Bringin' in the Birds

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I f squirrels become a problem at a tree-mounted feeder, tack a 3-foot section of sheet metal around the trunk or branch. Or invest in a commercial squirrel-proof feeder. Most models are all-steel (squirrels easily chew through plastic) and feature a weighted perch mechanism that allows birds to dine but closes the food hopper when visited by fat, furry four-leggers. If all else fails, try putting feed out each day just 30 minutes before nightfall, when squirrels already are bedded down but many birds are still foraging.

Diseases such as salmonella can spread at bird feeders. Clean your feeders at least once a year—some experts say once a month is not too often. Use a stiff brush to scrub feeders thoroughly with a 10 percent bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts warm water), then rinse them well and wipe them dry.

THINK NUTRITION

Not all birdseed is created equal, and not all birds like all birdseed. Supermarket mixtures are often heavy on low-nutrient, lowdemand seeds such as milo. Instead, buy individual types in bulk and mix your own. Or offer different kinds in different feeders.

Black oil-type sunflower and white proso millet will attract nearly all kinds of seed-eating backyard birds and are by far the most popular with the widest variety of species. Use them in most of your feeders, then add some variety with nutritious but more species-specific fare. Niger thistle appeals especially to pine siskins, goldfinches, and purple and house finches. Peanut kernels are ambrosia to the tufted titmouse. Jays and cardinals enjoy munching into black-stripe sunflower seeds. Cracked corn is a favorite of mourning doves, grackles and juncos.

SUET'LL DO IT

Most birds eat insects as well as seeds. In winter, suet (raw fat) serves as an important high-calorie substitute for summer's six-legged protein. Woodpeckers, flickers, chickadees and nuthatches are among the many species that benefit from it. Chunks of hard, unstringy beef suet are best. Just hang some outside in a plastic mesh bag or wire-mesh suet holder. It'll be eaten long before it spoils. Or if you prefer, pack softened suet into pine or hemlock cones and tie the cones to tree branches. Or better yet, stuff the cones with this high-fat, high-protein recipe: Combine 2 cups of warm, melted suet with 1 cup each of yellow cornmeal and peanut butter. Cool, stuff and serve.

DON'T FORGET THE GRIT

Grit is essential in most birds' diets, both as an aid to digestion and as a source of minerals. Birds usually get all they need from sand, tiny pebbles and such, but snow cover can make grit tough to find. (That's why you sometimes see birds in winter pecking at asphalt roof shingles.) To help, put out a small dish of coarse sand—preferably seashore sand, which contains calcium-rich shell and high-mineral quartz. Chicken egg shells, dried and crushed, also are a good source of grit and calcium. Add them to whatever birdseed or suet mixtures you use.

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