Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2006
PDF file available athttp://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/birdsquirrels.html

The Birds Of Summer
June 2006
Mike Hargrove, Ridge Rd. Store Manager

    Feeding birds in the summer is just as rewarding for me as winter
bird feeding. Not only are the birds in their finest plumage, I don't
have to get out in the cold to fill the feeders or clean the birdbath.
The birds seem to be in a better mood, also. At least they are singing a
lot more.
    If you take your feeders down in the spring, you miss many of the
courtship rituals of the birds. My wife thinks that the male cardinal
taking the best sunflower meats to his lady is the most romantic thing
and that I should learn a few tricks from the birds.

Summer Visitors
    Right now, we have pairs of cardinals, robins, doves, brown
thrashers, house finches, and of course I cannot forget the grackles and
house sparrows nesting in the yard. The wrens have taken up residence
across the street and the orioles, chickadees, downy and red-bellied
woodpeckers, as well as the flickers and goldfinches, nest within a
half-mile of our yard but they all visit every day.

Attracting Birds
    There are several things our yard offers that makes it attractive to
birds. Number one in the heat of summer is the water we offer--two
waterfalls and at least two birdbaths, plus the sprinkler system.
    Number two is a reliable source of food. The summer menu consists of
safflower, Johnson's Gardener's Choice, peanuts and sugar water. The
natural food sources include elderberries, hawthorns, crabapples,
coneflowers and shasta daisies.

Birdseed Storage
    I strongly recommend keeping your birdseed in a metal container
outside. If you store it in the house or garage, you WILL get meal
moths! These bug eggs are in the birdseed and will hatch when the
temperatures are warm. If you are unfortunate enough to have an
infestation, you can treat several times with Hi-Yield Total Release
Fogger or use Revenge Moth Traps to control them.

Fresh Seed and Water
    Do not put out more seed than the birds will go through in a couple
of days. If you are feeding one of the shell-less mixes, the heat will
cause the oils in the seed to seep out and make a mess of the
birdfeeder.
    Keep the water fresh in your birdbaths. No one wants to drink warm
green water. If algae buildup is a problem, try some of the Birdbath
Protector.
    After reading this article you may think this is a lot of trouble to
keep the birds happy. The reward is sitting on the deck, listening to
the birds sing and watching the adult birds teach their babies how to
eat the food you provide.