BACKHOE & GRAVEL, INC.
Page 4 March 23 & April 13, 2024 • www. mcrecord. com • Morrison County Record • Spring Home & Garden
Attract winged friends with these bird feeders
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Birds are beautiful creatures that can make a lawn and garden feel even more serene. Providing snacks to supplement what birds naturally find in the wild guarantees up close and personal interactions with the scores of species that call neighborhoods home.
Bird feeders are particularly important in colder climates and during wintertime when food may be scarce. Keeping birds well fed helps them survive over winter and continue to repopulate in the spring. Bird feeding isn’ t all for the birds, either. Ashley Dayer, an associate professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech, argues that feeding birds also is a benefit to humans because it stimulates compassion for the animals.
The type of bird feeder a person places in the yard determines which species may be drawn to the property. The following are various types of feeders to consider.
Suet feeders Suet cakes are high-energy food sources that attract birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches. They are particularly beneficial in colder months or regions where birds need extra fat for energy. These cage-like feeders snap around the rectangular suet cake and hang from a pole or tree.
Ground feeder
Ground feeders are simple screen-bottomed trays that sit several inches off of the ground or on a deck to help keep seeds and grain from coming in contact with droppings. Ground feeders are a favorite of juncos, sparrows, goldfinches, and cardinals, among others.
Sugar water feeder
These feeders come in different shapes, from tubes to round dishes, and are magnets to hummingbirds. They typically have red coloring to be more attractive to those high-speed flyers.
Nyjer bird feeder
Small birds like goldfinches love to dine on nyjer seeds, which are tiny, black thistle seeds. These feeders are tube-shaped mesh socks designed to hold this specific seed. The small feeding
Metro Creative Connection
Bird feeders provide enjoyment for bird watchers and nutritious food various species.
ports prevent seed waste and cater to the small beaks of finches.
Hopper bird feeder
These are the feeders many people think of when they envision bird feeders. Hopper bird feeders hold a large amount of seed and often have a roof or a design that mimics a house or barn. The covered design helps to keep seeds dry and might be the best hanging feeder for
people who live in areas with a lot of rain. Hoppers will attract blue jays, grackles, cardinals, and blackbirds.
Tube feeders Tube feeders will attract an array of birds. They are cylindrical in shape with various ports to enable birds to perch and feed.
Window and smart bird feeders
These types of bird feeders attach to windows to allow homeowners to view the birds up close. Smart varieties have cameras on the feeders that will send a feed via an app to a smart phone or computer. Some even may identify the bird species on the feeder at any given point in time.
112 6th St SE,
Little Falls, MN 56345
320-632-8789
• Shower Doors
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BACKHOE & GRAVEL, INC.
Pierz, MN EXCAVATING CONTRACTORS
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44 Years Experience
Planning on Building a New Home? Keep us in mind! We Appreciate Your Business!
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( 320) 468-2626
Dave & Tammy Saehr, Owners
Achieve Your Goals:
Consolidate Debt, Travel, or Improve Your Home!
Home Equity Loan
Rates as low as 5.49 % APR * for 5 years.
• Plus up to $ 1,000 off closing costs.
• NEW easy online application.
Borrow against the equity in your home to remodel, consolidate debt, or take a vacation. With a Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union Home Equity Loan, the options are endless.
Reach out to Lexi for questions or to apply. You can also go to mmfcu. org / home-equity for more information.
LEXI PATYNSKI Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS # 2684598
d:( 320) 639-2142
LITTLE FALLS | 307 1st St SE |( 218) 632-6679 | mmfcu. org
* APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Subject to credit approval, not all applicants will qualify. Loan amounts will be determined by income and other factors, including collateral details. The rate shown is the lowest Home Equity Rate available and your rate may be higher. Properties can be 1-4 single family owner and non-owner-occupied homes or land. For Combined Loan to Value’ s up to 80 %, Maximum loan amount is $ 200,000. For Combined Loan to Value’ s up to 85 %, Maximum loan amount is $ 100,000. Maximum Combined Loan to value is 90 %. Eligible for homes in Minnesota only. Consumer should contact tax advisor for further information. An example payment is: 5.49 % APR over 60 months would be $ 19.14 per $ 1,000 borrowed. Rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Closing costs range from $ 500 to $ 2000. Waived closing costs up to $ 1000 on home equity applications. Homeowners insurance is required for all 1-4 single family properties. Full appraisal and Jr Title Policy required on all properties over 80 % Combined Loan to Value or Over $ 100,000 loan amount. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. Rates as of 2 / 18 / 25.