"Bird Sanctuary"

[Bill W]

Brant....first off you need a feeder(s) songbird and hummingbird; I use a silo seed types where the bottom drops out for easy cleaning. I use a mix of sunflower seed (hearts so I don't have a mess of shells) and a woodpecker mix. Also, you'll need a suet feeder. This combo will attract songbirds and woodpeckers in your area.

Secondly, you'll need to squirrel proof the feeder(s) by using a baffle on the pole. Don't use the umbrella/cone type, the squirrels can beat this type, use the cylinder type approximately 20" in length and 7" in diameter. Place the pole and feeder about 7 to 10 feet from any existing trees.

For the orioles and catbirds purchase an oriole feeder; they hold oranges and jelly only. This doesn't need to be squirrel proof, although you will see a rogue squirrel nibbling on the orange(s) now and again.

I don't know how open space your "bird sanctuary" is, but if it is open, you'll need to create a safety zone relatively close to the feeding station for the birds. Lilac bushes and butterfly bushes are great for safety zones. Also add a water station; simple bird bath or if electricity is accessible, a bird bath w/a small pump to move the water. All birds love the sound of moving water.

Songbird plants; I have planted some blueberry bushes, a couple of small berry producing bushes (sorry, forget their name) and a dwarf crabapple tree. The crabapple tree is the type that holds on to its fruit even after ripening....again saving on a mess. Pat suggested a mulberry tree....superb, but although they're native to our area, I haven't found a garden center that carries them in 7 years of looking. They're excellent for attracting our local birds, but also very messy.

Hummingbird plants etc.; if you want to photograph them, purchase a single port feeder(s) without perches. Feeders are a must in the garden and buy the simplest type for ease of cleaning. Don't buy the mixes, make your own; 4 parts water, 1 part regular sugar. Don't use sugar substitutes or honey (ferments and molds quickly). The pretty feeders, to our eyes, are a pain to keep clean and clean is very important for the health of the hummingbirds Brant. The perennial plants I have are columbine, sedum, liatris, bee balm, butterfly bush, bleeding heart, honey suckle, trumpet vine, cat mint and cardinal flower. These all bloom at various times throughout the season, so I supplement with annuals to fill the voids in blooming times; salvia, cone flowers, petunias are my more successful type with hanging (planters) plants lantana, and fuschia.

Suggestions for Care; butterfly bushes; in early spring cut back to about 2 feet, this will give you a good strong bush with lots of blooms year after year. If it isn't cut back, it will become too leggy and produce fewer blooms. If your port on the HB feeder is yellow....color it red (nail polish). Yellow attracts (red to a lesser degree) bees and they become opponents at the feeding station for HBs. It is dramatic how my bee/HB confrontations have dropped since doing this. For cleaning feeders; soak in 50/50 white vinegar/hot water and then rinse thoroughly.

Hope this helps with ideas in your IBA (important bird area) Brant.