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Bird Feeding
Backyard bird watching is a pastime enjoyed
by millions. To attract birds to your home,
start by putting up some bird feeders and follow the following tips:
Use black oil sunflower seed
since many birds
refuse to eat most of the filler
in cheaper
mixes. Finches, chickadees and
nuthatches
love a small, slender black seed
called niger
or nyger. Hang a mesh bag of
it from a post
or line. In the winter, suet
feeders attract
woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches.
You
can buy suet cakes where seed
is sold.
Seed will attract other feeders,
particularly
squirrels. To discourage them:
- Since squirrels can jump 10 feet to reach
a feeder, set feeders at least 15 feet away
from trees and buildings.
- If you set your feeder on a pole, set bafflers
of at least 2-3 feet in diameter below it.
These barriers, available where feeders are
sold, block the progress of squirrels up
the pole, although some clever squirrels
still figure ways around them.
- If you hang your feeders, use thin wire or
high-strength fishing line
to deter squirrels.
Put a baffler above the feeder
for good measure.
- One model of feeder than mounts on a post
resembles a little green metal house. When
an animal heavier than several birds climbs
on it (like a squirrel), the feeding tray
snaps shut.
If you have bears in your area,
it may be
wise to take feeders inside each
night.
Finally, use proper care to make
the feeding
a positive experience
- To prevent the spread of avian diseases,
clean feeders and discard spoiled seeds at
least once a month.
- During the summer, if you set up hummingbird
feeders, clean them and replace
the sugar
water solution at least once
a week. Fermented
solution can be deadly.
- To guard against birds striking windows near
the feeders and getting injured seriously,
keep blinds partially closed. Putting bird
decals on the windows also helps birds see
that there is a glass barrier.
- Finally, remember to keep cats indoors. Cats
let outside kill countless millions of wild
birds every year.
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