Here in the
Pacific Northwest, we never really experience the “dead of winter.” Unlike
large swaths of the country, our lawns never turn completely brown and
evergreen shrubs and trees keep our yards somewhat colorful. But as we go
through the more barren months, you may be wishing for more life outdoors.
Caring for wild
birds is a great complement to gardening. Especially during the winter months,
birds like chickadees, finches and juncos can benefit from a little extra sustenance—and
they’ll provide great entertainment in return. Whether you have young children
or are empty nesters (pardon the pun), watching birds build nests in birdhouses
or vie for a spot at a feeder is simply fun.
If birding
is a new hobby for you, start with the basics. A feeder that dispenses black
oil sunflower seed will attract the most variety of birds. Tube feeders protect
seed from the elements but can limit the number of birds that can feed at one
time. If you plan to hang your feeder in a somewhat protected space—such as
under the eaves of a shed or your house—a platform or wire mesh feeder will
offer the most opportunity for birds to eat; additionally, you may find these
feeders easier to clean.
While black
oil sunflower seed is a great all-purpose option, you may wish to feed only some
of the smaller songbirds. Niger (or nyjer) seed is the food of choice for
chickadees, purple finches and of course, the goldfinch, our state bird. While
these birds will often eat sunflower seed, you’ll attract larger numbers with
niger or a blend thereof. At Vander Giessen’s, one of the popular seed mixes we
sell is the “Finch Friends” blend, which attracts the birds previously
mentioned as well as nuthatches and wrens.
Until
recently, the only major nuisance animals to feed at bird feeders in our area were
other non-desirable birds like starlings. In the last few years, however,
squirrels have become a nuisance to bird-lovers, eating bird seed, chasing away
birds and at times even destroying feeders. To prevent squirrels from ruining the
fun, there are a couple of worthwhile options to consider. One option is to
occasionally fill your feeders with a spicy, Cajun-flavored seed mix like Coles
“Hot Meats” or “Blazing Hot Blend.” The hot, spicy flavor won’t deter birds,
but squirrels will quickly give up on trying to eat it. Another option is a
squirrel-proof feeder—your best bet is a feeder enclosed in a metal cage that
birds can get through but squirrels never will.
Now, if you
feed birds, consider the added fun that a birdhouse or two will bring to your
backyard. Put a birdhouse within view of a window or your back patio; you’ll
love watching birds building their nests each year and be entertained by baby
birds tumbling out of their home for the first time each spring.
Choose a
house designed specifically for the type of bird you wish to attract—birds will
only move into a house if the entry hole size is right. When shopping for a
birdhouse, check to see that it can be easily cleaned. Like us, birds don’t
like to move into a house full of someone else’s junk, so empty out your
birdhouses once a year to keep your feathered friends happy.
In the bleak
months of winter, enjoy the added life that birds can bring to your garden. With
their varied colors, shapes and sizes, they’ll add interest to an otherwise drab
view out your window—and come spring, they’ll serenade you as you get back in
the garden.
