By Pat Dray
The Garden Spot
Pat Dray.
Earlier this year, there was a mysterious outbreak that caused widespread songbird death across the eastern United States which led to a recommendation to remove bird feeders. However, reports of the illness have receded, and the Audubon Society has been recommending that homeowners begin to feed the birds again.
Here in Connecticut, we have several species that overwinter, including cardinals, goldfinch and several species of woodpeckers. If you are observant, you may also see some of the more unusual species, such as American tree, white-crowned and white throated sparrows, as well as dark eyed juncos. The birds that you see at your backyard feeders will be dependent upon the food, water and shelter available to them.
Certain birds, such as sparrows and juncos, are ground feeders and prefer their food on a tray or platform that can be set on the ground or mounted on a pole. Others, such as cardinals, prefer hopper feeders, which have a seed storage component that releases food onto a tray when the bird lands on the release mechanism. Some of the ground feeders will rarely land on an elevated feeder but will readily eat the seed fallen onto the ground from a feeder. There are many shapes and sizes of feeders, and they can be quite elaborate and expensive, so use your judgment on what fits your needs best.
Different bird species also prefer different seed types. Finches and woodpeckers (along with most others) will prefer sunflower seed. The black oil sunflower seed you will see offered in stores is a small seed that is high in energy and has a thin shell that makes it a favorite. The finches also favor millet. Your choice of feeder and seed type will let you attract the number and types of birds that you want to attract. It also means you will not attract unwanted birds, such as pigeons and doves, which favor corn.
Birds also need a water source. They prefer baths that are at ground level, so do not feel you need to purchase a fancy, pedestal-mounted bird bath. A shallow pan works just as well. You can put a few pebbles or branches in the water so that the birds can stand on them and drink without getting wet.
Now on to the issues of maintenance and protection. Please stay extra vigilant regarding cleaning and maintenance, since the cause of the songbird illness is still a mystery. However, we do know that dirty feeders can grow mold and bacteria that may sicken birds. To clean a feeder, soak it in hot water with mild soap, scrub and then disinfect it by dunking in a 10:1 solution of water and bleach. Rinse and thoroughly dry it.
For protection, it is important to have your feeder no more than 10 feet away from either shrubs or trees so that birds can escape predators. There have been some black bear sightings here in Connecticut, so it’s best not to keep your feeders out from March through November if you are in an area where bears are prevalent.
If you want a fun activity this winter, check out Cornell University’s Project Feeder Watch, where you can count and track birds and enter your data. Visit feederwatch.org for more info.
Pat Dray is a past president of the Garden Club of Orange and a master gardener.