If you’re not already feeding birds, fall is an excellent time to get started. By starting to feed them now, you will entice them to include your feeders in their winter feeding routes.
In general, the sooner you start feeding in autumn, the more birds you're likely to attract in the winter. You then can continue feeding them through spring and summer although winter is the most critical time to provide nourishment for them.
Right now, plenty of natural foods are available and most birds are out in the woods and fields feasting on seeds, berries and fat insects. Cold weather, however, will increase birds’ calorie requirements as they try to stay warm and survive. This will happen just about the time when insects and other natural foods become harder to find.
Somehow, though, the birds take note in autumn where food sources might be available in winter. If your feeders are well stocked in autumn, the birds will remember that it will be worth visiting your yard later when it gets really cold. So, now is the time to extend the welcome mat. You will get some birds now but many more likely will show up during winter.
Here are some tips from bird experts on getting started in bird feeding:
--Food. Black oil sunflower is the most widely accepted type of seed for a variety of birds. White millet seed also will attract several of them. The seeds can be purchased separately, but many homeowners prefer a mixture containing both seeds. In general, the species you attract is determined mostly by the seeds you offer.
--Feeders. Birds also are attracted by the types of feeders you use. A simple hopper feeder or platform feeder will attract a variety of birds, from titmice to Carolina chickadees and blue jays to red-bellied woodpeckers. Providing several different types of feeders and seeds, however, will attract the greatest variety of birds to your yard. For instance, a tube feeder with black oil sunflower seeds will attract goldfinches, titmice, woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and others. Adding a tray to the tube feeder also will attract cardinals, house finches, jays and several sparrow species. A hanging suet feeder will attract woodpeckers, kinglets and others. A thistle feeder with a tray will lure finches, doves and other birds.
For a more detailed listing, visit http://library.fws.gov/bird_publications/feed.html#1. Whatever feeder you use, make sure it is kept clean.
Other helpful hints: Water is just as important as food in winter, so provide clean water for the birds. And if you leave a full nectar feeder up in winter, chances are good that a winter hummingbird will visit.
IN THE SKY: The moon will be full on Tuesday night, said astronomer David Dundee with Tellus Science Museum. This month's full moon is the Hunters Moon because hunters stalked wild game under the bright moonlight. Mars is high in the eastern sky a few hours before sunrise. Jupiter is in the east at dusk and will appear near the moon Thursday night. Saturn is low in the east a few hours before sunrise. Mercury and Venus are not easily seen right now.
About the Author
