Tips on Winter Bird Feeding

Winter is a crucial time for the birds that remain in our area. They spend their time facing the elements of bitter cold and snowstorms. There are no insects to eat and the natural seeds are covered with snow; the berries and crab apples are gone. Birds need enough food to maintain their body temperatures and must search for food from sun up to dusk. Fortunately, for the birds, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 41 million Americans spend $2 billion annually on bird feed and the numbers are increasing yearly.

Some simple tips to help the birds are as follows:

* Put out feeders with good size capacity or multiple feeder. 

 

  * Place feeders at different levels for different types of birds.

* Provide seed such as Black Oil Sunflower Seed or Wild Bird Seed.

* Providing suet during the winter gives energy and fat that the birds need to survive.

* Keep your feeders full. If you leave on vacation have a friend or family member fill your bird feeders while you are gone.

 
* Be consistent and keep feeding through the winter. 

* Remember to keep water out for the birds. Using bird bath heaters helps keep water from freezing in your birdbaths.  

* Clean your feeders periodically during the winter to avoid grime.

* Place your feeders in a protected area.

Fairy Simple

You don't have to be a child to enjoy this activity. Fairy gardens are one of the most popular fads going on in gardens across the country.

Not only can you create a beautiful fairy garden outside, but  indoor ones as well.

They can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make them. All you need is a little imagination, a pot, some soil and little fairy garden supplies. (We stock a great selection).

Check out the our  Fairy Garden Pinterest page for great ideas. 

Cat Tastic

Cat grass is one of the easiest seeds to grow and you don't  necessarily need to own a cat in order to grow it. If you have a child or grand child and you need something to do on a cold wintery day. This activity is fun and simple. All you need are the following supplies.

• Cat Grass Seeds 
• Clay Pot
• Acrylic Paint (Any color)  
• Potting Soil    

The sky is the limit on what to color your pot. Mine is the color of my cat 'Mittens'. 

 

After your pot is done drying fill it with potting soil.  

   

Then gently push the seeds into the soil and place a light layer on top of the seeds.  

 

Water in and place in a sunny window.  

Cat grass seeds germinate quickly and once it has grown tall enough you can keep it trimmed like grass .