Bringin' in the Birds

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Now sprinkle some birdseed and bits of white bread on the tray. Birds sometimes hesitate to try store-bought seed, but white bread (not wheat, not rye—only white) is a sure-fire lure. Of course it's also nutritionally hollow, so consider it strictly a grand-opening come-on.

You'll have to restock the tray every day or two because the food is exposed to rain, wind and four-legged critters—a disadvantage of using this kind of feeder long-term. Fortunately, within a week or so you should have plenty of regular customers. Then you can put out better (roofed, watertight) feeders filled with more nutritious food. Gradually cut back the rations on the tray (starting with the bread), and the birds will switch to the feeders.

WATCH THE WEATHER

All things considered, winter birds are amazingly resourceful, resilient survivors. Under most conditions they'll get along just fine without human intervention. This is not necessarily the case, however, in extremely harsh weather. Severe storms, bitter high winds, long periods of extreme cold and a host of other potentially deadly variables from Mother Nature can take a significant toll on bird populations. During these times, feeders may be their only reliable, accessible food sources. Try always to keep your feeders stocked, but make doubly sure during periods of sleet, ice, snow or serious cold.

Put fresh water out daily, too, when temperatures stay below freezing. If you have a birdbath, use a commercial birdbath-heating element to keep the water from icing. Or just make breaking any ice a morning ritual.

PRACTICE CROWDAND PEST CONTROL

To prevent overcrowding at your backyard diner while attracting as many kinds of birds as possible, offer a variety of seeds and treats in feeders located at different levels and spaced sufficiently to give all comers a place at the table. Be aware, however, that some birds will try to monopolize your feeders. If large species such as pigeons and blackbirds are scaring smaller songbirds away, use perchless hanging feeders that won't support the heavier callers. Or just toss bread or cracked corn on the ground away from other feeders, to give the bullies their own food.

Squirrels, of course, are infamous for their ability to get into bird feeders. To discourage them, avoid hanging your feeders from tree limbs and beneath eaves. Instead, mount feeders on individual poles at least 6 feet off the ground and beyond jumping distance (about 6 feet) from your roof or surrounding trees.

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