These two pileated woodpeckers were spotted in Cedar Springs last winter, by two different people. Send your bird photos to news@cedarspringspost.com.
Calling all bird lovers! The National Bird-Feeding Society (NBFS) is pleased to announce that February is National Bird-Feeding Month! The theme for 2011 is “Most Wanted–America’s Top Ten Backyard Birds.”
Throughout the month, the NBFS will highlight the joys of bird feeding by providing tips and techniques to create a successful bird feeding and watching experience.
“While many of the top ten birds can be found year round, others may only visit during spring and fall migration or during the breeding or wintering season,” commented Dr. David Horn, director of the NBFS and associate professor of biology at Millikin University. “By providing bird seed and bird feeders year round, offering alternative bird foods and water, putting up bird houses, and making your yard safe for birds, you can enjoy America’s ‘Most Wanted’ backyard birds.”
The Top Ten Backyard Birds east of the Rocky Mountains are the American Goldfinch, Chickadee (Black-capped/Carolina), Dark-eyed Junco, Downy Woodpecker, House Finch, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Tufted Titmouse, and White-breasted Nuthatch.
With the exception of the hummingbirds, who feed on nectar, the top ten birds eat bird seed. Among their most preferred bird foods are black-oil sunflower, Nyjer® (thistle), sunflower hearts, and white proso millet and are attracted to tube, hopper, and platform bird feeders.
“Whether you live in a rural, suburban or urban environment, there are always birds that can be attracted to your yard,” continued Horn. “Having the right combination of food and feeders is the key to a successful bird feeding experience.”
“Whatever the reason you feed wild birds, bringing America’s ‘Most Wanted’ backyard birds to your yard will be an enjoyable experience,” remarked Stacey Johansen, manager of the NBFS. “It’s an entertaining, educational and inexpensive pastime that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.”
National Bird-Feeding Month was established in 1994. Over 55 million Americans over the age of 16 feed birds around their home, making bird-feeding the second most popular hobby in the United States behind gardening.
For more information on National Bird-Feeding Month, visit www.birdfeeding.org.
