Welcome back 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; as the year progresses it will include some thoughts on gardening and our other friends in the yard.
The first Tip covered the types of bird feeders. This time let’s talk about where to place your feeders.
Our favorite birds like to feel safe while they are feeding. They prefer a sheltered location close to pine, spruce or junipers. But, don’t get them too close. 10 feet away is a good distance to protect our feathered friends from predators that could lurk in the cover. It is always a good idea to place the various feeders in groupings. Say 3 to 5 feeders in one area. If you have enough yard area several groupings of feeders are always appreciated. Winter is also a good time to bring the birds closer to our homes. The house or building can provide a good windbreak and make it easier to keep an eye on the birds and judge how quickly the feeders need to be refilled. Even during the winter months, it is important to keep the feeders clean. Make sure any food remaining in the feeders is dry and never moldy. There are several varying opinions about bird feeding in general. If you are willing to ensure the feeders are safe, clean, continually filled; the backyard birds will continually provide you with hours of winter enjoyment.
Birds do not make it a habit of eating snow; therefore, they need an open water source even on the coldest days. They need water to drink and yes bathe during the winter. Their feathers must be kept clean to adequately fluff to keep them warm. You will see birds bathing during the winter. On some occasions the birds will come more for water than for the feed that is offered. There are natural means for birds to have access to water. Any moving body of water, such as a stream or a water fall can be popular. Close to a home, a birdbath heater will do the trick. These are submersible electric heaters that keep the birdbath water warm, not hot. Just like with feeders the water will still need to be changed on a schedule. Even in winter remember to leave an open area around the birdbath to help protect our feathered friends from predators. We will talk more about bird-scaping in some of the upcoming Tips.
As we get to the end of January it is definitely time to start thinking about plans for this coming spring and the garden. If you are in an area that has a high concentration of clay and it takes forever for the soil to dry and become workable you will want to be sure to check the next Tip as it will talk about raised garden beds, pros and cons and the how to of building a basic raised bed.
Remember Spring is coming!
Winter Bird Feeding, BirdNotes 1
Minnesota DNR, Spring, Summer, Fall Bird Feeding Tips
-M. Massey