For years now, I have been maintaining a backyard bird feeder.
Everyone in my household enjoyed watching the various types of birds that visit a feeder. From nuthatches, woodpeckers, blue jays, cardinals, tit-mouses and of course English sparrows, all have visited our feeders over the years.
I have found that the best type of bird food is black sunflower seeds. This attracts more species of birds than any other. It is high in fat and provides a lot of fuel to keep birds warm on the coldest days. They do make a mess, and they really attract squirrels as well. After consuming the inside of the nut, they will drop the outside hull on the ground.
Another problem is deep snow. When the birds or animals scrounge for food, they tend to kick some onto the ground. After being engulfed by the snow, they cannot get to the feed.
I don’t like the English sparrows. I have a large steel building in my backyard. The sparrows love to nest in the rafters, 15 feet above the floor. They have young up there, and their droppings really make a mess.
Finally, I acquired a stray cat. We have been feeding this guy on a regular basis. The squirrels don’t like him and constantly scold him from the treetops. This does not keep the squirrels out, but it reduces the amount of sparrows in my building. The other species of birds don’t seem to be bothered by the cat.
Another visitor to a backyard feeder is cottontail rabbits. One has to check the feeding after dark to see them, but they will be there on a regular basis. Once in a while, a raccoon even visits the feeder. A friend of mine where I hunt told me that deer even consume seeds form a feeder. He has seen them as soon as crops are harvested.
Another form of winter food is suet. Being rich in fat, this item equals energy. It is easily digested and metabolized by birds. You can purchase this item in blocks or some grocery stores have it in the meat isle. It is inexpensive and easy to prepare. Either a metal suet feeder or a bag with mesh holes will work. Cut the container so the suet fits. Hang this from a tree branch or a metal hook on your deck. Almost all birds are attracted to suet.
The only problem with this item is it becomes rancid during warm weather conditions. This year has been bad for this condition.
Hunting report
The Canada goose season ended on January 17 in the northern zone. It remains open until Jan. 31 in the central. South-central and south zones. Squirrel season stays in until February 15. The late-winter anterless-only deer season ended on January 20.
Fishing report
Finally, we have enough ice for fishing. One thing to keep in mind is the thickness. Two inches will support a large man, and 10 inches will support a vehicle. Check the ice with a spud. That is, a long metal chisel with a blade attached. If you can go through the ice with one thrust of the spud, it is not safe to walk on. Check for underwater springs and muskrat dens which can also weaken the ice. Use a locator. Fish the deepest hole in a pond or lake.
That’s where the fish will be.
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January 23, 2020 at 11:40AM
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OUTDOORS: A few observations for my fellow bird-feeders - MyWebTimes.com
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