Hi,
Thanks to all the birders who responded via the list and to those who sent
personal emails.
This is one of the reasons why I like this list; I get to hear about divergent
opinions and I get the opportunity to practice hearing to divergent opinions.
Searching the internet resulted in a broad array of ideas and opinions. Seems
like there aren't any results of scientific studies posted on the internet.
One scientific study which I could easily get was: Cornell Lab of Ornithology's
1993-1994 Seed Preference Test [ref 1,2]. Sunflower seeds seem to be a clear
winner in terms of bird preference and oil content. Since our bird feeders do
offer sunflower seeds, I am satisfied that the birds are getting good food.
Since we put up put up the feeders, we have enjoyed watching the birds' antics.
We enjoyed watching how the WB.Nuthatch chased other birds away, but could not
chase the Purple Finches. We learnt about the highly enterprising nature of the
Carolina Wren. And the Tufted Titmouse and Chickadee's policy of "eat and let
eat" restores peace within our feeders.
And apart from all the bird related birding, one very big learning was to
experience the cleverness and persistence of the squirrels! In trying to keep
the squirrels away we had to devise umpteen number of devices and even then the
squirrel has constantly out-smarted us. Hats off to this bold animal !
Before putting out the vegetarian-suet, we were missing the Woodpeckers. Now
that we have them too, we were really happy and wished to share it with other
birders on this list.
I will keep reading more about the suet alternatives and will improve our
recipe. Meanwhile, if anybody knows of any scientific literature related to
this issue (no opinions please), we would be very happy to educate ourselves.
thanks,
Deapesh.
Fairfax, VA.
References:
1: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/Birdscope/Autumn1994/spt94084.htm
2:
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/Birdscope/Winter1995/seedpref95091.htm
