Over 300 species of birds make Nova Scotia their home for at least part of the year. This province is a critical place in the migration track of many shorebirds and waterbirds, who stop over in the spring and fall while travelling back and forth from northern Canada and the areas further south.
But, like most of us, some local birds stay in the province all year long: bluejays, song sparrows, cardinals, chickadees, and various woodpeckers. If you have a bird feeder, it is these locals that will be hungrily vying for your seeds in the coming months.
While feeding wildlife is broadly frowned upon, bird feeders are often an exception, as they have little negative impact on birds when done correctly — so let’s look at the basics of what makes a bird feeder safe for birds!
Window strikes are the third leading cause of bird mortality in Canada after outdoor cats and power lines, killing 25 million birds every year in Canada alone. To mitigate the risk of birds hitting your windows, consider placing your bird feeder either within one meter or over 10 meters from your home or any structure with windows. While you are considering placement, a semi-sheltered spot with good sightlines will help birds eat during inclement weather and avoid being eaten by lurking predators. Properly placed dotted window decals can also reduce window strikes.
Another key part of a safe bird feeder is cleanliness. Bird feeders are places where many birds congregate, leading to an increased risk of disease transmission. Cleaning your bird feeder with soap and water and then letting it soak in a one-part bleach, nine-part water bath for 15 minutes, once every two weeks, can help keep the birds healthy. Don’t forget to wear gloves and wash your hands! Make sure to dry your bird feeder completely and refill it with new seeds before putting it back outside.
Cleaning the area under your bird feeder has the added benefit of attracting fewer squirrels and other wildlife. If you are struggling with unwanted visitors, you can try raising the bird feeder higher off the ground, adding a smooth baffle, keeping the feeder away from trees, and incorporating less desirable seeds into the mix (e.g. cracked corn, white millet, safflower). There are also some squirrel-proof bird feeders you can try!
Happy winter bird watching!
If you spot an injured bird, consider reaching out to a local wildlife rehabilitation centre like https://www.hopeforwildlife.net/
Lia Robles Gil is a science communicator who has lived all over Canada, but currently resides in Lunenburg. You can find them on Instagram and Bluesky @liaroblesgil
