,u4,s4 ,fi% ,wildlife ,s]vice ,= ! ,birds http3_/_/birds4fws4gov ,m>* #bjja ,among ! fonde/ & mo/ memorable mom5ts ( *ildhood are ! discov]ies ( songbirds ne/+ 9 ! backy>d4 ,! di/9ctive1 mud-l9$ ne/s ( rob9s & _! beautiful blue eggs captivate p ( all ages4 ,likewise1 ! ne/+ activities ( h\se wr5s1 c>d9als1 *ickadees & o!r common birds c /imulate a lifelong int]e/ 9 nature4 ,z y le>n to enjoy ! beauty ( birdlife ar\nd _! home1 y may wi% to improve ! 8habitat0 9 y\r y>d s t m birds w visit y\r prop]ty4 ,y c attract birds by plac+ bird fe$]s1 ne/ boxes1 & bird ba?s 9 y\r y>d1 & by plant+ a v>iety ( trees1 %rubs1 & fl[]s4 ,^! c provide good ne/+ sites1 w9t] %elt]1 places to hide f pr$ators & natural food supplies t are available ye>-r\nd4 ,backy>d bird fe$+ is a conv5i5t way to enjoy wildlife4 ,m ?an #fe million ,am]icans ( all ages wat*1 fe$ & l&scape = birds4 ,x doesn't matt] :]e y live--9 an ap>tm5t1 t[nh\se or s+le family dwell+1 9 ! city1 suburbs or c\ntry4 ,j /& /ill & y'll he> !m3 wild birds4 ,x is h>d to imag9e life )\t !m4 ,bird wat*+ is "o ( ! fa/e/ gr[+ =ms ( outdoor recreation 9 ! c\ntry4 ,ea* ye> millions ( p discov] = ! fir/ "t ! joys ( birdwat*+4 ,x's easy to und]/& :y4 ,birds are fun to wat*4 ,& y c wat* !m j ab\t ev]y:]e4 ,! mo/ conv5i5t place to />t is "r 9 y\r own backy>d4 ,all x takes to get _! att5tion is food or wat]1 a place to build a ne/ & appropriate vegetation4 ,illu/ration3 ,bird on w9d[ fe$] ,gett+ ,/>t$ ,backy>d ,bird ,fe$+ ,:5 y want to attract a p>ticul> bird species & keep x com+ back to y\r backy>d1 :at y d w be det]m9$ by :]e y live1 & ! "t ( ye>4 ,= example1 on any w9t] day1 y are likely to see a c>d9al at a sunfl[] fe$] 9 ,virg9ia1 a goldf9* at a ?i/le fe$] 9 ,massa*usetts & humm+birds at a nect> fe$] 9 s\!rn ,cali=nia4 ,a bird field id5tification book has pictures ( diff]5t birds & w help y f9d ! names = ! birds y're likely to see & ! "t ( ye> y're mo/ likely to see !m4 ,s1 fir/ det]m9e :at birds are likely to occur 9 y\r area4 ,fe$] ,selection ,:5 ! gr\nd is cov]$ ) sn[ & ice1 x's h>d to resi/ j toss+ se$ out ! door4 ,b x's heal?i] = ! birds to get _! h&\ts at a fe$+ /ation1 r ?an (f ! gr\nd4 ,reg>dless ( ! season1 food t sits on ! gr\nd = ev5 a %ort "t is expos$ to contam9ation by dampness1 mold1 bact]ia1 animal dropp+s1 lawn f]tiliz]s & pe/icides4 ,y c />t simply ) a piece ( scrap wood elevat$ a few in*es above ! gr\nd4 ,add a few holes = dra9age & y've built a plat=m fe$]4 ,x won't be long be=e ! birds f9d x4 ,!re are sev]al factors to consid] aft] y've decid$ to fe$ birds 9 y\r backy>d4 ,placem5t ,:]e d y want to wat* y\r birds8 ,f a kit*5 w9d[ 444 a slid+ glass door op5+ onto a deck 444 a second-/ory w9d[8 ,illu/ration3 ,w9d[ fe$] ,pick a location t is easy to get to4 ,:5 ! wea!r is bad & birds are mo/ vuln]able1 y may be reluctant to fill a fe$] t is n 9 a conv5i5t spot ne> a door or an accessible w9d[4 ,also1 pick a site :]e disc>d$ se$ %ells & bird dropp+s won't be a cleanup problem4 ,put y\r fe$] :]e ! squirrels c't rea*4 ,squirrels become a problem :5 !y take ov] a bird fe$]1 sc>+ ! birds away & toss+ se$ all ov]4 ,squirrels h be5 kn[n to *ew "r ?r\gh pla/ic & wood5 fe$]s4 ,if y've se5 squirrels 9 y\r neighborhood1 x is safe to assume !y w visit y\r fe$]4 ,?9k long & h>d be=e y hang any?+ f a tree limb4 ,squirrels are incr$ibly agile1 & any fe$] hang+ f a tree is likely to become a squirrel fe$]4 ,illu/ration3 ,photo3 ,kev9 ,t5nyson1 ,,usdoi ,9 ! long run1 a squirrel-pro( fe$] or any fe$] on a pole ) a baffle is ! lea/ aggravat+ solution4 ,! mo/ effective squirrel-pro( fe$] is ! pole-m\nt$ metal 8h\se0 type4 ,if y mu/ hang a fe$]1 select a tube protect$ ) metal me%4 ,mo/ pla/ic 8squirrel-pro(0 fe$]s1 despite manufactur]s' claims1 may ev5tually succumb to ! squirrels4 ,any wood or pla/ic fe$] c be effective :5 m\nt$ on a pole ) a pla/ic or metal baffle1 if ! pole is at lea/ #aj feet or m f a tree limb or trunk 7squirrels c jump great di/ances74 ,durability ,bird fe$]s are made f a v>iety ( mat]ials4 ,y c buy disposable pla/ic bag fe$]s2 fe$]s made ( clo?1 nylon1 v9yl & metal nett+2 cle>1 lexan1 color$ & ,,pvc pla/ic tubes2 c]amic & t]ra cotta2 r$wood1 we/]n c$>1 bir*1 p9e & plywood2 %eet metal & alum9iz$ /eel2 glass tubes & bottles4 ,illu/ration3 ,t]ra ,cotta fe$] ,h[ long a fe$] la/s dep5ds on h[ well y ma9ta9 x1 ! effects ( wea!r1 & :e!r squirrels c get to x4 ,wat] c get into any fe$] reg>dless ( h[ c>efully y protect x4 ,clo?1 v9yl1 nylon & metal nett+ fe$]s are inexp5sive1 b !y d n protect y\r se$ f spoil+ 9 damp or wet wea!r4 ,improve !m by add+ a pla/ic dome4 ,mo/ wood1 pla/ic1 c]amic & solid metal fe$]s keep se$ dry1 b wat] c get into ! fe$+ portals4 ,look = fe$]s ) dra9age holes 9 ! bottoms ( bo? ! fe$] hopp] & ! se$ tray4 ,ev5 b[l-type fe$]s & trays ) dra9age holes w clog ) se$ & bird dropp+s t c mix ) ra9wat] & be unheal?y = any animal4 ,look = %all[ plate-l se$ trays to cat* dropp$ se$s :ile all[+ sp5t se$ %ells to bl[ away4 ,:5 y fe$ birds1 expect bird dropp+s & a leftov] food mess4 ,:ile y d n h to wa% ! fe$] daily1 y %\ld clean x at lea/ e few weeks4 ,diseases l salmonella c gr[ 9 moldy1 wet se$ & bird dropp+s 9 y\r fe$] tray & on ! gr\nd bel[4 ,move y\r fe$] a few feet ea* season to give ! gr\nd und]nea? "t to assimilate ! se$ debris & bird dropp+s4 ,! ma9t5ance requir$ to keep y\r fe$] clean v>ies accord+ to ! type ( fe$]4 ,a ?i/le fe$] = goldf9*es %\ld be clean$ ab\t once a mon? dep5d+ on h[ (t5 x ra9s4 ,fe$+ humm+birds requires clean+ at ! v lea/ weekly1 b pref]ably two or ?ree times a week4 ,sunfl[] & suet fe$]s ne$ to be clean$ only once a mon?4 ,pla/ic1 c]amic & glass fe$]s are easy to clean4 ,wa% !m 9 a bucket ( hot1 soapy wat] =tifi$ ) a capful or two ( *lor9e blea*4 ,use ! same regim5 ) wood fe$]s1 b sub/itute ano!r dis9fectant = ! blea* s y\r wood won't fade4 ,food ,capacity ,! ideal fe$] capacity v>ies ) y\r situation1 & ! types ( birds y want to attract4 ,if y fe$ humm+birds1 big fe$]s are n always bett]4 ,"o humm+bird w dr9k ab\t twice its body weight 7less ?an an ounce7 a day4 ,e>ly 9 ! season1 humm]s are t]ritorial & won't %>e a fe$]4 ,a sixte5-ounce fe$] c be wa/eful1 or ev5 le?al1 because artificial nect> 7sug> wat]7 c f]m5t 9 ! hot summ] sun4 ,a two-ounce fe$] is m ?an en\gh = "o humm]4 ,increase ! size ( y\r fe$] dep5d+ on y\r location & h[ _m humm]s y see 9 y\r y>d4 ,illu/ration3 ,w9t] fe$+ ,if y opt = a l>ge-volume se$ fe$]1 protect x f ! wea!r & keep x clean4 ,if aft] mon?s ( use1 ! birds sudd5ly ab&on y\r fe$] full ( se$1 x's "t = a clean+4 ,h[ ,_m ,birds ,if too _m birds at y\r fe$] become a problem1 y c control _! numb]s by putt+ out small] am\nts ( se$1 or by us+ specialty se$s or re/rictive fe$]s t w attract only c]ta9 species4 ,if y fill y\r fe$] only :5 x's empty1 ! birds w look = food else:]e4 ,y c enc\rage small birds & disc\rage l>ge birds ) fe$]s t re/rict access4 ,wood fe$]s ) v]tical b>s & fe$]s cov]$ ) wire me% fru/rate l>g] birds4 ,! mo/ non-selective fe$]s are ! tray1 plat=m or h\se fe$]s because !y all[ easy access by all birds4 ,tube fe$]s )\t trays also re/rict access to only small birds4 ,remove ! p]*es1 & y've fur!r re/rict$ ! fe$] to only ^? birds t c easily cl+--f9*es1 *ickadees1 titmice & woodpeck]s4 ,if />l+s are a problem at y\r suet fe$]1 disc\rage !m by us+ a suet fe$] ) access only f ! bottom4 ,/>l+s are reluctant to p]* upside d[n4 ,*ickadees & woodpeck]s don't f9d t a problem4 ,y c virtually elim9ate visits by birds y w\ld r n see by (f]+ se$s !y won't eat4 ,if y use m ?an "o type ( se$1 put !m 9 sep>ate fe$]s4 ,?is w r$uce wa/$ se$s1 z birds w toss unwant$ se$s out ( a fe$] to get to _! favorites4 ,wat* a fe$] fill$ ) a se$ mix & y'll see ! birds me?odically drop or kick out mo/ ( ! se$s to get to _! favorite--sunfl[]4 ,illu/ration3 ,se$ mixtures ,_m birds pref] sunfl[]4 ,"s pref] millet4 ,a few pref] peanuts4 ,sp>r[s1 blackbirds1 doves & juncos w eat ! o!r gra9s us$ 9 pre-made mixes3 corn1 milo1 r$ millet1 oats1 :eat & can>y se$4 ,birds w also kick out artificial 8b]ry0 pellets1 process$ se$ flavor$ & color$ to look l real fruit4 ,black oil sunfl[] is ! h&s-d[n favorite ( all ! birds t visit tube & h\se fe$]s4 ,birds :o visit plat=m fe$]s 7doves & sp>r[s7 favor :ite proso millet4 ,ducks1 geese & quail w eat corn4 ,_m c]eal gra9s 7corn1 milo1 oats1 can>y1 :eat1 rape1 flax & buck:eat7 9 mix$ bird se$s are ,,n favorites ( birds t visit tube fe$]s4 ,! mo/ effective way to attract ! l>ge/ v>iety ( birds to y\r y>d is to put out sep>ate fe$]s = ea* food3 a />l+-resi/ant suet fe$] a h\se fe$] = sunfl[] a bluebird fe$] a wire me% cage fe$] = peanut a nect> fe$] a tube fe$] = ?i/le a /ation>y or tray fruit fe$] a h\se or plat=m fe$] = millet ,illu/ration3 ,suet ,fe$] ,illu/ration3 ,?i/le ,fe$] ,illu/ration3 ,fe$+ ,tray ,illu/ration3 ,nut ,fe$] ,birds ,attract$ by ,v>i\s ,fe$]s & ,foods ,tube ,fe$] ) ,black ,oil ,sunfl[] goldf9*es *ickadees woodpeck]s nu?at*es titmice r$polls p9e sisk9s 444 ,add+ a ,tray to ! ,tube ,fe$] ,w ,also ,attract c>d9als jays crossbills purple f9*es h\se f9*es :ite-?roat$ sp>r[s :ite-cr[n$ sp>r[s ,tray or ,plat=m ,fe$]--) ,millet doves h\se sp>r[s blackbirds juncos c[birds t[hees :ite-?roat$ sp>r[s tree sp>r[s :ite-cr[n$ sp>r[s *ipp+ sp>r[s ,tray or ,plat=m ,fe$]--) ,corn />l+s h\se sp>r[s grackles jays juncos bob:ite quail doves r+-neck$ pheasants :ite-?roat$ sp>r[s ,plat=m ,fe$] or ,tube ,fe$] & ,tray--) ,peanuts c>d9als grackles titmice />l+s jays ,nig] ,?i/le ,fe$] ) ,tray goldf9*es h\se f9*es purple f9*es r$polls p9e sisk9s doves *ickadees song sp>r[s d>k-ey$ juncos :ite-?roat$ sp>r[s ,nect> ,fe$] humm+birds orioles c>d9als tanag]s woodpeck]s f9*es ?ru%es ,fruit orioles tanag]s mock+birds bluebirds ?ra%]s c>d9als woodpeck]s jays />l+s ?ru%es c$> waxw+s yell[-brea/$ *ats ,hang+ ,suet ,fe$] woodpeck]s wr5s *ickadees nu?at*es k+lets ?ra%]s creep]s c>d9als />l+s ,peanut ,butt] ,suet woodpeck]s goldf9*es juncos c>d9als ?ru%es jays k+lets bluebirds wr5s />l+s ,hang+ ,peanut ,fe$] woodpeck]s *ickadees titmice ,un9vit$ ,gue/s at ! ,birdfe$] ,once y get y\r bird fe$+ /ation up & runn+1 y may run into problems ) two k9ds ( un9vit$ gue/s--^? int]e/$ 9 ! se$s 7squirrels & *ipmunks1 rats & mice1 & />l+s & h\se sp>r[s71 & ^? int]e/$ 9 eat+ a bird = d9n] 7cats & hawks74 ,illu/ration3 ,squirrel-resi/ant fe$] ,:5 a squirrel is at ! fe$]1 y're n likely to see birds4 ,squirrels w sc>e (f ! birds :ile !y eat ! se$ & sometimes !y w eat ! fe$] too4 ,! simple/ solution is a squirrel-pro( fe$] or pole4 ,/>l+s & h\se sp>r[s are n native to ,nor? ,am]ica & are aggressive t[>ds o!r species4 ,*oose y\r fe$] & se$ to exclude ^! species if possible4 ,*ipmunks1 rats & mice c also become a problem :]e !re is se$ spillage "u ! fe$]4 ,don't use mix$ bird se$1 & if y don't h a squirrel problem1 add a fe$] tray4 ,f]al cats & y\r neighbor's tabby are a s]i\s ?reat to _m birds4 ,keep fe$]s away f bru%piles & %rubb]y1 z ?is (f]s cats ! necess>y cov] to surprise birds4 ,if !re are no cats 9 y\r neighborhood & y f9d a pile ( fea!rs ne> y\r fe$]1 look = a full-belli$ hawk p]*+ on a tree ne>by4 ,don't put out poisons or try to trap hawks ?\gh1 z ?is is aga9/ /ate & f$]al law4 ,que/ions ab\t ,fe$+ ,wild ,birds ,:5 is ! be/ "t to />t8 ,usually1 :5ev] ! wea!r is sev]e1 birds w appreciate a reliable supplem5tal food s\rce4 ,9 nor!rn areas1 />t be=e ! onset ( cold wea!r s birds h "t to f9d ! fe$]4 ,:5's ! be/ "t to /op8 ,al?\gh y c fe$ birds ye>-r\nd1 especially ) fruit & nect>1 y c /op fe$+ se$s once a reliable supply ( insects is available 9 ! spr+4 ,is x be/ to /op fe$+ humm+birds aft] ,labor ,day8 ,!re is no evid5ce t fe$+ humm+birds aft] ,labor ,day w keep !m f migrat+4 ,9 fact1 x may help a weak5$ /raggl] refuel = ! long haul4 ,leave y\r nect> fe$]s out until ! birds /op com+4 ,h[ long does x take = birds to f9d a fe$]8 ,x may take m "t = birds to f9d w9d[ fe$]s ?an hang+ or pole-m\nt$ fe$]s4 ,y may want to wrap alum9um foil ar\nd ! top ( ! fe$] hang]4 ,sometimes all x takes is ! reflection ( light on ! foil to cat* _! att5tion4 ,my fe$] is full ( se$s4 ,i hav5't se5 a bird 9 mon?s4 ,am ,i do+ some?+ wrong8 ,:5 birds des]t y\r fe$]1 x may be simply t a lot ( natural food is available ne>by4 ,or some?+ may be wrong1 su* z spoil$ se$s or a contam9at$ fe$]4 ,?r[ ! se$s away & wa% ! fe$]4 ,look at :]e y\r fe$] is plac$4 ,be sure x's n vuln]able to pr$ators4 ,at ! same "t1 make sure x is n 9 an op5 area1 away f ! cov] 9 :i* birds usually travel4 ,w birds' feet /ick to metal fe$]s & p]*es 9 ! wet w9t] wea!r8 ,birds don't h sweat gl&s 9 _! feet1 s !y won't freeze onto metal fe$]s4 ,!re's no ne$ to cov] any metal fe$]s p>ts ) pla/ic or wood to protect birds' feet1 tongues or eyes4 ,d wild birds ne$ grit8 ,birds h no tee? to gr9d _! food4 ,! dirt1 s&1 pebbles & grit !y eat sit 9 _! crop & help gr9d up _! food4 ,add+ grit to y\r fe$] is helpful1 p>ticul>ly 9 ! w9t] & spr+4 ,cru%$ egg%ells d ! same ?+1 & 9 ! spr+ h an add$ b5efit3 !y provide birds ) extra calcium = produc+ eggs ( _! own4 ,c birds *oke on peanut butt]8 ,!re is no evid5ce t birds c *oke on peanut butt]4 ,h[ev]1 birds h no saliv>y gl&s4 ,y c make x easi] on !m by mix+ peanut butt] ) l>d1 cornmeal or grit4 ,y\r birds w appreciate dr9k+ wat] too1 f a bird ba? or tr\gh4 ,won't suet g bad 9 ! summ]8 ,9 ! w9t]1 raw beef fat f ! local but*] is all y ne$ = y\r suet fe$]4 ,:5 temp]atures rise1 raw fat c melt & get rancid4 ,x's saf] to use comm]cially r5d]$ suet cakes 9 ! spr+ & summ] mon?s4 ,r5d]+ 7boil+7 ! fat kills bact]ia4 ,:at is humm+bird nect>8 ,d humm]s ne$ nect> =tifi$ ) vitam9s & m9]als8 ,y c make y\r own humm+bird nect> by add+ cup ( sug> to a cup ( boil+ wat]4 ,rememb]1 sug> wat] w f]m5t :5 left 9 ! hot sun1 turn+ nect> deadly4 ,d n put out a nect> fe$] if y are n will+ to clean x at lea/ weekly1 pref]ably twice a week4 ,humm]s eat insects = _! prote94 ,!re is no evid5ce t ^! t9y birds ne$ vitam9 & m9]al supplem5ts4 ,!re is also no evid5ce t add+ r$ food color+ to nect> w h>m ! birds1 b x probably is n necess>y to attract !m4 ,j put y\r fe$] ne> r$ fl[]s or buy a r$ humm+bird fe$]4 ,illu/ration3 ,humm+bird fe$] ,h[ c ,i avoid bees at my humm+bird fe$]8 ,bees w inevitably visit y\r humm+bird fe$]1 especially 9 hot wea!r4 ,little pla/ic bee gu>ds may help keep !m f gett+ nect> b x won't /op !m f try+4 ,don't take ! *ance ( contam9at+ y\r nect> by putt+ vegetable oil ar\nd ! fe$+ portals4 ,"o solution is to add a few small fe$]s away f :]e p are likely to be bo!r$ by bees4 ,h[ close to my w9d[ c ,i put a fe$]8 ,birds w come "r to y\r w9d[4 ,sometimes x takes a :ile = !m to ov]come _! initial reluctance1 s be pati5t4 ,don't worry t a fe$] on ! w9d[ w cause birds to fly into ! w9d[4 ,birds fly into ! w9d[ because !y see ! reflection ( ! woods4 ,w9d[ fe$]s & decals help break up ! reflection4 ,is crack$ corn coat$ ) a r$ dye safe to use8 ,no4 ,! r$ or p9k coat+ is cap/an1 a fungicide us$ on se$s meant = plant+4 ,if y buy a bag ( crack$ corn or o!r se$ treat$ ) cap/an1 return x to ! /ore4 ,x c kill horses1 o!r mammals & wild birds4 ,i b\ght a bag ( sunfl[] se$s e>ly 9 ! spr+4 ,ov] ! summ] ,i fir/ notic$ worms1 !n mo?s4 ,:at c ,i d to keep ! bugs out8 ,mo?s lay _! eggs 9 sunfl[] se$s4 ,! eggs lay dormant z long z ! se$s are /or$ 9 a cool dry place4 ,9 ! summ]1 se$s get hot & ! eggs hat*4 ,! be/ way to avoid ?is problem is to buy se$s 9 small] quantities1 or /ore y\r se$s 9 a cool1 dry place4 ,x also helps to "k :]e y\r retail] /ores ! se$4 ,an air-condition$ /orage unit is ! bett] *oice4 ,insects also lay _! eggs 9 burlap bags4 ,don't buy se$s 9 burlap bags4 ,don't buy se$ 9 pap] & pla/ic bags ) pat*$ holes4 ,t may be a sign ( insect or rod5t infe/ation4 ,homes = ,birds ,birds ,y ,c ,attract to ,ne/ ,boxes ,_m ( ! birds t visit fe$]s & ba?s may /ay & ne/ 9 ne>by trees4 ,mo/ ( !m1 includ+ c>d9als1 doves & orioles1 don't ne/ 9 boxes4 ,y c /ill help !m by consid]+ _! food & %elt] requirem5ts 9 y\r l&scape plans4 ,m ?an two doz5 ,nor? ,am]ican birds ne/ 9 bird h\ses4 ,! foll[+ descriptions w help y det]m9e :i* birds might visit y\r neighborhood4 ,bluebirds ,if y put up a bluebird h\se ne> an old field1 or*>d1 p>k1 cemet]y or golf c\rse1 y might h a *ance ( attract+ a pair ( bluebirds4 ,!y pref] ne/ boxes on a tree /ump or wood5 f5ce po/ betwe5 ?ree & five feet high4 ,bluebirds also ne/ 9 ab&on$ woodpeck] ne/ holes4 ,! mo/ important measurem5t is ! hole diamet]4 ,an in* & a half is small en\gh to det] />l+s1 :i*1 along ) h\se sp>r[s1 h be5 kn[n to kill bluebirds1 z well z adults sitt+ on ! ne/4 ,bluebirds h problems ) o!r animals too4 ,disc\rage cats1 snakes1 raccoons & *ipmunks by m\nt+ ! h\se on a metal pole1 or use a metal pr$ator gu>d on a wood po/4 ,am]ican ,rob9s ,! rob9 is our l>ge/ ?ru%4 ,!y pref] to build _! ne/ 9 ! crot* ( a tree4 ,if y don't h an appropriate tree1 y c (f] a ne/+ plat=m4 ,pick a spot six feet or high] up on a %ad$ tree trunk or "u ! ov]hang ( a %$ or por*4 ,creat+ a 8mud puddle0 ne>by (f]s fur!r enticem5t1 z rob9s use mud to hold _! ne/s toge!r4 ,*ickadees1 ,nu?at*es & ,titmice ,*ickadees1 titmice & nu?at*es %>e ! same food1 fe$]s1 & habitat4 ,if y put a prop]ly design$ ne/ box 9 a wood$ y>d1 at lea/ "o ( ^! species might *eck x out4 ,put *ickadee h\ses at eye level4 ,hang !m f limbs or secure !m to tree trunks4 ,! entrance hole %\ld be #a in*es to attract *ickadees1 yet exclude h\se sp>r[s4 ,an*or h\ses = nu?at*es on tree trunks five to six feet (f ! gr\nd4 ,illu/ration3 ,titm\se h\se ,br[n ,creep]s & ,pro?onot>y ,w>bl]s ,look = br[n creep]s to ne/ beh9d ! curv$ b>k ( tree trunks4 ,9 heavily wood$ y>ds1 slab b>k h\ses appeal to creep]s4 ,pro?onot>y w>bl]s also pref] slab b>k h\ses1 or bluebird boxes atta*$ to a tree trunk1 b !irs mu/ be plac$ ov] wat] 7lakes1 riv]s or swamps7 ) a good canopy ( trees ov]head4 ,wr5s ,wr5s don't seem to be v picky ab\t :]e !y ne/4 ,try ne/ boxes ) a #a in* #b in* horizontal slot 7#a in* #b in* = ! l>g] ,c>ol9a wr5s7 in/ead ( a circle4 ,^! are easi] = ! wr5s to use4 ,h[ev]1 ! l>g] ! op5+1 ! m likely x is h\se sp>r[s w occupy ! box4 ,wr5s are kn[n = fill+ a ne/ cavity ) twigs1 reg>dless ( :e!r !y use ! ne/ to raise _! "y4 ,s9ce male h\se wr5s build sev]al ne/s = ! female to *oose f1 hang sev]al ne/ boxes at eye level on p>tly sunlit tree limbs4 ,wr5s are sociable & w accept ne/ boxes q close to y\r h\se4 ,illu/ration3 ,inside ( ne/+ cavity ,tree & ,violet-gre5 ,swall[s ,tree swall[s pref] ne/ boxes atta*$ to dead trees4 ,space ! boxes ab\t sev5 feet ap>t = ^! :ite-belli$ birds ) iridesc5t blue-gre5 backs & w+s4 ,! ideal sett+ = ^! insect-eat]s is on ! edge ( a l>ge field ne> a lake1 pond or riv]4 ,violet-gre5 swall[s ne/ 9 =e/$ m\nta9s ( ! ,we/2 boxes plac$ on l>ge trees 9 a semi-op5 woodl& w attract !m4 ,b>n ,swall[s & ,phoebes ,if y h ! "r habitat1 l an op5 b>n or old %$1 b>n swall[s & phoebes are easy to attract4 ,x's _! ne/+ behavior1 n _! plumage or song1 t cat*es y\r att5tion4 ,h[ev]1 ^! birds t5d to ne/ :]e y w\ld r n h !m3 on a l$ge "r ov] y\r front door4 ,to avoid a mess by y\r door1 (f] ! birds a ne/+ %elf ne>by :]e y'd r h !m4 ,illu/ration3 ,ne/+ l$ge ,purple ,m>t9s ,_m p want m>t9s 9 _! y>ds because1 x's be5 said1 ^! birds eat #b1jjj mosquitoes a day4 ,:ile x's true t !y eat fly+ insects1 don't expect purple m>t9s to elim9ate mosquitoes 9 y\r y>d completely4 ,m>t9s pref] dragonflies1 :i* prey on mosquito l>vae4 ,if y want to help rid y\r y>d ( mosquitoes1 put up a bat roo/+ box4 ,"o bat c eat ?\s&s ( mosquitoes a night4 ,m>t9s are ent]ta9+ creatures1 h[ev]1 & y'll enjoy wat*+ _! antics 9 y\r backy>d4 ,y h ! be/ *ance ( attract+ m>t9s if y put a h\se on ! edge ( a pond or riv]1 surr\nd$ by a field or lawn4 ,m>t9s ne$ a radius ( ab\t #dj feet ( unob/ruct$ fly+ space ar\nd _! h\ses4 ,a telephone wire ne>by gives !m a place to p]* 9 sociable gr\ps4 ,illu/ration3 ,c]amic h\se ,m>t9s ne/ 9 gr\ps1 s y'll ne$ a h\se ) a m9imum ( f\r l>ge rooms--#f or m in*es on all sides1 ) a #b in* entrance hole ab\t #a in*es above ! floor4 ,v5tilation & dra9age are critical factors 9 m>t9 h\se design4 ,por*es1 rail+s1 por* divid]s & supplem5tal ro( p]*es1 l a ,,tv ant5na1 make any h\se m appeal+4 ,y c also make h\ses f g\rds by fa%ion+ an entrance hole & small holes 9 ! bottom = dra9age4 ,if y use g\rds1 x's n necess>y to add rail+s & p]*es4 ,adult m>t9s w p]* on ! wire us$ to hang ! h\ses4 ,be=e y select a h\se1 ?9k ab\t :at k9d ( pole y're go+ to put x on4 ,m>t9s occupy a h\se t5 to tw5ty feet (f ! gr\nd4 ,"s poles are less cumb]some ?an o!rs4 ,g\rd h\ses are ! easie/ to set up4 ,/r+ !m f a wire betwe5 two poles1 f a sectional alum9um pole1 or on pulleys m\nt$ to a crossb> high up on a pole4 ,y c m\nt lightweight alum9um h\ses = m>t9s on telescop+ poles1 provid+ easy access = ma9t5ance & inspection4 ,because ( _! weight 7m ?an #cj p\nds71 wood h\ses %\ld n be m\nt$ on telescop+ poles4 ,y'll h to use a /urdy metal or a wood pole atta*$ to a pivot po/4 ,! problem ) ?is l[]+ te*nique is t y c't tilt ! h\se )\t damag+ ! ne/s inside4 ,if y put y\r h\se on a %ort]1 fix$ pole1 t5 to twelve feet high1 y c use a ladd] to inspect & ma9ta9 x4 ,flycat*]s ,! great cre/$ flycat*] & its we/]n c\s91 ! a%-?roat$ flycat*]1 are common 9 wood$ suburbs & rural areas ) woodlots4 ,_! natural ne/+ sites are ab&on$ woodpeck] holes4 ,flycat*]s may ne/ 9 a bird h\se if x is plac$ ab\t t5 feet up 9 a tree 9 an or*>d or at ! edge ( a field or /ream4 ,?is is a long%ot1 b well wor? ! ef=t if y are successful4 ,woodpeck]s ,y c attract all types ( woodpeck]s ) a suet fe$]1 b only ! flick] is likely to use a bird h\se4 ,!y pref] a box ) r\gh5$ int]ior & a floor cov]$ ) a two-in* lay] ( wood *ips or co>se sawdu/4 ,flick]s are especially attract$ to ne/ boxes fill$ ) sawdu/1 :i* !y 8excavate0 to suit !mselves4 ,= be/ results1 place ! box high up on a tree trunk1 expos$ to direct sunlight4 ,try build+ a birdh\se = ! o!r species ( woodpeck]s foll[+ ! guidel9es 9 ?is booklet4 ,y might be surpris$6 ,owls ,mo/ owls seldom build _! own ne/s4 ,great horn$ & long-e>$ owls pref] ab&on$ cr[ & hawk ne/s4 ,o!r owls 7b>r$1 b>n1 saw-:et1 boreal & scree*7 ne/ 9 tree cavities & bird h\ses4 ,b>n owls are be/ kn[n = select+ ne/+ sites ne> f>ms4 ,:]e trees are sp>se1 ^! birds w ne/ 9 *ur* /eeples1 silos & b>ns4 ,if y live ne> a f>m or a golf c\rse1 try fa/5+ a ne/ box = owls ab\t #ae feet up on a tree trunk4 ,scree* owls pref] ab&on$ woodpeck] holes at ! edge ( a field or neglect$ or*>d4 ,!y w readily take to boxes l9$ ) an in* or two ( wood %av+s4 ,if y clean ! box out 9 late spr+ aft] ! "y owls h fl$g$1 y may attract a second t5ant--a ke/rel4 ,trees isolat$ f l>g] tracts ( woods h less *ance ( squirrels tak+ ov] ! box4 ,illu/ration3 ,owl h\se ,select+ a ,h\se ,9 ! bird h\se bus9ess1 !re's no su* ?+ z 8"o size fits all40 ,decide :i* bird y want to attract1 !n get a h\se = t p>ticul> bird4 ,look ?r\gh any book or catalog & y'll see bird h\ses ( all sizes & %apes1 ) p]*es & )\t1 made ( mat]ials y might n h ?\ght (3 recycl$ pap]1 g\rds1 pla/ic1 rubb]1 pott]y1 metal & concrete4 ,! prop] comb9ation ( quality mat]ials & design makes a good birdh\se4 ,illu/ration3 ,cov]$ tray fe$] ,mat]ials ,wood is j ab\t ! be/ build+ mat]ial = any birdh\se4 ,x's durable1 has good insulat+ qualities & brea!s4 ,?ree-qu>t]-in* ?ick bald cypress & r$ c$> are recomm5d$4 ,p9e & ext]ior grade plywood w d1 b !y are n z durable4 ,x makes no diff]5ce :e!r ! wood is slab1 r\gh-cut or f9i%$1 z long z ! inside has n be5 treat$ ) /a9s or pres]vatives4 ,fumes f ! *emicals c\ld h>m ! birds4 ,!re's no ne$ to pa9t cypress & c$>1 b p9e & plywood h\ses w la/ long] ) a coat ( wat]-bas$ ext]ior latex pa9t4 ,:ite is ! color = purple m>t9 h\ses4 ,tan1 gray or dull gre5 works be/ = ! o!r cavity ne/+ species4 ,! dull1 light colors reflect heat & are less conspicu\s to pr$ators4 ,don't pa9t ! inside ( ! box or ! entrance hole4 ,reg>dless ( :i* wood y select1 glu+ all ! jo9ts be=e y nail !m w ext5d ! life ( y\r bird h\se4 ,galvaniz$ or brass %ank nails1 h+es & screws resi/ ru/+ & hold boxes toge!r m tightly z !y age4 ,illu/ration3 ,susp5d$ wood5 ne/+ box ,resi/ ! temptation to put a metal ro( on y\r bird h\se4 ,reflective metal makes s5se = m>t9 h\ses up on a sixte5-foot pole1 b :5 x's tack$ onto ! ro( ( a wood *ickadee h\se1 ! %9y metal is m likely to attract pr$ators4 ,natural g\rds make v attractive bird h\ses4 ,!y brea!1 & because !y sway 9 ! w9d !y are less likely to be tak5 ov] by h\se sp>r[s & />l+s4 ,gr[ y\r own g\rds & y'll h doz5s to *oose f 9 ! ye>s ahead4 ,if y don't h ! space to gr[ !m1 a coat ( polyure?ane or ext]ior latex 7on ! outside only7 w add ye>s to ! "o y h4 ,prop]ly design$ pott]y1 alum9um 7= purple m>t9s only71 concrete & pla/ic h\ses are durable1 b don't drop !m4 ,be sure to provide v5tilation1 dra9age1 & easy access = ma9t5ance & monitor+4 ,concrete 7or a mix ( concrete & sawdu/7 (f]s protection o!r h\ses _c3 squirrels c't *ew _! way 94 ,design ,h[ elaborate y make y\r bird h\se dep5ds on y\r own ta/es4 ,9 addition to :]e y place ! box1 ! mo/ important consid]ations are3 box height1 dep?1 floor dim5sions1 diamet] ( entrance hole & height ( ! hole above ! box floor4 ,ref] to ! foll[+ *>t be=e build+ y\r ne/ box1 keep+ 9 m9d t birds make _! own *oices1 )\t reg>d = *>ts4 ,s don't be surpris$ if y f9d t5ants y nev] expect$ 9 a h\se y int5d$ = someone else4 ,illu/ration3 ,squirrel on fe$] ,ne/ ,box ,dim5sions ,species ,box floor ,box ,entrance ,entrance ,placem5t 7in*es7 height height 7in*es7 diamet] 7in*es7 7in*es7 height 7feet7 ,am]ican ,rob9#a #gh #h ---- ---- ,ea/]n ,we/]n #ee #h-ab #f-aj #a #d-f ,bluebirds ,m\nta9 ,bluebird #ee #h-ab #f-aj #a #d-f ,*ickadee #dd #h-aj #f-h #a #d-ae ,titm\se #dd #aj-ab #f-aj #a #e-ae ,a%-?roat$ ,flycat*] #ff #h-ab #f-aj #a #e-ae ,great ,cre/$ ,flycat*] #ff #h-ab #f-aj #a #e-ae ,phoebe#a #ff #f ---- ---- #h-ab ,br[n-head$_/,pygmy_/ #dd #h-aj #f-h #a #e-ae ,r$-brea/$ ,nu?at* ,:ite-brea/$ ,nu?at* #dd #h-aj #f-h #a #e-ae ,pro?onot>y ,w>bl] #ee #f #d-e #a #d-h ,b>n ,swall[#a #ff #f ---- ---- #h-ab ,purple ,m>t9 #ff #f #a-b #b #f-bj ,tree & ,violet-,gre5 #ee #f-h #d-f #a #e-ae ,swall[s ,d[ny ,woodpeck] #dd #h-aj #f-h #a #e-ae ,hairy ,woodpeck] #ff #ab-ae #i-ab #a #h-bj ,lewis's ,woodpeck] #gg #af-ah #ad-af #b #ab-bj ,nor!rn ,flick] #gg #af-ah #ad-af #b #f-bj ,pileat$ ,woodpeck] #hh #af-bd #ab-bj #cd #ae-be ,r$-,head$ ,woodpeck] #ff #ab-ae #i-ab #b #aj-bj ,yell[-belli$ ,sapsuck] #ee #ab-ae #i-ab #a #aj-bj ,bewick's_/,h\se ,wr5s #dd #f-h #d-f #a #e-aj ,c>ol9a ,wr5 #dd #f-h #d-f #a #e-aj ,b>n ,owl #ajah #ae-ah #d #f #ab-ah ,scree*-,owl & ,ke/rel #hh #ab-ae #i-ab #c #aj-cj ,osprey #dhdh plat=m ,r$-tail$ ,hawk_/,great #bdbd plat=m ,horn$ ,owl ,wood ,duck #ajah #aj-bd #ab-af #d #aj-bj #a,use ne/+ %elf1 plat=m ) ?ree sides & an op5 front ,n[ t y h ! correct dim5sions = y\r bird h\se1 take a look at h[ to make x safe3 v5tilation1 dra9age1 susceptibility to pr$ators1 & ease ( ma9t5ance4 ,v5tilation ,y %\ld provide air v5ts 9 bird boxes4 ,!re are two ways to provide v5tilation3 leave gaps betwe5 ! ro( & sides ( ! box1 or drill in* holes j bel[ ! ro(4 ,dra9age ,wat] becomes a problem :5 x sits 9 ! bottom ( a bird h\se4 ,a ro( ) suffici5t slope & ov]hang (f]s "s protection4 ,drill+ ! entrance hole on an upw>d slant may also help keep ! wat] out4 ,reg>dless ( design1 driv+ ra9 w get 9 ?r\gh ! entrance hole4 ,y c assure prop] dra9age by cutt+ away ! corn]s ( ! box floor & drill+ -in* holes4 ,ne/ boxes w la/ long] if ! floors are recess$ ab\t in*4 ,entrance ,hole ,look = ! entrance hole on ! front panel ne> ! top4 ,a r\gh surface bo? inside & out makes x easi] = ! adults to get into ! box &1 :5 x's "t1 = ! ne/l+s to climb out4 ,if y\r box is made ( f9i%$ wood1 add a c\ple ( grooves outside bel[ ! hole4 ,op5 ! front panel & add grooves1 cleats or wire me% to ! inside4 ,nev] put up a bird h\se ) a p]* bel[ ! entrance hole4 ,p]*es (f] />l+s1 h\se sp>r[s & o!r pr$ators a conv5i5t place to wait = lun*4 ,don't be tempt$ by duplexes or h\ses t h m ?an "o entrance hole4 ,except = purple m>t9s1 cavity-ne/+ birds pref] n to %>e a h\se4 ,:ile ^! condos look great 9 y\r y>d1 />l+s & h\se sp>r[s are incl9$ to use !m4 ,accessibility ,bird h\ses %\ld be easily accessible s y c see h[ y\r birds are do+ & clean out ! h\se4 ,monitor y\r bird h\ses e week & evict unwant$ creatures su* z h\se sp>r[s or />l+s4 ,be c>eful :5 y inspect y\r bird boxes--y may f9d some?+ o!r ?an a bird inside4 ,don't be surpris$ to see squirrels1 mice1 snakes or insects4 ,look = fleas1 flies1 mites1 l>vae & lice 9 ! bottom ( ! box4 ,if y f9d insects & p>asites1 y\r fir/ reaction may be to grab ! ne>e/ c ( insect spray4 ,if y d1 use only insecticides kn[n to be safe ar\nd birds3 #a p]c5t rot5one p[d] or pyre?r9 spray4 ,if wasps are a problem1 coat ! inside top ( ! box ) b> soap4 ,illu/ration3 ,squirrel 9 ne/ box ,"h's h[ to *eck y\r ne/ boxes = unwant$ visitors3 ,wat* ! ne/ = #bj-cj m9utes4 ,if y don't see or he> any birds ne> ! box1 g ov] & tap on ! box4 ,if y he> bird s\nds1 op5 ! top & take a quick peek inside4 ,if ev]y?+ is all "r1 close ! box4 ,if y see problems 7p>asites or pr$ators71 remove !m & close ! box4 ,a bird h\se ) easy access makes ! job simple4 ,mo/ bird h\ses c be op5$ f ! top1 ! side1 ! front or ! bottom4 ,boxes t op5 f ! top & ! front provide ! easie/ access4 ,op5+ ! box f ! top is less likely to di/urb ne/+ birds4 ,x's impossible to op5 a box f ! bottom )\t ! ne/ fall+ out4 ,:ile side- & front-op5+ boxes are conv5i5t = clean+ & monitor+1 !y h "o drawback3 ! ne/l+s may jump out4 ,if ?is happ5s1 don't panic4 ,pick !m up & put !m back 9 ! ne/4 ,don't worry t ! adults w reject ! ne/l+s if y h&le !m4 ,t's a my?2 mo/ birds h a t]rible s5se ( smell4 ,illu/ration3 ,clean+ h\se ,if y clean out y\r ne/ boxes aft] ea* brood has fl$g$1 sev]al pairs may use ! ne/ ?r\gh\t ! summ]4 ,"s cavity-ne/+ birds w n ne/ aga9 9 a box full ( old ne/+ mat]ial4 ,9 ! fall1 aft] y've clean$ out y\r ne/ box = ! la/ "t1 y c put x 9 /orage or leave x out4 ,g\rds & pott]y la/ long] if y take !m 9 = ! w9t]4 ,y c leave y\r purple m>t9 h\ses up1 b plug ! entrance holes to disc\rage />l+s & h\se sp>r[s4 ,leav+ y\r wood & concrete h\ses out provides %elt] = birds1 fly+ squirrels & o!r animals dur+ w9t]4 ,ea* spr+1 ?or\ghly clean all h\ses left out = ! w9t]4 ,limit+ ,pr$ator ,access ,prop] box dep?1 & ro( & entrance hole design w help r$uce access by pr$ators1 su* z raccoons1 cats1 opossums1 & squirrels4 ,sometimes all x takes is an angl$ ro( ) a ?ree-in* ov]hang to disc\rage small mammals4 ,! entrance hole is ! only ?+ betwe5 a pr$ator & a bird h\se full ( ne/l+s4 ,by itself1 ! -in* wall is n wide en\gh to keep out ! arm ( a raccoon or h\se cat4 ,add a pr$ator gu>d 7a -in* ?ick rectangul> wood block ) an entrance hole cut 9 x7 to ?ick5 ! wall & y'll disc\rage sp>r[s1 />l+s1 & cats4 ,bird ,h\se ,placem5t ,:]e y put y\r bird h\se is z important z its design & con/ruction4 ,cavity-ne/+ birds are v p>ticul> ab\t :]e !y live4 ,if y don't h ! "r habitat1 ! birds are n likely to f9d ! h\se4 ,y c modify y\r l& to attract ! birds y want to see by putt+ out a bird ba?1 plant+ fruit-be>+ %rubs1 includ+ m trees or in/all+ a pond ) a wat]fall4 ,illu/ration3 ,v>iety ( bird fe$]s ,once y've mat*$ up ! "r bird h\se ) ! appropriate habitat1 y h to "k :]e to put ! ne/ box4 ,%\ld y hang x f a tree limb1 nail x to a f5ce or m\nt x on a pole or a tree trunk8 ,mo/ species require a fairly n>r[ range ( heights = ne/ boxes4 ,aft] *eck+ ! table 9 ?is bro*ure1 pick a height t's conv5i5t = y4 ,aft] all1 y w want to wat* :at goes on & keep ! box clean4 ,if y want to wat* *ickadees f y\r second floor w9d[ or deck1 fifte5 feet is reasonable b x's a lot easi] to clean out a box at eye level4 ,"h are "s tips on :]e to put bird h\ses3 don't put bird h\ses ne> bird fe$]s4 h\ses m\nt$ on metal poles are less vuln]able to pr$ators ?an h\ses nail$ to tree trunks or hung f tree limbs4 use no m ?an f\r small ne/ boxes or "o l>ge box p] acre = any "o species4 put ab\t #ajj y>ds betwe5 bluebird boxes & #ge y>ds betwe5 swall[ boxes4 7,if y h bo? species1 pair ! h\ses ) "o bluebird box #be feet f a swall[ box47 don't put m ?an "o box 9 a tree unless ! tree is extremely l>ge or ! boxes are = diff]5t species4 if y h v hot summ]s1 face ! entrance holes ( y\r boxes nor? or ea/ to avoid ov]heat+ ! box4 ,protection f ,pr$ators ,cats ,illu/ration3 ,cat ,ne/+ birds are extremely vuln]able to cats1 z are fl$gl+s & birds roo/+ = ! night4 ,bell coll>s on cats (f] birds little protection4 ,nail+ a %eet metal gu>d or cone to a tree trunk is unsightly1 b may det] less agile fel9es4 ,h\ses m\nt$ on metal poles are ! mo/ difficult = pr$ators to rea*1 especially if y sme> ! poles ) a petroleum jelly & hot pepp] mixture4 ,! be/ det]r5t is = own]s to keep _! cats inside :5ev] possible4 ,dogs ,pet dogs are a haz>d to ne/l+s 9 ! spr+ & summ]4 ,don't let y\r dog run loose dur+ ne/+ "t4 ,squirrels ,r$ squirrels1 & sometimes gray squirrels1 c become a s]i\s m5ace to bird h\ses & ! birds !mselves4 ,if y f9d y\r ne/ hole enl>g$1 *ances are a r$ squirrel is ! culprit4 ,once inside ! box1 squirrels make a meal ( ! eggs & "y4 ,add+ a pr$ator gu>d made ( %eet metal to ! entrance hole is usually en\gh to keep squirrels out4 ,raccoons & ,opossums ,raccoons & opossums w /ick _! arms inside ne/ boxes & try to pull out ! adult1 "y1 & eggs4 ,add+ a -in* ?ick pr$ator gu>d to ! bird h\se or an inv]t$ cone to its pole support is a simple solution4 ,snakes ,snakes play an important "p 9 ! balance ( nature4 ,if y f9d "o 9 y\r bird h\se1 don't kill x4 ,snake-pro( y\r h\se by putt+ x on a metal pole la!r$ ) petroleum jelly or r$ cay5ne pepp]4 ,h\se ,sp>r[s & ,/>l+s ,if y don't disc\rage !m1 ^! two nuisance species introduc$ f ,europe w h>ass or kill cavity-ne/+ birds4 ,s9ce h\se sp>r[s & />l+s are n protect$ by law1 y may de/roy _! ne/s4 ,b rememb]1 o!r birds are protect$ by law4 ,h\se ,wr5s ,h\se wr5s sometimes int]f]e ) ! ne/+ success ( o!r birds by punctur+ _! eggs4 ,b1 unlike ! h\se sp>r[ & />l+1 ^! birds are native to ,nor? ,am]ica & are protect$ by law4 ,don't be tempt$ to int]v5e :5 wr5s appe> at y\r backy>d birdh\se4 ,insects ,_m insects lay _! eggs & pupate 9 bird h\ses4 ,inspect y\r bird h\ses = signs ( gypsy mo?s1 bl[ flies1 wasps1 ants1 gnats & bees4 ,keep bees & wasps f atta*+ _! ne/s by coat+ ! inside ( ! ro( ) b> soap4 ,9 areas :]e gypsy mo?s ab\nd1 avoid plac+ boxes 9 oak trees1 :i* ! gypsy mo?s favor4 ,pyre?r9 & rot5one insecticides are recomm5d$ = kill+ fly l>vae1 bird lice & mites aft] birds h f9i%$ ne/+ = ! season4 ,attract+ ,birds ,z p le>n to enjoy ! beauty ( birds ar\nd _! home1 !y may wi% to improve ! 8habitat0 9 _! y>d s t m birds w visit _! prop]ty4 ,y c attract birds by plac+ bird fe$]s1 ne/ boxes & bird ba?s 9 y\r y>d1 & by plant+ a v>iety ( trees1 %rubs1 & fl[]s4 ,^! c provide good ne/+ sites1 w9t] %elt]1 places to hide f pr$ators & natural food supplies t are available ye>-r\nd4 ,illu/ration3 ,bird ba? ,l&scap+ = ,birds ,! mo/ surefire way to attract birds to y\r backy>d is to make c]ta9 ! appropriate habitat is available to !m4 ,y may be lucky & already h a good supply ( food1 %elt]1 & wat] available = our fea!r$ fri5ds4 ,9 t case1 y h to d little m ?an /& back & wat*4 ,h[ev]1 = mo/ backy>ds1 bird habitat mu/ be creat$4 ,x's call$ 8l&scap+ = birds0 & x c be z simple or extravagant z y wi%4 ,:atev] ! approa*1 anyone :o has ev] tri$ ?is type ( l&scap+ comes away ) a real love = x aft] _! fir/ sp>kl+ humm+birds hov] at ! coral bells1 or ! p]ky catbird comes d[n = a dr9k ( wat] f ! birdba?1 or ! sleek waxw+s ga!r en masse to sample bitt]sweet b]ries4 ,b5efits ( ,l&scap+ = ,birds ,y c d]ive _m b5efits f l&scap+ to attract birds to y\r y>d3 ,increas$ ,wildlife ,populations ,y c probably d\ble ! numb] ( bird species us+ y\r prop]ty ) a good l&scap+ plan4 ,en]gy ,cons]vation ,by c>efully arrang+ y\r conif] & h>dwood trees1 y c l[] w9t] heat+ & summ] cool+ bills = y\r h\se4 ,soil ,cons]vation ,c]ta9 l&scape plants c prev5t soil erosion4 ,natural ,beauty ,a good l&scap+ plan contributes to a beautiful1 natural sett+ ar\nd y\r home t is pleas+ to p z well z birds4 ,illu/ration3 ,ba? 9 g>d5 sett+ ,wildlife ,photography ,wildlife photography is a wond]ful hobby = p ( all ages4 ,birdwat*+ ,try keep+ a li/ ( all ! birds y see 9 y\r y>d or f y\r y>d4 ,"s p h c\nt$ ne>ly #bjj species ( birds 9 _! y>d6 ,natural ,insect ,control ,birds su* z tree swall[s1 h\se wr5s1 br[n ?ra%]s & orioles eat a v>iety ( insects4 ,food ,production ,"s plants t attract wildlife are also appeal+ to humans4 ,p & wildlife c %>e *]ries1 *oke*]ries1 /rawb]ries1 & crabapples4 ,prop]ty ,value ,a good l&scap+ plan c greatly increase ! value ( y\r prop]ty by add+ natural beauty & an abundance ( wildlife4 ,habitat = ,kids ,"s ( ! be/ wildlife habitats are ! be/ habitats = "y p to discov] ! wond]s ( nature4 ,a backy>d bird habitat c /imulate "y p to develop a lifelong int]e/ 9 wildlife & cons]vation4 ,basics ( ,l&scap+ = ,birds ,l&scap+ = birds involves n9e basic pr9ciples3 ,food ,e bird species has its own unique food requirem5ts t may *ange z ! seasons *ange4 ,le>n ! food habits ( ! birds y wi% to attract4 ,!n plant ! appropriate trees1 %rubs1 & fl[]s to provide ! fruits1 b]ries1 se$s1 acorns1 nuts & nect>4 ,wat] ,y may be able to d\ble ! numb] ( bird species 9 y\r y>d by provid+ a s\rce ( wat]4 ,a frog pond1 wat] g>d51 or bird ba? w get lots ( bird use1 especially if ! wat] is dripp+1 spla%+ or mov+4 ,%elt] ,birds ne$ places :]e !y c hide f pr$ators & escape f sev]e wea!r4 ,trees 7includ+ dead ones71 %rubs1 tall grass & bird h\ses provide excell5t %elt]4 ,div]sity ,! be/ l&scap+ plan is "o t includes a v>iety ( native plants4 ,?is helps attract ! mo/ bird species4 ,f\r ,seasons ,give birds food & %elt] ?r\gh\t ! ye> by plant+ a v>iety ( trees1 %rubs & fl[]s t provide ye>-r\nd b5efits4 ,arrangem5t ,prop]ly arrange ! diff]5t habitat compon5ts 9 y\r y>d4 ,consid] ! effects ( prevail+ w9ds 7& sn[ drift+7 s y\r y>d w be protect$ f h>% w9t] wea!r4 ,protection ,birds %\ld be protect$ f unnecess>y mortality4 ,:5 *oos+ ! placem5t ( bird fe$]s & ne/ boxes1 consid] _! accessibility to pr$ators4 ,picture w9d[s c also be dang]\s = birds1 :o fly directly at w9d[s :5 !y see ! reflection ( trees & %rubs4 ,a network ( p>allel1 v]tical /r+s spac$ #d in*es ap>t c be plac$ on ! outside ( w9d[s to prev5t ?is problem4 ,be cauti\s ab\t ! k9ds ( h]bicides & pe/icides us$ 9 y\r y>d4 ,apply !m only :5 necess>y & /rictly accord+ to label in/ructions4 ,9 fact1 try g>d5+ & lawn c>e )\t us+ pe/icides4 ,details c be f\nd 9 g>d5+ books at ! libr>y4 ,h>d9ess ,zones ,:5 consid]+ plants n native to y\r area1 consult a plant h>d9ess zone map1 f\nd 9 mo/ g>d5 catalogues4 ,make sure ! plants y want are rat$ = ! w9t] h>d9ess zone classification ( y\r area4 ,soils & ,topography ,consult y\r local g>d5 c5t]1 univ]sity or c\nty ext5sion (fice to h y\r soil te/$4 ,plant species are (t5 adapt$ to c]ta9 types ( soils4 ,if y "k :at type ( soil y h1 y c id5tify ! types ( plants t w gr[ be/ 9 y\r y>d4 ,plants = ,wild ,birds ,sev5 types ( plants are important z bird habitat3 ,conif]s ,conif]s are ev]gre5 trees & %rubs t include p9es1 spruces1 firs1 arborvitae1 junip]s1 c$>s1 & yews4 ,^! plants are important z escape cov]1 w9t] %elt] & summ] ne/+ sites4 ,"s also provide sap1 fruits & se$s4 ,grasses & ,legumes ,grasses & legumes c provide cov] = gr\nd ne/+ birds--b only if ! area is n m[$ dur+ ! ne/+ season4 ,"s grasses & legumes provide se$s z well4 ,native prairie grasses are becom+ increas+ly popul> = l&scap+ purposes4 ,nect>-produc+ ,plants ,nect>-produc+ plants are v popul> = attract+ humm+birds & orioles4 ,fl[]s ) tubul> r$ corollas are especially attractive to humm+birds4 ,o!r trees1 %rubs1 v9es & fl[]s also c provide nect> = humm+birds4 ,summ]-fruit+ ,plants ,?is category includes plants t produce fruits or b]ries f ,may ?r\gh ,augu/4 ,9 ! summ] ^! plants c attract br[n ?ra%]s1 catbirds1 rob9s1 ?ru%es1 waxw+s1 woodpeck]s1 orioles1 c>d9als1 t[hees & grosbeaks4 ,examples ( summ]-fruit+ plants are v>i\s species ( *]ry1 *oke*]ry1 honeysuckle1 raspb]ry1 s]viceb]ry1 blackb]ry1 blueb]ry1 grape1 mulb]ry1 plum & eld]b]ry4 ,fall-fruit+ ,plants ,?is l&scape compon5t includes %rubs & v9es ^: fruits rip5 9 ! fall4 ,^! foods are important bo? = migratory birds :i* build up fat res]ves be=e migration & z a food s\rce = nonmigratory species t ne$ to ent] ! w9t] season 9 good physical condition4 ,fall-fruit+ plants include dogwoods1 m\nta9 a%1 w9t]-b]ries1 cotonea/]s & buffalo-b]ries4 ,w9t]-fruit+ ,plants ,w9t]-fruit+ plants are ^? ^: fruits rema9 atta*$ to ! plants long aft] !y fir/ become ripe 9 ! fall4 ,_m are n palatable until !y h froz5 & ?aw$ _m times4 ,examples are glossy black *oke*]ry1 ,sib]ian & 8r$ spl5dor0 crabapple1 sn[b]ry1 bitt]sweet1 sumacs1 ,am]ican highbu% cranb]ry1 ea/]n & ,european wahoo1 ,virg9ia creep]1 & ,*9ab]ry4 ,nut & ,acorn ,plants ,^! include oaks1 hickories1 buckeyes1 *e/nuts1 butt]nuts1 walnuts & hazels4 ,a v>iety ( birds1 su* z jays1 woodpeck]s & titmice1 eat ! meats ( brok5 nuts & acorns4 ,^! plants also contribute to good ne/+ habitat4 ,h[ to ,get ,/>t$ ,?9k ( ?is project z l&scap+ = birds4 ,y\r goal w be to plant an assortm5t ( trees1 %rubs & fl[]s t w attract birds4 ,if y plan c>efully x c be inexp5sive & fun = ! :ole family4 ,! be/ way to get />t$ is to foll[ ^! guidel9es3 ,set ,y\r ,priorities ,decide :at types ( birds y wi% to attract1 !n build y\r plan ar\nd ! ne$s ( ^? species4 ,talk to fri5ds & neighbors to f9d out :at k9ds ( birds frequ5t y\r area4 ,att5d a local bird club meet+ & talk to local birdwat*]s ab\t h[ !y h attract$ birds to _! y>ds4 ,use ,native ,plants ,:5 ,possible ,*eck ) ! botany dep>tm5t ( a ne>by college or univ]sity or ) y\r /ate's natural h]itage program = li/s ( trees1 %rubs1 & wildfl[]s native to y\r area4 ,use ?is li/ z a />t+ po9t = y\r l&scape plan4 ,^! plants are naturally adapt$ to ! climate ( y\r area & are a good long-t]m inve/m5t4 ,_m native plants are bo? beautiful = l&scap+ purposes & excell5t = birds4 ,if y include nonnative plant species 9 y\r plan1 be sure !y are n consid]$ 8invasive pe/s0 by plant exp]ts4 ,*eck out ! bird books 9 y\r local libr>y4 ,draw a ,map ( ,y\r ,prop]ty ,draw a map ( y\r prop]ty to scale us+ graph pap]4 ,id5tify build+s1 sidewalks1 p[] l9es1 buri$ cables1 f5ces1 septic tank fields1 trees1 %rubs & patios4 ,consid] h[ y\r plan relates to y\r neighbor's prop]ty--w ! tree y plant %ade out ! neighbor's vegetable g>d58 ,id5tify & map sunny or %ady sites1 l[ or wet sites1 s&y sites1 & native plants t w be left 9 place4 ,also id5tify special views t y wi% to enhance--areas = pets1 b5*es1 picnics1 /orage1 play+1 sl$d+1 vegetable g>d5s & pa?s4 ,get ,y\r ,soil ,te/$ ,get y\r soil te/$ by y\r local g>d5 c5t]1 c\nty ext5sion ag5t or soil cons]vation s]vice4 ,f9d out :at k9ds ( soil y h & !n f9d out if y\r soils h nutri5t or organic defici5cies t f]tilization or addition ( compo/ c correct4 ,! soils y h w help det]m9e ! plants :i* c be includ$ 9 y\r l&scap+ plan4 ,review ! ,sev5 ,plant ,habitat ,compon5ts ,review ! sev5 plant compon5ts describ$ previ\sly4 ,:i* compon5ts are already pres5t8 ,:i* ones are miss+8 ,rememb] t y are try+ to provide food & cov] ?r\gh all f\r seasons4 ,develop a li/ ( plants t y ?9k w provide ! miss+ habitat compon5ts4 ,talk to ,res\rce ,exp]ts ,review ?is plant li/ ) l&scap+ res\rce exp]ts :o c mat* y\r ideas ) y\r soil types1 soil dra9age & ! plants available ?r\gh /ate or private nurs]ies4 ,p at ! ne>by arboretum c help ) y\r selections4 ,at an arboretum y c also see :at _m plants look l4 ,talk ) local bird clubs1 ! memb]s ( :i* probably are kn[l$geable ab\t l&scap+ = birds4 ,develop ,y\r ,plant+ ,plan ,sket* on y\r map ! plants y wi% to add4 ,draw trees to a scale t repres5ts ?ree-f\r?s ( _! mature wid?1 & %rubs at _! full mature wid?4 ,?is w help y calculate h[ _m trees & %rubs y ne$4 ,!re is a t5d5cy to include s _m trees t ev5tually y\r y>d w be mo/ly %ad$4 ,be sure to leave op5 sunny sites :]e fl[]s & %rubs c ?rive4 ,decide h[ mu* money y c sp5d & ! "t span ( y\r project4 ,don't try to d too mu* at once4 ,y might try a five-ye> developm5t plan4 ,implem5t ,y\r ,plan ,f9ally1 g to x6 ,beg9 y\r plant+s & include y\r entire family s !y c all feel !y are help+ wildlife4 ,docum5t y\r plant+s on pap] & by photographs4 ,try tak+ pictures ( y\r y>d f ! same spots e ye> to docum5t ! gr[? ( y\r plants4 ,ma9ta9 ,y\r ,plan ,keep y\r new trees1 %rubs & fl[]s adequately wat]$1 & keep y\r plant+ areas we$-free by use ( l&scap+ film & wood *ips or %r$d$ b>k mul*4 ,?is avoids ! use ( h]bicides = we$ control4 ,if problems develop ) y\r plants1 consult a local nurs]y1 g>d5 c5t] or c\nty ext5sion ag5t4 ,& ,f9ally 444 ,make sure to take ! "t to enjoy ! wildlife t w ev5tually respond to y\r l&scap+ ef=ts4 ,protect+ ,bird ,habitat ,ea* ye> y\r /ate wildlife ag5cy1 private cons]vation gr\ps1 ! ,u4,s4 ,fi% ,wildlife ,s]vice1 o!r f$]al ag5cies1 & _m private l&[n]s & bus9ess lead]s "w toge!r to cons]ve & manage millions ( acres ( habitat--swamps1 =e/s1 ponds & grassl&s4 ,^! habitats provide ne/+ habitat = songbirds & %orebirds1 ducks & geese1 hawks & owls4 ,y c make a diff]5ce 9 help+ protect habitats = migratory birds by jo9+ ,p>tn]s 9 ,flight1 a consortium ( ! above gr\ps d$icat$ to f9d+ reasonable ways to ma9ta9 ! heal? ( bird populations 9 ! ,we/]n ,hemisph]e4 ,= m in=mation ab\t ,p>tn]s 9 ,flight1 please contact ,u4,s4 ,fi% ,wildlife ,s]vice1 ,(fice ( ,migratory ,bird ,managem5t1 #ddja ,nor? ,fairfax ,drive1 ,arl+ton1 ,,va #bbbjc4 ,ano!r way t y c help pres]ve a disappe>+ b valuable natural res\rce--wetl&s--is by buy+ ,f$]al ,duck ,/amps at y\r local po/ (fice4 ,money f sales ( ^! /amps is us$ to protect wetl&s4 ,= m in=mation1 write ,u4,s4 ,fi% ,wildlife ,s]vice1 ,f$]al ,duck ,/amp ,(fice1 #ahdi ,c ,/reet1 ,,nw1 ,wa%+ton1 ,,dc #bjbdj4 ,all photos copyright ,masl[ski ,photo1 ,inc4 except z not$4 ,additional ,res\rces ,books ,a l>ge v>iety ( books are available on attract+1 h\s+1 fe$+1 & g>d5+ = birds4 ,*eck y\r local libr>y1 book /ore1 or ! ,int]net1 = a selection ( books on attract+ birds to y\r y>d4 ,web ,sites ,!re are _m good on-l9e res\rces = bird en?usia/s4 ,bel[ are a few useful web sites t discuss "s ( ! m popul> backy>d birds2 g5]al in=mation on bird fe$+1 h\s+1 & g>d5+ = birds2 ways to keep birds safe f pr$ators2 & opportunities = y to become citiz5 sci5ti/s j by wat*+ birds at y\r fe$]4 ,wild,birds4com--fe$+ & attract+ http3_/_/www4wildbirds4com ,bird+_/,wild ,birds--backy>d birds1 birdh\ses & fe$]s http3_/_/www4bird+4ab\t4com_/hobbies_/bi rd+ ,backy>d ,wildlife ,habitats--,national ,wildlife ,f$]ation http3_/_/www4nwf4org_/habitats ,cats ,indoors--,am]ican ,bird+ ,cons]vancy http3_/_/www4abcbirds4org_/cats_/cats9do ors4htm ,nor? ,am]ican ,bluebird ,society http3_/_/www4nabluebirdsociety4org ,purple ,m>t9 ,cons]vation ,association http3_/_/www4purplem>t94org ,bird,source--,feeder,watch & ,classroom ,feeder,watch http3_/_/birds\rce4org ,national ,bird-,fe$+ ,society http3_/_/www4birdfe$+4org_/ ,/okes ,birds at ,home_/,bird+--fe$+1 h\s+1 & g>d5+ http3_/_/www4/okesbirdsa?ome4com_/bird+ ,disclaim] ,! ,u4,s4 ,fi% & ,wildlife ,s]vice int5ds no endorsem5t & _c gu>antee ! accuracy ( in=mation f\nd on ^! web sites4 ,transcrib]'s ,notes --,sil5tly correct$ a few typos4 --,reta9$ publication in=mation f ! pr9t$ edition3 ?is e,book is public-doma9 9 ! c\ntry ( publication4 --,9 ! text v]sions only1 text 9 italics is delimit$ by und]scores4 --,website ref]5ces f ! pr9t$ book may n be curr5t4