Q: Continued from last week, I’ve gotten my first backyard and I want to start attracting birds. Do you have any suggestions on making a great space for the birds to want to come to?
A: During these winter months it’s always good to peek out windows and watch a myriad of seed eating feathered creatures peeping about. Drawing them to your space isn’t difficult either.
The most paramount condition is water. If you will offer the birds fresh water along with feed, you’ll be the hit of the neighborhood.
Finding the feeders that appeal to you is easy, too. As long as the seed comes out of the feeder, the birds aren’t very concerned about the look. Feeders made of cedar will help keep the feeders more sanitary. Tube feeders are easy to clean and usually offer the ability to be filled with different types of seed for your feathered friends.
Creating your own feeders from stuff around the house works, too. I had an old garbage can lid sitting on a pile of cinder blocks that was a favorite gathering place for my creatures. I’d poked several holes right near the handle so any water accumulation would drain away, keeping the seed dry and safer. Thistle seed can be put in socks that will feed all manner of finches that grace us with their presence.
Remember, too, retail markets sell “socks” that can be refilled with new seed. The best part about the feeders is once you own them you usually have them for years. Blocks of suet can be placed in or near any feeder to give your birds an added source of fuel for the remaining winter period.
Seed for the birds can be found nearly everywhere. Look for it at any of our feed stores along the river. It can be found at all of the big box stores and don’t forget the birding boutique stores. You can find some of the coolest accouterments to add to your feeding fun.
Now there are some things about plant life you need to consider. Taller trees or shepherd hooks to hang the feeders are a given if you’ll be using hanging feeders.
Ground feeders should be placed in the open. Escape routes should be forefront in your design patterns to keep the birds safe. Birds can wing into evergreen bushes and hide easily from all manner of predator.
Consider adding several deciduous trees or taller shrubs to give your guests haven and a place to gather while they are visiting. You can even start to place piles of nesting materials around to encourage your newly attracted friends to stay and live in your space. Think about keeping a journal of what type and how many birds you can get to come to your diner. Have fun!
Q: Argh! I need to do something outdoors! What do you suggest?
A: It’s time to take your first weed inventory. Get out your sharp scuffle hoe – it’s sharp because you’ve kept it in a pail of sand containing a smidgen of oil and made movements like you’re churning butter periodically throughout your down time – or a pointed shovel and find the weeds.
This time of year you’ll be eliminating flixweed, commonly known as tansy or wild mustard. It’s showing up all over now, so go get it. If you consider dandelions weeds, get them, too. Then do some edging. Tidy up all of the perimeter edges so any blowing seed and clutter is more likely to keep on moving away.
Prevention is paramount. Any area that is laying barren, cover it with plastic so it doesn’t become a breeding ground for any interloping weeds this spring.
Granted we could have six more weeks of winter weather, and we do need far more moisture. But these projects should keep you outdoors enough to keep you healthy and more importantly, happy to be Digging In!
Need tips on growing your garden? How much to water those bushes? How to transplant a tree? Tracey Hobson is a certified nurseryman. Send your garden-related questions to Digging In, Rio Rancho/West Side Journal, P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, NM 87103.
