I have years of experience and as an enthusiastic birder, I have certainly made a few mistakes and learned a few lessons along the way myself. With the Cornell Lab of Ornithology saying that over 47 million Americans identify as bird watchers, a lot of us have gained these valuable lessons through trial and error. The experience of countless bird enthusiasts teaches us a few lessons. What are the most important lessons birding has taught us?
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Check Price1. Buying Cheap Bird Feeders Will Cost You More in the Long Run
The National Bird Feeding Society says that premium feeders are a good investment in the long run. With cheap feeders, you might be getting a deal, until they crack, break or leak in less than a year. Quality feeders will last upwards of ten years. Additionally, cheap feeders can injure birds by storing their food in a way that promotes mold growth and/or have a sharp edges.
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2. There Is Always a Way for Squirrels
According to the University of Illinois, squirrels can jump 10 feet horizontally and 5 feet vertically. Given enough time, squirrels will figure out a way to access any sort of feeder, even the ones claiming to be "squirrel-proof." A multi-strategy approach with baffles and proper placement, as well as the installation of dedicated feeding stations for squirrels, is the best way to combat squirrels.
3. Having Quality Over Quantity
According to the Wild Bird Feeding Institute, inexpensive mixed seeds can contain filler ingredients that birds will not eat. Instead, these ingredients become waste under feeders. This waste will attract rodents and may lead to the growth of harmful mold. Single-ingredient seeds, such as black oil sunflower seeds, are of higher quality, providing better nutrition to birds and less waste.
4. Window strikes are a big problem
Each year, approximately 1 billion birds die from window collisions in the United States according to the American Bird Conservancy. To avoid lethal strikes, bird feeders can be placed either less than 3 feet from windows or more than 30 feet away from them. Bird feeders located in between 3 foot distances and 30 foot distances to windows will cause bird fatalities due to strikes. Also, window decals and screens can reduce collisions considerably.
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5. Diseases Spread Fast at Feeders
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology recommends that bird feeders be cleaned bi-weekly using a 10% bleach solution. Dirty bird feeders can transmit diseases such as salmonella and avian conjunctivitis to entire local bird populations.
6. Cats and Birds Don't Mix
According to research from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, outdoor cats kill between 1.3 and 4 billion birds each year in the United States. That is why it's so important to set up safe feeding stations where cats can't ambush your feathered friends.
7. Native Plants Trump Feeders
According to the Audubon Society, native birds get 50% more nutrition from native plants than non-natives. Although feeders do provide food for the birds, the food that comes from the native plants is crucial for the birds because it contains all the nutrients the birds need. It also helps support the full ecosystem, particularly the insects that the birds need for protein.
8. Water Features Require More Maintenance Than Expected
The Wild Bird Journal states that birdbaths should be cleaned every two to three days to avoid algae and mosquito issues. Improperly maintained standing water can disease. Following CDC guidelines, birdbaths should be cleaned regularly and a 9:1 water and vinegar solution should be used to scrub birdbaths.
9. Responsibility Comes with Feeding Year Round
According to the Project FeederWatch data, birds do become reliant on food sources. Especially in the winter, when you start feeding birds, they will begin to rely on your feeders for survival. The Michigan State University Extension says that stopping feeding birds suddenly can be detrimental to local bird populations, especially in extreme weather conditions.
10. Not All Birds Get Along
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology found that different species exhibit variance in territorial behavior and feeding preferences. Aggressive species of birds, such as European Starlings and House Sparrows, may need to be discouraged to protect native birds. If feeding stations are spaced 10 to 15 feet apart, they may reduce aggression and conflict.
11. The Difficulty of Photography
Bird photography needs patience and the right tools. Birds can be hard to track with autofocus and quickly change where and how they’re flying. To develop your skills, try photographing birds that come to your backyard before looking for birds that are more difficult to find.
12. The Hobby Gets Expensive Fast
Supporting wildlife brings joy, and bird feeders are among the best ways to do so. This enthusiasm translates to spending nearly $4 billion each year on bird feed and feeding supplies, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Bird watching requires special binoculars, quality feeders, and cleaning supplies. These costs are all necessary to fully enjoy the hobby and support wildlife.
