It used to be that looking out the window used to be an adventure as we fed and watched the birds. Mom always had special rules when it came to keeping our bird friends healthy, and would you know it? Scientific research confirmed she was right! That is what we are going to explore today.
Bring Hummingbirds Right To Your Window!
Check Price1. "Young Man, Clean That Feeder Every Week!"
Mom said we had to wash the bird feeders every week, and she wasn't being fussy. Newer scientists that study birds show that cleaning the feeders on a regular bases will stop the spread of disease to the birds. Mom was right once again. A mix of nine parts water to one part bleach left to soak, and rinsed and dried thoroughly keeps the feeders safe for our birds.
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2. “Do not allow that seed to get wet!”
Do you remember when Mom made us check the bird feeders before it was going to rain? She always wanted us to do this because rain could cause the bird seeds to develop dangerous mold within 24 hours. Now, experts say that good drainage and rain guards are great ways to prevent mold from forming and that Mom was right to try and keep mold form developing to protect the birds.
3. "Quality Seed Is Worth Every Dollar"
Mom was always generous when purchasing bird seed, and it appears that research supports her action. Many cheap bird seed mixes contain fillers such as milo and oats that birds don't eat. In contrast, high quality seed mixes contain black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and Nyjer seeds, attract a greater variety of birds and produce less waste. Mom's advice has proven to be correct, and she saved us money.
4. "Keep Those Cats Away!"
Mom had good reason to be concerned about placing feeders away from cover where cats could be hiding. Most predator avoidance guidelines specify feeders should be 10 feet from cover where predators could be hiding but with escape routes provided by trees closer than 10 feet. Mom’s protective instincts were spot on.
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5. "Don't Forget Their Water!"
Birds need fresh and clean water for drinking and bathing during the hot summer and freezing winter months. A study found that a dependable water source attracts more bird species than food. A clean and fresh water was the secret to Mom’s backyard bird sanctuary.
6. "Feed Them Year-Round"
Moms continues feeding birds in the summer, which is what the bird experts say is the right thing to do. While summer would provide birds with their own food, the birds will need to know where they can obtain food year round. Especially during nesting season, adult birds need more calories so they can feed their babies.
7. Verschiedene Vogelarten haben unterschiedliche Ernährungsweisen
Do you remember how Mom had different feeders for different seeds? She understood what science is now confirming, that different species have different preferences. Sunflower seeds attract cardinals, nyjer seeds are loved by finches, and suet is needed by woodpeckers. Providing variety draws in a diverse population of birds, just as Mom always planned.
8. "How to Deter Squirrels in Your Yard Naturally"
Mom's trick for deterring squirrels by mixing cayenne pepper with bird seed wasn't an old wives' tale. Birds are unaffected by the heat of capsaicin, but squirrels are certainly deterred! The science backs it, as these types of deter feeds including hot peppers are now a thing. Mom's method to keeping squirrels away from bird feeders is now more widely accepted.
9. "Start Early in the Morning"
Mom grabbed the bird food at dawn every morning. She did this because birds are more active in the early morning hours and lose energy from the cold nights. Research supports that birds develop habits based on when food is provided, which is why early morning feeding is so effective.
10. "Don't Feed Them Bread"
My mom was not a fan of feeding birds bread, and now, wildlife specialists are in agreeance. Birds can get hurt by bread and it carbs and calories, so instead of providing nutrients, it just makes them full. My mom only wanted to feed birds properly because she showed responsibility.
11. "Location is everything!"
Mom's thoughtful placement of the feeders went beyond her window's view. Studies show that feeders should be placed at different heights and distances from cover to different birds' comfort zone and risk thresholds. Mom's instinctive grasp of birds' behavior is what ornithologists advocate today.
