Winter weather will soon be here in many parts of the country, however many of us enjoy our wild birds year-round. Should you continue feeding them in winter? What should you feed them, and how really should you go about it?
The “conventional wisdom” has usually been that you need to feed wild birds in winter due to the fact their normal source of food – tiny seeds and insects – has dramatically diminished. But is the conventional wisdom right? By attracting birds to our feeders, are we producing them too dependent on a free source of food, and weakening their capability to locate food on their own? Do we really put birds at greater risk simply because of cats and flying into windows?
These are not straightforward questions to answer due to the fact there has been little research into the topic. Even so a three-year study of chickadees by the University of Wisconsin discovered that winter survival rates were highest amongst chickadee populations that had been fed – but only in the course of the harshest winters. In the course of more moderate winters (and lower latitudes) there were no considerable differences in survival rates and spring hatching rates between chickadees that were fed and those that foraged for themselves.
What if the feeders are removed? Can chickadees “don’t forget” how to locate food on their own? In a similar study, feeders were suddenly removed after conditioning the birds to feeders for several years. The birds instantly resumed feeding on their own. Once again, survival rates had been the same as for chickadees that had been not utilized to feeders. While far more investigation requirements to be carried out, these studies indicate that feeding chickadees – and presumably, other wild birds – does not result in feeder dependency.
Some argue that feeders put birds at threat due to the fact of the presumed greater threat of predation. Nevertheless, birds that eat from feeders consume much more in much less time than if they forage in the wild, giving them far more time to watch for predators. You can decrease the threat to birds at your feeder by placing feeders where they are inaccessible by cats, and by adding tape or decals to your windows so birds won’t fly into them.
That is the research. Now, if you do want to feed wild birds this winter, here are some distinct issues you can do to keep your wild birds well fed.
Birdscape your yard. Both deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs provide seeds and shelter. In the spring, they provide nesting locations. Ornamental grasses also provide food and shelter for ground birds. Perennial flowers that have been allowed to go to seed can also offer food over the winter.
Provide a source of water. Wild birds need water, even in winter. Certainly, freezing is an issue, so a heater is a necessity. Also, birds like moving water, and water jigglers are obtainable as properly. Find your bird bath where you can see it so you can get pleasure from watching the birds frolic in the water.
Choosing a Feeder. There is a massive assortment of feeders on the marketplace, but some are better than others. Steel, aluminum, plastic or glass feeders have an advantage over wood because they are easier to maintain clean and will most likely last longer. Look for feeders with metal components and feeding ports, as they will last longer than plastic.
The feeder need to maintain the food dry in wet weather. Feeders are available with domes or roofs that will help keep the food dry. If the feeder is a platform style (as opposed to a tube style) make certain there are drain holes in the bottom.
Squirrels and Raccoons are a constant dilemma, as they will empty a feeder, denying your wild birds their food. They will destroy a wood or plastic feeder by chewing although it, so the further price of a well-made feeder is funds well spent. Some squirrel-proof feeders are fairly efficient, but correct installation is the actual key to keeping moochers off your feeders.
Maintaining your feeder. The most crucial part of maintaining your feeder is ensuring that the food is fresh and clean. A large feeder with a “ten pound capacity” is not essential or even desirable due to the fact it is most likely the food will spoil before it is eaten. Some quite great tube feeders will hold a lot of food, but the purpose of the lengthy tube is to avoid squirrels from hanging from the best, not for large food capacity.
Soon after a rain or period of damp weather, inspect your feeders and discard any food that has gotten wet. Wet food will coagulate in the feeder, blocking food from naturally dropping to the feeding ports. Also, wet food is a breeding ground for algae and mold that will discourage birds from consuming and may possibly make them sick.
Set up much more than one feeder with diverse types of food – maybe sunflower seeds in 1, and finch food in yet another.
Your feeders should be installed to minimize the chances of predation. The primary preditors are cats, so the feeder must be installed so that cats cannot climb or jump to the feeding area.
Bottom line – don’t really feel you are doing your birds harm by feeding them during the winter. Follow the above suggestions, and you can take pleasure in your wild birds all winter long.