'Round the Square for Jan. 21

The Extension offered several tips to attract and keep birds at one’s home feeder.

First, you have to make sure birds know the feeder is there. The Extension recommended sprinkling seeds around the site to make the food more visible. Also, check that food isn’t moldy or bug-infested, and change out old seed periodically.

If the birds still don’t flock to your area (Get it? Flock? Ha.) there may be an issue outside of your control keeping them away. There is the chance food is already plentiful because of mild weather, or maybe birds are repelled from the area for any number of other reasons.

Different kinds of birds like to eat different things from different kinds of feeders, so what you offer can change who comes to visit.

The black-oil sunflower seed is probably the most universally-liked by different bird species, and it’s quite nutritious for them, too. Larger striped sunflower seeds are liked by birds large enough to eat them

Offering a variety of foods, such as a quality mix, can draw a variety of species. The Extension suggests foods like white proso millet, niger (or thistle) seed, peanuts and suet as well.

We’ll share a recipe tomorrow from the Extension for a special bird treat called “Marvel Meal.”

Different feeders may be used to appeal to larger birds, smaller birds and birds that normally feed on the ground. Some feeders do a better job protecting against the elements and dissuading squirrels.

It’s important to place feeders in a spot where birds feel safe and protected from the elements, usually by putting them near a tree or bush.

Heated bird baths provide water to birds during a time when it’s hard to come by unfrozen H2O.

According to the Extension, the 10 most common birds visiting Pennsylvania bird feeders are dark-eyed juncos, mourning doves, tufted titmice, northern cardinals, blue jays, white-breasted nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, house finches, American goldfinches and black-capped chickadees.

By the way, did any readers participate in the Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count? If so, what did you see?