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Idaho Fish and Game

Tips For Feeding Winter Birds

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LEWISTON - Feeding wild birds is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the U.S., and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game encourages bird enthusiasts to keep a few things in mind to help assure successful bird feeding. "The location of your feeder and what food it offers is very important for attracting birds," said Rita Dixon, IDFG non-game biologist. "To attract a variety of birds, many bird watchers use a variety of feeders and foods in several different locations." The following are additional suggestions for successful bird feeding:
  • Place feeders near cover to protect feeding birds from weather and predators, such as free-roaming cats. Move feeders if you notice birds striking windows.
  • Birds can be particular about what and where they eat. Sparrows, juncos, and doves typically feed on the ground or on a flat platform, while other birds prefer an elevated feeder. Some ground-feeding birds prefer corn, milo, or millet, but sunflower seeds are also a popular food. Adding finch or thistle seed can attract pine siskins, goldfinches, and housefinches. Insect-eating birds, such as woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches feed on suet or peanut butter mixtures.
  • If possible, provide water nearby. Specially designed heaters are available to prevent freezing. Once water and food are offered, try to continue through the winter, but don't be concerned if you miss a few days, since feeding birds are mobile and are probably visiting other feeding stations besides yours.
  • Keep feeders and feeding areas clean. Clean feeders regularly by scrubbing with soapy water, followed by a quick rinse in water diluted with a small amount of bleach. Store seed in tight, waterproof containers to prevent moldy conditions and to deter rodents.
Project FeederWatch, a volunteer science experiment, is a bird feeder study that helps track bird movements during the winter, helps determine long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance, the kinds of foods and environmental factors that attract birds and how disease is spread among feeder birds. For more information, call the Cornell Lab or Ornithology at 800-843-2473 or visit the FeederWatch web-site at http://birds.cornell.edu/pfw.