What do birds prefer to eat from your feeders?

NOTES ON FEEDING BIRDS
by Patter Field
December 20, 2024

The snow is falling as I write this, and birds are flocking to our feeders. While we

know that our winter birds are able to fend for themselves, we feed them for the

pleasure it provides us.

Last month’s information focused on seed and grain; this month we’ll talk about

other varieties of bird food.

Birds like suet, which supplies them with protein and fat. Look for cakes with a

higher protein content. Chunks of suet are also available at local grocers and can be hung as is or rendered into a bread pan to fit your wire feeders. Adams'  Farm in Athol has been a good source of less expensive suet, but call to check for availability and pricing. 

A feeder with little holes for a mixture of peanut butter and fat is a magnet for

bluebirds and woodpeckers. You can make your own mixture, using organic

peanut butter to avoid additives, or order it on line. Bluebirds love mealworms.

You can use a special feeder or just mix a few with the seed on your platform

feeder. Birds will see you coming with the meal worms, and flock to your feeder.

Dried mealworms are easier to handle and store than live ones, and are available, as are other varieties of high-quality bird food, at The Farmers’ Cooperative Exchange in Greenfield.

The Bird Club is planning exciting programs for winter and early spring months:

Winter Wildlife Tracking, January 16 at Dickinson Library followed by a separate

snowy tracking walk. 

Pacific Pelagic Birds, February 11 (Library)

My Summer with Ospreys, March 25 (Library)

Mark your calendars and check our website for details.

Our programs are free and open to all.  

NOTES ON FEEDING BIRDS
by Patter Field 
January, 2025

As we approach the winter solstice, dark days are brightened by the sight of colorful birds. There are still beautiful migrating and seasonal waterfowl to be seen on any areas of open water.

While we know that our winter birds are perfectly able to fend for themselves, we feed them for the pleasure it provides us. If you are feeding birds in your yard, be aware that bears are still around. Bird feeding will also attract rodents and other animals to your yard and garden.

The Farmers’ Cooperative Exchange in Greenfield sells many varieties of high-quality bird food. This month we’ll talk about bird seed. Black oil sunflower seeds are universally loved by our local winter birds, and are the most reliable seed to use. Smaller birds also like mixes containing seeds such as white millet and nyjer seed, and many birds enjoy peanuts and cracked corn.

Ground feeding birds will often pick up the smaller seeds under the feeder discarded by the larger birds. If you use mixed seed, be sure to read what’s in the mix and avoid waste or filler seed, such as milo (sorghum), oats, wheat, or flax seeds. Cheaper mixes use these to pad the weight. You can make your own mixture of seeds, corn and nuts – some items may be less expensive in the poultry section of a farm store. 

NOTES ON FEEDING BIRDS
by Patter Field
February 1, 2025

Bird Flu – should you take down your bird feeders? 

HPAI, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, has been found in geese in Amherst, and suspected in geese on Migratory Way in Turners Falls. Avian influenza does not affect all types of birds equally. The “highly pathogenic” part of the term  refers to the severity of the disease in poultry, not necessarily in other bird species. Transmission of Avian Flu from  birds to humans is rare. People should not pick up or handle sick or dead birds, and should keep their pets away. 

According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in January 2025, there is not yet any recommendation that you take  down your bird feeders, unless you keep domestic poultry. It is unlikely that bird feeders will contribute to an  outbreak among songbirds. Suddenly taking down relied upon food sources during the coldest months may cause  starvation among “wild” birds.  

The main concern with songbirds is the chance that a rare individual might transmit an infection to poultry. This is  a concern because poultry are so much more vulnerable than songbirds to HPAI. The key intervention is to keep  songbirds away from poultry; it’s less important to keep songbirds away from each other.  

When making a decision about your own birdfeeders, be very aware of your neighbors who have domestic or  commercial flocks. For all poultry owners, see this resource for information. (Information taken directly from the  Cornell lab of Ornithology and the CDC).

The Bird Club is planning exciting programs for winter and early  spring months: 

• North Pacific Albatrosses: 

Tues. February 11, 5:30-6:30pm at Dickinson Library 

• My Summer with Ospreys: 

Tues. March 25 at Dickinson Library 

• Otters: 

Thurs. April 17 at Northfield Recreation Center 

• Barn and Cliff Swallows: Nesting Opportunities:  

Tues. April 29 at Dickinson Library 

Mark your calendars and check the Programs page for details.
Bird walks will commence in Spring. Our programs are free and open  to all. Check the Walks page for details.

See also: Birds will adapt to removal of feeders - more from Mary Holland