For the Birds, Being a Good Neighbor

January 20, 2010

Birds have been flocking to the small, backyard tube bird feeder that hangs just outside my kitchen window. Sitting at my table, I love seeing them, hungrily going about their business, their feathers all fluffed up against the winter cold. A couple of weeks ago, I noticed large flocks of some type of black birds grouping about in the trees and bushes of my front yard. Feeling sorry for all of the migratory birds, making their way along their secret bird highway, I impulsively ran out and purchased an additional bird feeder.

My new birdfeeder came from Wild Birds Unlimited and I’m happy to report that the feeder I purchased is made from recycled plastic milk jugs! So, a few less jugs in the landfill and my birds and I are both happy! While I’m sure there are many places to get cool birdhouses, this one is guaranteed not to crack and has a limited lifetime guarantee. So, it’s worth a few extra dollars I think. (Or course, I’m waiting on them to come up with a durable, biodegradable version).

I’ve had quite a few happy “customers” since I placed the birdfeeder in the front yard. It’s migratory time for many species and they now descend on my yard in hoards. I love watching them; I get out the binoculars and peer through the window at them in the mornings. My neighbors probably think I’m a voyeur, but nah, just a bird watcher.

My birdbath is upcycled. I made it from an old, leftover terracotta planter dish. I created a mosaic border along the edges with broken plates that I garnered from a garage awhile back. I painted the bottom blue to reflect the light, and placed it on an old wrought iron plant stand. So, if you’re feeling crafty, you can create all kinds of creative watering stations this way!

One of my goals for the next year is to make my yard a friendlier place for birds, and other animal friends. Slowly I’ll plant more native plants to create more habitat and food sources for my feathered friends. If you’re interested in feeding the birds this winter, check out these tips:

• Water. Birds need water, too. Watch your birdbaths to keep the water from freezing.

• Food. During the winter, birds need lots of food to keep their energy and warmth! Insects and berries are harder to find, so supply bird food that is high in fat and oil content. Black oil sunflower seed and millet seed are favorites of a large variety of birds.

• Storage. Store your birdseed in a closed moisture-proof container. If the food gets damp, it might mold before it’s used up. And… if it’s not kept in a sealed container, you may have some new little rodent friends!

• Options. You can also purchase suet and place it in special suet containers on your trees. Or, you COULD just put peanut butter and sunflower seeds on pinecones and hang’em around the yard.

• Habitat. If you’re putting out new feeders, think about placing them in areas that may be protected from the roughest winds, but not so close to woods and other foliage where predators may lurk. Place a baffle on the feeder to discourage squirrels.

If you get lots of bird visitors, you’ll soon get curious about who’s visiting the feeder. A great online field guide is whatbird.com. This site allows you to identify birds based on all kinds of values, such as shape, size, color, and location. Although I have say, the mystery black birds I’ve had in my front yard remain a mystery. A friend of mine told me they were tanagers, but I’ve come to realize that’s a really broad category. They are about the size of a small dove, black with orange under their wings, and they travel in flocks, descending like a black hoard on berry-bearing bushes and birdfeeders. Anybody got any ideas?

Filed under: Nature,Uncategorized

Tags: crafts, Nature, recycle, reuse