The Huron Expositor, 1997-04-16, Page 24PG. 8 -HOME & GARDEN GUIDE
Feeding birds entertaining pastime
Backyard bird feeding is an
enjoyable, entertaining and educa-
tional activity, and one that can be
shared by the entire family.
Attractin4 a' wide variety of
feathered friends to your backyard
is easy and can brighten even the
dreariest winter day, provided you
select the right type of feeder.
While that may seem to be a
bewildering task, considering the
hundreds of different designs and
styles available, following some
basic rules can make your choice
easier.
To attract several types of birds
rather than just one type, select a
general feeder rather than one
designed to attract only one
sl5ecies.. Look for a well -made
feeder, no matter what material
it's made of. The feeder should be
easy to clean, have a Targe seed
capacity to reduce .the need for
filling in cold weather, and should
keep seed dry. And, although this
is often difficult, it should be
designed to discourage squirrels
as much as possible.
General feeders are made of
wood, plastic and metal, and come
in a variety of types, such as hang-
ing feeders, or those that mount
on a post, fence or pole. While
wood is attractive, it .has several
disadvantages. It is easily chewed
by squirrels, is difficult to clean,
allows large birds to crowd out
smaller birds, and the hanging
type is virtually impossible to
squirrel -proof. This is also true of
metal.
TROY-BILT/Bolens LTX Tractor
—r
• 13 HP Gear
•Tight 21- turning
radius
• large 4 gallon gas tank
• Electrie PTO Clutch
•Foot pedal hydro or 5
speed gear transmission
•Convenient step ,
through design
.38"
Combination ,F "
Mower.
TROY -BUT Trimmer/Mower
•Powerful 5 HP Briggs & Stratton
4 cycle engines
•Precise cutting control far
superior to a hand held string
trimmer
•Easily rolls on large wheels
•Cutting width adjusts
from 22" to 25"
•Height adjusts from
YEAR
11/2" to 41"
quickly
THE BEGINNING
OF THE BEST(
$89
TROY-BILT Tiller
•7 HP Standard HORSE
Model
•4 forward speeds
and 2 reverse
•8 -position depth regulator
*Heavy-duty tine hood
*Height adjustable
handlebars
*PTO AND Tine Clutch
Disconnect
•Optional
electric start
\R II'l1-ti. II
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Oneasear s
Marina &. St -rt II EI1._ ire Ir,c
n�
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However, plastic feeders
easy to fill and clean, are usual
squirrel -proof, and allow all birds
at the feeder to be seen. When
selecting a plastic feeder, be sure
it has a large seed captivity, is
made of an impact grade df plas-
tic, and has moisture ports for
drainage. Otherwise, moisture can
be trapped inside, which causes
seed to mold.
Where you mount a feeder dic-
tates the type of birds it will
attract. Hanging feeders attract
birds such as chicka ,
nuthatches, finches and tit
that cling or perch while eating.
Post, fence or pole mounted feed-
ers attract cardinals, chickadees,
wrens, sparrows and grosbeaks. If
seed spills onto the ground, don't
worry. Ground feeding birds, such
as blue jays, sparrows, juncos,
towhees and mourning doves —
not to mention squirrels — will
clean it up.
Finally, when selecting a feeder,
be sure form does not ince
with function. The purpose of a
feeder is to attract birds, the
experts point out, not to mimic
barns or covered bridges. Be sure
the feeder is attractive and easy to
use by birds. Too many feeders
discourage birds because they arc
by 11%etJ •, 'fu tit
Mark Coulthard
SPRING LAWN CARE
Early spring lawns can appear straw-coloured and dead. 1f the
grass seems very dense and matted, you can help by giving the
lawn a good, vigorous raking. Remove the piles of material and
add them to your compost pile. This raking opens up the turf to
allow Tight, water and fertilizer penetration. It stimulates the grass
plant and make the lawn look much better.
If your lawn is very sparse and you have had serious problems
with crabgrass in previous years, you may wish to apply a crab-
grass control. This material must be applied very early in the
spring because it stops the crabgrass roots as they begin to
grow. After a crabgrass control has been applied, the soil surface
should not be disturbed in any way. Raking or digging will
destroy the effectiveness of the crabgrass control material.
Next Focus: The Fertilizer Recipe
See this space each Focus for a valuable Weed Man Turf Tip.
ya.d ,L"'LisIt
WE CARE FOR YOUR LAWN
Goderich Proprietors TOLL-FREE
524-2424 Ch Coulltt araark 1.800.387.0342
-�-..- ,.
See you at the
GODERICH
HOME & GARDEN SHO 2d
Fri., April 18 to Sun- April
beauti uI to behold, but impossi-
ble to use.
Now, position your feeder
where you can see it, fill it with
seed, sit back and, enjoy year-
round fun and excitement watch-
ing the antics of your new back-
yard guests.
Birds need
water too
BY MIKE KING
Many of us enjoy having
birds visit our yards throughout
the year. We provide feed reli-
giously.; But one thing that's
often overlooked is water.
Birds need water in all seasons,
including the coldest winter
days.
Besides helping the birds, a
bird bath will beautify your
yard or garden.
You can buy several different
styles of bird baths or easily
make your own. Something as
simple as a garbage can lid sup-
ported by bricks or a tree stump
with a chiseled -out depression
are easy ways 16 provide water.
No matter what type of bird-
bath you choose, make sure to
provide plenty of dean, fresh
water. It's important to be con-
sistent. Birds will continue to
come to your bath if they can
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