We’ve just cleaned and filled several bird feeders so that our migrant backyard companions can replenish their energy for their long journey south. And to feed non-middle birds that can withstand spring in their gardens outside New York, they are given plenty of high-energy seed mixtures throughout the winter.
After all, that’s the moment when the garden is slowing down. bird They need us the most. Providing food is one of several ways we can support them.
When choosing road food for birds (sky food?), I always look for options that offer high quality fat and protein sources, such as unsalted peanuts, black oil sunflower seeds, animal fats, seeds, grains and cakes made from mealworms.
We also make “nice” from sugar water Migratory Hummingbird Dissolve 1 cup of white sugar in 4 cups of boiling water and let cool.
This is all to supplement the buffet of seeds and fruits that my perennials, shrubs and trees grow. Provides naturally.
Leave some of the perennials as food, habitat, and visual interest
I’ve been around for a long time Abandoned the idea of a decent winter gardenInstead, leave most of the perennials (many of which are native species) intact until spring. The plump seeds hidden in the faded flower heads also feed non-middle birds that live here in New York during winter when other food sources are scarce.
Asters, cornflowers, white-eye, horned roe and ornamental grass will soon become dry and crispy, but will continue to serve the garden and its residents for months.
The same goes for the fruits that lie between the sharp leaves of our home American holly, and the fruits that clung to the branches of viburnum and dogwood that are soon to be naked. If you’re lucky, The nuts fall to the ground It is wrapped in a “pine cone” package, but I think this year may be a slow season for my Norwegian spruce.
If you don’t already have that habit, consider leaving your used perennials in the winter. They not only serve important wildlife, but also help you.
Winter birds chirping is a fun part of my garden outside of New York. View of snowy seeds The view from my window is certainly more beautiful than the view I see when my neighbor looks at the barren wasteland that has been flattened and turned into vacant lots.
Add trees and other plants
If your landscape does not have seeds or fruit-producing plants, you are lucky. Not only is early autumn the best time to plant shrubs and perennials, but horticultural centres can also offer significant discounts on those plants.
You might also consider adding trees. Oak, fir, hickory, evergreens and more provide quality food, shelter and nesting sites for feathered friends. And that friendship will not be as clear as it is in the spring. We will give you a free pest control servicefeed the hatched baby thousands of insects that will otherwise troll the plants.
Leave some leaves and cut some lights
Pushing fallen leaves into the garden flower bed Insulating plants and nourishing the soil also protects hibernating insects and, in turn, maintains birds feeding on the ground. It’s much better for the ecosystem and easier for gardeners than packing it in bags and sending it to landfills.
I’ll also remove the solar landscape lights and turn off the porch lights for the next two months. Avoid disorienting migratory birdsthey rely on the moon and stars as celestial navigation signals to find a way to the south. This is the closest thing to GPS for them, and I don’t want to be responsible for interfering with their signals.
After all, caring for birds during the time when moths are skinny is a gift that will quickly return you.
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Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for The Associated Press and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here We bring you weekly gardening tips and advice.
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