Grandpa's Bird Houses

There is a chill in the air. Winter is approaching. Since the reduced supply of insects, birds should be looking for other sources of food. How many birds will you see at your feeder? This depends on how well established yard or garden. This article will review some very simple steps everyone can take to be almost sure to attract a variety of wild birds. First, consider the basic needs of wild birds. They are the three requirements that all animals and people share – food, water and shelter. Take the issues one at a time. Food If you put a bunch of stale bread or seeds in your lawn will attract birds. (See, I told you it was easy!) Course, will also attract squirrels, raccoons, cats, possums, and a host of insects. The birds that come around can only be starlings, sparrows and crows. If you are not selective about which attract birds, you and you not mind some other critters crawling around, then feeding the birds could be so simple. This is the method preferred by most backyard birders. To be more selective bird (and thereby reduce the number of unwanted prowlers), just a little more selective about the type of food offered. Black oil sunflower seeds and various seed mixtures are available in many supermarkets or, more generally cost-effective, feed stores and garden centers. These foods attract a variety of wild birds, including chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, buntings, sparrows and cardinals. They can be placed in tube feeders or platform feeders, tube feeders are more selective for the smaller species Songbird. Suet, which is raw beef or mutton fat, is a large, high-energy food for birds. Suet can be purchased in preformed blocks to the supermarket, bought the butcher unformed, or formed by hand from beef trimmings in your own kitchen. Lard, often mixed with nuts or seeds as bird-added bonus, it is particularly beneficial in the cold winter months when birds can actually use the extra boost in calories. Fruits, berries, and even peanut butter is also good for attracting wild birds. Any variety of foods you choose, always keep your feeder clean to protect against bacteria that can harm the birds. Water Every living thing on earth needs water. A good birdbath will attract many birds, some of which are purely insectivores and do not use bird feeders. The birdbath water should not exceed three inches deep to attract the greatest variety of wild birds. It is best if the floor of the birdbath is quite light in color, so that birds can assess clearly the depth. The floor of the birdbath is also slightly inclined to the deepest part, and should be textured to help based on the birds. Birdbath The same could be on a pedestal, hung from a branch or pole, or if there is no danger from cats, can be placed directly on the ground. In winter, you may need to add hot water to keep it from freezing, as most birds are poor skaters. Observing the amusing antics around a birdbath is a unique entertainment experience for backyard birders. Birds of various species often perch around the edge, occasionally splashing, drinking and preening in the water. Refuge Many times, providing shelter for birds is an easy task. Place your feeder in a place that is near some trees. Birds fly in the trees when they seek protection from weather or predators. Make sure there are no bushes or tall grass (or any other place where a cat could pose a trap) within 12 feet of the bird feeder. The birds will get there. Over the years, we have encroached on the area wild birds, the pollution of air and water, and otherwise contributed to a shift in the natural balance that has put the survival of many bird species in question. We have to give them some help. Recent conservation efforts do much in that regard, but there is still a long way to go. Feed the birds and to take another step to a happier, healthier world.