Learning and sharing information about winter birds in Mapleton Township was the focus of the Feb. 26 Carnegie Café held at the Drayton Library.
Drayton librarian Joanne Wiersma led the workshop titled, Winter is for the Birds, with assistance from Community News bird columnist and avid bird watcher, Susan Warren.
When asked which bird signals the coming of spring, workshop attendees agreed the robin was the first spring bird to appear.
“Robins do not migrate as our winters are not as harsh as they used to be. Robins are able to survive the winter by eating berries and seeds and sheltering in trees,” Wiersma said. “The red winged blackbird is the first bird to return after winter.”
Warren added to the discussion by briefly speaking on her simple method of recording sightings of birds at bird feeding stations and in nesting boxes on her rural property in Mapleton Township.
When attempting to attract birds to a bird feeder, bird watchers have various types of feeders to choose from depending on the type of bird they wish to attract. Whether homemade or purchased, the simplest feeder is made of pine, does not require staining and is squirrel free. Similar feeders have cages attached at each end to hold suet which is attractive to woodpeckers. Circular feeders allow the feeding of shelled peanuts to blue jays.
“Keep feeders clean and dry. A roof on the feeder prevents bird seed from becoming buried in the snow,” Wiersma said. “If no trees are available to shelter the feeder, add branches to the feeder to provide shelter for the birds.”
To prevent squirrels from feeding at a bird feeder, Wiersma recommended using specially-formulated no squirrel bird seed. Leave peanuts in the shell when feeding blue jays and use bird seed to feed a range of birds. As birds are warm blooded and need to fuel their bodies choosing quality seed is important.
“Keep feeders full over the winter as birds will know out of habit where to find food for spring feeding,” Wiersma said. “Birds actively feed at dusk and dawn.”
Another method of attracting birds is by hanging a birdseed wreath outdoors. Wiersma provided copies of a recipe for a do-it-yourself birdseed wreath made from suet, cranberries, wild birdseed and peanuts to workshop participants. Wiersma also shared that a friend collects discarded natural Christmas trees and uses them as shelters for birds in her backyard.
“Birds obtain moisture through snow. When there is no snow on the ground, bird baths provide a water source,” Wiersma said.
“Keeping the water thawed can be done by solar, light bulb, heat lamp, battery warmer or a heating coil system.”
Bird watching excursions are an inexpensive source of entertainment. Tools for a bird watching excursion include a birding backpack, binoculars, camera, field guide, notebook and pen, map of the area, appropriate clothing, hat, sturdy shoes or boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, water and snacks.
“Avid birders can be found observing the snowy owls that make their winter homes near Mar-Span and Centre Peel Public School,” Wiersma said. “Watch for rare birds. A rare yellow cardinal was found in Alabama. A one in a million sighting.”
The Drayton library loans out binoculars, bird guides, birding magazines and other bird related books suitable to adults and children. Brochures are also available on birding trails in the Grand River watershed and trails associated with the Grand Valley Trails.
