megram - Index

megram - 55NovOttawa - Index

the body of scientific knowledge by participating in
efforts such as Project Feederwatch, which is managed by
Bird Studies Canada and the Cornell Laboratory of
Ornithology in New York. From now through April, participants
can watch and count the birds at their feeders and
record their observations. Log on to the Bird Studies
Canada website (www.bsc-eoc.org) and check the
Volunteer Programs section for information.You can also
call 1 888 448-2473.
Of course, feeder watchers are also an integral part of
area Christmas bird counts, which take place between
December 14 and January 5. To find a count near you,
check the Bird Studies Canada website.
For those new to bird feeding, the choice of feeders
can be daunting.Your best options can often be found at
specialty bird or nature stores, where the experienced
staff will help with your selection. Department stores will
have fewer choices but you may find one that is adequate
for your needs. Of course, if you are handy you can also
build your own.
The first thing to consider is whether your feeder(s)
will be pole-mounted or hanging. Then there are pluses
and minuses to each style of feeder.
• Platform feeders (with or without a roof): There is no
seed storage; these will attract a broad range of species
but smaller birds may have a hard time gaining access due
to competition and there will be much spillage;daily refilling
is required.
• Feeders that dispense seed from the bottom:These are
popular and come in many designs; inexpensive plastic
models may break prematurely; cheap plastic does not
weather well in Canada.
• Hopper feeders:These look like little houses with a roof
that opens to fill seeds; popular first-time feeders.
• Silo feeders with portals: These clear plastic feeders
offer seeds through a number of separate openings with
individual perches; this usually attracts smaller birds.
• Thistle feeders: Designed for small finches, they allow
individual niger seeds to be dispensed from narrow slits.
• Window feeders: Made in various designs, they usually
adhere to windows by suction.
• Suet feeders:These hold a square block of suet and are
ideal for chickadees, woodpeckers and nuthatches.
Regardless of which type of feeder you have, dealing
with squirrels will likely be an issue for most people.Thank
heaven for squirrel-proof feeders.They range in price from
about $50 to over $150 but for many people it is well
worth the investment.The award-winning Canadian brand
Squirrel Buster (www.squirrelbuster.com) has a few varieties
that will absolutely solve your problem.
If you opt for a pole feeder you can add a squirrel baffle
— an inverted cone that attaches below the feeder and
discourages squirrels. If they still get by, apply some WD-
PHOTO: BRIAN MORIN
A well-protected bird feeder is not fancy,
but has all the necessary features.
November/December 2008 • Ottawa 47 • Fifty-Five Plus Magazine