pets »

Eating Like A Bird

O

ne of my favorite
types, in preferential order, are:
memories from child-
Black oil sunflower seeds
hood was the return of
— Almost every bird that visits
the robins in the springtime. For
your backyard, with the excep-
countless hours, I would observe
tion of hummingbirds and ori-
these little guys, one twig at a
oles, will appreciate finding this
time, constructing their nests in
food source.
the bushes outside my bedroom
Sunflower hearts
Michael
window.
— Different types of finches
Palmer
Birdwatching and feeding are
are especially fond of these.
popular, beloved pastimes for
However, to deter less-welcome
many Americans. In fact, accord-
guests, like house sparrows and
ing to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
squirrels, a special feeder may be required.
nearly one-third of the country’s popula-
Safflower seeds — These seeds attract
tion partakes in the hobby.
cardinals, as well as mourning doves and
Whether it’s the enjoyment of viewing
titmice.
wildlife up close and personal or listening
Nuts — With these, jays, nuthatches
to their chirps and trills, more and more
and many species of woodpeckers will
Americans are being inspired to partici-
frequent your backyard. Once more,
pate.
however, you’ll have to keep an eye out for
Unfortunately, from climate change to
the squirrels.
habitat destruction to toxic pesticides,
Nyjer thistle — Many finch species,
birds are facing major challenges these
like goldfinches, as well as smaller
days.
native sparrow species are partial to this.
Luckily, this gives you a chance to help.
Chickadees and dark-eyed juncos also
So, whether you’re a seasoned bird-
consume Nyjer seed occasionally.
watcher or you’re just looking to welcome
If you’re looking to observe
wildlife into your backyard this season,
daily visitors, be sure the feeder
just know that those nibbling birds may
can be viewed from inside.
now rely on your backyard buffet for sur-
Also, don’t be discouraged
vival. Therefore, it’s important to know
if these feathered customers
what you’re feeding.
don’t immediately flock to your
First and foremost, it’s important to
home. It may take weeks, even
fill your bird feeders with natural seed.
months, to attract them.
Products containing fillers that birds do
Another amenity you may
not consume — such as oats and excessive consider offering is a birdbath.
millet — will be left, attracting unwelcome Available in styles from simple
backyard visitors and leading to problems
to ornate, a crisp, refreshing
such as mold and bacteria.
pool can add a nice refuge to
Second, increase the variety of bird food your backyard visitors.
that your yard offers. The most popular
Creating a habitat for birds

PROUD OF
YOUR PET?

can be rewarding, enter-
ning and educational
taining
for the whole family. Keep
in mind, your pet dog or
oor cat will also enjoy watching the
indoor
dlife parade in the backyard.
wildlife
With very little effort, you can experi-
ence e some of nature’s most beautiful sights
and d sounds right in your own backyard.
Happy feeding!

*

Michael
hael Palmer r is owner of Premier Pet Supply in
Beverly
erly Hills.

Readers: Send a high-resolution photo and a brief story about why your pet is the best to
jheadapohl@renmedia.us by Sept. 8. We’ll choose a winner to showcase in n next month’s pet section,
and the pet parent will get a $25 gift certificate to Premiere Pet Supply!

Pet Resort r Daycare r Training
Grooming r Web Cameras

“Let us love your pet while you are away”

248-230-PAWS (7297)

2244 Franklin Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
www.4pawscc.com

2107300

34 August 18 • 2016