This is for the birds
- To: perennials@mallorn.com
- Subject: This is for the birds
- From: L*@aol.com
- Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1998 01:16:29 EDT
Well, gee, Keith. Since my post prompted you to send three correction posts, I
guess I should reply.
I didn't go into lots of details about nurturing birds in my last post because
this is a perennial plant list and birds are a bit off topic. While I am by
no means a bird expert, I am not so ignorant that I do not know some birds eat
seeds, some bugs and some both. But, you are right, it IS a regional thing.
Around here we have lots of greedy Blue Jays, as well as Sparrows, Nuthatches,
Towhees, etc. that eat both. They will happily get fat at the feeders and not
bother to eat insects if they can get by with it. We also have Robins,
Mockingbirds, and Cedar Waxwings and Bluebirds that dine on insects only. So
I don't put out seed in the summer, except for thistle for the Finchs who nest
on my porch each year. And I grow sunflowers for them, too.
Wrens do not eat only seed, as you said. They eat seed and suet. I actually
make suet in my kitchen for the birds. I also grow lots of native plants
especially selected to provide berries, seeds and shelter for birds. Most of
them are woodys, so I won't list them here. I also grow perennials
especially for butterflies and hummingbirds. We have many birdhouses, and
many blessed events in our yard each year. So, rest assured, birds are not
being "manipulated to the gardeners whim" here. If they want seeds in the
summer in my yard, there are plenty available on the plants. A lot of thought
and effort has gone into creating a "natural" habitat for them. I cherish and
value the birds in my yard. I just don't spoon feed them in the summer and
let nature take its course. And it does. --Janis
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