Birds Stay Where They Are Well-fed

Empty bird feeders are almost as commonplace during winter as dry bird baths in summer.

When the first ice storm rages there is a sudden feeling for birds, but as snow deepens and it is harder to reach feeders, sentiment often vanishes. ‘‘The squirrels are getting most of the seed, so why bother?”

Benefits of Bird Feeding

Bird feeding is not casual amusement but part of good garden management. Contrary to frequently expressed beliefs, feeding does not make birds neglect natural food sources; rather, it encourages them to stay about and devour greater quantities of grubs and weed seeds.

Although feeding is most important in severe weather, the station ought to be erected early in the fall to attract such migrants as white-throated and tree sparrows. 

After that, it should be filled nightly because most birds begin feeding early. If necessary, food should be replenished during the day.

Ground Feeder

Most game birds are ground feeders. Juncos and sparrows also prefer to dine on the ground, though they often visit low feeders.

Frequently, a handful of seeds scattered beneath a distant evergreen will attract more birds than an elaborate nearby station. Provide water during mild weather and grit at all times. 

Feeding stations may be simple homemade boxes or splendid solaria. To keep food fresh and dry, many manufactured self-feeders allow the seed to flow from a protected cylinder. 

However, some of these hold little seeds and are quickly emptied by jays who scatter millet and hemp searching for sunflower seeds. 

Lazy Susan Feeders

There are also Lazy Susan feeders, usually with an accompanying weather vane, which protect food from rain and snow.

Many of these larger feeders have compartments for suet cakes. No matter what style, the feeder will attract more birds if placed near an evergreen shrub where birds are protected from the wind. 

Attached to this shrub, or a nearby tree, maybe suet and grease balls studded with fruit and nuts.

Woodpeckers and nuthatches particularly enjoy these offerings, as well as fat placed in tree holes. Many hollow log-type stations duplicate this arrangement.

Selecting Feeders

In selecting from many available feeders, choose those that are weather- and squirrel-proof and merely attractive. Long, overhanging roofs are favored. Drainage openings are necessary in case of severe rain storms.

Squirrel baffles are effective only if large and correctly placed. If squirrels frequently leap to the top of a station, it should be placed away from shrubbery, even if it means loss of bird shelter. 

The feeder should appeal to the greatest number of desirable species. If a window-sill feeder is used, there should be additional distant facilities for more timid birds. 

Small swinging feeders are not always best but may discourage starlings and jays. There should be ample perches but no metal parts to cause injury.

Feeders should be stocked with a variety of animal foods such as suet and meat scraps to tempt woodpeckers and warblers and assorted seeds for sparrows and other seed eaters. Many birds, such as chickadees and jays, accept both animal and vegetable food. 

Weed seeds, peanut butter, chopped nuts of all kinds, pumpkin and squash seeds, doughnuts, cornbread, salad greens, rice, boiled eggs, raisins, cooked potatoes, and fruit should be offered, especially if one wishes to attract uncommon birds. 

Purchasing and Storing Bird Seed

When purchasing commercial bird seed, it is best to buy small quantities and learn which type is preferred by birds in your area. Then, buy the mixture more economically in bulk. 

Sunflower seeds may be obtained in quantity, often of a smaller-seeded, more economical type than that offered in five-pound packages. 

For further reading: Lemmon, Robert S., Flow to Attract the Birds, Doubleday, 1947, 126 pps.; McElrov, Thomas P., The New Handbook of Attracting Birds, Knopf, 1960, 262 pps., and McKenna, Margaret, Birds in the Garden and How to Attract Them, Reynal & Hitchcock, 1939.

44659 by David Henry