Parker County Today December 2017 | Page 87

of one-part bleach to four-parts water. You can add a layer of tin foil to the inside floor of the next box for insulation and plug up some of the ventila- tion holes with foam weather stripping. Don’t plug all the holes though – birds like to be able to see inside a box. Make sure your baffles are properly affixed, so roosting birds will be safe from raccoons and snakes. Woodpeckers, titmice, chickadees and bluebirds will roost in boxes during the winter. Replace damaged boxes with new ones and you may entice new species to your yard. #4: Feed the birds. Suet is a good source of fat and protein for the winter months. Seed cakes and cylinders are nutritious and make for easy feeding. Insectivorous birds, if they have not migrated, are now eating fruits of all the deliciously mature bush- es you planted last year. If you don’t have native berry bushes, try offering fruit or soaked raisins in a mealworm feeder. Let your garden stay standing so birds can feed on flowers’ seed heads. Finally, keep your feeders stocked with quality seed to keep your birds full all winter long. with birdbath heaters. #5: Help birds keep clean and hydrated. Finding clean, unfrozen water is a must for birds in fall and winter. Drippers, misters and fountains work, along By following these helpful tips, you are well on your way to a successful bird feeding and viewing season ahead – cold temperatures or not! Enjoy! 85