We have set about making our backyard a habitat for birds and are learning quite a bit in the process. So far, we have set out a bird bath and are planning on getting a bird bath heater soon. It seems strange, but once temperatures dip below freezing and stay there for awhile, Nebraska becomes a virtual desert for our birds who winter here. The rivers are two large for most song birds to drink and bathe in, and the smaller bodies of water are frozen. Some will eat snow for moisture, but freezing doesn't always mean snow in Nebraska. We also placed a log in the bath. This will allow birds to get a drink without getting wet, something more important as it gets colder.
We also have three feeders set up. The first is a finch feeder full of Nyjer seed. The second is a traditional hopper-style feeder. That is filled with sunflowers. I found out that getting those large bags of mixed seed is kind of a waste of money. Most of the birds you are trying to attract will only scoop all the other seed away looking for the sunflowers, anyways. The millet and wheat seed are primarily fillers to increase weight but not value. So you are better off purchasing straight sunflower seed. The other (cheaper) seed can be used in a ground feeder as many ground feeding birds, such as doves, do like these seeds but won't typically visit a hanging feeder.
Our third feeder is a pine cone coated in some home made suet. This is supposed to attract chickadees, titmice, nuthatches and woodpeckers. We set it up after seeing two nuthatches in the yard in a mixed flock and are hoping to entice them to linger. We mixed one part vegetable shortening and one part peanut butter with a cup of whole wheat flour and a cup of corn meal. We stirred in a handful of rolled oats and some chopped raisins and birdseed then smeared it on the pine cone. This recipe is based on reading several recipes. It works fine so long as temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees.
We also have included a small tray of crushed egg shells. Birds need grit to properly digest their food, and appreciate access to fine gravel, sand or egg shells. The shells have the added benefit of providing needed calcium, but be sure to boil them first. You don't want to get your birds sick off rotting eggs!
Feeders should be located far enough from trees for easy viewing, but close enough to cover that birds feel safe. If the feeders are too far from cover, the chances of cats and hawks coming for a small banquet increases. From what we have read, 10 feet from a good source of cover is a good compromise.
For more on how we have incorporated our feeders into our science lessons, check out my recent entry on my main blog.
Updates for homeschoolers living in or moving to Nebraska.
Message Board
Do you have a question about homeschooling in Nebraska? Can't find what you are looking for? Leave your question here and I'll answer it as soon as possible!
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness
--Ecclesisates 7:25
Recent Posts
And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
--Deu 11:19
Our e-Newsletters give you wonderful, informative information about homeschooling, news bits, contests and PRIZES for homeschoolers, articles to encourage you, calls for writers, free unit studies and lesson plans, and just a lot of FUN. Bring the community to your inbox – and no worries, we never sell, trade or give your email or any other information out to anyone.
Come join the homeschool party!
Subscribe to *FREE* newsletters offered by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.
TOS Store
To see a close-up of the current cover, click here.
Do you have the whole set of back issues from The Old Schoolhouse
Magazine?
Click
here to view all back issues and read the themes - you
will want to collect the ones you've missed!!
At Bookstores NOW!!
eBooks to Help You!
Join Our Affiliate Program!
Earn Money Every Time
TOS Magazine is Sold in
Partnership with You.
more . . .
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come
--Eph 1:21
But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people.
--Leviticus 20:24
By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
--Heb 11:9-10
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
--Luke 10:36-37
