Garden Birds

For whatever reason, people seem to think that the only time to feed birds in the backyard is in fall and winter. The truth is, birds can be enjoyed at feeders the year around, and feeding birds in summer may be even more rewarding than at any other time of the year.

First, me must understand why we feed birds. It is not to help the birds, because they can survive very well without any help from us. A study of Black-capped Chickadees in Wisconsin in winter showed that the birds obtain only 25 percent of their daily diet from feeders, even when feeder food was readily available. Birds are not dependent on us for food, and the only reason to feed them is for our own enjoyment.

Summer feeding of birds gives us even more enjoyment, because the birds are in their breeding plumage, they are often accompanied by their youngsters, and there are species using feeders in summer that are not present in winter. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in the East and Black-headed Grosbeaks in the West are good examples. There are hummingbirds and orioles, attracted to sugar water throughout the continent in summer, which are not present in winter. Bluebirds and American Robins, and some woodpeckers and sparrows, are all common feeder birds in summer that are in warmer climates in winter.

So, this summer, feed and water the birds, and see if you don’t get an even bigger kick out of the sport than even before.
Feeders & Houses: Introduction


Bird feeders and houses are an important ingredient in creating your successful bird garden. When properly selected and placed they can greatly expand the number and types of birds that will visit your backyard.

Feeders: The placement of bird feeders is critical in two respects: First, they need to be located in or near the kinds of cover into which birds can escape should they be threatened by a neighborhood cat, dog, or winged predator such as a hawk or owl. Otherwise, the birds may not feel safe at the feeders, and may not use them.

The second consideration is to place feeders close to windows where you can have a good view of them. The reason for providing feeders and houses for wild birds is for the enjoyment of the bird gardener, not for the benefit of the birds, which can survive very well without any help from people.

Houses: When selecting birdhouses, it is important to consider the property you live on. If you live near a body of water, consider placing wood duck houses on the shoreline. Wren houses can be hung from fruit trees, or placed on posts at eye level around the yard, in or near cover. It would not be out of line to place at least three wren houses in the garden area, as the male will fill them all with sticks, and the female will then choose one for a family.

With the exception of wrens, birds do not tolerate swaying birdhouses. Birdhouses should be firmly anchored to a post, a tree, or the side of a building. All houses should be cleaned at least once a year. The smaller houses can be stored during the winter, but the larger houses can be left as possible winter roosting sites for any number of interesting birds.