Backyard Birdfeeding Begins Now
Special Treats for Feathered Friends

 

Birds determine their winter feeding territory in the fall, so set up your feeding stations now so birds can become accustomed to them and establish their visitation patterns before winter arrives.
As you arrange your feeding stations, consider safety from the birds’ point of view. Place feeders close enough to the house for easy viewing, but far enough away to provide flying space after being startled.
Birds are more attracted to a feeder near good cover than to a feeder surrounded by an expanse of lawn. This is especially true because birds may have to quickly escape from cats or predator birds. Therefore, it is good strategy to have a large dense bush behind or close to feeders. Bird viewing opportunities are also enhanced by being able to see the birds that are sitting in woody vegetation before they fly to the feeder. A quality bird feeding experience depends on the appropriate arrangements of attractive feeders containing effective foods immediately adjacent to good bird habitat, all of which can be readily seen from the house.
Many myths have been adopted as fundamental truths regarding backyard birdfeeding. The "golden rule of bird feeding," — once you start feeding you must continue or the birds will die — is a profound exaggeration often repeated in articles about bird feeding. The biggest myth is that winter is the only appropriate time to feed birds. Research indicates that seed eating birds seek
artificial seed sources more intensely in summer than winter!
Some tips to get you started:

Woodpeckers love suet but so do grackles and starlings. Placing a dome over your suet feeder will discourage these invaders, not bothering the woodpeckers at all.

Try safflower seed to discourage feeder “hogs” such as grackles and starlings.

Monitor food consumption and cut down accordingly, wasted food doesn’t do the birds any good.

Remember to provide a source of clean drinking water for birds - even during the winter months.

Take some time each day to enjoy the bird-friendly environment you’ve provided.