Basic tips to keep birds happy in winter
By ERIC BARRETT
OSU Ext. Educator
CANFIELD
We get lots of questions at the office about feeding the birds in the winter.
Many times, the questions are really just comments about how people enjoy feeding the birds.
Many amateur bird watchers may get some suet during the holidays, but they forget to do much for the birds during the coldest part of the year.
Besides buying food, here are some basic tips to keep the birds in your yard happy:
Provide water: You can provide small amounts of water near your feeder during the winter months. If you are a serious birder, you may even try a submergible heater.
Provide nature food: What flowers and shrubs are providing food in your yard or neighborhood throughout the winter? Are there berries or seeds available? Some native plants will help attract birds to your yard.
Protect the feeder: A feeder which is kept out of the harsh winter winds will be a more desirable place for birds to eat.
Keep Garfield at bay: Cats will thin your bird population. Consider this when placing your feeder and making plans to feed the birds.
Don’t forget to place the feeder in a place where you can watch the birds from your house. This will also remind you when the feeder needs refilled or cleaned.
The local chapter of the Audubon Society meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm in Canfield, across from the Canfield Fairgrounds.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about birding and to ask other birders about their favorite ways to feed the birds during the winter.
For information call 330-629-2473. Also go to these websites: www.birds.cornell.edu and http://go.osu.edu/birdfeeding.