Did you know that more than 100 North American bird species supplement their natural diets with birdseed, suet, fruit and nectar obtained from feeders? Bird feeding can benefit birds, and also provides great bird watching from your own backyard. The obvious time to feed birds is during winter when natural food supplies are scarce; however, additional species visit feeders during the spring and fall migrations, and also during summer while nesting.
To keep birds coming back to your feeders through any season, provide them with the following three essential elements:
- Variety of quality seed.
- Fresh water for drinking and bathing.
- Ample cover, preferably provided by native plants. Native plants also provide potential nesting sites and a source of natural food.
Keep in mind bird feeders also present potential risks, such as window collisions, predation and exposure to disease. Following are some topics and tips for safely attracting and feeding birds.
Help Chimney Swifts
Chimney Swifts depend on human-made structures for nesting and for roosting every night. Find out how you can help by counting swifts or even building a nesting tower.
How you can help, right now
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