Food
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).
...see
full bird listings
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.
...more
info and photos
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.
...more info
and photos
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).
...more
info and photos
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.
...see the list
of types of feeders
Water
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
Shelter
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?
...more info and photos
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.
...more info and photos
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.
...more info and photos
Nesting
After the courtship (singing and dancing or
posturing) and territory defensive action (more singing and wing
flapping), it's time to build a home. Most birds construct a nest to
contain eggs and later their young. Placement of the nest and building
materials used are as varied as the birds themselves.
...more info
