Bird Bath and Feeder Fun: Keeping Our Feathered Friends (and Squirrels) Happy!
Hey there, my feral friends!
I'm not sure when it happened. One day I woke up and found a live stream of a bird feeder in Gettysburg PA. It was so much fun to watch and the bird sounds were so relaxing. Then I found a live cam in South Africa, then New York, and it kept going. Then our son had a college class where we needed to go out and listen to birds and log all the different species that we heard. Ya'll, I was hooked! We found an app that tells us what birds are singing and lots of information about them. And I just knew that I had to have feeders of my own. So I am officially a bird watcher.
So this week, we are taking a break from the kitchen to talk about something just as important- keeping our backyard wildlife happy and healthy. With the severe drought we're experiencing, it's crucial to provide fresh water and food for our feathered friends and those sassy squirrels. So, let's dive into the world of bird baths, feeders and squirrel treats.
Why It Matters:
Providing water and food not only birds and squirrels survive but also brings a lively and beautiful atmosphere to your backyard. Watching them flutter around and enjoy the treats you've put out can be incredibly rewarding.
Keeping the Bird Bath Clean:
1. Regular Cleaning:
Dump out the old water every day and give the bird bath a quick rinse.
Once per week (or more if needed), scrub it with a mixture of water and dish soap. I use the pretty blue one. If it is safe enough to help greasy baby ducks, it is safe enough for my wild birdies. But make sure that you rinse thoroughly to ensure no soap residue remains.
2. Algae Prevention:
You can add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to the water to help prevent algae growth. I don't do this. I just scrub it with soap every other day instead. Yes this is added work for me, but I am trying to keep things a little more clean and natural for the birds.
Placing your bird bath in a shady area, will help keep the algae away, but alas, I have no shade.
3. Fresh Water:
Make sure you give the birdies fresh, clean water every day.
In times of drought, it is important to refill the bird bath several times a day with fresh, cool water. This not only helps the birds stay hydrated but also keeps the water clean and cool.
Also remember to make sure your bath is full of clean water at night. Even the deer get thirsty.
Feeding The Birds:
1. Good Healthy Food:
Offer a variety of seeds to attract different bird species. I go completely overboard. That's my MO. You don't have to take out a bank loan to feed the birds. Picking just one feeder to start with is totally fine. A nice seed blend will attract a variety of birds, or you could pick a blend to bring in your favorites. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite for many different birds.
Consider suet cakes for an energy boost, especially in the colder months. I have found that my woodpeckers prefer the meal worm suet, over the seed cakes.
2. Keep Those Feeders Clean:
Clean your feeders every 2 weeks or sooner with a solution of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before refilling. (You can also find pre-made cleaner in stores)
I also take a bleach wipe and wipe the poo off every couple days in between my deep cleaning.
3. Location, Location, Location:
Experts say to place your feeders in a quiet, sheltered area to protect birds from predators and harsh weather. I have mine in the front yard so I can see them from the living room. They don't seem to mind. They live in my front bushes, so they are used to road noise. I do pull down and secure my feeders when we have a storm coming.
Don't Forget The Rodents:
1. Squirrel (and Chipmunk) Friendly Snacks:
Squirrels love nuts! (Especially peanuts, but please get unsalted, we don't want a bunch of squirrels with high blood pressure), sunflower seeds, and corn.
You can also buy specific squirrel food to keep them happy and away from the bird feeders.
I will also give them fresh veggies if I have some available, but they prefer the snacks. Don't we all?
2. Separate Feeding Stations:
Set up a separate Feeding area for the squirrels to keep them from raiding the bird feeders. Squirrel feeders with corn cobs or special squirrel blocks help. I would suggest putting a squirrel baffle on your bird feeder pole, because even with their own feeding station, they will help themselves to the yummy bird food.
3. Water for Squirrels:
Just like birds, squirrels need fresh water. Make sure to leave a shallow dish of water out for them as well. I found small cat bowls at the store and they work perfectly. I went with ceramic because I was worried about melamine leaching into the water from the hot VA summer sun.
4. Water for the Bees:
An added tip, especially during dry weather, have a bowl, lid, or plant plate for the bees. They are so very important to our ecosystem and desperately need fresh water as well. It is very simple. I have a shallow bowl with aquarium gravel and a few river rocks in it for the bees and butterflies. Although right now the sparrows think it is their own bath tub.
A Few Tips:
Wildlife Watching: Place your bird bath and feeders where you can easily watch the wildlife from inside your home. It's like having your own nature show!
DIY Projects: Get crafty and make your own bird feeders and squirrel feeders from recycled materials. It's a fun project and great for the environment.
Here is a little glimpse into my daily routine. Check out my bird feeding setup and supplies!
Today was cleaning day, so everything got torn down, scrubbed, dried and refilled. It took awhile. Luckily I had this handsome fellow sing to me while all the cleaning was taking place.
There you have it, my feral friends-a quick guide to keeping our backyard wildlife happy during these tough times. Remember, a little effort goes a long way in helping our feathered and furry friends thrive. Happy Birding!
IT TAKES NOTHING AWAY FROM A HUMAN TO BE KIND TO AN ANIMAL
Love,
Leigh
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