October! A time of change. Winter will soon be settling in across the Central Great Plains and the signs are everywhere. Shorter daylight hours are changing the leaves from summer greens to autumn’s gold, red, and orange. The sweet aroma of a wood fire drifts from a chimney. And the blackbirds are massing in the tree tops waiting to be escorted south by the first cold front.

Our winter birds, the Red-breasted nuthatch, Dark-eyed Juncos, Harris’s and White-crowned sparrows, and others are beginning to arrive. They are replacing the birds of summer such as orioles, grosbeaks and bluebirds, which are now but warm weather memories. The warblers who have nested to our north are passing through this month, stopping in our yards for a splash in the bird bath and to glean what insects remain before retreating further south ahead of the approaching winter. Yes, autumn is a time of great change.

Autumn is also a time when many folks who didn’t maintain a bird feeder or two during the summer months are providing some supplemental food sources for our backyard birds during the winter. After all, when the snow blows and the temperatures plummet, our resident winter birds are a short thirty six hours from starvation. They only survive the coming frigid nights on what foods they can consume during the day.

Feeding birds in our backyards has become more than just a passing hobby. In fact, birding in the United States has become the fastest growing outdoor recreational activity for families and individuals, with close ties to gardening. The birds entertain us, they educate us, and they provide a natural form of insect control in our yards and gardens. But what does it take to feed birds and attract them to our yards? It’s very simple. Birds find food by sight. You put the food out and they will come.

In the past many people would just scatter the bird seed on the ground, or possibly have a single bird feeder filled with a general wild bird mix and expect all birds to enjoy their fill. However backyard bird feeding has become more specialized, targeting the specific feeding habits of birds to meet their needs. Some birds will only feed at elevated levels like the Chickadees, nuthatches, and goldfinch. Others, such as Juncos, doves, and native sparrows, feed primarily on the ground. Yet other birds like our woodpeckers and Brown Creepers prefer to feed around the tree trunk zone. Then there are the cardinals and Blue Jays, who are just plain opportunistic and will feed where ever the seed is provided.

Two of the most common style of bird feeders for attracting a large variety of birds are hopper feeders, which will attract large and small birds, and seed tube bird feeders designed primarily for smaller birds. Other bird feeders include ground and platform bird feeders which are undoubtedly the most versatile for attracting many bird species. And some specialized feeders, such as thistle tubes and suet cages that target specific groups of birds. These are the six types of bird feeders recommended for a basic backyard bird feeding program. Then there are those bird feeders that are more seasonal and used to attract a specific species of bird. These include hummingbird feeders, oriole and fruit feeders, and bluebird feeders.

Just as the type of bird feeder you select determines which birds you will attract, the bird seed you fill them with is just as important. Birds that feed at elevated hopper and seed tube bird feeders prefer sunflower seed, safflower seed, and other nut based mixes. If you put a general wild bird mix in these feeders, they will sweep through it picking out these products, scattering everything else to the ground.

Thistle feeders are for Nyjer thistle seed and finch mixes. Caution must be taken to assure the thistle seed is fresh or the finch you are trying to attract will reject it. A good finch mix contains only thistle seed and finely ground sunflower chips. Avoid those finch mixes with other so-called filler seeds.

General wild bird mixes have a base of white Proso millet with cracked corn, peanuts, and sunflower seeds added. They are best used on platform and ground feeders where birds can select the seed they want without sweeping through it. However, when purchasing a wild bird mix read the label. Many inexpensive general wild bird mixes contain filler seeds such as Milo, wheat, red millet, and other products that birds do not eat. As much as 40% of a bag of bird seed that contains these filler seeds can end up uneaten and wasted on the ground. There is a variety of no-waste and no-mess wild bird feeds on the market. Although they may cost a little more, it will save you money in the long run.

If squirrels are robbing the seed you intended for the birds to enjoy, you may want to consider adding a squirrel baffle or investing in a squirrel proof bird feeder. Another alternative is to use safflower seed, or the new Nutra-Saff safflower seed, in the bird feeders that squirrels seem determined to get on at all costs. Safflower seed will attract most all your favorite backyard birds, can be used in any type of bird feeder, but squirrels will not eat it.

Water for birds, especially during the winter months, is essential for their survival. Although they do not rely on any one food source, an open source of water in the winter can attract more birds than bird seed alone. There is an assortment of bird bath heaters and heated bird baths on the market that are thermostatically controlled and use less energy than a 60 watt light bulb. Fresh water does more for birds than just meet their fluid intake. Clean feathers provide better insulation during cold nights.

Finally, consider planting some habitat in your yard. All living things on our planet require food, water, and shelter. Hedges and shrubs will not only offer protection from bitter winter winds, but a place for birds to nest and provide a natural food source. Consult with a master gardener at your local nursery or the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Office about planting habitat for wildlife. Follow these tips then sit back and enjoy a backyard filled with your feathered friends.

Bird Feeder Guide - Bird feeders for a basic backyard bird feeding program

1. Backyard birds have different feeding requirements. Different styles of feeders will attract different and a larger variety of birds to your backyard. These are the basic bird feeders for an all around good backyard bird feeding program:

Seed Tube Bird Feeder: Open port seed tube bird feeders are considered exclusive bird feeders meaning, they exclude many larger birds. These feeders primarily attract a variety of smaller birds. However, when a seed saver tray is added, it will allow larger birds a place to perch and feed.

• Exclusive bird feeder.
• Excludes larger birds.
• Primarily feeds smaller birds such as chickadees, finch, and nuthatches.
• Made from a variety of materials. (PVC, Polycarbonate, steel, acrylic) Most PVC and
• Polycarbonate tubes carry a lifetime guarantee.
• Preferred feed to use is black oil sunflower seed, sunflower hearts, safflower seed, or other nut based mixes.
• Easily hung, but can be post mounted.
• Seed saver trays can be attached to the bottoms.
• A good starter feeder for the backyard.

Nyjer Thistle: A very specialized feeder for Nyjer thistle or finch mixes which primarily attracts birds of the finch family such as Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch and Pine Siskin. Indigo Buntings will feed on these feeders if those birds are in your area.
A tube feeder that is designed for feeding Nyjer thistle, a small imported seed.
Attracts goldfinch, house finch, pine siskin, purple finch. Indigo buntings and other finch like birds.

• Made from a variety of materials.(PVC, Polycarbonate, steel, acrylic, and wood. PVC and
• Polycarbonate tubes usually carry a lifetime guarantee.)
• Use Nyjer thistle or a quality finch mix.(Best Finch Mix: 50% Nyjer seed and 50% fine sunflower chips.)
• Hang thistle feeders near small bushes or trees with lower branches.

Hopper Bird Feeders: This is a good all around feeder for attracting a variety of both large and small backyard feeder birds. It is considered a non-exclusive bird feeder since it does not exclude any birds. If the feeding area is large enough occasionally ground feeding birds will feed on this type of feeder, especially if the ground is covered with snow or ice.

• Non-exclusive feeder which attracts both large and small birds.
• Storage capacity for holding quantities of feed.
• Available in a variety of durable materials. (Cedar, metal, recycled plastic, acrylic)
• Recommended feeds: black oil sunflower seed, safflower seed or any nut based mix combination.
• Can be hung or post mounted.
• Good basic backyard bird feeder.

Platform Bird Feeders: Elevated platform bird feeders are another of the non-exclusive bird feeders. It does not exclude any birds. Large and small birds alike can access it very easily along with some birds that typically feed on the ground.

• A non-exclusive bird feeder that is very versatile.
• Can be hung or mounted on a pole or post. Some have a roof to protect the seed from inclement weather.
• Screen or perforated steel or nylon bottoms prevent water from accumulating in the feeder and helps to dry out seed if it becomes wet.
• Available in a variety of durable materials. (Cedar, metal, recycled plastic and acrylic)
• Recommended feeds: Black oil sunflower seed, safflower seed, sunflower hearts, or any nut based mix combination. Also a good feeder to use with general wild bird mixes.
• Excellent bird feeder for peanuts in the shell, meal worms, and fruits.

Ground Feeders: Ground bird feeders are the perfect feeder for ground foraging birds such as native sparrows, juncos and doves. Also attractive to the more opportunistic birds such as Cardinals and Jays. These feeders keep the bird seed off the ground reducing spoilage. Besides being more sanitary for the birds it is also keeps debris off the ground and is easier to dispose of the shells.

• Ground feeders are just that, feeders which sit on or near to the ground for ground foraging birds such as mourning doves, native sparrows, Juncos, and towhees.
• Screen or perforated bottoms prevent water from standing in the feeder and allows the seed to air dry after rain & snow. Available with or without roofs.
• Use safflower seed and white Proso millet in this feeder which will attract a variety of the birds you prefer while deterring squirrels and the Common Grackles. (A good feeder for general wild bird mixes if squirrels are not a problem.)
• A variety of other birds will also feed at ground level such as northern cardinals and house finch.
• Keeps seed off the ground to prevent spoiling.
• Can be located under an existing feeder to catch seeds dropped by birds.

Suet Bird Feeders: Suet bird feeders using either commercial suets, or suet from your local meat market, provide a great source of year round protein. Placed on or near a tree this feeder will attract Nut Hatches, Brown Creepers, Chickadees, and a variety of woodpeckers. Wrens will occasionally feed on the suet as well. Suet is in high demand for these birds during the spring and summer months.

• Suet is for the birds of the tree trunk zone.
• Commercial suets of 100% rendered beef fat are preferred. There is a large variety of commercial suets which contain various products from seeds and nuts to fruits mixed into 100% tallow.Pure suets, mixtures which do not contain nuts, seed and other products are least attractive to squirrels and European Starlings.
• Feed suet year round. Although it provides a great source of energy during the winter months, birds will actually consume more animal protein between March and August during the stresses of nesting and raising their young. Oftentimes woodpeckers will bring their young to the suet feeder once they have fledged the nest.
• Up-side down suet feeders will help to reduce Starlings from over-powering the feeder. Suet feeders surrounded by cages will repel Starlings as well as squirrels.
  If using a simple hanging wire suet basket, simply leave the hard plastic shell on the suet cake so the suet is only exposed one side. Then hang the basket at a steep angle or directly upside down. If Starlings land on the top they cannot peck through the plastic shell.

2. General wild bird mixes are best placed on or near the ground for ground feeding birds. Reserve elevated feeders for the nuts or nut based mixes. Avoid general bird mixes containing Milo, red millet or wheat. These are filler seeds which bulk up the weight thus lowering the price. While game birds and house sparrows consume these products they are not desired by song birds. Read the label for key ingredients.

3. Thistle seed has an extremely short shelf life of 3 to 5 months. This is the result of heat sterilization of the imported seed by the USDA. This method is used to avoid introducing non-native plants into North America. A newly purchased bag of thistle seed does not guarantee freshness since many merchants may stock large quantities for long periods of time. Songbirds will reject feeders containing old thistle seed is the primary cause in failing to attract birds to a thistle feeder. Inquire about the freshness of the seed you purchase, or purchase from reputable suppliers.

4. To deter squirrels and grackles, use safflower seed by itself in any of the bird feeders with the exception of thistle tube feeders. Safflower seed is attractive to cardinals, house finch, chickadees, doves and other birds, yet grackles rarely feed on it if at all. A feeder filled with safflower seed may be hung in a tree next to a squirrels nest and they will totally ignore it. Make it a part of you feeding program. It may take up to a week for your birds to become accustomed to safflower seed if it has never been offered to them before.

5. Although winter is the traditional bird feeding period, many people have established year round bird feeding programs. Natural foods become scarce after winter until a new crop of seeds and berries ripen in late summer. Wildlife biologists have found that birds nest earlier, quicker, and have more successful nestings when supplemental foods are offered. This is due to less time spent foraging and competing for low food reserves after winter. For example: Woodpeckers during the nesting season eat more suet between March and July than all winter long. You can attract a large variety of birds through-out the year by establishing a year round bird feeding program.

6. Providing a fresh source of water for birds is an important feature during all seasons. Puddles of rain water contain pollutants and toxins that are harmful to birds. In winter, open water is a rare commodity. Searching for water in frigid temperatures can waste precious energy needed to get birds through cold winter nights. And clean feathers provide valuable insulation to help keep them warm. Motion created in water, either by a waterfall or a dripper, attracts high flying birds, and is heard at a great distance.

These are the six basic bird feeders for a well planned backyard bird feeding program. For more information on additional kinds of bird seed to use with these bird feeders, and what birds you can expect to attract, please refer to the Bird Seed Preference Guide.

Dave Titterington of the Wild Bird Habitat Stores. Providing bird enthusiasts with quality backyard bird feeding products and information since 1993. With two locations in Lincoln, Nebraska, or at http://www.wildbirdhabitatstore.com

Teaming With Wildlife

Teaming With Wildlife
Teaming With Wildlife is a national coalition of more than 5,000 organizations working together to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered. The coalition works to support increased public funding for wildlife conservation and associated recreation and education in every state. The Teaming With Wildlife Coalition includes wildlife biologists, state wildlife agencies, conservationists, hunters, anglers, birdwatchers, nature-based businesses, and many others who support the goal of restoring and conserving our nation’s wildlife.
Every state was required to create a Wildlife Action Plan. Wildlife Action Plans identify how we can prevent wildlife from becoming endangered. By focusing on conserving lands and clean waters, thereby providing healthy habitat, wildlife action plans have important benefits for wildlife and people. The plans access the condition of each state’s wildlife, identify the problems they face, and outline the actions needed to conserve them for the long term.
Nebraska’s Wildlife Action Plan, the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project, was rated one of the top ten most comprehensive action plans among all states by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency and the Doris Duke Foundation. Efforts are underway to increase the Nebraska State Teaming With Wildlife Coalition which currently has 250 endorsements. If your organization, business, or agency would like to join Nebraska’s Teaming With Wildlife Coalition by endorsing the project please contact Mark Humpert, non-game wildlife manager, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, at mark.humpert@ngpc.ne.gov. or contact Dave Titterington at the Wild Bird Habitat Store. For more information about Teaming With Wildlife log on at www.teaming.com. Help us make sure we leave our children, and our children’s children, a natural world they can enjoy. There is no cost to endorse the project, but the cost of what's at stake is very real.

Wingtip: Did you know that in Nebraska there are 15 endangered species and 13 species listed as threatened? The list includes: 7 bird species, 5 mammals species, 7 fish species, 2 insect species, 7 plant species, and 1 species each of reptile and mussel. This does not include the dozens of plant and wildlife species on the list of concerned or species of special interest that could become threatened or endangered in the near future if nothing is done.

Learn more about Teaming With Wildlife and what your state is doing along with your state's coalition members at http://www.teaming.com/.

Wild Bird Habitat Store

Save Our Boreal Birds

Did you enjoy the birds from the Northern Boreal Forests that patronized your bird feeders this past winter? The Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Purple Finch, Crossbills and others? How about now during spring migration? The Kinglets, Vireos, Warblers, and many other neo-tropical migrants passing through Nebraska? There are also a large variety of shorebirds and waterfowl that move through the state using the Central Great Plains and Missouri River flyways which makes Nebraska one of the most unique birding spots on the North American Continent. And what do many of these birds have in common? More than half their population breeds in the Northern Boreal Forests in Canada, and the population of many of these birds have declined by up to 70% in the past 40 years.

Canada's Boreal Forest, a 1.3 billion acre green garland stretching from Yukon to Newfoundland, is one of the world’s most unique and important eco-systems. The billions of birds raised in North America’s Bird Nursery leave their nests in the fall and migrate to winter locations throughout North, Central, and South America. Many of our favorite backyard birds begin their lives in the Boreal.

Unfortunately, the Boreal Forest is steadily being carved up by unchecked oil and gas, mining, logging, and hydro development. While less than 8% of the Boreal Forest is permanently protected, already 30% has been allocated to industry.

In recent years, there have been long term declines in many Boreal birds species. Rusty Blackbirds have declined 95%, Olive-sided Flycatchers, Boreal Chickadees, Bay-breasted and Canada Warblers, and Evening Grosbeaks by more than 70%, and scaup and scooters by over 50%.

Fortunately there is still time to ensure that the Boreal remains North America’s Bird Nursery. Canadian governments must take responsibility for conserving this precious natural legacy before the birds we love face extinction. Show your concern for the future of Canada’s Boreal Forest and the billions of birds that rely on it.

Sign the petition today, urging government leaders to protect the Boreal. Birds know no borders, and you don’t have to be a Canadian citizen to sign the petition. Log on to:
http://www.saveourborealbirds.org/
and sign the petition today. It’s essential if we want to continue to enjoy the diversity of birds in North America, and guarantee that our children and grandchildren may expect the same.
Wild Bird Habitat Store