FEEDING THE BIRDS IN WINTER

One of the best gifts I received for the holiday last year was a bird feeder from my nephew, Gordon. It was a gift that gave all winter. I hung it just outside of my kitchen window and, while I did kitchen chores, I could watch a variety of birds coming to feed. Some weeks, I would have to fill the feeder two or three times. Feeding birds in winter is a big responsibility because once you start feeding them, you should continue until warm weather returns and birds can find food in your neighborhood.

The following tips will be a guide for bird feeders and watchers this winter:

• Place your bird feeder or feeders near, but not in, trees or shrubs. A cat may use this area to hide in while waiting for a tasty bird on which to snack or dine.
• Place in a sheltered area or south side of the home out of harsh winter winds. Strong winds will cause the feeder to move back and forth, scattering and wasting the food.
• Place the bird feeder where it is easiest for you to see the birds. Keep in mind that if it’s too close to your house, birds may never come to it.
• Choose a bird feeder designed specifically for the food you plan to put in it.
• Fill the feeder with only enough feed for several days’ use. Seeds tend to spoil in certain conditions and may be harmful to the birds.
• Use a feeder that is constructed to protect the feed in any weather.
• Rake the ground under the feeder every week or two to prevent accumulation of spilled seed that may become moldy.
• Position the feeder to prevent food raids from unwanted animals like mice and rats.
• Place the feeder away from low-hanging branches that squirrels may use in order to have access to the bird feed. Keep in mind, there are commercial squirrel-proof hoods for bird feeders.
• Look around your landscape – you may have many natural platforms for feeders, for example, a tree stump, top of a fence post or slat-top rocks.

The following chart will be a guide for the kinds of feed to put out for specific birds:

Cracked Corn -- Cowbirds, red-winged blackbirds, starlings, tree sparrows, song sparrows, purple finch, and pine siskins.

Sunflower seed -- Cardinals, goldfinches, chickadees, nuthatches, blue jays and purple finches.

Suet – Downy and hairy woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, blue jays, brown creepers, starlings and mocking wrens.

Cut-up apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, raisins and wild fruit – Catbirds, bluebirds and wild brown thrashers.

Breads, cereals and peanut butter – Woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees.

While the weather is cold and the natural bird food supply is limited, why not purchase a feeder or refill your present one? Then, you can enjoy the variety of feathered friends that will come and feast in your backyard, too!

If you are looking for a special present for someone, why not consider a bird feeder and a bag of feed? The recipient and the birds will thank you many times.

: Maggie L. Moor-Orth

Delaware Cooperative Extension

Delaware State University