Easy Ways To Feed And Attract Birds This Summer

Feeding wild birds is easy and fun. It's educational, enjoyable, even mesmerizing, and there's the satisfaction of providing food and habitat for their well being. The best part is that it doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some simple ideas for enjoying wild birds this summer.

Some claim that feeding wild birds increases their dependency on handouts and chances of predation. However, a study of chickadees in Wisconsin indicated that chickadees, at least, do not become dependent on food provided in the winter time. At the same time, the study indicated that there was no significant benefit to the birds by feeding them in winter, except in rare cases of extremely severe weather. Birds seem to be extremely adaptable in finding food. They will obviously take advantage of a free handout, but if food is removed, they simply go elsewhere or revert to feeding on natural seeds and insects.

But what about feeding wild birds in summer? There has been little research on this topic and no hard evidence, but some claim that summer feeding, particularly late in the summer, will prevent birds from migrating. The reality is that the migration instinct is too strong for the birds to resist. Also, migrating birds use a tremendous amount of energy and they are certain to appreciate a full feeder at the end of a long day's - or night's - flight.

So the consensus is, there's no harm in feeding birds all year round. But most people have questions about the best way to go about it. Here are some common questions and their simple answers.

What kind of bird feeder should I get? This is difficult to answer because there is no single best bird feeder. Even a simple tray will work. Or, you might opt for the other extreme and get an expensive, architecturally detailed feeder. The only real requirement is that the feeder be installed in such a way to prevent predation from cats or other predators. If any feeders are near house windows, make sure those windows have decals or tape to avoid bird strikes.

Once the above two situations are satisfied, look at feeders that are easy to clean and that will discourage squirrels and other freeloaders. Many tube feeders now feature removable bottoms to make cleaning easier. Others offer a wire mesh guard, which prevents squirrels from eating but allows small birds to enter and feed. Look for a feeder that is tall enough so that squirrels can't hang from the top and eat. There are other, more "active" feeders which are effective against squirrels. These feeders have a spring-loaded perch which closes the feeding ports when a squirrel sits on the perch. Another popular line of feeders also offers spring loaded perches that collapse under the weight of a squirrel. Thus, the squirrel has nothing from which to hang.

The most elaborate "squirrel proof" feeders use a small solar panel to charge batteries that deliver a gentle shock to the squirrel. But the most effective - and entertaining - feeder on the market today is one that uses a ring perch around the bottom of the feeder. When the squirrel grabs the perch, his weight causes internal contacts to close, starting a battery powered motor to spin the perch ring. Squirrels will usually hang on for two rotations before they spin off. Squirrels are very resilient and are not injured, and after a few experiences with the "ring," they will not touch it. Fun stuff!

Which ever type you select, make sure that the feeding stations are metal and the top of the tube feeder is metal as well. Squirrels will chew through the cheap, all plastic feeders in no time, and you've wasted your money. A quality feeder will last for many years.

If you select a feeder that does not have some mechanical way of defeating squirrels, how you install the feeder is the key to preventing food theft. If your feeder is on a pole or post, metal or plastic squirrel guards will keep squirrels and even raccoons from climbing the post. Also a plastic shroud over the feeder will keep squirrels from hanging from the top.

What should I feed wild birds? The variety of bird food available in grocery stores and bird specialty shops is mind boggling. Will the wild birds prefer suet, meal worms, sunflower seeds, peanuts or some fancy mix? There's no single answer, but in general the type of food will determine which birds appear at your feeder.

Bird seed is packaged with a single type of seed or many different combinations of seed. Beware of generically labeled "wild bird food" because it may contain a large amount of cheap filler, such as milo, which most birds won't eat. Not only does this waste money, but it is messy. Also, the uneaten seed left in the feeder will mold quickly, which could make birds sick.

The best all around bird food to attract the widest variety of birds is black oil sunflower seed. Almost all varieties of small backyard birds will eat it, even woodpeckers. Black oil sunflower comes in five or ten pound bags and up to fifty pound sacks. The thin black shell is easy for birds to open but can be messy, so you may not want to hang a feeder over a deck or other area you wish to keep neat. Another advantage of the shell is that the seed does not spoil as quickly as smaller, shelled seed. Because of that, you can load up a large feeder without the worry of causing illness. Black oil sunflower seed is reasonably priced and simple to store and use.

Suet can be an important part of a bird's diet, particularly in the winter time. Suet is basically rendered beef fat. Raw suet can be messy, and in hot weather it will turn rancid in a short period of time. But you can get suet specially made for birds which lasts much longer. Suet is even available in pellet form, which eliminates the mess and the possibility of the food spoiling. Pellet suet is available in several flavors and can be offered in most bird feeders. It couldn't be easier!

Meal worms are a well-known food for bluebirds, but many other birds such as chickadees, wrens and woodpeckers love them, too. Don't buy live meal worms from a pet store because you'll pay more and they may not be healthy. Instead, go on line and order from a supplier who can deliver them in two days or less. Properly stored, meal worms can last for months. Your package should have complete instructions on storing your live worms. Meal worms are available dried and roasted, if you're squeamish about having the little critters crawling around. However, most people have been more successful with the live meal worms because birds are attracted to the movement.

Nectar is the main staple of hummingbirds and orioles will eat it as well. With nectar, simplest is best. Just add one part sugar to four parts boiling water and stir. Let it cool and serve! Do not add red food coloring, as it is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Avoid honey and artificial sweeteners, as these also can be harmful to hummingbirds. The main caveat with this simple nectar formula is to change it out every three or four days to prevent fermentation, which is deadly to hummingbirds.

Finally, don't forget a source of water. Not only does this attract birds, but they love to bathe in it and of course drink. Your bird bath water should not be more than 3/4 inches deep, and the water needs to be changed every three or four days. Birds are attracted by water movement, and there are simple devices to make ripples in the water. Birds also love misters, which spray a fine mist of water into a bird bath.

Attracting birds does not have to be complicated, so keep it simple and enjoy your birds this summer!