Hi,
I thought I would point out that insect- and fruit-eating birds can be in
dire straits when weather conditions make it difficult, if not virtually
impossible, for them to find enough natural foods.
I've found that sunflower bits or hearts (the sunflower kernel lacking its
outer covering) can be a real life saver for them.
Many years ago, we had about 2 weeks of very cold weather following an ice
storm. Everything was coated in ice.
At that time I was feeding birds from a raised tray feeder on my deck and
a screen comprised the bottom of the tray. As a result, sunflower bits
would fall through to the deck floor underneath.
A Hermit Thrush spent most of every day for those 2 weeks underneath that
tray eating the bits that had fallen through. I feel certain I saved that
bird's life. (Thank goodness I was home--I could have been in the Canary
Islands but had decided not to go!)
I've also had a male Scarlet Tanager hang onto the bottom of a "caged"
feeder to get sunflower bits one spring day when the temps were really cold so
that no insects were active. The Carolina Wrens have fed bits to their
chicks under the same conditions.
So I urge everyone to ALWAYS keep one feeder of sunflower bits or hearts
out, no matter the time of year. For birds that can't break open the shell
of sunflower seeds, bits/hearts can be so helpful to them.
Sincerely,
Marlene
Marlene A. Condon
Author/Photographer, The Nature-friendly Garden: Creating A Backyard Haven
for Plants, Wildlife, and People (Stackpole Books)
Naturalist and Writer/Photographer/Speaker
Crozet, VA 22932-2204
E-mail: MARLENECONDON@xxxxxxx
_www.MARLENECONDON.com_ (http://www.marlenecondon.com/)
In a message dated 3/3/2014 4:25:57 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
pbsullivan2@xxxxxx writes:
Spotsylvania: No rustys, but some never before seen behavior: a Hermit
thrush on suet-and-millet feeder, and a 2 juncos scrapping over sunflower in a
hanging feeder. Both these sp. feed on ground, as a rule. The RS hawk has
been making all visitors nervous but has kept to treetops.
Paul
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