Soon, sunshine and mild temperatures will give way to winter-like conditions. People are preparing. So are the birds.

 

By November, some species have flown south. Others are sticking around, but switching up their feeding habits. Still other species are showing up in the area for the first time in several months.

 

If you’re a bird watcher/feeder, you’ve likely been seeing a mix of some of these feathered friends.

 

Regional biologist for the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Diversity Program, Susan Olcott is very well-versed on the subject and shared some insightful information about birds which visit feeders this time of year.

 

“Chickadees and tufted titmice are very common feeder birds. They have territory during the winter months when they’re not defending their nesting territory. They break that down at the end of nesting season,” Olcott said.

 

With insects not available for feeding, some birds which aren’t seen around yards in the summer months, start appearing during the cooler months when they’re seeking out food.

 

Some feeder birds come from much further away.

 

During years when natural food sources – like Spruce and Fir trees which product seeds and berries – are sparse, some Canadian birds drift south to locate reliable food sources, Olcott said.

 

It’s likely that we’ll soon start seeing visitors from the north including purple finches and pine siskins.

 

Other feeder birds in our area this time of year include house sparrows and cardinals, as well as dark-eyed juncos, American gold finches and even starlings and crows.

 

All of these feeder birds establish a territory, seek out food sources and will visit them year after year.

 

“They move around the territory that they consider their home,” Olcott said. “Some of these birds live 10 to 15 years and they know which houses have feeders because they remember.”

 

That fact makes us stop and think when we hear the term, “bird brain.”

 

“Birds have amazing cognitive ability,” Olcott said.

 

Late-fall and winter is the best time for placing a bird feeder on your porch, deck or yard. But Olcott offered some important tips.

 

“You’re inviting birds to your table so you should give them clean plates, so to speak,” she said. “Secondly, buy good quality food and third, provide a safe place for them to dine.”

 

Select a feeder that easily be taken apart and cleaned and clean once every week or two with a part bleach and nine parts water. Thoroughly dry before refilling with seed.

 

There’s nothing really wrong with purchasing cheap mixes found at grocery stores, but they do usually contain seeds that birds in our area don’t particularly like. Olcott recommends buying black oiled sunflower seeds.

 

“Their husk and nice protein makes it easier for birds to get into and handle. It doesn’t take a lot of energy to get into and their quite nutritious and readily available,” she said. “And if you don’t want to rake up the shells, you can buy the hulless ones.”

 

Most people want to place their feeders close to their homes so they can watch the feeding feathered friends through the window. But it’s important to provide cover 10 to 20 feet from the feeder so the birds feel safe. They’re more likely to stop and feed if they don’t have to fly through a dangerous open area.

 

“They like to have a cover where they can dash into if danger occurs,” Olcott said.

 

Those who do opt to feed birds in the warmer months should clean the feeders even more often to prevent mold and potential sickness to birds. If the feeders are within reach, deer often eat the seed so it doesn’t last very long. And if a bear finds your feeder, remove or move it. It’s dangerous, Olcott said, to teach bears they can venture into residential areas for food.