Birds and the Top 10 Feeding Mistakes
by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener
It is easy to get started feeding birds, but novice birders often make simple mistakes that keep birds from enjoying their backyard feeders. While some mistakes only make feeders unattractive, others can pose a danger to the birds. Feeding the birds requires more than just putting out birdseed. Avoiding these top 10 bird feeding mistakes can ensure a healthy, nutritious backyard buffet for a wide range of bird species.
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Top 10 Bird Feeding Mistakes
1. Using Only One Kind of Bird Feeder
Birds have different feeding preferences, and various species prefer other types of feeders. A simple open feeder will attract a variety of birds, but to attract the most species, you need a variety of feeders. Consider a mesh sock for goldfinches, a nectar feeder for hummingbirds, a suet feeder for woodpeckers, and a jelly feeder for orioles.
2. Letting Feeders Get Empty
Birds can be forgiving if a feeder is empty for a few days, but a feeder that is consistently empty won't attract many birds. While wild birds won't starve if feeders are empty, they do grow to depend on feeders as a food source. Refilling feeders promptly will attract a wider variety of birds and will help keep the feeder clean and in good repair.
3. Using Bargain Basement Birdseed
The cheapest birdseed blends often contain fillers like cracked corn, milo, or wheat. These seeds and grains appeal to only a few bird species, and most birds will discard the seed on the ground instead of eating it. This, in turn, attracts javelinas, rats, and other pests into the gardens. You can save money on birdseed by choosing the types of seeds your local birds prefer.
4. Feeding Birds Bread
Bread may be made from grains, but heavily processed bread products—crackers, cookies, donuts, etc.—are junk food for wild birds and do not provide adequate nutrition. While bread and other kitchen scraps can be a rare treat, they should never be an exclusive food source.
5. Making Bad Hummingbird Nectar
Feeding hummingbirds is one of the most popular ways to enjoy backyard birds, but using any sweetener other than plain white sugar to make nectar can be dangerous. Sweeteners like honey, brown sugar, and artificial sweeteners do not provide the proper sugar concentration and can produce mold that is deadly to hummingbirds.
6. Omitting Natural Bird Food Sources
Feeding the birds involves more than just putting out bird feeders and buying seed. Backyard birders who avoid natural food sources like fruit trees, nectar-producing flowers, or who kill insects that birds can feed on are depriving birds of the most nutritious and economical food sources.
7. Not Feeding Winter Birds
Many novice backyard birders assume it is not necessary to feed birds in winter because there are no birds around. In fact, feeders can be even more critical to the dozens of backyard winter birds, many of which aren't around in summer. These species are happy to visit winter feeders, and the food helps them survive the cold nights.
8. Not Protecting Bird Feeders
Many forms of wildlife will raid feeders before birds can even get to the seed. Raccoons, deer, squirrels, rats, and even bears will snack at unprotected bird feeders. Birds that eat at unprotected feeders have their senses dulled by the feeding process, making them vulnerable to predators.
9. Not Cleaning Feeders
It's a mistake to assume that wild birds aren't picky about clean feeders. A dirty feeder can become clogged, and wet or spoiled seed can transmit diseases to birds, which can then spread to an entire neighborhood flock. Dirty feeders are also more susceptible to damage and wear, making them less valuable over time.
10. Storing Seed Carelessly
Birdseed has a long shelf life, provided it is stored properly. Seed that is not stored well can spoil and be invaded by pests such as mice, packrats, or moths. As seeds get old and dry out, they become less nutritious and will not attract as many birds.
Bonus Tip: The 5-7-9 Rule
Many people place their feeders close to the house for easy viewing and refilling. This can put birds at risk. A common mistake is placing feeders in a position where birds can hit a window and get injured. The 5-7-9 Rule is the perfect way to protect your visiting birds from window collisions:
· 5 feet: Place feeders within 5 feet of a window. At this distance, birds can't build up enough momentum to injure themselves if they hit the glass.
· 7 feet: Bird feeders should be placed 7 feet above the ground to protect against predators, such as cats and other animals.
· 9 feet: When placing multiple feeders, keep them at least 9 feet apart to prevent the spread of bird diseases.
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Until next week, I'll be helping gardeners attract more birds here at Watters Garden Center.
