So, when I was growing up my mother used to have a number of bird feeders, sunflower seed, thistle in a sock etc. Over the years I got accustomed to having a little crowd outside in the back yard at least some time during the day. Blue Jays, junkoes, titmouse (mice), chickadee, goldfinch, starlings, sparrow, nothing elaborate, except maybe a bluebird or Baltimore Oriole, hummingbird, downy woodpecker etc.
Recently I decided to put up a feeder on a pole in the notched out lower section of an evergreen I cut back, and the birds must have heard about me, because they have been flocking to it in this bad weather.
It is funny certain birds have personality; the piliated woodpecker (not a downy) sits on the feeder and hogs the feeding holes, while the chickadees grab a seed and fly away allowing others to take a turn. If I decide to go to my car, the chickadees scold me with pronounced irritation. They seem to be quite bold; i can watch them from about 6 feet away, and they do not flee. It can be very relaxing taking a few minutes to watch the activity.
A friend of mine mentioned that in very cold weather, it is mindboggling how much energy a small bird has to consume just to keep warm. I believe dehydration is also an issue; I might look into a bird bath heater so they have something to drink.
If you want to entertain the kids or maybe get a crowd of low maintenance pets, I highly suggest putting up a feeder. You'll won't have to buy much, will never end up flushing any of them down the toilet, and they pretty much keep the poop outside.
-T
Recently I decided to put up a feeder on a pole in the notched out lower section of an evergreen I cut back, and the birds must have heard about me, because they have been flocking to it in this bad weather.
It is funny certain birds have personality; the piliated woodpecker (not a downy) sits on the feeder and hogs the feeding holes, while the chickadees grab a seed and fly away allowing others to take a turn. If I decide to go to my car, the chickadees scold me with pronounced irritation. They seem to be quite bold; i can watch them from about 6 feet away, and they do not flee. It can be very relaxing taking a few minutes to watch the activity.
A friend of mine mentioned that in very cold weather, it is mindboggling how much energy a small bird has to consume just to keep warm. I believe dehydration is also an issue; I might look into a bird bath heater so they have something to drink.
If you want to entertain the kids or maybe get a crowd of low maintenance pets, I highly suggest putting up a feeder. You'll won't have to buy much, will never end up flushing any of them down the toilet, and they pretty much keep the poop outside.
-T
Last edited: