Healthy and Green Living

Late fall is a great time to establish bird feeding routines. It
must be a routine because it is important to keep feeders filled at
this time of year and throughout the winter, since birds can become
dependent on them. This is especially true in less urban areas where
there are not many feeders around.

* Birds like and need water. Provide a birdbath or devise a fountain
with fresh water if there is no nearby source (a pond or brook). In winter,
melt snow once a day, or offer fresh water in a pan.

* Provide bird feeders. Black oil sunflower seeds have more protein than the striped variety, but both are good.

* Birds do not usually need feeders in summer.

* Make sure you keep the feeders filled.

* Feeders should be hung near trees or bushes to provide cover.

* Just about any kind of tree provides cover.

* Flowers attract birds.

* Some plants, including weeds, attract birds for their berries and
seeds. Birds are also attracted to trees because of the insects that live in their bark.