--- Dawn Bailey <dawnsdog at rainierconnect.com> wrote:
> Don't forget to check the bird water often during
> the day and first thing in the morning.

Great reminder, Dawn! I've written an article on other
ways to help pets and wildlife and it's quite popular.
If anyone has something to add, I'd love to hear it!
I've added it at the bottom of this message for those
who are interested:

Marian Murdoch
Belfair, WA
marianmurdoch at yahoo.com

===========Article by Marian Murdoch (c) ==========

Ready to discard that old Christmas tree? Stop!
Christmas trees can be a great shelter for birds
during the winter. Place it in your backyard near
other brush.

Did you know that they sell heaters for birdbaths? A
small coil is placed at the bottom of the bath and
plugged into a standard outlet. Keeping the water just
above freezing, it allows the birds access to
refreshment at a time when they need it the most. They
even have models that shut off when the water is
empty. I bought mine in the garden section at the
local hardware store. Not only does it provide water
for the birds, but I've seen raccoon tracks next to
mine after a really cold night. Make sure you clean it
at least weekly. You can even place a piece of shale
on top of the element, giving the birds a warm place
to stand.

Don't take down those birdhouses in the winter. To
escape the cold, many birds continue to use them
throughout the winter months.

Trees with cracks and crevices also provide great
wintertime shelter, as do shrubs and fallen trees.

For those who use feeders: Birds need fat in their
diet at this time. Now is not the time to experiment
with budget seeds. Black oil sunflower seed should be
the bulk of the mix, if not the entire contents of
your feeder. Niger seeds are wonderful for
goldfinches. Avoid mixed seeds, because most bags
contain a lot of "filler seeds," seeds birds just
don't care for, such as red millet. Save your money.

Provide suet. Suet is a high-fat mixture that provides
the fat the birds desparately need.

Plant shrubs that provide berries in the winter.
Viburnum is excellent. Or, better yet, plant species
native to your area!

Break apart the ice in your birdbath if you don't have
a heater. This should be done daily. You try going one
day without liquid and you'll understand.

String cranberries, hunks of suet, and raisins, then
hang outside.

Allow your flowers to go to seed. Not only are the
seed pods attractive in the snow, but they provide
extra nourishment for the birds.

Think you're seeing a new species of bird in the
winter? Look closer. Oftentimes, it is just your usual
visitor, but puffed up to insulate himself from the
cold, thereby appearing larger.

Bored? Look for bird prints in the snow.

For the birds who usually eat on the ground, finding
food in the snow can be difficult. Provide a feeding
platform for them. I made a rectangle out of 2x2's and
stapled thick mesh to it, then added legs. Make sure
it is tall enough to elevate it off of the snow.

With the kids stuck inside, now is a great time to
teach them to identify the birds. Let them roll
pinecones in peanut butter (see above) or string
cranberries. Get them involved.

If your neighbors won't kill you, leave your leaves on
the ground. This provides shelter for insects, which
the birds will find.

Place winter feeders at the south side of your home,
to protect them from harsh winter winds.

Keep your home well-stocked with seed. Now is NOT the
time to run out!

Don't forget other wildlife. Cracked corn is cheap and
great for deer, chipmunks and squirrels.

Did you know? Birds need grit to help them digest
their food. Place grit, oyster shell, course sand, etc
(you can find this in pet stores) in a tray. Don't mix
it with the birdfood!

Curious as to what other animals do in the winter?
Check out a book, search the internet!

IMPORTANT: If you have an anti-freeze leak from your
car, clean it up immediately!! It is extremely toxic
to wildlife!! There is a safe alternative: propylene
glycol. It costs a bit more, but isn't it worth it?

Does your dog spend long hours outside? Make sure
there is adequate shelter to keep him warm, and
provide unfrozen water! They make heated pet bowls,
and heated mats. Get your pet to the vet before winter
begins, to make sure they are healthy. If they walk in
areas where the road is salted, clean the dog's pads
with warm water when you bring them in. Salt can cause
the pads to crack, resulting in a very painful
condition. If the temperature is below 20 degrees F,
keep your pet indoors.

While keeping yourself warm, don't forget your pets.
Watch out for areas such as the fireplace, where tails
can unintentionally wag.

Bang on the hood of your car, or honk the horn, before
starting it. Cats love to hang out on engines during
the cold winters.

Matted fur doesn't insulate well. Brush your pet well
daily.

Watch out for snowdrifts which might help your pet to
escape the yard!

(c)Marian Murdoch



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