KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – DON’T FORGET OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS THIS WINTER

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – DON’T FORGET OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS THIS WINTER

Chicago has certainly had its share of snow fall this year. This presents a problem for our backyard birds. Much food that is available to them is covered in snow. With a few feeders and seed outside you’ll have a wide variety of birds in your backyard this winter.

It’s good to have a variety of seed to attract as many species as possible. Cardinals love sunflower and safflower seed. Finches like thistle seed. Blue jays adore peanuts! Sparrows will eat a variety of seed. I use an all purpose seed mix augmented with sunflower safflower and thistle.

Remember that there are other outdoor friends including squirrels. Yes they are a pain because they love to eat all the bird seed. I am sure to feed the ones who visit my feeders peanuts in the shell. They still eat the seed but not as much. One solution is a squirrel-proof feeder which can get pricey. To find bird supplies go online here.

Remember once you start to feed the birds they will come to depend on you. Don’t start feeding unless you intend to keep it up.

Water is as important as food for the birds during the winter. You can find heaters to put in the bird bath that keep the water liquid. They don’t use much energy and most bird supply companies carry them.

Good luck!

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO