The bird feeder is a rewarding component of any lawn. With summer fast approaching, it’s only natural that you want to spend as much time out in your yard as possible. At the same time, there are a number of ways in which you can enjoy your lawn from the comfort of your own home, and the bird feeder is one of these. Not only will you enjoy the wildlife that comes to feed during the summertime, but bird feeders provide backyard entertainment throughout the entire calendar year. In this post, we review what you should look for when shopping for a bird feeder, and also provide tips for how to properly maintain a feeder and nourish the birds that come to your yard.
Bird Feeders Offer Backyard Amusement Year Round
What to look for in a bird feeder
Bird feeders come in many shapes in sizes. When shopping for a bird feeder, you need to consider whether you will be using it year round. If you want a bird feeder that will stand up to the rigors of winter, you need to be sure that it is made from either stone or wood and that it is sheltered. There are many birds that remain up north during the winter, so if you live in a cold-weather climate, you can expect to enjoy the presence of finches, tufted titmice, and downy woodpeckers, among other species. In fact, for winter use you may want to spring for a bird house. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a bird feeder that you will use during summer, it’s better to purchase one that is more open. Finally, if you opt for multiple feeders throughout your yard, it is crucial that you place them strategically, so that birds do not fight each other for the same food.
How to maintain your bird feeder and care for your birds
In order to properly maintain your bird feeder, you need to clean it often. For the health of the birds, there should not be any mold growing. If you have a bird house and there are old or discarded bird nests inside, you can remove these. However, be aware that it is illegal to tamper with active bird nests, so tread carefully in this regard.
When feeding birds, you should serve up calorie-rich, high-nutrient foods. This means that while you might feed bread to pigeons in the park, you’re going to need to feed more substantial fare to your birds. Sunflower seeds and suet are both great options
A bird feeder is rewarding no matter the time of year. Follow the suggestions offered in this post to really get the most out of your bird feeder and establish a mutually rewarding relationship with your feathered friends.
