Feathered friends

Chickadees (TOP), blue jays (INSET) and nuthatches (BOTTOM) will brighten up your backyard when invited by providing food and shelter during the spring and summer months.

By Janis Wallace

BACKYARD BIRDS BE A CHICKADEE magnet ARE ENTERTAINING

flash of red, a glimpse of orange or

Abrilliant yellow, a soft humming and high-pitched chitter-chatter – these are signs of a lively bird community in your backyard. Whether you are a novice birdwatcher, a dedicated hobbyist or a serious ornithologist, southwestern Ontario offers sights and sounds of many birds. Erecting feeders and houses will attract birds and bring them closer. You will be able sit back to watch the show. 

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Feed your feathered friends but deny the furry ones with the Brome Squirrel Buster Classic Feeder. • Welcome those flitting bursts of colour known as hummingbirds with a Pinebush Hummingbird Feeder. • The Brome Squirrel Buster Suet Feeder is especially good for feeding multiple species of birds in the fall and winter months. • When you want to attract colourful orioles, use the Pinebush 3-in-1 Oriole feeder.

It is worth investing in a squirrel-proof feeder, according to Featherfields owner Ashley Satchell.

FEEDING

Ashley Satchell, owner of Featherfields, suggests starting with a birdfeeder and a mix of seed. “A good mix has everything to appeal to various types. You can see what types are attracted.” However, if you want to invite specific birds, offer their favourite feed.

Migratory birds, such as orioles and hummingbirds, arrive in the area in May. Satchell says orioles enjoy oranges. “Put out a half or quarter orange to draw them.”

May is also a great time to attract owls. She suggests using a sugar-water mixture, as they like nectar – a trait they share with hummingbirds. “Some feeders have a place for a slice of orange or bird berry jelly. Later in the season, owls will eat insects for protein.”

The type of food provided and existing wildlife are factors in choosing a feeder. “I always ask if a person has a lot of squirrels - most do. So, it is worth investing in a squirrelproof feeder.”

Depending on the environment, you will need to clean your feeder every foursix weeks. If it rains or there is a high moisture level, it is important to monitor seeds for clumping to prevent mould. “It’s like cleaning a glass,” says Satchell. “Scrub well with dish soap or vinegar and water, then rinse well. It’s not necessary to bleach unless there is mould.”

Satchell says there is no right or wrong answer to feeding in the summer. Birds are fine if you stop - they’ll find other sources, such as your neighbour’s feeder or insects. 

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1570 Hyde Park Rd. 519-474-1165 173 Wortley Rd. 519-672-8958

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HOUSING

Detached, semi-detached or apartment living? The usual real estate answers apply: location and resident preferences. “Purple martins are very specific about where they live. It has to be close to water.” Entry size should match the bird and provide security from larger predators. Interiors should allow ventilation and circulation. Owl houses are the largest and wrens like a cozy spot with multiple compartments.

Featherfields sells a variety of locally made houses. Satchell also suggests bat houses. “We don’t often think about them, but they’re important for the local environment,” she says.

She advises patience to allow time for birds or bats to feel comfortable and move into their new digs. “They’re nervous. It may take a week or two to adjust.” Place houses and feeders near the shelter of shrubs or trees.

IDENTIFYING

Some of the most common yearround visitors are cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, finches, sparrows and mourning doves. You can also spot juncos, woodpeckers and nuthatches. Consult a beginning birder book or the internet or download an app.

Satchell says females may be more difficult to identify because they usually do not sport the vibrant plumage of the males. Finches are bright yellow in the warm months, but their winter wings are less flashy.

“Nature is not set in stone,” says Satchell. “It’s always changing, always surprising. There’s always something new to learn.” 

● FOR MORE INFORMATION FEATHERFIELDS 1570 Hyde Park Road • 519-474-1165 173 Wortley Road • 519-672-8958 www.featherfields.com