Summer To-Do's

• Fill feeders the same time each day. Birds will get to know your routine.
• Monitor seed for webbing, larvae or insect infestation. Pantry moth traps help alleviate the problem.
• Clean hulls from under feeders. Sunflower seed hulls are toxic to grass and if left to build up, can kill a patch of grass. It is also helpful to move the feeder a few feet to give the grass a chance to recover.
• Move suet feeders to the shade to slow melting.
• Clean hummingbird feeders every time you fill them which should be about every 4 days in this hot weather. High sugar content can cause mold build-up. If you notice the nectar is cloudy, change it right away. Use soap and hot water and brushes to get into small spots. Rinse very well.
• Clean bird baths with one part bleach and 10 parts water. Brushes help, too. Rinse very well.
• Clean seed feeders, too. Wet seed that sits on the bottom can get moldy or sprout. Not good for birds! Submerge the feeder in a bucket of soapy water and scrub with a bottle brush. Rinse and dry in the sun before filling.
• Freeze blueberries and other small fruits for winter feeding when the birds really appreciate sweet treats.
• Keep bird baths scrubbed free of algae. Use a bath protector to slow algae and organic growth. Use a "Water Wiggler" or a dripper to keep water moving. Birds notice it more and moving water prevents mosquito eggs from hatching.