Welcome to a new project called Tips from the Yard.
It’s a resurrection with a new twist. In the past this was a newsletter about bird feeding now it will include some thoughts on gardening and our other friends and foes in the yard.
Let’s start with a review of how we can feed the birds that visit our yards.
There are 3 major types of feeders:
- Hopper style is a good all-around feeder that will attract a variety of large and small birds to the backyard. These are one or two sided with an opening the birds can perch and feed. It can be hung or mounted. Recommended seeds are black oil sunflower, safflower, any nut base mix and bird seed mixes.
- Cylinder/tube style feeder is considered exclusive, meaning the feeder excludes most large birds. These feeders attract a variety of smaller birds. The most common type of this feeder is used for Nyjer/Thistle seed provided for finches. Many of the tube feeders can be set for larger seed types that are used with a hopper style or the opening can be set for finer seed like the Nyjer.
- Platform style feeder is an elevated platform that is non-exclusive. No bird or visitor is excluded. Any bird can feed from this feeder. It is used to provide a feeding station for ground feeders. It may have a roof to provide a drier environment for the feed. These feeders are best filled each day as food not consumed can spoil quickly. Recommended seeds are black oil sunflower, safflower, white millet, corn-based mixes, any nut-based mix, mixes with fruit, mixes with peanuts, mealworms, and any general seed mixes. It is important to point out these are easy feeders for squirrels to utilize. They can be outwitted by using only safflower and white millet seed, or seed treated with hot pepper.
- Specialty feeders include suet feeders and nectar feeders.
- Suet feeders; these are the holders for the cakes of suet all birds like and need. One can purchase meat market suet which is rendered fat, or commercially made suet. There is a no-melt suet best for summer usage, and various flavored varieties. If starlings and squirrels are a problem, there are up-side down and caged feeders that will repel uninvited guests.
- Nectar feeders; these are used for the sugar waters enjoyed by hummingbirds and orioles. These feeders have ports from which the birds access the nectar water. These feeders require a good sanitation regime as the nectar water spoils within a few days.
The most important facts to remember with all these feeders is to ensure the feeders are continually filled after offering food to the birds, they are kept clean, and the area around the feeders is also kept clean.
Next time we will discuss placement of the feeders.
For those of you that are avid gardeners, have you reviewed your notes from last year. Are you planning for changes or additions to your yard this year. Have you been on line checking the new seed offerings from your favorite seed company. Have you gotten up to date on your garden magazines you didn’t read during the last garden season. Have you checked the garden centers for any gardening classes they will be offering that sound interesting to you? Are you anxious for this cold and what ever to be over and spring to arrive?
Be sure to check back for the next installment of Tips from the Yard.
REFERENCES:
Winter Bird Feeding, BirdNotes 1
Minnesota DNR, Winter Bird Feeding Tips
-M. Massey