Parker County Today February 2018 | Page 46

Helping Birds in Winter BY THE WILD BIRD CENTER, WEATHERFORD, TX Did you know that February is National Bird-Feeding Month? In 1994, Illinois Congressman John Porter intro- duced a resolution into the Congressional Record which began: “Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize February, one of the most challenging months in the United States for wild birds, as National Bird-Feeding Month. During this month, individuals are encouraged to provide food, water and shelter to help wild birds survive. This assis- tance benefits the environment by supplementing wild birds’ natural diet seeds and insects.” Millions of wild bird enthusiasts now traditionally make special efforts in February to feed, watch and protect wild birds. Nothing beats the winter blues more than seeing a flash of color at a feeder, a newly molted cardi- nal, or a shy migrant lurking under your hedges. Now Chickadee is the time to think about what you can do to help your birds through the winter. Here are some ideas: #1: Protect the migrants: Although migrating birds will not necessarily come to your feed- ers (they are after all, migrating through and might not know of your desire to help them), there could be some migrants that will stopover in your back- yard. One thing to consider is your window. Could a migrating bird mistake that clean picture window as a fly-through? There are many decals available to place on your clean windows, or you can place branches in the way of reflective glass. “Feather-Guard” – feathers attached to a string that you attach to a window – detracts birds. Copper wind spinners are attractive and effective as are decorative “cut-glass” sun catchers. 44 Goldfinches #2: Continue to offer all the elements of a safe backyard habitat – food, water and shel- ter: Consider starting a brush pile. Our brush pile hides bunnies and chipmunks, as well as wrens and ever-curious chickadees. Flattened grass