Know the Birds in Your Neighborhood
For a full list of recommended native trees, visit: http:// dnr. maryland. gov / forests / Pages / MarylandersPlantTrees / Recommended-Tree-List. aspx
Hanging bird feeders is another great way to support birds during the winter. It helps to have a variety of feeders so that there are plenty of opportunities for large numbers of birds to feed. During cold weather, it is especially important to offer high calorie, high fat foods, such as suet, black sunflower seeds, and peanuts.
Hang feeders out of the wind, usually the east or southeast side of the house or near a row of trees.
Some birds forage on the ground for their food. Ground-foraging species include sparrows, juncos, Mourning Doves, and towhees. For these guys, place seed in a ground feeder or scatter some on the ground.
PROVIDING WATER
Like every other living creature, birds need water. You can help by providing an open source of water. Bird baths can be equipped with heaters to prevent them from freezing. Or, provide a plastic water dispenser, bringing it in at night and placing it in the sun during the day.
If not equipped with a heater, ceramic bird baths should not be left in the elements during the winter. With fluctuations in freeze and thaw, they are prone to cracking.
PROVIDING SHELTER
You can provide shelter by hanging roosting boxes. Or, consider planting native evergreen trees on your property. Examples include, American Holly, Eastern Red Cedar, Eastern Hemlock, and Virginia Pine. By planting evergreen trees you not only provide shelter for wildlife, but also food. And, by adding trees to your property, you help prevent erosion and contribute to the health of our waterways.
Connect with Friends of the Lake
Find us on Facebook: Friends of the Lake * Lake Linganore at Eaglehead
Email: FriendsofLakeLinganore @ gmail. com
LakeTalk February 2017 13