To feed or not to feed, that is the question. Some purest will say no to feeding wild birds. However, feeding, particularly winter-feeding, is important to some because it helps to keep birds alive and healthy during severe weather. This will also put them into better physical condition for the breeding season.
Several things need be in place for successful feeding. First of all know your audience. Birds have a variety of needs depending upon the species. The following is a list of some of the winter birds and their preferred cuisine. Cardinals, chickadees, goldfinches, nuthatches, titmice, woodpeckers, jays and juncos preferred food is nutmeats. It should also be noted, that some of these birds will eat dry seed.
For example, the goldfinch is also fond of Canada thistle seed and cardinals love black oil sunflower seeds.
Suet cakes are a favorite of birds that are omnivores such as nuthatches, woodpeckers, and other birds that feed on insects and grubs during the winter. A second need is to place your feeder near areas where they can go to for a variety of needs. Placing the feeder near trees or shrubs gives them an overnight roost. Some birds like to take one seed to a branch near by to crack it open (chickadees and jays will do this). Tree and shrub cover also provides a place to dive into if a cooper's hawk or kestrel decides to visit. As a side note, if you set a dinner table, expect dinner guest. The hawk and kestrel are a part of nature and have their place in the food chain. Now you may understand my sign off at the end of the articles. (Nature is as Nature Does)
By the way, all raptors are protected species and can cost you considerably for illegal actions against them. If you ever observe anyone harming a raptor, call the division of wildlife at 419- 424-5000.
A third and often over looked need of winter birds is water. A birdbath or small garden pond with a heater in it is very important. Change the water every other day in the birdbath and use a shrub brush to clean the bottom. The fourth need is the feeder. Tube feeders are better for finches and platform feeder work well for birds such as doves. Some tube feeders have perches that only goldfinches can use upside down. Other birds have yet to learn this trick. With thistle seed being expensive, only the goldfinch eats the seed. Some birds, such as juncos, like to feed near the ground and therefore a ground feeder is in order. The fifth need is good food. Avoid birdseed that has high corn content. In fact, corn will often bring in unwanted species to your feeder such as house sparrows and brown-headed cowbirds. The corn adds weight to the bag but is not the preferred food of most songbirds. High sunflower and safflower content is a sign of a good mix. Buy in bulk at a good feed mill, nursery or bird specialty store. An example of such a store is Hochstettler's Old Mill. Keep the food in water proof containers and covered to keep out insects and mice. A metal small trashcan with a lid is an excellent storage container.
You can also go to this web site www.birdfeeding101.com to learn more about bird feeding.
The first 2008 recipient of the Non Consumptive Wildlife Conservation award goes to The Black Swamp Raptor Rehab Center. The centers current director and permit holder is Mrs. Diane Myers. The organization has been a state and federal licensed raptor rehab and education center since 1989. The former director started to work with raptor in 1986. The program was initiated at The Hancock Park District and then was moved in 1994 to The University of Findlay. Numerous pre vet students were given the opportunity to have real life experiences working with birds. One student Cassie Burns started with the center as an 8th grader, continued through high school and pre vet at The University of Findlay. She went on the The Ohio State University in veterinary medicine. A second young person, Dustin Borkosky, stated with the center in high school and is now Dr. Borkosky. Dr. Borkosky also went through The University of Findlay and OSU. Many students including some out of state students came to The University knowing that they could be a part of the rehab. The program is no longer with The University. However, students on their own, still take part in the program. The current director works with them and other youth organization such as The Girl Scouts. The Center is now a 503c non-profit organization. All of the center's helpers are volunteers. No one is paid for his or her help. Many have been with the center since its inception. Kevin and Sue Kitzler and their to sons Sam and Ben have been very active in the center. The boys still help on occasion and have moved on to adult life. Another long time volunteer is Barb Faber. Others with long service or recent include, Linda Gallant, Clair Harmon, Liz Long, U of F student Aaron Silveus, Regan O'Neill, Van Buren Naturalist Natalie Miller and Erica Giles. Last but not least is Mrs. Myer's husband Dan Myers. He has been a tremendous asset to the rehab. With the use of funds donated over time, he has been a major player in the construction of the new center's facilities. He also volunteers in the rehab program and the educational outreach. The center also could not function without all of the years of medical help from the Findlay Animal Hospital. Dr. Calland was one the first vets to treat rehab birds and continues to do so. Hundreds of raptors that have been injured directly or indirectly by humans or natural accidents have been helped by these dedicate people.
Both state and federal laws protect raptors. Report violation to 419-424-5000.
If you would like to be a part of a truly rewarding conservation effort or report an injured bird, please call Mrs. Diane Myers at 419-722-2090.
No one answered last month's question about the champion hibernator. Keep trying! E-mail your answers to bowerman4@verizon.net Also, start to send me birds you have seen this winter and I will list them in the February article.
I trust you had a very Merry Christmas and Will Have a Happy New Year
In closing, to the right is a new poem for you about 4 winter bird.
Nature is as Nature Does Mr. B
4 Winter Birds
By Ron Bowerman
December 17,2007 �
I have a cheerful disposition chick a dee dee dee
I am found in Native tradition
A black cap I wear
In an out I dart to the feeder with care
You know the blue jays are there
I look at the world up side down
This is the way my food is found
I may have a little Slavic in me
As I announce my presents
With nyet, nyet, nyet
By the way, how do you hatch a nut?
A red comma in a winter's sentence I am
In a backdrop of snow I make a memorable
Winter scene
I even look good in evergreen
On the ground I feed
A harbinger of winter I am
Gray, white and a black eye I ware
The bird humans changed my name they say
They do not have clue
Slate color is what I bear
Dark eyed Junk what?
I really do not care
What they do
Here all winter I will stay
So keep your feeders full
Please add a water bowl
As through winter we transcend
We will bring joy to your hearts
To winters end
