As the weather turns cooler, let’s not forget our feathered friends. Bird feeders to the rescue!
Keeping the birds fed will provide so much entertainment looking out the window. In the fall many species are passing through on their way south. Even in the depths of winter, there are hardy Canadian birds who keep us company. What could be more cheerful than the bright red splash of a Cardinal on a snowy branch?
Connecting with our feathered friends
Cheerful little Chickadees always make me smile. They can become so accustomed to people that they will eat out of your hand. The Canadian Wildlife Federation posts information on best practices on bird feeding.
Local Colour sells a variety of beautiful and functional bird feeders by Derek Martin. Here’s a chance to keep the birds happy while enjoying original art in your yard.
Or you might enjoy a carved wooden bird by Peter Wakely. Peter is an avid birdwatcher who buys a truckload of bird seed for his home feeders each winter. Although the birds he attracts bring much joy, he draws inspiration for his wood carvings from vintage hand carved decoys. Each creation is signed on the underside.
David Turner has been watching and photographing birds for years. His boyhood curiosity has grown into a consuming passion. Rainy and cold weather doesn’t stop him from pursuing a chance to spot the latest species posted in a rare bird alert. Local Colour has an extensive collection of his bird photos on blank note cards for sale for $4 each.
A little birdie told me David has plans to publish a bird calendar in time for Xmas sales. Last year’s calendar was created as gifts for family, but it turned out so well, he plans to print a larger batch this year. He contributes his findings to eBird, a wonderful data base created by Cornell University.
