With birds migrating south to winter homes, and starlings and grackles pretty much gone, now is a good time to make seasonal changes to your bird feeding routine.
Something that new bird watchers may not know is something veteran birders have known for years (and that squirrels don’t particularly like):
White millet.
A grass seed that’s high in carbs and protein, millet gives birds energy for important seasonal shifts (like now) and is easily ingested by smaller birds.
Peterborough naturalist, writer and educator, Drew Monkman, recently posted photos on social media showing several species of sparrows (white-throated, white-crowned and fox) plus one junco for good luck, all enjoying the white millet he’d scattered in his yard.
Now is a perfect time to scatter seeds on the ground to see who comes to dine. White millet isn’t the only option; our wild finch blend will also draw sparrows, juncos and possibly pine siskins. We’re happy to answer any questions about seed and feeders and how to attract certain birds.
Checklist for seasonal bird considerations:
• Keep feeders full and clean and watch closely. You may see birds not normally at your feeders.
• Resume a diet of peanut and sunflower seed in feeders. The Seasons Woodland* line being delivered now is a seasonally-appropriate blend for the birds we’re getting now and in months ahead (who need more oils and energy for flights and colder nights).
• Add more feeder options to attract specific birds: Nuthatches, chickadees, woodpeckers and blue jays love hulled peanuts. (Peanuts are easy-snacking nutrient-rich food to give birds the energy they need to keep warm.) We have feeders they can cling to and ones with tail supports for woodpeckers, who seem to like this feature. We also have seed cylinders and suet blends to provide super-fuelling stations the birds just love.
• Avoid buying “cheap” birdseed. It usually contains filler and dust, neither of which is good for birds but ends up costing more money, considering what viable seeds are actually offered. The bird seed we carry is 100% filler free. Pound for pound, you’re spending the same amount for 100% quality feed.
• Remember to refill your bird baths and drinking stations as birds seem extra thirsty with this lack of rain. A good bath will also get rid of pre-flight bugs and help to oil those hard-working feathers.
Fresh seeds, nuts, water and suet will all help fuel our friends passing through and give the locals a boost for the inevitable cooler temperatures of autumn.
Happy October!
* Weekly seed delivery to the shop happens on Tuesdays.