Backyard Habitat
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Backyard Habitat Elements
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Food
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Natural Foods
Not all birds eat the same
foods and the diet of individual birds changes
with availability. The supply of preferred
foods may vary due to weather, competition and
relocation (bird irruption and full migration).
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see full bird
listings
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Importance of Bird Feeding
February 1, 2009 -
February in the Northeast means cold weather,
landscapes and roadways filled with snow and
ice, and holidays of love and historical
remembrances. The usual nod to nature
occurs with that famous groundhog and his
shadow, as he is dragged from his den to do his
yearly weather man act. But rightly, the whole
month is also dedicated to honor those
enthusiastic bird feeders and the birds who love
them.
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more info and photos
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Selecting a Feeder
Birds are beautiful and graceful and have been
revered in art and literature since time began.
But they have no such appreciation or
sentimentality towards the objects that help
sustain their own lives. While we may take great
care in selecting the finest decorated and most
expensive bird feeders available, the little
guys only want a container that offers a
comfortable way to "sit at the table", dispenses
their favorite, fresh food, and is located in a
safe, sheltered (from the worst weather and
predators) spot in the backyard.
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more info and photos
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Food and Feeders by Bird
All
birds derive most of their diet, in warmer
weather at least, from nature. (Grain, flower,
grass and even seeds from trees; insects in
trees, on the ground, and flying in the air;
nuts, fruit, and berries from trees and bushes;
invertebrates, other birds' eggs, even garbage
and carrion. But still they eat frequently from
our feeders (it almost seems as if they eat
constantly from our feeders- even in summer).
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more info and photos
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Types of Bird Feeders
Here is a list of
various bird feeders with descriptions of what
we the food folks who fill them and the bird
folks who empty them, really think.
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see the list of types of feeders
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Water
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Water is a basic need
for birds and critters and providing it in
your backyard serves as an irresistible
attraction. Water may not be as
prevalent in the surrounding environment as
might be expected. Birds drink water, use it
for bathing and keeping feathers in good
flight condition and as an added benefit, it
can attract insects for birds to eat.
... more info and photos
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Shelter
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Snags
If you're new to
birding, you may wonder what people are
talking about when they refer to a 'snag'
they have placed in their yard. What exactly
is a 'snag' and why would you want one?
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more info and photos
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Benign Neglect
Brush and rock piles;
tall grasses; non-manicured bushes; and wild
weed patches are not necessarily a sign of
lazy gardeners. These features in a backyard
are what birds and little creatures are
looking for in a good, temporary bed and
breakfast or a more permanent home to raise
a family. Natural shelter from natural
predators can be found in this kind of
landscape.
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more info and photos
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Safe Passages
Birds need to travel
around your backyard to find all the things
necessary to sustain life. They may
enjoy eating from several different feeders
or snack on the ground underneath. Then they
might come to a birdbath for a cool drink.
Next a fun splash to clean the feathers and
a nearby perch to dry and preen themselves.
Maybe a berry bush or a cherry tree beckons.
This branch is good for singing to impress
that cute little bird over there. Hey, get
away from that tree; it's in my territory!
Okay, I might like that third birdhouse on
the left instead. Boy, I'm hungry for
sunflower seeds now from the yellow feeder,
the red one is almost empty.
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more info and photos
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