Fix a Feast for Our Feathered Friends

As National Birdfeeding Month, February provides a great opportunity to introduce your family to watching birds and appreciating the great outdoors in general.

Whether you live in the city or the country, you and your kids can enjoy birding together . Every step of the way, it’s a fun experience for the whole family.

Make sure you have a welcoming environment before you bring birds to your yard:

• Put up several types of feeders. Seed feeders in different sizes will give birds plenty of chances to snack. Don’t forget platter feeders for variety and suet feeders where birds can stock up on high-energy food.

• Clean and fix existing feeders. Use a 10:1 water/bleach solution and a bottle brush to clean existing feeders. Make sure they are rinsed and dried completely before they are refilled.

• Provide a source of water (if you live in a climate where it won’t freeze). Birds need to bathe and drink too!

• Shelter birds from predators and bad weather. Dense shrubs will protect birds, and those with berries may encourage birds to feed there. Bird houses also offer a cozy rest stop. The type of shrubbery and/or bird houses that you put up will depend on the kind of birds in your area.

To attract birds, have your kids try these quick and easy feeders: