Spring birdfeeding basics
Last year during the pandemic, sales of all things “bird”— bird feed, bird feeders, nesting boxes, and bird houses — spiked dramatically. This really isn’t surprising. We were all stuck at home, deprived of friends, family, and normalcy, while feeling immense stress and anxiety about COVID itself. Putting out feeders and seed, and seeing who comes to partake of the bounty, is fun and engaging in its own right. But research shows that people feel relaxed, and connected to nature, when they watch birds. For millions working and schooling from home, this stress reduction has been an unintended bonus to the basic delight of feeding the birds.
There’s no reason to stop now. Spring is a busy season when birds expend lots of energy attracting mates, building nests, and producing and feeding their young. So, if you haven’t tried attracting birds to your backyard before, now is a great time to get started. Here are some tips.
Feeders
A variety of bird feeder types, containing different types of food and placed at different heights, will attract more birds than one feeder featuring one type of seed. If you can, start with two feeder types and two feed options.
Bowl and platform feeders are great for serving not only seeds, but also dried mealworms, fruit, and suet. Some come with an adjustable dome cover that can be adjusted to prevent larger birds and squirrels from getting to the food. The covers also provide protection from rain and keep seed fresher.
All-purpose tube feeders are a must-have for bird feeding, especially for small birds that cling.
Most popular foods for spring
1. BIRDSEED» Not all birdseed is created equal. Look for quality blends without cheap filler seeds, like red millet and oats. If you can go with only one type of seed, pick blackoil sunflower seed. Or, try a mix, such as Cole’s Special Feeder Blend, packed with bird favorites: black oil sunflower, sunflower meats, black striped sunflower, raw peanuts, safflower, and pecans. This blend attracts the greatest number of wild birds.
2. DRIED MEALWORMS» Full of calories, essential nutrients, fats, and proteins, mealworms are a preferred food for adult insect-loving songbirds. Providing mealworms can help give these birds the protein and energy they need. After noticing bluebirds visiting our yard this spring, and hoping to keep them coming, we started offering mealworms. Happily, the bluebirds have stuck around — we can’t get enough of their beautiful plumage!
3. FRESH FRUIT» Apple and orange halves and bananas are favored fruits of birds. Squirrels also go after fruit, so put fruit into a hanging-basket type feeder that squirrels can’t access.
4. SUET» Perfect for insecteating birds, this high-fat food provides abundant calories and rich nutrition. You can put it out even during the warmer months — just look for “no-melt” suet.
When feeding birds, it’s important to be a good steward by providing safe and clean feeders.
Dirty feeders and moldy seed can contribute to diseases. On a regular basis, rinse feeders well with soapy water, then dunk into a nineto-one water-bleach solution, rinse, and dry thoroughly before restocking with seed.
For additional bird safety, the National Audubon Society recommends placing feeders either within three feet of windows, or thirty feet away, to prevent birds from accidentally flying into them. Ours are located about twenty-five feet away, without any problems.
Don’t forget to add water!
Although natural sources are probably available, it’s a good idea to provide a fresh water supply, particularly if birds are nesting in your backyard. A nearby water source means birds don’t need travel too far from the nest to drink and bathe, which could leave their eggs or hatchlings vulnerable to predators.
For high-quality seeds, supplies, and feeders, check out Cole’s Wild Bird Products, Duncraft, and Kaytee. There are many suppliers, of course. These are an excellent starting place.
Pam Baxter is an avid organic vegetable gardener who lives in Kimberton. Direct e-mail to pamelacbaxter@gmail.com, or send mail to P.O. Box 80, Kimberton, PA 19442. Pam’s book for children and families, Big Life Lessons from Nature’s Little Secrets, is available through Amazon, at Amazon.com/author/pamelabaxter.