Few steps can help attract birds all year

By My Courier-Tribune

Landscaping with native plants that furnish cover, seeds and insects for birds allows people to enjoy watching birds year-round. But maybe there’s no yard or an individual doesn’t have the time or physical ability to maintain a garden, according to press release from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Those would-be birdwatchers can still draw birds to the home all year by using bird-feeding stations. The key is choosing the right seed for feeder.

Increase those bird-ID skills by watching their different feeding habits. Some songbirds, like the junco, prefer to feed directly on the ground. Cardinals and blue jays will feed on the ground or a platform feeder while suet feeders or mealworms on a platform feeder will attract eastern bluebirds.

There is a variety of bird-feeding stations to choose from. Simple stations include placing seeds directly on the ground or by erecting a plain wooden platform. More complicated stations may include hooks, poles, cages, cylinder or silo-type feeders. The addition of baffles may help keep squirrels away.

A few tips to remember:

Birds often visit many feeding stations in a neighborhood. Wash feeders regularly to prevent the spread of diseases between birds.

Mount feeders in places where birds can see approaching predators and fly to safety.

Don’t place feeders near windows where reflections which can lead to deadly window strikes.