One positive outgrowth of our efforts to quash the pandemic by staying at home has been the explosion of beneficial pastimes such as birdwatching and feeding wild birds. Our avian friends have a tough time these days, with pressures on their survival from development and other environmental factors, so it's a great thing to help them along by feeding them, especially in fall and winter. Learn how you can make the new home you acquired from Beavercreek homes for sale command central in your neighborhood for wild bird care and feeding.

What Birds Are in Your Neighborhood?

The first thing to do is to figure out what kinds of birds you will be feeding. If you're a novice at bird watching and feeding, you might want to call the closest chapter of the Audubon Society, which for Beavercreek residents will be the Dayton Audubon Society.  Ask about the kinds of birds you're likely to see in your yard, which could be some of these:

• Three woodpecker species, including pileated, downy, and red-bellied
• Carolina wren
• American robin
• Cardinal
• American goldfinch
• Tufted titmouse
• Grackles
• American crows
• House sparrow (non-native)
• Starlings (non-native)
• House finch
• Certain native sparrows
• White-breasted nuthatch

Some of these species will be interested in the food you provide, but interest can vary, depending on what other foods may be available nearby, such as grass seed or insects.

A Feeding Strategy

Once you have an idea of what species of birds you're likely to attract to your yard, consult a specialist at a wild bird store in your area about the types of feeders available. Some of the major types and the birds they will attract are these:

1. Tube feeder — Hang it at least 5 feet above the ground to deter predators. The best tube feeder has metal ports and is designed so squirrels cannot cling to it. Feeders of this type may have a spring mechanism inside the tube that helps deter larger birds and squirrels. Some of the birds that will use this type of feeder are cardinals, finches, goldfinches, grackles, chickadees, jays, flickers, juncos, kinglets, nuthatches, redpolls, siskins, sparrows, grosbeaks, starlings, titmice, woodpeckers, and wrens.
   
   
2. Suet feeder — These can be metal cages, pine cones, or a homemade suet log feeder. You can buy suet for the cages or make your own from recipes you find online to smear onto pine cones and log feeders. Suet will attract nuthatches, woodpeckers, flickers, thrashers, titmice, nuthatches, and chickadees.
   
   
3. Thistle feeder — Thistle feeders can be mesh or metal tube feeders that dispense nyjer seed. This seed is attractive to goldfinches, pine siskins, and redpolls.
   
   
4. Screen-bottomed tray — This simple feeder usually has a cover to protect the seed from the elements. Put it on the ground or a deck if your yard is free of predators. Otherwise, place it at least 10 feet from trees and shrubs so birds can escape predators. You can also hang it from a tall feeder pole with twisted ground socket and baffle to keep out squirrels.
   
   
5. Peanut feeders — Stuff these with peanuts. You can make a peanut bird feeder, or buy one with a distinctive wreath-like shape and attract jays, nuthatches, tufted titmice, and woodpeckers.

Besides ensuring the birds you attract to your feeders are safe from predators, locate the feeders away from windows so birds will not fly into them. Also, provide birds with plenty of fresh water. Use a birdbath heater to ensure water doesn't freeze in cold weather.

Our REALTORS® have some great tips for improving your home or getting it ready to sell. Contact Wright-Patt Realty today.