When it Comes to Feeding Wild Birds Less is More

Tag : roasted pumpkin seeds

(ARA) - Feeding wild birds is a popular interest of many Americans.In fact, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aroundone third of Americans feed wild birds. Whether it's the enjoymentof viewing wildlife up close and personal or listening to thepleasant chirps and trills of the birds' songs, more and moreAmericans are being inspired to put up feeders, buy outdoor petfood and turn wild birds into lovable outdoor pets.

On the other hand, some people are hesitant to dive into the hobbyof feeding wild birds because they are discouraged by the shells(and subsequent weeds) that can accumulate around a feedingstation. According to research done by the Wild Bird FeedingIndustry (WBFI), the number two reason why people don't feed birdsis because of the mess left under their feeders. Innovative wildbird food manufacturers have taken notice of this concern, whichhas resulted in the creation of “waste-free” and“less mess” mixes. These formulations allow bird loversto enjoy the best of both worlds: a yard full of colorful outdoorpets and a lawn that is neat and tidy.

Less mess products are designed to keep outdoor living areas cleanbecause they are made without the shells of seeds. Without theshells, there is less leftover debris scattered around the feedingstation. Better yet, premium mixes like Wild Delight's Less Messline of products are specially formulated to help prevent thegermination of seeds into weeds under feeders.

When trying to keep a clean yard, it's important to consider thetype of seed being put out. “Basic mixes” or“economy mixes” contain many extra ingredients thatbirds simply sift through and push to the ground. These mixes canalso attract less desirable birds, such as starlings and sparrowsthat typically gather in large numbers and can make quite a mess.For those who want to avoid a messy yard (and nuisance birds), lookfor products that are made with premium ingredients like fruits andnuts that more sought-after birds such as cardinals and fincheslove. Products like Wild Delight's new Less Mess Fruit & Berryblend, for example, is formulated with real cherries, juniperberries, peanuts and hulled pumpkin seeds – ingredientsdesirable birds will gobble up without excessive sifting andleftover mess.

Another option for those who want to keep a clean yard is to placea tray under a feeder. Trays will help catch any spilled seeds andmake cleanup much easier. Plus, they act as another level to thefeeding station. What some birds pass up and toss onto the tray,others might feast on happily, creating a wide variety of featheredfriends at one feeding station.

Feeding nectar and suet is another way to keep a tidy lawn. Thesetypes of food help attract many different types of sought-afterbirds like woodpeckers, orioles and hummingbirds, creating abeautiful spectacle of unique wildlife. There are even suetproducts that you can place close to your home. No-waste productssuch as Deck, Porch N' Patio Party Suet from Wild Delight don'tcontain filler ingredients like corn and milo that birds eithertoss aside or ignore completely. Plus, premium suet products areformulated so they will not melt even in temperatures of 100degrees Fahrenheit.

It is also important to put out multiple feeders to preventovercrowding. When too many birds gather at one feeder, things tendto get a little hectic and messy. If birds have the option to dineat more than one feeder, there is less pushing and shoving, whichmay mean that more seeds are eaten instead of thrown to the ground.

Finally, spreading mulch under feeders is another easy way to keepa yard looking cleaner. Mulch will hide the seeds that may fall,and it can even dress up a feeding station. By adding a border withstones or other decorative items around the mulch, a feedingstation can become a nice addition to a landscaper's design.

With the proper food and a little bit of planning, bird lovers andnew bird enthusiasts alike can enjoy both the wonderful hobby ofbird feeding and a well-groomed lawn at the same time. Thanks tothe creation of less mess products, birds can delight in the foodsthey love, and bird lovers can admire their outdoor pets withoutthe mess.