Let It Grow
While you are getting cozy indoors under your fluffy blanket, don’t forget about our feathered friends outside. If you’ve slacked off from filling your bird feeders, this is the time to keep a ready supply of fruits, nuts, and seeds for birds visiting your garden.
Though our Shore Local area is a well-known home to migratory birds in the warmer months, many birds are also year-round New Jersey residents. As the days grow colder, insects and fresh berries become scarce and winged-visitors to your yard will appreciate a tasty meal. Carolina chickadees, tufted titmice, wrens, blue jays, cardinals, and various woodpeckers are among birds that you may see in search of food. Of course our state bird, the American Goldfinch, hangs out in South Jersey year-round but you may not recognize them in their fall and winter wardrobes. In the spring and summer months, goldfinches don their vibrant yellow and black feathers fit for finding a mate But in the fall and winter, goldfinches opt for a more muted wardrobe that makes them a little harder to identify.
During these colder, barren months, offer birds high energy, high fat food such as suet, peanuts, peanut butter, and black-oil sunflower seeds. One of my favorite foods to provide songbirds is a high quality fruit and nut mix. You will want to give some thought to the placement of these feeders since squirrels (who sing quite a different song) also love nuts and sunflower seeds and will empty your feeder in minutes. Using a bird feeder that attaches to your window with suction cups can be a great way to deter squirrels and make the seed last a bit longer. These feeders also allow you to enjoy birds up close and personal, making them great fun for kids. I also like to fill my bird feeders with safflower seeds. These seeds attract many birds, but squirrels are not fans of safflower, making it the perfect bird seed. Most reputable brands of bird seed will supply a chart on the back of the package, showing which birds will be attracted to specific seeds. Experiment using different types of food to attract various birds to your garden. Just be sure to keep your feeders filled once you start. You don’t want to leave your guests with an empty plate. They, in turn, will reward you with their songs and friendship through the cold days of winter.
Shore Local News would love to hear which birds are visiting your fall and winter gardens. What’s your favorite bird food to use? Send your comments, pictures, and questions to shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
