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Phone: 301 645-8181

3/31/2002. From the American Humane Association
Attracting Backyard Visitors

Its easy to attract birds to your back yard...especially if you know the tricks!

Spring is on the way! Birds are coming back already. You may want to give them a reason to visit you. There are a few things that will make their visit more likely.

Feeders. Different feeders attract different birds. A ground feeder attracts blue jays and doves. A tabletop feeder attracts sparrows and finches, as does a tube feeder, which also attracts cardinals and chickadees. Tree trunk feeders lure woodpeckers. For the bird's safety, place your feeders out of reach of any cats.

Food. Black oil sunflower seeds will attract a wide variety of birds. Suet- a hard, white dry fat (available in supermarkets and pet supply stores) is tasty to woodpeckers and black birds. Nuts- peanuts, pecans and walnuts- are a special treat for your feathered guests. Crack open the shells and chop up the insides before putting them in your feeder. Better yet, smear a few teaspoonfuls of peanut butter on a pine cone, roll it in seeds, and hang it up for the birds to enjoy.

Water. During summer drought conditions or when the temperatures fall below freezing, birds (and squirrels) have a hard time finding water. A shallow pan of water available for at least part of the day is helpful. And you'll get the amusement of watching the birds bathe. You can also buy a bird-bath heater, so the water will never freeze.

Once birds learn to depend on you for food and water, its important to keep providing for them. And in return, you'll be rewarded with the antics, songs and colors of visiting guests in your yard all year long.