Even though February is a winter month, not all birds fly south to find warmer weather. In fact, February is National Bird Feeding Month. Time to dust off those bird houses and crack the ice on the bird bath because our feathered friends are here and they are hungry. Whether you are a seasoned feeder or just wanting some natural music in the back yard, this is the month to do it.
Several different types of birdhouses and feeders cater to a wide variety of birds. Knowing what birds you might be catering to is a great place to start. There are several sites that can help you find what you are looking for. Here is a quick rundown of a few of the basics types of feeders you can use.
- Tube Feeder: Good for fending off squirrels and feeding chickadee-like birds
- Hopper Feeders: Good for multiple birds at once, it will accommodate all types, even larger birds.
- Suet Feeder: Good for attracting insects to organically feed woodpeckers and the like.
- Thistle Feeder: Good for small-beaked birds and keeping bigger animals out.
- Ground Feeder: Good for all types of birds, even those who would not fit on a hung feeder.
- Nectar Feeder: Good for long-beaked birds like hummingbirds
When setting up a feeding station, keep in mind the location and what you are putting into the feeders. If you are looking to excite the local aviary population, add some variety to the diet. Mix in a few berries or bits of fruit here and there or give them a reason to stick around with some peanut butter. Just having a different seed mix every once in a while can make all the difference.
Due to the cold in the winter, most of the natural food supply is exhausted during the winter. So have a good time making a birdhouse and then fill it up for all to enjoy.
Here is a quick FAQ with some of the dos and don’ts of winter bird feeding if you would like to get more involved.
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