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BIRD
FEEDERS-
Like the seed they hold, feeders vary according to the types of
birds you wish to attract (or discourage) and the landscape in which
they're placed. Platform
The simplest bird feeder is merely a flat platform, perhaps with
a low lip, raised above the ground on a pole. It will attract all
sorts of birds, but also squirrels and possibly other critters as
well. Inverting a plastic hemisphere on the pole beneath the feeder
can discourage squirrels. (An aluminum mixing bowl works as well.)
Rain makes a mess of the unprotected seeds, so you might want to
add a roof. Hopper
These feeders offer several improvements over a platform. The plastic-sided
hopper holds a quantity of seed, kept dry by a roof, which is fed
out to the birds by gravity as they eat. Make sure the space between
the plastic side and the platform is no more than 1/2 inch-larger
openings may trap the head of a small bird. Hopper feeders mounted
on poles or hung from trees can be easy prey for squirrels. Tube
Smaller, but less vulnerable to squirrels, these feeders are ideal
for hanging next to a window because they don't block much of the
view. Look for sturdy construction; remove attached trays, which
tend to become fouled with hulls and droppings. Nectar
Hummingbirds are among nature's most fascinating creatures-tiny,
beautifully colored birds whose wings beat up to 80 times per second
as they fly up, down, for ward, backward, upside down, and hover.
Hummingbirds can be found in many parts of the United States, and
you can entice them to visit with an inexpensive feeder containing
a sugary liquid that mimics the nectar they seek in plants. Hang
the feeder during frost-free months, change the fluid often to keep
it clear of fungi and bacteria, and keep your eyes peeled for minuscule
visitors. NATURAL
FOOD-
A bird feeder, while effective, is the fast-food stop of the avian
world. To provide more types of birds with a more varied diet on
a long-term basis, and provide yourself with a richer birding experience,
think about making your landscape into a bird feeder. Trees, shrubs,
annuals, perennials, and vines produce seeds, fruits, and nuts that
appeal to many birds, as well as harboring insects palatable for
others. (We'll discuss later how plants also provide shelter, the
second of the three essentials.) Do
some research to match the birds you desire with the plants they
desire. Hummingbirds, for example, are especially fond of plants
with red and/or funnel shaped flowers, such as fuchsias, penstemons,
trumpet vine, and bee balm. It's relatively easy to experiment with
annuals and even perennials to see which are effective bird attractors.
But trees and shrubs represent too large an investment in time and
money to leave things to chance. Remember that local information
is the most reliable-fnd out what works for experienced bird gardeners
in your area. That
said, there are some general principles worth bearing in mind. Seek
out native plants (plants indigenous to your area) rather than plants
imported for ornamental or commercial reasons. It stands to reason
that local birds will have developed tastes for plants with an equally
long history in the area. Create if you can a varied menu, with
a mixture of seed-producing plants (native grasses, sunflowers),
berry producers (elderberries, serviceberries, halloos), and insect
harbors (alder, willow). Select
plants that will stock the larder year-round. The dried seed heads
of wildflowers and grasses provide fall and enter forage for the
birds and winter beauty for you. As you gain experience, you'll
be able to make improvements, adding plants to bolster meager fare
at certain times of year or to attract specific birds whose preferences
are absent.
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