Conference clt::wild_birds

644.0. "MASS Audubon's Backyard Bird Feeding Weekend..." by NETCAD::CREEGAN () Wed Feb 05 1997 09:59

Massachusetts Audubon Sponsors Backyard Bird Feeding Weekend

How many chickadees appear in Massachusetts during the winter?  What 
kind of seed do goldfinches like best?  These and other interesting 
facts about birds in Massachusetts can be learned by participating in 
Massachusetts Audubon's "Focus on Feeders" weekend Feb. 8 and 9.  
Backyard birding enthusiats of all ages are asked to note the quantity 
and variety of bird species that they see at their feeders during this 
weekend and submit their findings to Massachusetts Audubon.  All 
participants will be entered in a drawing and will be eligible to win 
terrific prizes including bird feeders, the Society's newest habitat 
guide - "Guide to Backyard Birds," binoculars, or a copy of the 
Society's centennial book THE NATURE OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Massachusetts Audubon Society, the leader in protecting wild bird 
species and their habitats for over 100 years, offers the following 
easy and practical tips to make the most of this exciting pastime:

Place your feeder at least ten feet away from trees or railings and at 
least six feet high to discourage squirrels.  Birds are more likely to 
come to feeding stations with shrubs or a brush pile as protection 
within a few feet of the feeder.  

A good starter feeder is a tray or a platform feeder set on a pole.  
And ideal tray feeder has a roof to protect seed from moisture and a 
raised edge to keep it from blowing away; a baffle will help 
discourage squirrels.

It is a good idea to avoid seed mixes with filler seeds such as 
"milo," red millet, and coarse-cracked corn.  For best results, try 
black-oil sunflower seed, sunflower hearts, thistle seed, and beef 
suet.

Plan to supply food as often as feeders need filling.  Birds are 
especially eager for food in the morning and late in the afternoon, so 
be sure your feeders are stocked at those times.

Birds prefer to feed in the sun and out of the wind, so locate your 
feeder accordingly.

Provide open water in your yard to attract birds in any season.  Do 
not use glycerin to prevent the water from freezing; it may cause the 
birds' feathers to mat.  Instead, consider purchasing specially 
designed heating coils for your birdbath.

A recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey indicates that 63 million 
Americans feed wild birds in their backyards.  Since natural food is 
less abundant in the winter it is the perfect time to join the 
millions of Americans who enjoy this fun activity.  To receive your 
Focus on Feeders report form, call 617-259-9506, ext. 7522.

Massachusetts Audubon Society is the largest conservation organizaton 
in New England.  Concentrating its efforts in Massachusetts, the 
Society has protected more than 26,000 acres of conservation 
land/wildlife habitat, conducts nature education programs for 200,000 
children annually, and advocates for sound environmental policies.  
Massachusetts Audubon is a statewide organization with 35 sanctuaries 
open to the public.  Massachusetts Audubon is independent of National 
Audubon.  For more information about the Society or to support its 
impotant work by becoming a menber, call 1-800-AUDUBON.