Outdoors
The BDN outdoors section brings readers into the woods, waters and wild places of Maine. It features stories on hunting, fishing, wildlife, conservation and recreation, told by people who live these experiences. This section emphasizes hands-on knowledge, field reports, issues, trends and the traditions that define life outside in Maine. Read more Outdoors stories here.
We are ten days into autumn. Where once the backyard was alive with bird song, the neighborhood now buzzes with the sound of leaf blowers.
It’s time to get my bird supplies ready for winter. It’s time to clean all the bird feeders, or in my case, just one.
For the last month, I’ve dared to keep just one feeder stocked with sunflower seeds. I’m training the local birds that my backyard is a good food source, while training my local bears that it isn’t. I’m keeping a small quantity of seed inside a hanging platform feeder. If a bear wanders in, it’ll find a quick snack but not a big meal, and it won’t tear apart the open feeder.
This strategy has worked better than I expected. Usually, there’s enough natural food in the treetops this time of year that the birds ignore my feeders. However, I’ve had families of red-breasted and white-breasted nuthatches chowing down at the platform with wild abandon, accompanied by chickadees and titmice. Weirdly, local hordes of blue jays have totally ignored the feeder. Usually, they’re swallowing and caching every seed they can get this time of year. I think the birds are sending a message about what kind of winter this will be, but I haven’t figured out exactly what they’re telling me.
As soon as bears den up for the winter, I’ll put out more feeders — some nyjer seed for the tiny finches, and a basket of suet for all the others. This is a good time to clean all the feeders — the one I’m currently using, and the ones I will be.
Feeder cleaning is an important seasonal chore. Seed can mold over the summer, especially at the bottom of the feeder. Nyjer seeds are tiny and prone to going rancid. Nyjer is often called thistle, although it’s an unrelated seed imported from Africa. American goldfinches are fond of it, as are their close cousins, pine siskins and redpolls.
Feeders may also become unhealthy if too many bird droppings accumulate in and around them. Droppings spread disease, especially salmonella. Finches — especially house finches — can contract a bacterial infection that causes swollen and crusty eyes.
You’ll find plenty of feeder cleaning instructions online. I soak mine in a mild solution of dish soap and water. For tougher jobs, I substitute a little bleach for the soap.
I’d recommend leaving your hummingbird feeders up for a couple more weeks before cleaning and storing them. Most of our ruby-throated hummingbirds have left by now, but several western species may wander into the state. It’s rare, but we find vagrant hummingbirds somewhere in Maine every year. Any hummer at the feeder this late should be greeted with suspicion.
Bird houses also demand seasonal maintenance, especially bluebird boxes. Different species have different housekeeping strategies. House wrens are meticulous about removing old nesting material before building new nests in the spring. Bluebirds aren’t. They will just build on top of the old nest, and live with any of the mites and parasites that may have wintered over.
Open the nest box and remove all nesting material. Unlike the metals and plastics in most feeders, wood has a rough, grainy surface that can harbor germs. Scrape with a brush, wash thoroughly, and leave open till completely dry. A weak solution of bleach usually does the trick — nine parts water to one part bleach. Inspect wood, screws, and hinges for sharp edges. If a woodpecker has widened the entry hole, repair it. Wider holes allow entry by bigger predators.
Autumn is a natural time to clear brush — in my case, as little as possible. Feeder birds need protective cover so they can dash in, grab a seed, and dash back. I also leave leaf litter in place over the winter. It shelters bugs and other natural food until migrants return in the spring. Plus, I’m too lazy to rake. However, letting ticks overwinter in excess leaf litter becomes less desirable.
A heated bird bath in winter is irresistible to backyard birds, providing fresh drinking water and a chance to bathe. Some folks swear by them, but honestly, it’s never worked for me. Birds get enough water from snowmelt off my metal roof and out of my frequently muddy driveway.
Finish up your fall chores by bolstering squirrel defenses. I’ve had limited success with “squirrel-proof” feeders in the past. Lately, I’ve had longer-lasting triumphs with baffles. One baffle on a pole defeats most squirrels. Two, properly spaced, vanquish all.
