It’s a pity that many people stop feeding birds when the weather get’s warm. Reality: there are more birds in the winter, so there’s more competiton for food. And-parent birds have to find food for themselves — plus two or more broods of young as well. If they have to fly too far afield, they leave their hatchings unattended longer, making them vulnerable to predators. A nearboy well-stocke feeder increases the odds these fledglings will reach adulthood. BENEFITS OF WINTER FEEDING During the winter months, you can observe the bird up close while sitting in your favorite chair looking outside. By sitting quietly so as not to scare away the birds as they feed, you can realize the following benefits. * It’s likely a greater variety and number of birds will visit your feeder in the winter time. * You get to enjoy the interaction between parents and the season’s young. * the more birds you attract to your yard, the more insect pests they’ll consume — even as they feed on the food you’ve put out for them. WHAT TO FEED BIRDS IN THE WINTER Switch from foods that are low in carbohydrates such as grains and millets. but to nuts and high grains that help birds keep warm during the winter, *Sunflower seeds. Best...the black oil seeds, with a soft outer husk, these can be easily opened by smaller birds. The seen meat is high in protein and fat, with a fair amount of carbohydrates. *Safflower seeds. Also high in nutrients, safflower seeds have the added advantage of being well received by more popular birds (tufted titmice...chickadees...cardinals), and ignored by competitors (starlings and grackles). HELPFUL: If birds do not immediately recognize safflower seeds as food, mix in some sunflower seeds. *Niger. This seed is popular with goldfinches and morning doves — the latter will gather beneath the feeder to clean up spills. *Corn. A good winter food, corn should be offered as fine or medium cracked corn.as a whole corn or on the cob, and should be used sparingly in the summer. *Suet and suet mixes. The hard fat from around beef kidneys, suet is rich in protein and high in calories. A suiet diet helps young birds grow more rapidly and supplies them with much need energy. Keep suet from spoiling by putting out only as much as the birds can eat right away and placing feeders in the shade, out of direct sunlight. Put suet out during the cooler moring or evening hours. *Fruit. Especially popular with birds returnign after wintering in the tropics. Favorites include: Oranges—bananas—raisins. HELPFUL: Slices fruit into halves and implae pieces on a nail or twig to make it easier for birds to eat. WINTER BIRD FEEDERS *Number. Start off with the same number of bird feeders that you used during the summer. If the birds don’t empty them as quickly as before, take the feeders down one at a time until you have the right nuber to match the population. *Location. Place winter feeders where they can be easily observed, but also where birds will be shielded from predators. *Water. Birds need water throughout the year for drinking and bathing, but fresh water is especially important during the cool winter. Refill and clean the bath regularly...place the bath on the ground-birds seem to prefer bathing and drinking there.