A FEW TIPS

A FEW TIPS

How to attract birds

What birdscapers recommend:

Don’t cut annuals and perennials with seeds; birds can eat the seeds during the winter.

Rather than discard fallen leaves, rake them onto planted areas. Birds will pick through them for critters.

Set out bird feeders or suet as a winter food supply. Put each one near an evergreen or a brush pile so birds can seek refuge from predators and find winter shelter.

Use a birdbath heater to keep unfrozen water available for birds in the coldest weather.

Join Project FeederWatch. Keep track of birds that visit your feeders this winter and report the results to Cornell University ornithologists. The participation fee is $15 a year. To learn more, go to www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/.

Next growing season, plant with birds in mind. Gray dogwood as well as other dogwoods, serviceberry, spicebush, American cranberrybush viburnum and winterberry or Michigan holly are good choices. For others, see “Birdscaping in the Midwest” by Mariette Nowak (Itchy Cat Press, $27).