Attracting the Birds
Deborah Donovan of the Daily Herald wrote a feature titled “Attracting Birds to your Garden” in the Oct. 4, 2008 issue. The article featured tips from Jennifer Brennan, of Chalet along with Ron Zick and Tim Joyce of Wild Birds Unlimited. Brennan said having eight cardinals to enjoy with your winter coffee makes living in Chicago worthwhile. Attracting one specific bird, especially pretty birds like cardinals are do-able, but difficult without the right bird feeders and bird seed. The experts recommend putting out fresh seed that all the birds can enjoy and then begin specializing once a “buzz” is created by your offerings. They suggest keeping fresh seed high in oils and to offer a variety of plants and shrubs for the birds who might want to make a home or who enjoy foraging for insects. A bird-friendly yard might also attract unwanted “friends” such as squirrels, but they can be discouraged from climbing up the bird feeder by installing a baffle around the pole. While most feeders need to be cleaned three or four times a year, some people recommend washing them at least once a month with a bleach rinse. One myth was debunked: a bird feed owner can go on vacation without worrying about the birds. They only get 15 to 20 percent of their calories from people and forage the rest.