A Tree Swallow perched on a birdhouse. Pexels/ Chris F
Birds are welcome additions to any outdoor landscape.
As we take an extra look at outdoor living in this issue, why not educate ourselves about housing birds, our winged neighbors that do so much to fortify natural habitats and provide hours of enjoyment to novice and dedicated birdwatchers?
While birdhouses aren’t one-size-fits-all, some good starter homes appeal to the masses. We asked Katie Cunningham, a sales associate at All Seasons Wild Bird Store in White Bear Lake, for recommendations for birdhouses, feeders and feed.
For starters, what do we need to know when birdhouse shopping? There is a variety to choose from, but remember that the size of a birdhouse’s portal opening indicates what type of bird it is suited for. For example, wrens need a 1 1/8-inch entry that’s 3 to 6 inches from the base of the house, and chickadees require 1 1/4-inch openings that are 8 inches up. “Bluebirds nest in specific boxes and in specific habitat areas that are conducive to their needs,” Cunningham says. Perches, while adding a certain curb appeal, aren’t needed, but good ventilation is important. A post model with a squirrel baffle is the most predator-proof.
Should we place nesting materials in birdhouses?
Katie Cunningham (KC): There is no need to place materials in a birdhouse. Birds are resourceful creatures. They may even take out the material you put in, thinking it was from other birds. It can be helpful to provide nesting materials that include grass clippings, small pieces of straw and piles of small twigs but not human hair, string or yarn or dryer lint. Tip: The end of the nesting season is the best time to clean out nesting materials. Use warm, soapy water and air dry. Some birds (bluebirds and house wrens, for example), nest more than once a year, so be aware and clean out those houses after each nesting. Cunningham also recommends rechecking the houses in early spring to make sure no overwintering critters have left a mess.
What is a good starter bird feeder?
KC: If you want to begin feeding our fine feathered friends, a good tube feeder is your best bet. You can also add a weather guard on top to protect your seed from rain and subsequent molding or a tray to catch the seed. Tip: Cleaning out enclosed feeders once a quarter is ideal. Empty out the food, soak the feeder overnight in water and gentle dish soap. Use a bottle brush to scrub the interior, and rinse.
What are some birdseed options?
KC: There is a large variety of seed to feed birds. It depends on what type of birds you want to attract and feed. There is the traditional black oil sunflower seeds. Many birds eat this staple. There [are] peanuts for woodpeckers, cardinals and blue jays. Suet is a treat for all woodpeckers, thistle for finches and jellies for orioles. If you are trying to dissuade the squirrels, then golden safflower is a good one. If you don’t want all the mess around the base of your feeders, then there is “no mess” seed. Another popular type is the compressed seed cakes shaped like cylinders.
What about squirrels?
KC: If you decide to feed the birds in your yard, then you will inevitably enter the “squirrel wars.” You will win some of these battles, but so will they. There are squirrel-proof feeders, which work pretty well. There are baffles for your poles, and hot pepper seed is an option. It is a continual challenge of back-and-forth. Of course, you can always feed them.
All Seasons Wild Bird Store
2703 County Road E, White Bear Lake; 651.653.8705
Facebook: All Seasons Wild Bird Store
Instagram: @allseasonswildbirdstore
