Food for thought

by Jane
(New Hampshire)

Hello
Just thought I would give the novice feeder some tips.

I have been saving egg shells from cooking for many years now. When I have a dozen or so egg shells I cook them in the oven at 275 degrees for 25 minutes then break them up and put them under my feeders. Birds will eat them and it will give them nutrients they need in the development of their own eggs.

Birds also need water. I have seen many bird feeders at neighbors homes and always notice that there isn't a bird bath. You can purchase these for as low as $25. The most important thing is to change the water regularly, that doesn't mean every week but daily if you are able. It is fun to watch them fluttering in your bird bath and of course they need water to survive.

I also save all my bacon fat in the refrigerator until I have about a cup then I heat it in the microwave and pour it on stale but not moldy bread. Make sure that the bread is small enough for the birds to eat. If you want mix the bread with corn meal, old fashioned oats and a little or a lot of peanut butter. It is a real treat for all the ground feeding birds.

One last comment. This year I have notice hawks sitting near my feeders. They regularly pick off one of my many feathered friends so I decided to give them treats to to deter them from feasting on the many beautiful birds I have. Of course one can't protect them all the time but this might help. I put a few nails in the branch that they perch on and when I have left over meat or chicken skin I attach it to the nails. It works and by the way I now have several crows who visit often.
If you haven't watched a crow you certainly will enjoy this very big yet very timid bird.
ENJOY



Comment
Thanks Jane for your tips.
Susan