The chirping and fluttering of birds bring life to our gardens and yards. While many people associate bird feeding with the harsh winter months, providing a year-round food source offers numerous benefits for both birds and ourselves.
Why Feed Birds All Year?
- Supplemental Support: Even during abundant seasons, natural food sources can be unpredictable. With the drought we experienced this past summer, having additional water and food sources was important even during our growing months. Offering a consistent food supply can help birds maintain their energy levels, and keep them coming back to your yard.
- Habitat Enhancement: A garden rich in bird feeders and bird-friendly plants attracts a wider variety of species, increasing biodiversity and creating a vibrant ecosystem.
- Connecting with Nature: Watching birds interact at a feeder provides endless entertainment and a deeper connection to the natural world right outside your window.
Seasonal Feasts for Feathered Guests
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Spring: Offer high-protein foods like sunflower hearts, mealworms, and suet cakes to support nesting and chick rearing. Plant berry-producing shrubs and trees to attract insect-eating birds like warblers and wrens.
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Summer: Reduce the amount of high-energy food and focus on seeds like millet and nyjer, perfect for fledglings. Leave some fallen fruit on the ground for robins and blackbirds. Plant nectar-rich flowers like honeysuckle and hollyhocks to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
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Autumn: Provide calorie-rich options like peanuts, fat balls, and mixed seeds to prepare birds for colder months. Plant trees with nut crops like hazel and oak to offer natural winter sustenance.
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Winter: Continue offering high-energy foods like suet cakes and fat balls. Ensure feeders are accessible and sheltered from snow and wind. Place food sources near natural cover to provide protection from predators.
Beyond the Feeder: Creating a Bird-Friendly Haven
- Water is vital: Provide a clean source of water for drinking and bathing, especially during dry spells. Birdbaths come in various designs and can be easily heated in winter.
- Shelter matters: Plant dense shrubs and evergreen trees to offer refuge from harsh weather and predators. Nest boxes can encourage breeding and provide safe havens for raising young.
- Go natural: Avoid pesticides and herbicides that harm bird food sources and beneficial insects. Let some areas of your garden grow wild to provide natural foraging opportunities.
Remember:
- Choose high-quality bird food from reputable sources. Avoid foods like bread scraps and cooked leftovers, which can be harmful.
- Clean feeders regularly to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Be mindful of predators like cats and adjust feeder placement accordingly.
By offering year-round support and creating a welcoming habitat, we can ensure our feathered friends thrive and bring joy to our lives throughout the seasons. So, put up a feeder, plant some bird-friendly flora, and witness the magic of nature unfold right outside your window!