Wouldn't it be nice to be visited each day by cheerful, chirping birds that you could watch from your window.
They're pretty and fun to watch, but in colder climes their natural food is scarce in February and March. Many die of starvation, especially if there is snow on the ground.
Naturalists at Wild Birds Unlimited say feeders increase the survival rate of birds by 50 percent.
Now is a good time to create your own bird haven. Supplying proper food, water and shelter is the key. Birds must build up before the coldest part of winter. They need body fat to keep them warm on cold nights. And they need the protective cover of trees and shrubs about 15 feet from feeders.
A mix of black oil sunflower seed, white millet and safflower seeds will attract most local birds. They will not eat mixes that have a lot of cracked corn, wheat and milo seed.
Hopper-type feeders with landing platforms work well and allow some seed to fall for ground-feeding birds. But don't scatter a lot of seed on the ground. Either squirrels will eat it or it will rot.
Feeders can be made from wood or plastic. Ground feeders with roofs and open sides keep seed dry. Squirrels often get to the seed, but they are hungry too.
The Audubon Society recommends putting seed out early in the morning and topping it off at night.
Feed the birds regularly and watch the show!
