In a message dated 97-06-25 00:41:53 EDT, you write:

<<
Just thought I would share some of the merry mix-ups of my attempts to feed
the birds. I put my first ever bird feeder on my deck a few months ago.
After a week or two I was getting regular visits from a gang of House
Sparrows and some Chickadees >>
I bought a bag a broken up peanut pieces and the Chickadees love them (along
with all the other birds). At my cabin they will eat the peanut pieces out
of my hand as will the Red Breasted Nuthatches. Instead of laying the peanut
pieces on the deck rail like I usually do, I put some in my hand and lay my
hand on the deck rail, then I sit quietly, and pretty soon the birds will
come to my hand. You have to be patient to do this. At first the birds were
very wary but after they found out I represented a treat not a threat they
came right away to eat from my hand.

(*v*) Donna Ferrill
Brdr1 at aol.com
Mukilteo/Cle Elum, WA