Friday, June 28, 2013

Incentives For Fitting A Bird Feeder In Your Garden

By Debra Garrison


For some the constant sound of birdsong makes them feel closer to nature. Whether it be from the constant chatter, or something more inspiring such as the dawn chorus as the sun starts to rise. Many more would also like to listen in and enjoy these aspects of nature too, but have no idea about how to attract a variety of species to their garden. One easy way is with a bird feeder.

Despite what many claim, these are not just something to place outside in the winter months. Birds are known to seek out places where the food is plentiful. On finding such a place they will return there until the food source has been exhausted.

The species that you can attract will depend largely on the food that you put out. Also some birds will be able to access this food in ways that others can't. So maybe it is wise to do a little research before you start, and decide which species you would prefer to attract.

Something else to consider is where will your feeding station be positioned. Many elect to do this so that it can be seen comfortably from a vantage point indoors. Make sure that it is not close to regular spots where there are often cats. Remember that you will need to have easy access so that you can fill it back up again.

Many decide to start off as a feeding station as summer closes. The usual food sources will become less readily available. You are helping to fill this niche by supplying a new food source, and you will soon notice an increased level of birds visiting. Do not forget to put out water too. The steady stream of visitors will provide plenty of entertainment as fall gives way to winter.

Once the winter sets in the feeding station really does come into its own. A popular food source is a mixture of wild seeds, although these will not suit every species. Raw peanuts are also highly recommended, as are the suet or fat balls.

These suet balls can be hung in a different part of the garden. This way the different species will tolerate each other, and you get a greater variety to observe. Remember to clean these feeding stations on a regular basis otherwise it is possible for infections to be passed on.

There are a couple of disadvantages to becoming a feeding point. One is that the birds natural predators will soon realise that there is always a wide variety of birds in your garden. They might just decide that your garden has suddenly become a good hunting ground. You will also find that you will receive the attentions of other unwanted visitors, such as rodents. Mice will be happy with spilt seed, but squirrels can be more of a problem. There are squirrel proof feeders available now.

So setting up a bird feeder in your own back garden can be highly rewarding. Even during the summer months as the birds have been used to coming to your garden for food, they will still appear. Now they will be eating the insects, such as mosquitoes, from the immediate vicinity.




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