By Aldona Bird
Scott Cavallaro, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Morgantown, said “it’s prime nesting season right now.” Put out boxes and houses to attract nesting blue birds, chickadees, tree swallows, Carolina wrens, owls, “even woodpeckers will come to a nesting box.”
Each bird needs a different size box, so shop for a variety or a specific size for particular birds.
To attract and feed seed birds, install bird feeders. Like houses, different feeders and mixes suit different birds.
Finches have a specific feeder, with small holes and small feed for small beaks.
Tube feeders are very popular can hold almost any type of seed, and have bigger portals for a range of bird sizes.
Hopper feeder, shaped like a house with glass windows attract doves, cardinals, bigger birds along with smaller varieties.
Tray, or community feeders can attract the most diversity of birds. “Birds feel really safe there,” Cavallaro said, because they can keep an easy eye out for predators.
Squirrel-proof feeders are a great backyard option. These can house peanuts in a tube with a screen, and will attract woodpeckers and nuthatches.
Seed cylinders are compacted seed, like a popcorn ball for birds, held together with gelatin. Birds can peck away at these without the need for a feeder.
The core ingredient in most feeds, according to Cavallaro, is black oil sunflower seeds. Most birds love these seeds. Other ingredients include safflower seeds, white millet, peanuts in or out of shell.
Dried fruit in feed mixes can attract a greater diversity of birds, to include those which don’t feed on seeds. Dried or live mealworms will bring blue birds to snack.
“Birdbaths are extremely important to have, because birds need water,” Cavallaro said. Baths provide birds with places to drink and keep clean. Heated baths are important in the winter, because clean feathers help keep birds as warm as possible.
In summer droughts bird baths help birds stay hydrated as well as bathe.
Cavallaro said bird baths, to maintain cleanliness, should not be placed too close to feeders. He said 20-30 feet away is optimum. Placing baths in the shade is best because sun stimulates algae growth. Baths should be scrubbed every three to four days and fresh water should be added.
To watch birds in trees and in flight, Cavallaro recommends 8x42s binoculars, which are small and not too heavy, and magnify just enough without putting a drag on users arms. He said $250-$300 price range is reasonable for a good pair, and worth the cost to be able to watch bird activity away from a nearby feeder.
