Down To Earth
By Gerlind Dubey (12/26/2008)

A Simple Yet Beautiful Gift for the Birds

When I was younger and out there living my life in public, I thought being at home was the dullest thing out; now is a much more gentle time, I look forward to spending time in my nest and in the doing so, slowing down and enjoying the simple things, one of those things is feeding the birds.
Wild birds are fascinating to watch, especially when they are feeding.

There are several things that you should take note of if you are a planning a feeding station; the most important being; If You Can’t Feed the Birds All Winter Then Don’t Start! You take on a responsibility when feeding wild birds. They will come to depend on you since natural food is limited in the winter. The second is location, the location of your bird feeder and surrounding habitat is very important - hang or mount your feeder near tree or shrub alcove areas that provide cover.  Near pine trees is a good choice if available because they provide a thick & safe hideout from predators. Keep a little distance from the cover so cats can’t sneak up on the feeders. If trees or shrubbery are not available, a good alternative is landscaping structures or other structures on your property like arbors, fencing, structural overhangs etc.  Avoid wide open areas where birds are exposed to flying predators. Bwuying Seed; Use black oil sunflower seed or high quality mixed bird seed containing 80-95% black oil seed. Sunflower is native songbirds’ favorite seed. Avoid cheap seed containing mostly millet (used as filler) as it will attract undesirable birds like house sparrows and blackbirds or be thrown out as waste by songbirds. 

To improve bird activity, mix in 25%-50% sunflower kernels (shelled sunflower), which is birds favorite & easiest meal.  Bird feeding does not give instant gratification. When a feeder is placed outdoors, you may find only a few birds will feed at first. Depending on the menu you offer, those who do dine with you will probably spread the word and you will find your dining spot increase by leaps and bounds

HOME MADE BIRDSEED WREATH

3 packets of Knox unflavored gelatin
6 tablespoons cold water
I cup boiling water
4 cups high quality bird seed (I add dried chopped fruit and nuts to equal 4 cups)
9 inch Bundt pan- GREASED!

In a large bowl mx the gelatin in the cold water –let stand a minute or so then add boiling water and whisk for two minutes until gelatin is dissolve. Add the birdseed and stir to coat. Turn into the greased Bundt pan flattening for a smooth fill. Chill for at least three hours. Remove from fridge and turn onto a cutting board or cookie sheet and let dry out- near a heat source is perfect. This can take any where from 24 to 48 hours depending on the heat source. The next step is optional, but will reinforce wire for hanging; place the wreath on cardboard and trace the wreath on the card board to fit. Remove wreath –trim cardboard and smear with a paste made out of Knox gelatin and cold water; replace wreath on cardboard and let the paste dry-this won’t take long. Attach wire for hanging around the top of the wreath then add ribbon or raffia.