Feed the birds, not the bears through winter and snow
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I've had a couple of inquires about feeding wildlife during the snowstorm. And it seems the general consensus is that feeding birds and squirrels is good, feeding other wildlife is a mistake.
The Humane Society of the United States says it can be harmful to wildlife such as bears and foxes. People food is not formulated for them, and offering it to them can make them lose their fear of humans. Luring them also can pose traffic risks and cause property damage, and big gatherings of animals can spread disease.
This does not apply to backyard birds and squirrels, however, the group says.
And the University of Maryland Extension's Home and Garden Information Center says to continue feeding wild birds through the remaining winter weeks. Officials say black oil sunflower seeds and suet cakes are good food for a variety of birds.
The service says to keep feeders clean and provide fresh water. You may have to keep checking to make sure it's not frozen over.
The squirrels will try and get into these feeders, so instead you can offer them ears of feed corn. The folks at attracting-wildbirds.com say other squirrel food includes nuts such as acorns and shelled or unshelled peanuts, fruit both dried and fresh, sunflower seeds, and bread products that can be stale but not moldy, dried peas and green beans, table scraps such as hard boiled and scrambled eggs and veggies, and peanut butter based suet.
To keep raccoons, skunks and other wildlife away from your house, make sure pet food and trash are kept in tight containers.
Among the don'ts is this tip from Bird Watcher's Digest: Don't feed birds bread. It's like popcorn to humans in that it's all filler and not much nutrition. You're better off with apples, oranges and meat scraps, the group says. (Though, if you put it out for squirrels, not sure how you keep birds from getting it. And I'm not sure why it's nutritionally okay for them and not birds, either -- though squirrels are considered top scavengers, and even a nuisance, so maybe they're better at scamming food in general.)
Anyone else have a tip?
Photo of squirrel in the snow in British Columbia by AFP/Getty
Comments
Meredith & Tim:
I live in Reservoir Hill and, fortunately, many of the homes in this neighborhood have (for the city) sizeable yards. My yard has allowed me to enjoy providing seed for our neighborhood birds and squirrels. They are delightful to observe from my kitchen window. One tip I would like to share that has made this little hobby affordable is to purchase seed from a large seed store, such as Meyer Seed in Harbor East. They have 50 and 40 lb bags very reasonably priced and the staff is both friendly and knowledgeable regarding which seed varieties attract which birds. I can attest that our "fine feathered friends" appear especially grateful for their bounty during this snowy, frozen winter.
Posted by: Joan | February 10, 2010 9:28 PM
Another advantage of the seed at Meyer Seed is that it comes in a paper bag--good for recycling shredded paper. Meyer seed also carries suet cakes and a large assortment of bird feeders.
Posted by: Mary Roby | February 12, 2010 12:50 PM