| Wild bird feeding is a very engaging and entertaining | | | | The birdwatcher who can provide a bit of protection |
| winter pastime. It also is very beneficial for the birds' | | | | from the cold winter nights will likely be rewarded |
| health. The cold weather months make it difficult for | | | | with a greater variety and frequency of birds at their |
| wild birds to find food. Backyard bird feeders provide | | | | feeders. Wild bird roosting boxes are built to |
| much needed assistance in this regard. Three specific | | | | accommodate several individuals. The lucky birds, |
| items, if properly maintained, can optimize your wild | | | | now sheltered from wind and rain, can huddle |
| bird feeding experience, ensuring that many different | | | | together for warmth. Imagine a clean, fully stocked |
| species of birds visit your backyard feeders all winter | | | | bird feeder just a few yards away from the roosting |
| long. First, of course, you need one or more bird | | | | box. That would be a very busy and entertaining |
| feeders; second, you need a birdbath; and third, | | | | place in the winter. |
| often overlooked, you should put up awinter roosting | | | | Place your roosting box on a metal or wooden post, |
| box. | | | | on a tree, or on the side of a building. Make sure it is |
| Bird Feeders | | | | facing away from prevailing winds. If you can mount |
| Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, often | | | | the roosting box so that it faces south, it will get the |
| accommodating the different ways birds eat. For | | | | most warmth from the sun in winter. |
| example, juncos and sparrows forage on the ground, | | | | Whether you purchase a wild bird roosting box or |
| so platform feeders easily meet their needs. | | | | you make one of your own, make sure it meets |
| Meanwhile, finches and chickadees are drawn to tube | | | | these criteria: |
| bird feeders filled with seed. | | | | - The roosting box, unlike a nest box, should not |
| If you place a few bird feeders of various styles and | | | | have ventilation or drainage holes - the idea is to |
| use a combination of seed, fruit, and nutmeats, you | | | | keep heat from escaping. |
| can greatly increase the number and variety of | | | | - Roosting boxes built in a horizontal orientation may |
| visiting birds. In fact, adding to the variety of food | | | | have a few perches that extend from one side of |
| you provide for the birds will more than | | | | the box to the other, while vertical roosting boxes |
| proportionately add to the variety of birds at your | | | | will likely have several shorter perches that are |
| bird feeders. | | | | mounted in a stagger pattern. Either way, there must |
| Bird Baths | | | | be plenty of room for several birds. |
| A water feature, like a birdbath, has a magnetic | | | | - The entrance hole should be located at the bottom |
| effect on birds, as long as you pay attention to a | | | | of the roosting box. Heat rises, so an entrance hole |
| few details. | | | | placed too high will cause the roosting box to lose |
| - Change the water every few days to keep it clean | | | | heat. |
| and healthy. | | | | - The roosting box needs to be accessible for |
| - Add a drip or mister to your birdbath to maximize | | | | cleaning purposes. The top or the front of the box |
| your bird traffic - moving water is far more effective | | | | should be hinged for easy opening. |
| at attracting wild birds than still water. | | | | One or more bird feeders, a birdbath with a drip or |
| - In the winter, you will need to keep the water | | | | mister, and a nearby roosting box are the makings of |
| from freezing. A submersible birdbath heater will keep | | | | a successful winter of wild bird feeding. Go put your |
| the birds coming, even in snowy weather. | | | | triple play together today, and enjoy the results. |
| Roosting Box | | | | Happy birding! |