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Show Page 18 THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume VI, Issue XI September 15, 2002 Feeding Utah’s Birds Bird feeding, long considered both entertainment and sport by bird lovers, presents a fascinating opportunity to enjoy the beauty and amusing antics of our feathered friends. A growing number of Utahns are discovering that enticing wild birds to visit feeders is an intriguing way to observe firsthand a unique segment of Utah’s wildlife. There may be more to bird feeding than pure entertainment, however, as urban development continues to deplete natural habitat and traditional food supplies. Bird feeding can be helpful when natural food becomes inaccessible during ice and snowstorms, and as natural supplies diminish through the winter months. During spring and fall migration periods, supplemental foods mean extra energy for long flights. Whether motivated by conservation or sport, Utahns are joining millions of people throughout North America who feed and watch birds. The Nongame Section of Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources would like to assist and encourage Utahns to enjoy one of their state’s greatest natural resources, wildlife, by participating in the fun, easy, and educational pastime of bird feeding. Habitat Must Meet Basic Needs Unique to each species of bird is its means of satisfying the daily needs of food, water, cover, and space. Utahns interested in bird feeding will increase their success by understanding something about how birds meet these basic needs. Some species occur throughout the state, while others live only in restricted localities. Birds’ geographical ranges shift with the seasons, which influences where and when they visit feeders in particular areas. Some birds reside in Utah all year, while others raise their young here in the summer, and migrate south for the winter. Still others arrive from northern summer grounds to spend the winter in Utah. Some year-round resident shift ranges within the state, living in the mountains during the summer, and moving to lower elevations for colder months. Other birds are only visiting transients, enroute to locations outside the state. Within their geographic ranges, birds occupy certain habitats with varying vegetation, elevation, moisture, soil, animal life, and climate. Some species are selective and depend on particular conditions to meet specialized needs. Others are more flexible and can thrive in a variety of habitats. Vegetation provides food and shelter and, therefore, may determine which birds inhabit certain areas. Flowers, shrubs and trees enhance bird habitat, and can be planted in yards to encourage bird activity. The unending search for food is one of a bird’s major activities because it requires large amounts of fuel to sustain its high metabolism. Each species has evolved physical and behavioral traits that enable it to find particular foods efficiently. A bird’s bill, for example, is perhaps its most important tool for procuring food. Size and shape of the bill provide the best clues for determining a bird’s favorite foods. As winter approaches each year, many insect-eating birds leave the state. Remaining birds are faced with diminished food supplies, short days, and low temperatures. Finding food becomes especially critical during cold periods when extra energy is needed to generate body heat. Only species that can live on the limited winter forage can survive the rigors of the season. Seedeaters, berry eaters, and birds that can find dormant and hidden insects are among the hardy winter residents of Utah. Tracking Behavior Patterns is Fun and Useful As bird species become familiar, recording observations may be useful in tracking interesting behavior patterns. Field guides and binoculars are useful aids in recognizing and watching birds. Several identification guides present colorful illustrations and range maps for individual species. Discoveries made by watching the feeder include 1) identifying feeding times and food preferences, 2) identifying birds which feast at the feeder, and ones which carry their food away, 3) the relationship between bird activity and weather conditions, and 4) interactions among birds. Bird feeders are places where aggressive and shy personalities will be obvious, and where annual cycles can be identified by not- Are you concerned about the education your children are getting, or not getting? ing the first and last calendar days a species is seen. In one area of the state, the Division of Wildlife Resources is coordinating an effort to compile the notes and records of individuals feeding and observing birds in their own yards. By evaluating these data over a period of time, the division hopes to determine the relative abundance and seasonal occurrence of species in that region. Feeders Meet Differing Needs Food scattered on the ground can be enough to entice hungry visitors, but most wild birds are apt to accept food from feeding stations that cater to their natural needs and behaviors. Feeder styles range from simple, homemade types to ornate, commercially produced models. They are designed to dispense specific kinds of foods, and meet a diversity of bird needs. Four basic feeder locations accommodate the different foraging habits of birds: 1) ground, 2) tabletop, 3) hanging, and 4) tree trunk. Feeders provided at each of these levels encourage a variety of guests. Some species are particular about how and where they look for food, and will only take food at certain levels; other species are less specific in their foraging habits. Juncos, towhees, most sparrows, quail, and pheasant are ground-level foragers. Bird feeders at tabletop level, 5 to 8 feet off the ground, attract birds that look for food in taller shrubs and tree canopies. Chickadees, jays, grosbeaks, blackbirds, and finches visit tabletop feeders mounted on posts, benches, windowsills, picnic tables, and fences. Most of these species will also accept food from hanging feeders. Feeders and suet mounted on tree trunks attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, and brown creepers because these species naturally search along tree trunks for food. Because birds rely on plant cover for shelter from inclement weather and to escape from predators, they favor feeders near some kind of vegetation. Bushes, vines and trees near feeders provide the kind of security wild birds are accustomed to. If your cats are a potential threat, however, feeders should be placed far enough from bushes and potential hiding places that birds preoccupied with eating will be safe. Constructing a low fence around the feeding area, and keeping cats indoors when birds are most actively feeding can also discourage feline hunting efforts. Birds prefer a feeding site sheltered from the wind, especially during winter months. Because yards on the south side of houses are protected from cold, northerly winds, they are good locations for feeders. Bushes and trees also help to buffer winds. Well kept feeding stations are important to the health of birds. Feeders should be cleaned routinely, and food kept from spoiling. Use watertight containers to store seed, and occasionally rake ground-feeding areas to expose uneaten food to air. Set out only what can be consumed in a few days to prevent an accumulation of leftovers that can mold or entice unwanted visitors. Homemade Feeders are Versatile and Easy Making bird feeders is fun, and provides a wonderful group activity for family, club or civic organization. Household materials, such as recycled milk cartons, clean plastic bottles, coconut shells, wicker baskets, plastic mailing tubes, and wooden salad bowls, along with a little imagination and ingenuity, can be used for the project. Wood is aesthetically, as well as naturally, appealing. Lumber scraps are perfect for constructing platform and hopper feeders. Stumps and small hollow logs serve nicely as natural platform and suet feeders. Food Preference Varies Among Species Birds readily accept several major types of food. Although some foods are favorites, the popularity of others varies according to species and season. Experimenting with food offerings and with the manner in which they are presented can by fun. A combination of foods will attract a variety of birds, and provide a nutritionally balanced menu, or foods can be offered selectively to invite or to discourage particular birds. Seeds, the most common food provided at feeding stations, are rich in carbohydrates and calories, and supply valuable energy during cold winter months. UTAH BIRDS cont. on page 19 Don’t Throw It All Away! 30 Years Experience Moral Atmosphere LDS based - scriptures are used in all aspects of teaching. Patriotic - Gain appreciation and respect for America and its founding fathers. No Home Work - students maintain their love for learning and reach their full academic potential. Core classes are 4 hours a day 3 days a week. Electives taught as you need or want. Daily - Prayer Devotional and Pledge of Allegiance Enrollment is Limited-Call for additional information or plan to attend an open house in your neighborhood MW Recycling is pleased to offer you its Curbside Recyling Service -newspapers, magazines and paperboard -aluminum, tin cans -plastics MW Recycling will provide you with the necessary bins for an initial set-up fee of $10.00. 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