Feeding Birds in Winter 



289 



From photograph by Joseph H. Dodson 

 FIG. 175. A feeding shelf for birds. The 

 shelf is drawn to the window by a cord 

 and the food placed in it ; then by its own 

 weight it slides down the line to the tree. 



vide homes for them and 

 feed them because they 

 enjoy watching them 

 and listening to their 

 songs. 



Feeding places for 

 birds. In order to keep 

 birds around, it is well 

 to provide shelves and 

 shelters where they may 

 procure food in winter. 

 These may be placed in the woods, in a yard, or on the 

 top or side of a building. Various birds will take food 

 from a shelf just outside a window. During a snow- 

 storm they will take refuge under a shed that is open 

 on one side, preferably toward the south. Such a place 

 makes a good feeding ground when the earth is covered 

 with snow. If the birds are in danger from cats, the 

 front of the shed should be covered with poultry net- 

 ting with a 2 -inch mesh. This will permit the birds to 

 enter the shed through the meshes and at the same 

 time will protect them. 



Food for birds. Naturally many of our winter birds 

 feed on seeds. For cardinals, juncos, snowflakes, and 

 others of the sparrow family, wheat, millet, hemp, sun- 

 flower, and various other kinds of seeds are suitable. 

 Crumbs and nut meats are relished by these and other 

 species. Chaff from a haymow may be scattered on 

 the snow. 



Nuthatches, titmice, woodpeckers, and several other 

 useful birds are attracted in winter by animal food. 



