by Paul McLellan

Finding a good hobby is one of the great joys in life. Sharing it with others makes it that much more rewarding. A family bird feeder is an enjoyable way to ensure a common interest in daily life around the home.

Bird feeding is a centuries-old tradition. Today, bird feeding is a simple yet extremely rewarding and entertaining hobby for all family members. With proper information, realistic expectations and modest effort a variety of birds will be quick to visit. The benefits of attracting birds are numerous and include enhanced family communication, neighbourhood participation, and increased awareness of native birds and the environment.

Feeding birds is similar to owning and managing any pet, but with considerably less work. Good forethought and planning is critical to success. When you plan any feeder project try to include all family members so everyone has similar expectations. Some of the more important topics to discuss are type and placement of feeders, costs, chores and responsibilities.

Loss of habitat, which provides food, water, shelter, and space, is the primary problem facing our native species of birds. Therefore, your feeding program should act as a compliment to the planting and nurturing of a variety of native perennials, shrubs, and trees. These provide natural shelter and food and are emphasized throughout this website. Most birds will choose natural food first, so feeding at stations is more likely to occur during times of colder weather. Fall, therefore, is the optimum time to start your feeding program.

Success is best achieved by starting small and slowly expanding. Birds first need to find the food, so scattering bread or other fresh crumbs on the ground is a good way to start. Dried white bread is excellent for easy spotting by the birds. Add a scattering of shiny objects (buttons, pieces of tin foil) to get their attention. But, be sure to select an area where cats can't hide, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting birds. And, be sure to use small amounts of food to keep it fresh. Once you have identified the species visiting you, you can select your regular type of feeding program. Keep it simple, place feeders in a spot where they will be easy to view, and solve problems as they occur.

Although the simplest form of feeding is to scatter it on the ground, in the long run this invites pests. Keeping unwanted species of birds and animals away is your most serious challenge. It is not beneficial to attract non-native birds such as pigeons, house sparrows and the European starling. For ideas on which feeder to choose see Types of Feeders.

An effective squirrel baffle can help solve one of the biggest problems if you also keep in mind that squirrels can jump up to 8 feet from neighbouring trees. There are many commercial products available to keep squirrels from invading your feeders, but make sure the product is substantial, has a proven history, is simple to use and is suitable for your particular climate. I have had the most success with using wooden feeders mounted on a steel pole with a baffle under the feeder. I also like a small hanging feeder under a convex baffle. I do not encourage it, but some people do a bit of hand feeding of squirrels. Remember, they are wild animals and should be kept at a distance. The favourite food of most native birds is sunflower seed. It is readily available and easy to dispense. Other types of feed are millet, niger, and peanuts. See Table 1 to identify the most common birds and the foods they prefer. Try to avoid mixtures that have large amounts of grain products or corn. These types of mixtures have a tendency to attract undesirable species such as the house sparrow, European starling, and pigeon.

If you follow these guidelines and refer to the accompanying information, you should have good success in attracting and keeping birds. Don't get discouraged if birds don't come right away. Most people enjoy success by their second year after reviewing the location, environment, and feeders and making any necessary adjustments.

With so many people feeding birds, survival rates are improving for their young and more nest boxes are required each year. Discuss any problems you have with other bird lovers who are always happy to share their knowledge. This is an excellent way to foster communication and interaction with family, friends, and neighbours, or to encourage positive development in parks, school yards, seniors' homes, hospitals or at work.

Providing food and safe secure shelter for your favourite birds is an everlasting joy. The excitement of spring will be enhanced by the arrival of your feathered friends, back from a long, tiring, dangerous journey and ready to settle in, dance, court, and sing their hearts out while controlling pests in your environment.

Types of Feeders

Silo or Tube Feeders
These are my favourite for starting. They are usually inexpensive and easy to use and move. They dispense seeds through holes in the sides (there is a special one for the smaller niger seed). If squirrels become a problem, ensure you outwit them by using a baffle. Squirrels are ingenious, devious, tenacious and a challenge to most bird feeders. The easiest way to stop them is by hanging a convex baffle directly over the silo or tube feeder. If pigeons, sparrows or starling take over, shorten or remove the pegs to discourage them. Native species, such as chickadees, woodpeckers and finches, are able to cling to smaller areas and will still be able to feed successfully.

Wooden, Metal or Plastic Seed Feeders
The most common seed feeder is usually a "box" type which dispenses seeds by gravity. Features to look for are: visibility of seed level, ease of mounting and removal (for cleaning), ability to hold a good quantity of seed, and flexibility in dispensing a variety of seed types. These feeders are usually mounted on their own pole and have a squirrel baffle underneath. Some feeders claim to stop squirrels and as such are fairly expensive. Ensure your vendor is reputable and has tested the feeder in the local environment. Place the feeder in a spot which allows you to enjoy it and also to easily clean and fill it during the winter.

Suet Feeders
There are many styles available. These feeders simply hold chunks of suet (fat) or a block of commercial suet/seed mixture. I recommend wood or coated wire to prevent birds' feet or tongues from sticking to the feeder in extreme weather. Hang suet feeders in a tree or on a post and if squirrels become a problem use a baffle.

Hummingbird and Oriole Feeders
There are numerous models available of these feeders which dispense artificial nectar. Smaller feeders are usually more practical. Make sure it is easy to take down and clean. This must be done every 2-4 days in hot weather to reduce the risk of illness due to fermentation of the mixture.

The recipe is simple:

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup white sugar
• Boil for 4 minutes.
• Cool before filling feeder.
• Store excess in refrigerator.
• Change often.

There could be a problem with attracting bees, wasps and ants, so make sure the model you purchase has a bee and ant guard. If the hummingbirds fight over access to the feeder, simply place another small feeder out of sight of the first one to reduce stress.

Ground Feeding
This is the simplest form of bird feeding. It involves scattering feed in a convenient spot. Try not to use an area near trees or bushes where cats can hide and grab unsuspecting birds as they feed. Use frequent applications of small batches of feed to prevent spoilage. This type of feeding is not recommended in the long run because it is impossible to control access by squirrels and other rodents and pests and food can become contaminated.

Table One

Common Birds and their Favourite Foods