Myths and Facts on Feeding Birds in Your Backyard

North American Birdfeeder Handbook
by Robert Burton
National Audubon Society


by Lynda Hester D'Orio
There are so many things I take for granted, like the birds I see or hear in my backyard, until recently. I just read a well-written, thorough book on Birdfeeders from the National Audubon Society entitled: North American Birdfeeder Handbook, by Robert Burton, and I thoroughly recommend it.

I had many incorrect beliefs about wild birds until I read this book. I had always thought it was kind to feed the birds when snow covers the ground and their normal food is not readily available. However, once I started putting seed out, I thought the birds would come to depend on this source of food and I would have to put food out everyday or they would die. This is a myth, birds will only eat food and seed we put out as a supplement, they do not depend on it.

Here’s another common myth. Do you stop putting out the seed in early Spring ? I used to, I thought the birds would become gluttonous and unhealthy if I fed them. When birds are nesting and preparing for new chicks, they will try to build a home base near water, shelter and a supplemental food source like a feeder. Birds are busy trying to hatch their eggs and protect their young, so a quick trip to the feeder gives them the extra energy they need.

Here’s another fact, migrating birds land & visit during different seasons depending on where you live, seed or food from birdfeeders gives them energy for flying great distances.

Ideally, you should locate your birdfeeder away from any noise or activity, safe from squirrels foraging, near a birdbath or water source, and near shrubs and trees allowing a safe refuge nearby. If you want to attract different species, you must learn the different seeds and foods they prefer and then experiment, see what birds are attracted to which foods. I always knew the Goldfinch was the state bird, but never saw them up close until I learned what seed to put out, then I saw plenty. I keep a Peterson guide by the window and a pair of small binoculars, so if I don’t recognize a bird, I can look it up. It’s exciting to spot new birds you’ve never seen before and it really opens up a whole new world.

Visit your local pet store, they carry many types of seeds and feeders. Ask the knowledgeable staffperson or check this book, it’s a great reference to seeds and grains but also for food scraps to leave out to attract specific birds.

This book is easy to read & covers chapters on What Birds Need, Feeders, Nest Boxes, Behavior, Life Span, Flocking, Songs, Survival and The 70 most popular North American birds, in pictures and in profiles. The pictures and descriptions are thorough, you’ll definitely find birds that appear in your area. I think this resource will inspire you and your family to get started and enjoy these wild creatures we see everyday.