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5 Top Birdfeeding Questions in Summer
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Summertime. A wonderful season to enjoy the colors and behaviors
of birds up close as we spend more time outdoors... Here are
Duncraft's answers to the five top bird feeding questions asked at
this time of year.
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1. What's the best way to clean my bird feeder? How often?
Give all feeders a good cleaning once a month. Remove any seed and scrub clean with a
mild soap. Rinse well with fresh water. A clean feeder is essential to the good health of
your birds!
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2. What's the best way to clean my birdbath?
Wash your bath with water and white vinegar. Our formulation is one tablespoon white
vinegar to one gallon of water. The vinegar will help to prevent algae growth. Water
should be changed every few days to insure a fresh, clear water supply.
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3. I love goldfinches and want them, but I don't want Nyjer seed to sprout on my lawn -- will
it?
Did you know that all Nyjer (thistle) seed sold in the U.S. are imported? These oil-rich tiny
black seeds are heat sterilized immediately upon reaching these shores to make sure
the shipments are not bringing in any other plant or animal materials. This procedure is
under regulation from the US Dept of Agriculture. Nyjer in our experience doesn't spout
that readily. From time to time there may be a stray bloom that rises -- it has a small
yellow flower on a 8-12" stem, is easily pulled and is not considered invasive, nor is it as
prickled as the purple-bloomed Scottish Thistle. Feed Nyjer seed in confidence -- the
birds will love it.
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4. How can I keep bees away from hummingbird feeder?
If it's honeybees that are a problem, they prefer feeders in sunlight, so move your feeder
into the shade. If they persist: distract them by putting out a super-sugar water
concentration in a shallow dish -- they will probably leave the feeder for the easy sipping
at the plate, and you can keep adding distance between the plate and feeder day by day.
If yellow-jackets invade, sometimes its just best to let them 'have the feeder' and put up
another for hummers elsewhere. When purchasing a new hummingbird feeder, look for
bee guards or nectar ports designed to thwart bees. Look for designs that will not leak or
drip!
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5. Won't the birds find natural foods in the summer? Why should I still be putting out seed?
Yes, birds will find natural foods, and you may want to reduce your amounts. However, we
recommend that you still offer some seed so that you will have the enjoyment of the birds
at the time of year when you are outdoors the most. Also, the birds are particularly pretty
in the summer -- for example, the American Goldfinch is brilliant lemon yellow!
Remember, throughout the year birds acquire the greater part of their nourishment from
natural sources not from us!
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Mike Dunn & Sharon Dunn
Duncraft
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Enjoy all your summer days,
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