Summer To-Do's

Summer is finally here. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the birds in your backyard.

• Try to fill your feeders the same time every day. Birds will get to know your routine. For instance, the creak of our back door is a wake-up call for robins and catbirds.
• Monitor stored 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. Move your feeder a few feet to allow the grass to recover. You can also put indoor-outdoor carpet under the feeder which makes cleaning up the hulls much easier.
• Move suet feeders to the shade to slow melting. You should also consider "No Melt" suet for warmer weather.
• Clean hummingbird feeders with soap and water every time you fill them, which in summer heat should be about every four days. High sugar content can cause mold to build up. If you see the nectar getting cloudy, it should be changed right away.
• Clean seed feeders, too. Wet seed that sits at the bottom of the feeder can get moldy or can sprout. It could be harmful to the birds you’re trying to attract.
• Freeze blueberries and other small fruits for winter feeding when birds really appreciate the sweet treats. Take advantage of lower prices during the berries’ harvest times.
• Keep bird baths scrubbed free of algae. Use Bird Bath Protector (an enzyme not a chemical) to slow the growth of algae and other organic growth. Use a Water Wiggler or a dripper to keep water moving. Birds notice moving water, and the movement prevents mosquito eggs from hatching. Bird Bath Protector, Water Wigglers and other products are available at The Bird House.
• Be ready to refill bird baths frequently due to a lot of splashing. Exchange warm water for cooler, fresh water for drinking.