Weekly Express-News Article
“San Antonio Life”
By Calvin R. Finch, PhD, SAWS Water Resources Director, and Horticulturist
Saturday, October 21, 2006
“Bird Feeding”

The presence of birds enhances our landscapes.  Some are colorful and all of them are interesting.  Now is a good time to begin feeding birds for the winter.

 

Sunflower seed is the favorite bird seed of many seed eating winter birds.  Most notable are cardinals, blue jays, Inca doves, chicadees, titmice, and house finches. Purchase a steel feeder with a weight-sensitive perch to discourage the squirrels. 

 

            Thistle is the best seed for attracting goldfinches to your yard.  Thistle is usually fed with a tube-type feeder where the American and lesser goldfinches perch or hang upside down at each hole in the cylinder as they feed.  

 

            In some neighborhoods, several species of American sparrows and even towhees will come to your yard for seed.  They will feed on seed that falls from the other feeders, but will like a mixed blend that includes some millet and even scratch grain.  Feed it on a low platform or on the ground. 

 

            To bring in the insect eating birds for observation, you will need to provide suet.  The suet blocks are enhanced with nuts and fruit.  Woodpeckers, kinglets, and even some warblers will visit the blocks.  Jays, titmice, and chicadees also like them.

 

            Poke apple or citrus halves on a nail or stem to attract housefinches, mockingbirds, and cardinals.  It is not necessary to purchase fruit especially for the birds.  Feed them the fruit that is past its prime. 

 

            Do not forget the importance of water.  A bird bath that is rinsed and refilled every two days will attract as many birds as will stocked feeders.