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"January storms of wind and rain
Bring the bitter ice and snow
Yet even while the frosts remain
Under the trees Snowdrops grow"
~By David Squire~
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January is a great time to think about other aspects of the garden. Birds are especially significant in a garden.
Besides ridding it of harmful insects and small rodents, birds add a certain charm to any garden.
There is nothing more pleasant than relaxing in the sun with a cool drink, basking in the sweet aroma of your
flowers while the birds softly sing to you their delightful melodies of a perfect day. So let's make our fine feathered friends feel welcome year round.
Bird Houses:
What better time to build your bird house than winter. Keep these in mind when building your bird house:
- The size of the entrance must be proportionate to the type of bird you wish to attract.
- You will need to drill holes for ventilation. (to allow ample air/light) Birds prefer a rough surface both in and outside of the entrance so that they can easily get in and out.
- Different species of birds have different preferences so if you wish to attract a particular type you should do a little research to include those features in your bird house.
- Building the right house won't guarantee a particular bird will move in but it will increase your chances of attracting them.
Provide a safe haven:
- Always place your bird house at least six feet off the ground to deter cats, raccoons etc. and hang a protective collar just below it. All summer your feathered friends will help keep unwanted insects from your garden and will sing you sweet songs while you work.
Provide a food supplement in winter:
- Some birds will depend on you to supplement their diets in colder winter months. When the ground is frozen, natural food is scarce.
- Finch and Sparrows enjoy small seeds like millet.
- Bruised apples and pears are a favorite of the Thrush and Redwing.
- Robins and Wrens are especially fond of grated cheese and chopped nuts.
- Remember not to put food on the ground late in the day. If it is not eaten it may attract rats, raccoons or mice.
Bird Cakes:
Cornmeal
2 T corn oil
1 cup lard or suet
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup crushed eggshells
1 cup of raisons & sunflower seeds
- Mix everything together adding cornmeal until firm
- Roll into balls and freeze.
- Once frozen you can hang them up outside as needed.
Bird Baths in the winter:
- Birds need to drink water and bathe even in the winter. Never put anti freeze in the water of the bird bath. Place a night light underneath to prevent the water from freezing completely.
Birds as Barometers
- "Birds fly high in fair weather and low in foul weather." The explanation given is: in fair weather the barometer is high, the air is heavier and denser so is capable of sustaining weight at a higher elevation than when the air is less dense during a storm.
L.H.Baily - Farm and Garden Rule Book
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Our fine feathered friends. 
© 1998 - 2008 Gardener's Paradise.