Home › Question of the week › The best time put up your bird feeders

The best time put up your bird feeders

Unknown Monday, September 30, 2013
should I stock up on my seed now, when is the best time to begin feeding the birds, should i wait for the first snow, when should i take my finch feeder down? ~ Saint Joseph, Illinois
Watching birds is the fastest growing hobby in the country. There is no best or worst time to start bird feeding. Typically, feeders serve as a supplemental source of food for birds in your yard. Fruit and nut bearing plants supply a natural food source as well as native seed producing plants. However in bad weather or during stressful times birds will appreciate feeders with high quality foods.

Low temperatures force birds to burn up to 10% of their body weight in stored fat each night to stay warm and this fat must be replaced every day. Be sure to keep your feeders filled with the high-energy, high-fat foods that provide your birds with the crucial nutrition they need to survive. Studies indicate that sunflower seeds, nuts, White Proso Millet, Safflower, and Nyjer® Thistle are among the most preferred seed types.

Suet & Seed Cylinders also offer an easy way to provide birds with essential calories throughout the year.

All foods should be stored in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh. In the warm months only buy as much as you can use in month. During fall and winter, seed can be stored up to 3 months in a cold area. Wild Birds Unlimitedhas closed steel containers that work well to protect seed from unwanted seed thieves.

If you enjoy feeding birds, there is no reason to stop. A recent Census Report reveals that over 65 million Americans, young and old, feed wild birds. I’m excited to see all the migratory birds in the spring and fall.

And Goldfinches are in our area year-round. I’m watching a baby learn how to eat sunflower chips at my window feeder right now. They do lose their bright yellow color in the fall but when they sing at the feeders it's like they bring sunshine with them even on the dreariest days. Watch a window feeder video with baby goldfinches: http://youtu.be/_7KhUDcK-ZA

Consider that the average wild bird weighs less than two nickels and you’ll realize that the winter can be a very punishing time for your backyard friends. Birds that come at dawn and dusk on cold days are hungry, and it's nice to make sure that they always find something to eat. And don't forget to keep the birdbath and other water sources filled with fresh, clean water, because all birds need to drink.

Related Articles:
Blogger Template by BlogTusts Sticky Widget by Kang Is Published by GBT.
Category ›

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)