There’s snow on the ground and more is in the forecast. That signals the Brooklyn Centre Naturalists-and other like-minded individuals-that it‘s time to feed our feathered friends.
The key to keeping the avian food budget low is to limit the seed choices. Serve black oil sunflower (rather than the more expensive gray striped variety to attract cardinals, chickadees, jays, titmice, woodpeckers and other strong-billed seed crackers. Offer millet for smaller birds such as finches, juncos and sparrows. Round out the selection with cracked corn for any visiting birds.
There are also other ways to save when feeding the birds. Buy seed in bulk. Share the cost of the seed with a neighbor. (Store bulk seed in airtight containers to keep the seed fresher and out of the reach of unwanted snackers.) Instead of buying deluxe mixes, create your own unique mix. Locate a local business which carries food for wildlife, and tell the neighbors. As business picks up, the shop owner may welcome suggestions in terms of what products to carry.
One tube feeder filled with Niger seed is quite enough: rationing treats of fruit and nuts in small quantities is quite all right. The important thing to remember is that when you begin feeding the birds, it is very important to continue, because birds will visit the feeder daily on their quest for food.
A shallow pan of water with a rock for the birds to stand on and give stability to the homemade birdbath is a must. Save decorative for good weather, because buying the perfect, unique addition to the garden, only to have it freeze during the winter, would not be a good thing.
Then, after setting up your feeding stations, sit back and watch the interaction of the birds.
This article appears in the January Old Brooklyn News.
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