makes it harder for them to get airborne. You may also want to consider the
location of your water source. Make it easy for your birdbath to be cleaned
and filled with fresh water. And finally, keep yourself in the picture.
Placement near a window, off the deck or near your favorite chair. You’ve
invested the time to help our feathered friends out, enjoy their antics while
sipping a glass of tea and enjoy the view.
In
Every Issue - Bird Trivia
In a
survey conducted a few years ago, the following was reported:
• 30% of
households fed birds in the past 6 months
• Of those
households, 71% feed birds year round and 67% have two or more feeders
• Those
who feed birds have done it for more than 12 years
• Bird
feeding interest carries over when adults establish their own homes
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