Shelter
Island Gardener
Caring for Birds in Winter
Clearly maintaining a healthy
bird population is important to Islanders. Bird seed is prominently available
at the IGA. And, of course, that is not the only source for bird food on
the Island.
On our property we have abundant
birds all summer. We have a robin family as well as families of cardinals,
blue birds, doves, finches and multitudes of sparrows. I was thrilled to
see a humming bird in mid-July.
Although I used to feel guilty about only being able to feed the birds
on weekends in the winter, I did so anyway. I was told by a number of people
that birds become dependent and if you do not keep a feeder filled at all
times, they will suffer. But, recently I learned that this is not the case.
I am glad to know that two day filled feeders are still a meaningful contribution
to the bird population.
I do not advise putting the
Christmas turkey out on the deck, however, unless you want the surprise
visit of a sea gull. They much larger up close than you can possibly imagine.
And, very aggressive.
Our garden is an in your
face garden, so beautiful in summer, but I fear it will be gloomy this
our first full-time winter on Shelter Island. So this year I have decided
to create this space just for the birds.
I am going to create four feeding stations.
This will require moving two wrought iron posts we use for hanging plants
on the front deck to the lower garden to hold bird feeders. From these
we will hang an old house shaped feeder and a soda bottle feeder (purchased
in Eureka, California several years ago). From the wrought iron hanger
(from Jackís Marine collection) where we hang a bird-house in the Spring,
we shall hang a thistle feeder for the finches.
Also, last Spring I purchased a feeder that
sits against the window. You can see inside, but the birds canít see you.
It sits in its unopened box in the shed waiting for installation.
Birds need fresh water in the Winter. And, so
many sources like bird baths and small ponds have been put to bed.
When itís very cold, they canít find any. So, I have ordered a small heater
to place in the small pond. After the first frost, I will empty the pond
and fill it with fresh water. I hope to keep the fountain going and will
test for Ph periodically. Hopefully a bucket of water from time to time
will keep the pond in good shape throughout the winter. We will see.
For books about birds, bird feeders, unusual
bird foods, visit Wild Bird Crossing in Bridgehampton Commons (537-7333).
Tips on birds can be found at http://www.petersononline.com
and http://www.birds-n-us.com.
Amazon.com advertises that it has volumes
of books on birds. You may also want to look into http://www.audubon.org
and http://www.StokesBooks.com.
Georgeís, Jacks, and the Hardware Store have bird food.
Birds
of Shelter Island