HOW TO EAT LIKE A BIRD

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

Fruit

Fruit is a favorite food of many birds, including those that will ordinarily not come to seed feeders. In mild climates it can be offered throughout the year; in places with cold winters, fruit is best offered in the warmer months to attract the migratory birds. Orioles and tanagers are particularly fond of oranges and bananas. Other birds, such as rose-breasted grosbeaks, mockingbirds, catbirds, robins, and bluebirds, will be attracted to apples, cherries, grapes, and raisins. Cut oranges, bananas, and apples in half. Spear them on branches, use special fruit feeders, or place the fruit on a platform feeder. It can take the birds so long to catch on to the fruit that it may rot first. Replace it (perhaps in a more obvious place) and be patient. Squirrels and raccoons may also make off with your fruit. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about this.

Editor's Note: adapted from The Birdfeeder's Handbook (Lyons & Burford), by Shelia Buff. An Orvis guide, the book details birdhouses, landscaping for birds, and how to identify birds in your backyard. It is available at your favorite bookstore or by sending $12.45 postpaid to Lyons & Burforf, 31 W. 21st St., New York, NY 10010.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print