Tips aid birds’ health, safety Effect of feeding stations on migration patterns not clear

This week I’d just like to share various bird-care tips I’ve picked up over the years.

Many people have expressed concern that feeding birds alters their behavior, causing them not to migrate when they should. Although there is some truth in this, it is not a black-and-white issue. The growing popularity of bird-watching has greatly increased the number of backyard bird-feeding stations across the country, so much so that some birds have expanded their ranges to take advantage of this food source.

However, the urge to migrate is very powerful, triggered by changes in daylight, temperature and other factors. This is especially relevant for hummingbirds, which won’t forgo migration in favor of an artificial nectar source. So although they might stretch the boundaries of their typical home ranges, most bird populations are still governed by this instinctual behavior.

Speaking of hummingbirds, a controversial topic of what to feed them has been an ongoing issue. There is a general growing consensus that red dyes added to sugar solutions are at least unnecessary, if not potentially harmful. The red feeding ports or red-colored body of a feeder is enough to attract them. Additionally, store-bought solutions with added vitamins and minerals are thought not to be needed by the birds. Instead, the recommendation is four parts water to one part white sugar; this most closely resembles the sucrose content of natural food sources. For an excellent guide to feeding and planting for hummingbirds (and other birds), visit the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Publications Web site, at http://extensionpubs.umext.maine.edu/.

Window strikes are the greatest cause for concern and distress regarding bird and human interactions, and I’ve been asked many times what can be done to prevent this. I’ve come across numerous solutions, which include either placing bird feeders far away from the house or placing them right in front of the window. The latter idea suggests that should a bird fly up from the feeder into the window, the close proximity will prevent them from building up enough momentum to harm themselves.

However, this does not address the main reason for window strikes: the highly reflective surface fools the birds into thinking it is a fly-through. The key is to break up the reflection. I came across a Q&A article in the May/June 2003 issue of “Bird Watchers Digest,” that addressed this, and the following are some suggestions.

The author says the hawk/falcon silhouettes do work, but only if applied to the outside of the windows. Hanging ornaments, such as wind chimes, wind socks, and even potted plants also will help. (I once came across someone’s very creative solution, perhaps in another issue of BWD: One fellow strung feathers on thin fishing line and arranged them in front of the window, attaching the line to the top and bottom window panes. These bird-feather ornaments broke up the reflection and, when they fluttered in the breeze, provided a physical deterrent to approach as well.).

The article also suggests misting the outside of the windows with “a very weak detergent or soda solution.” (Although this will no doubt eliminate the reflection, it’s doubtful many people would be willing to apply this unsightly solution.)

Additional suggestions in the article included applying plastic cling wrap to the inside or outside of the window. The most surefire reflection preventatives are screens, awnings, and eave extensions, according to the article.

I’ve also read about people stretching fine netting over the window. A friend of mine at work constructed a hanging screen in front of a window that caused many bird deaths; it looks tasteful and is very effective.

BDN bird columnist Chris Corio can be reached at bdnsports@bangordailynews.net