Geese are the most noticeable migratory bird in our area. This is due to their size and their encouraging honk as they fly overhead.
Canada geese honk to encourage the rest of the flock to stick together and fly in formation for thousands of kilometres.
They are just one of the bird types that summer here before heading south for the winter months.
The migration from north to south in the fall brings other birds to Central Alberta.
These birds, along with ones that are permanently in the area, can be seen in the trees, bushes and at local feeders.
There is enough food in the wild to sustain the birds but placing a feeder in a strategic location will bring them into the yard.
Their antics can be entertaining.
Set up the bird feeders with care. While we want to watch the birds, we also do not want to see them crash into windows.
For this reason, the feeder should either be within one metre of the window or more that four metres from the window.
Feeders placed in the area between one and four metres are more likely to have birds hitting windows.
Where dogs and wildlife are a problem, place the feeders higher, out of their reach. It should be high enough that the animals cannot reach it or knock the seed out of it when they are on their hind legs.
Anytime is a good time to set out a bird feeder. If the bird feeder was used before, wash it with a light solution of bleach water.
Then allow the bleach to dissipate before adding seed. Mould, mildew and viruses can lurk in a feeder and that will be detrimental to the birds.
There are many different types of birdseed on the market.
Sunflower seeds are the most universal feed in Central Alberta as they attract the widest variety of birds.
There are other seeds, nuts and meals on the market that are attractive to specific varieties of birds.
Do some research to decide which birds you wish to attract before making a purchasing seed or feeders. The Kerry Wood Nature Centre in Red Deer and Myrna Pearman and Ted Pike’s book Naturescape Alberta are both excellent resources.
Hopper-style feeders are very popular.
The larger the hopper, the less often it must be filled. Large spaces between where the birds stand and the seed tray allow all birds to feed. Smaller distances between the stand and tray limit the feeder to smaller birds.
This being said, smaller birds can use larger feeders if the larger birds allow it.
While the hopper is the traditional feeder, a number of species prefer to feed off the ground or an open tray. Ground feeding birds will go under hanging feeders and eat what has been spilled but more will be attracted to their own feeding station.
When setting up a ground feeding area, keep in mind that the birds are very vulnerable to cats. If possible, make sure all shrubs are at least 10 metres from the feeder.
A tray feeder is a flat surface placed a number of feet off the ground. The feeder may or may not have a roof. Unlike the hopper, this feeder will have to be swept cleaned and replenished frequently.
Suet is popular with birds, especially during cold snaps.
It can be purchased in balls, logs, prepackaged lard or in the raw form from the butcher.
A mixture of lard and peanut butter is popular with many birds.
When mixing this treat, be sure to use products that contain little or no additives. Extra sugars, etc., that are common additives to human food can be detrimental to a bird’s health.
There are bird feeders available for suet or one can place the material in a net bag to be hung up high in a tree.
Setting up a feeder is a commitment. The birds will not die if the feeder is empty, but chances are if it is often empty they will not come back. Birds are creatures of habit.
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist who lives near Rocky Mountain House. She can be reached at www.igardencanada.com or your_garden@hotmail.com.