Caring and feeding for wild birds helps
them to survive the winter and also gives you a sense of doing good. Helping out
nature instead of taking from her. Birds require food, fresh water, shelter from
the elements and protection from predators.
FOOD:
High
energy food is important. Suet, peanuts, black oil sunflower seed
all high energy food high in fat and
protein. Nyjer thistle is a
high source of energy for finches as well. Cage feeders are
designed to hold suet cakes, Tube and hopper feeders are
designed to accommodate a variety of birds. Platform and peanut
feeders are also available. Pack down an area and toss some
cracked corn and white millet for the ground scratching birds to
enjoy.
FRESH WATER:
I
emphasize FRESH WATER here. With a lack of natural water sources
available in cold winter months, water can be scarce. Fresh water
even more so. While birds will and do eat snow, this drives down
their body
temperature and uses valuable energy to melt the snow and warm back
up. Offer up some water with a heated birdbath or put a heater in
your current bath. Heaters cost no more to run the a light bulb and
can save a birds life. Look for heaters that come with a minimum
three year guarantee.
SHELTER:
Shelter
from the harsh winter winds and a
place to snuggle. Use your old Christmas tree, or hang a roosting
box. Plant lots of bushes and trees for your birds to roost in.
Evergreens work wonders here as a wind
brake and protection from snow fall. Most birds will die at night
from a lack of food, water and protection. Food and water are life's
essentials, protection helps your birds to conserve vital calories.
PROTECTION:
Birds need to feel safe from danger and offering protection will
keep your birds coming back. Place your feeders and Fresh water
source near trees and bushes, out in the open, enough for your birds
to see if hawks are around and away from places where cats might
hide. By placing your feeding stations 10 to 20 feet from trees and
shrubs, your birds have an open view and can escape most attacks
from the air or
the ground. Research shows that birds get 25% of their food from
human sources. How important is that 25% on any given winter's
night? Backyard birding is a healthy hobby for all and just about
anyone can feed the birds. A hobby that can last a lifetime!
