Doc & Diane Gover

The ABC’s of Bird Feeding

Feeders hold bird food. Offering high calorie food to our feathered friends is very important. Birds find their food by sight. Feeders should be located out of the wind to the east or southeast side of a building, near a row of trees or bushes. Different types of feeders will offer a buffet of food to the birds. Feeder varieties include: Platform feeders (ground or hanging, preferably with screen bottoms so seed will dry as air circulates), Hopper feeders, Tube feeders with or without a tray and Window feeders (so the birds are up close & personal). Specialized feeders include Nyjer feeders, Suet feeders, Peanut feeders, Fruit & Mealworm feeders, Small Birds Only feeders and Squirrel–Proof feeders.

Bird food includes these major seed types: Black Oil Sunflower (for all songbirds – no one is turned away), Safflower (a problem solving seed, squirrels, blackbirds & grackles tend not to eat this seed), Millet & Cracked Corn (mainly for ground feeding birds, such as doves & juncos), Nyjer (finches love this seed) and Peanuts (the favorite of woodpeckers, but liked by many songbirds). Beyond offering seed and peanuts, many birds also love Suet & Fruit (both are high energy foods) and Mealworms (the favorite of Bluebirds & other insect eating birds).

Backyard birds can miss an occasional meal, but cannot survive without water. When temperatures are below freezing, it is important to offer a water source to our feathered friends. By adding a birdbath heater to an existing birdbath or using a heated birdbath the birds will have a constant source of water through very trying times. In warmer weather be sure to offer a constant supply of clean, fresh water for bathing and drinking.

Birds need protective cover for times of rest, social time and retreat from predators and bad weather. A backyard habitat should include a mixture of ground covers, shrubs, evergreens and trees.

Certain species of birds build nests in trees & shrubs, so the shelter that is available is also excellent for nesting. Some birds are cavity nesters, so offering man made housing will encourage them to nest in your backyard. Leaving up nesting boxes or offering roosting boxes allows cavity nesting birds a place to escape on cold nights.

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The cast of characters at your feeders and birdbath will be a rewarding sight. Watch for cardinals, chickadees, house finches, gold finches, bluebirds, blue jays, wrens, titmouse, juncos, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows and many more. Backyard birdfeeding is a simple hobby that the entire family can enjoy. Have your binoculars and field guide handy at the window so you’ll be able to identify all of your guests – right in your own backyard.

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