Our Garden Gate

Posts Tagged ‘winter bird feeders’

Cardinal enjoying lunch

I know…how could our lives get any busier. Right? It’s hard to remember every single thing we need to, or want to do.

Besides, who pays that much attention to what’s going on in the yard in the dead of winter, when it’s cold and miserable out there. It can be a nuisance to trudge outside, into the cold weather to check to see if the bird feeders need filling.

(Actually, if you can’t see them from your window, then it is more of a bother, and what’s more, you’re missing out on watching the birds at your feeders.)

So…this is just one of those little reminders.

Need more information on feeding the birds?

See

http://wp.me/P1OXDF-10c

http://www.ourgardengate.com/birds-in-the-garden/bird-food/

Birds feeding in the winter

Now that the weather is getting so much colder, the natural food for the birds is getting scarcer. They will still be able to find food, but they will have to work harder for it. If you are a bird lover, like me, then you want to make sure these beautiful creatures stick around your yard all winter, so that you can enjoy watching them. Birds are so different and so is their eating preferences. That’s why it’s important to have different types of bird feeders placed in your yard.

Some like to eat at the platform feeders and some like the tube feeders. Some prefer the height, while some like to eat off the ground (which is great because of all the seeds the elevated feeders toss out). In the winter though, there are other things to consider.

Location: If possible, locate the feeders out of windy areas, or in as sheltered an area as possible. Consider visibility too, if the feeders are nearer the home, the birds will be easier to watch and the feeders will be easier to refill (for those of us who live where the snow gets deep). Also, place the feeders near enough to places of refuge, such as evergreen hedges etc,. but not too close, as predators can be lurking there.

Cover: Feeders without covers are fine in warmer weather, but may not offer enough protection from snowfall or cold rain. The wider the cover, the better. After a storm it helps to go out and brush the snow off, so the birds can get to the seeds. Same with the ground feeders, shoveling or moving some of the snow out of the way lets them get to the seeds that have fallen.

Storing Birdseed: You can stock up on bird seed in the fall, when it is usually on sale. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, in containers that bugs and rodents can’t get into.

Watering:With all the tips on feeding the birds, it’s important to remember to put water out for them as well. In colder climates this can be a challenge, like putting warm water out, so that it can be used before freezing. This should be done daily. You might want to consider putting a safe heating element in the birdbath to insure the birds have a steady supply of water.

As many of you already know…it really is worth the effort.

Blue Jay

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