With warm summer weather fast approaching, the thought of setting up a bird feeder may be the furthest thing from your mind. Food should be plentiful for the many species of wild birds in Burlington. In light of the April 2022 decision by Nature Canada to certify Burlington as a Bird Friendly City and the fact that World Migratory Bird Day is on May 11, you may consider finding ways to attract feeder birds to your garden.
It’s all about the feeder
Years ago, school-age children would make bird feeders out of milk cartons or pop bottles. Parents would dutifully fill them with seed and hang them in a tree. Shortly thereafter, a flock of birds, and a scurry of squirrels would descend on the feeder, quickly emptying it of its contents. Seeds not eaten by the birds would attract rodents or sprout into weeds and the feeder found its way to the recycling bin.
Not so today. There are plenty of feeders that are designed to discourage larger birds and squirrels from stealing the seed. “Squirrel proof” feeders may have features such as springs, levers or protective cages to prevent larger birds and animals from accessing the seed. In addition, there are feeders designed specifically for birds such as hummingbirds or orioles. Consult with your neighbourhood retailer to see the many options that exist today.
And it’s all about the food
The mixed bag of seed will attract a wide variety of birds. This may not be desirable and can be fixed by providing seeds that are unique to the diet of certain birds. Consider using safflower seeds to attract cardinals and house finches. Or provide pre-shelled sunflower seeds to attract Downy Woodpeckers or Goldfinches. Orange slices or grape jelly is a favourite of the Baltimore Oriole. And sugar water is a treat for hummingbirds.
Birds such as orioles and hummingbirds are migrating through Burlington during breeding season. This food will add to their diet of bugs and insects and is an added benefit of attracting the species to your yard.
Remember, it’s a good idea to delay your fall garden clean up until the spring as the plants, leaves, etc. provide needed habitat for beneficial critters and a food source for birds. The same is true for spring clean up. Give the beneficial critters some time to wake up and move about before working in your garden. And speaking of gardens, consider planting native species to attract birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators to increase biodiversity.
Maintain your feeders and bird baths
Well maintained backyard bird feeders are allowed under Burlington’s Lot Maintenance Bylaw (49-2022). To reduce attracting unwanted smaller animals that in turn may attract coyotes, ensure that you keep the area tidy. You should also clean your feeders and birdbaths regularly. The interval depends on the type of bird feeder, the amount of use, and the weather conditions.
While the risk of avian flu to songbirds and other feeder visitors is low, it is recommended that if you have or are near poultry to take your feeder down. Similarly, you also don’t want to feed and attract ducks and geese as they can carry and transmit the flu. Feeding wildlife, other than birds in well maintained feeders, is not permitted in Burlington.
Year-round enjoyment
Properly designed and stocked feeders complement any backyard. Attracting birds adds a flash of colour and song to your neighbourhood. Feeders help the birds as they migrate and breed. And while the birds are here, they will help to keep insects in check. It’s a win for the birds and for Burlington, the Bird Friendly City. To maximize benefits, please carefully consider the location of your feeder to reduce the chance of birds flying into nearby windows. Check out a previous Take Action Burlington blog post for a fun and affordable way to stop birds from hitting windows.
Take Action Burlington. Collectively we can make a difference.
This post was provided by J. Adams, a former member of the Burlington Sustainable Development Committee
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