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FEBRUARY 2009
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THIS ISSUE:
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February is National Bird Feeding Month
Most birds that stay in the area during the winter are seedeaters. Birds need extra energy and fat reserves to keep warm and sustain life during the winter’s cold and food-scarce conditions. During the day, birds spend their time eating continuously so that they will have enough calories to burn to keep them warm during the night. Suet and seeds high in fat such as Nyjer and sunflower seeds are excellent choices to offer at your feeder. They provide more calories (energy!) than carbohydrates and proteins of equal weight. Safflower seeds are another good choice and the added bonus is that squirrels and grackles don’t like it! Lyric Supreme is a premium, all around birdseed mix to attract the greatest variety of birds including cardinals, finches, woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, juncos, pine siskins and more.
In the winter it is particularly difficult for birds to find water. Special birdbath heaters are available which will warm the water enough to provide your birds with a much-needed place to drink and bathe and help to keep their feathers in good condition. In the winter, birds fluff up their feathers to act as insulation to keep themselves warm.
Where to put your feeder? The best place to put your feeder for the winter is anywhere which has some shield from gusty winter winds. Feeders should be placed in a sunny area about 8 – 10 feet from shrubs or evergreens where birds can find shelter from inclement weather and easily see predators. Birds have distinct preferences for heights and types of feeders, so place your feeders in different locations around your yard to reduce overcrowding. If all of your feeders are in one area, a dominant species will keep the others away.
Throughout the month of February, in honor of National Bird Feeding Month, the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield will be offering a 20% discount on all bird seed purchases. No pre-orders required. The Center’s Nature Store offers a wide selection of Lyric bird seed for attracting the greatest variety of birds to your feeder during the winter months. Knowledgeable staff will be on hand to answer general bird feeding questions, and offer guidance on feeder selection and placement as well as seed choices. Feeders, accessories and seed are available year ‘round in the Nature Store. The store hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 – 4:30pm and Sunday 12:00noon to 4:00pm.
For questions and more information about feeders and bird seed, visit the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield at 2325 Burr Street. The Connecticut Audubon Society website www.ctaudubon.org offers additional information on statewide events and facilities.
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