Never use salty snack foods or sugary cereals to feed birds it could hurt them. Some sick birds may feed at the feeders and spread their germs to healthy birds. For this reason, a solution of one part bleach to two parts water should be used to cleanse bird feeders once a month. Don t use plywood feeders, as the glue used in them can be a problem for some birds and make them ill. To increase your pleasure at feeding and attracting birds to your yard keep a bird identification book, binoculars and a birding journal handy near the window.
Many websites offer information, pictures to identify, and even sound tracks of various birdcalls.
A pair of cardinals on fresh snow, purple finches darting in and out of the bare branches of the trees, and even the bossy, big bluejays are a treat to watch on a winter day. If you catch sight of the rare bluebird, or find a redheaded woodpecker showing his tuft of scarlet feathers at your feeder, be prepared to see them again and again. Birds are as faithful as dogs, if you know what they need and try to provide it. You will be more than rewarded by their diligent and colorful appearance around your yard, and their songs when the moment is right will delight you. Learn what to feed them, and how.