Attracting Songbirds - All Year Long

Although it seems like most of us have been living with our windows closed and our air conditioners humming in the background, eventually we will be able to open our windows and listen to something other than a Trane.

And if you long for the sounds of a wren or a cardinal calling its mate, a blue jay scolding a squirrel or nuthatches scrambling up and down a poplar tree near your porch or deck, then you have to remind yourself that winter is not the only time for filling your birdfeeders.

While birds depend on us far more in the winter than they do in the summer months, they will stick around and entertain us with their songs all summer long - provided we pay them in seed and provide some adequate housing.

Naturally, my advice will have to be general in nature, for certain species of birds only inhabit specific regions of the country. With that disclaimer, let me pass along some suggestions from the experts in the field:

Hummingbirds - While they don't often sing for us, their aerial acrobats are entertaining. They are territorial, so the more feeders you have - spread apart in your yard - the more hummers you will attract. Don’t use red food coloring in the sugar-water solution, as that can harm the little guys. A little red plastic on the feeder or a red ribbon will suffice. Change the solution every 3-4 days; more often in hot weather. No need to fill it more than halfway, as it will go sour before they drink that much. And keep it clean. They don’t like to drink mold anymore than we do. An old toothbrush and hot water (no detergent!) should do the trick.

Ground Feeders (cardinals, doves) - They generally eat what the other birds and squirrels knock off the feeders, but if you mount a simple platform feeder large enough for them to land on and feel comfortable, it will keep them safe from neighborhood cats.

Insect Eaters (woodpeckers) - These are the forgotten birds in our yards, but they are a delight to watch and listen to. While they will eat at a standard feeder, they love suet. It’s a little messy, but certainly worth the bother.

Perching Birds (nuthatch, titmouse, etc.) - There are lots of varieties of seeds and feeders, so let me share some universal advice: clean them! When seeds get wet from dew or rain, they ferment and provide food for organisms that are harmful to birds. Clean your feeders often and keep your birds healthy.

Speaking of staying healthy, no leftovers for your birds! They do not need potato chip crumbs, saturated fats and artificial ingredients. Neither do we, but our systems have had time to adjust, sort of.

Also, keep feeders away from corners of your house with windows that give them the illusion they can fly right on through. No one likes to find a dead bird beneath a window.

And nesting boxes are not just for laying eggs. Birds seek shelter during storms, so hang appropriate nesting boxes (its all about the size of the hole) for the birds you want to attract and, like the feeders, keep them clean. If you are handy in the shop, it's a great way to use up scrap wood and partial cans of paint.

Finally, all birds need water. Lots of it. Have a couple of birdbaths and, again, keep them clean. They really would prefer clean water over some algae-infested puddle.

A little investment reaps a great - and natural - reward, especially after a long day at work.

- Bruce