Birdfeeding 101

I don't care what the calendar says, spring is pretty much here. The lilac bush is budding, my husband and the neighbor are tearing up the driveway with their remote controlled cars and there are more birds and geese and ducks out back than I've seen in ages. Which means I'll be going through more birdseed and corn than ever.

Early spring is one of the most important times to feed the birds and is a great time to start. Why? In the summer, everything's in full bloom and the world is a huge all you can eat buffet for birds. Same story in early fall and later in the fall there are flower seeds (like sunflower seeds) all over. Many birds fly to warmer climates in the winter and the ones who don't hit the bird feeders and scrounge up dinner here and there. Come spring, the migrating birds come back and nothing's blooming yet - the cupboard is pretty bare. If you want to make some feathered friends, now is the time to do it. Just don't expect a Disney fantasy of cute little birdies munching seed out of your hand right away. I've been feeding assorted critters for about a year and a half and all I get are surly geese and the Squirrel Mafia. I've heard there are people who can get birds to eat out of their hands. They're probably the same people who never run out of clean socks and always send out thoughtful newsletters at Christmas.

So what's the best way to start? First, see who shows up at your house with any regularity. There's no sense in setting out food for a Ringed Turtle Dove (found in California, Arizona, Alabama and south Florida) when you live in Maine. If you don't know what kind of birds live in your area, try looking through a bird identification book. The National Audubon Society publishes great ones, or visit one of the links here at Wildlife News & Humor. Books and websites about birds will also tell you what to feed your flying neighbors. Most birds eat some sort of seed but that's not always the case. Hummingbirds eat a nectar substitute made of sugar and water that can be made at home or bought commercially. Bird food can be bought just about anywhere - grocery stores, feed stores, discount chain stores, specialty stores, etc. Prices vary, so do some comparison shopping and check to see if it's cheaper to buy in bulk. You may think a 20 pound bag will last a while but trust me, when the word gets out that you're putting on a buffet, the birds will show up more often than you think and that big bag won't last. Don't forget that squirrels enjoy birdseed too. Around here a 20 pound bag lasts about two weeks.

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