Birding Tips

Think Winter in October

Although there are increased supplies of natural foods available during the fall, there are several reasons to keep your feeders full during the autumn months.

First, juvenile goldfinch and other birds are active at feeders during the fall.  It’s important to keep niger seed in your finch feeder or our Cole’s Finch Friends in a tube feeder. Put shelled sunflower meats in your open port tube feeders, and a high quality blend like Cole’s Special Feeder or Premium Blend in your platform feeders for these young birds. Don’t forget to fill suet feeders with C&S No Melt suet cakes. Further, there is an increased chance of enjoying migrating species in your yard, e.g., yellow-rumped warbler, etc.  Also, some permanent residents are likely to return more frequently to your feeders such as tufted titmice, woodpeckers, etc. Some wild birds begin feeding actively in October in order to begin building extra body fat to help them through the harsh, cold winter months.  Having a consistent, ready supply of food for wild birds is the most effective way to establish a population of winter resident birds in and around your yard. 

It’s also important to offer a constant supply of fresh water.  Wild birds rely on water not only to avoid dehydration, but also for bathing.  It’s vital that they clean their feathers frequently so that they can maintain both effective and efficient flight.  Further, water should be consistently offered throughout the coldest winter months because many backyard birds must bathe year around.  One way to avoid ice in your birdbath is, of course, to go out and chip it out.  The easiest and most reliable way to avoid ice is to install a high quality, efficient and safe deicer.  This device is energy efficient since it only prevents freezing rather than keeping water warm. Enjoy the wild birds in your yard throughout the fall and oncoming winter!!

For more information please visit Kol Koi at 2908 Moon Station Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30152 or call 678-932-9277.