Some Helpful Suggestions for the Bird Enthusiast

With more time for leisure activities, man watches birds for pleasure rather than survival.
Presently, bird watching has become a very popular hobby and pastime. Creating a backyard habitat for birds in your area will be an enjoyable experience. 

Birds need four essential requirements to survive.  They are food, water, protection from preditors and the elements and a safe environment to raise their young.

Some helpful pointers for creating a successful bird habitat include:

    1.     Fresh water is a bird magnet. Offer clean water.  Clean birdbaths regularly. Do not use bleach.  Regular cleaming of your birdbath will help to keep mosquitoes and their larvae away.  By doing this, you will provide the fine feathered friends who visit your garden with a safe and healthy oasis.

     2.    Never use insecticides.

     3.   Offer a wide variety of  food.  Sunflower seeds, thistle seeds and mixed seeds are good choices to feed the birds in your area.  Put  out only the amount  that birds will eat up quickly.  Do not let seed sit around, spoil or become moldy.  If seed is not eaten within several days, clean it up by raking the area and disposing of any leftovers.

     4.     Make sure your birdfeeders are within a short flying distance from their cover and perches.

     5.    Constantly clean your birdfeeders so that seed will not mold.  Thoroughly wash with mild soap and warm water.  Sterilize with a homemade                              solution of one part bleach to four parts water.  Rinse thoroughly and let dry before adding new seeds.

     6.    Place the birdhouse in a section of your yard or garden that has shelter close by.  Make sure predators cannot gain access to the house. 

     7.    Place the opening of the birdhouse away from strong winds and locate it in part sun and part shade thoughout the day.

     8.    Never place your birdhouses close together.  Birds are known to establish territories and problems will arise when other birds invade.

     9.    Try to suspend the birdhouse high in mid air suing strong metal wires or hangers.

   10.    Water in a birdbath should be no more than three  inches deep.  Small birds do not like it deeper.

HAPPY BIRDING!