Even those of us on an Earth centered
path can use a little help now and
then in caring for our Mother. This column is dedicated to making us more aware of the "footprints" we leave on Her and how to live more harmoniously with Her even if we're urban pagans.
A Little Help for our Friends
Feeding birds during the winter
months has a long and honored history. Many rural tradtions hold that
it will insure a gentler winter and prosperity in the spring. You
can go the commercial route and buy a feeder, or you can try these tips. Just remember, once you begin feeding the birds, you are obligated to be sure the feeders are filled all winter long
The birds come to depend on it.
In the Scandanavian countries it is traditional to tie a bundle of wheat to a tall pole in your yard for the birds benefit. You can find wheat stalks at many craft stores, but you must make sure that it hasn't been treated with anything as that can harm the wildlife. I usually go with a natural foods store
or a feed store for mine as then I
know it is safe for consumption.
One easy feeder to make is to
roll a pine cone in chunky peanut butter and then in sunflower seeds and raisins. You can use softened suet in place of the peanut butter if your
birds prefer this. Tie a bit of yarn to one end and hang
it in the trees.Another feeder can be made by punching holes in both ends of the "egg holder" part of an old egg carton. Thread string through the holes and fill the cups with chunky peanut butter, sunflower seeds, thistle, rape, etc. These can catch snow, so they take a bit more upkeep to keep clear and filled. Cardboard works, but biodegrades rather quickly in harsh winter weather. I tend to buy a dozen eggs in the styrene contatiner simply for this type of feeder.
If you have firewood about, you can use a small log (about 2-4 inches across) to make a wonderfull feeder. Take a 5/8 inch drill bit and drill a hole clear through the log about 2 inches from one end. Thread clothesline through the hole. Then use a 1.5 inch wood bit to make large round holes about 1 inch deep randomly on the log.
If you are real handy, drill 1/4-1/2
inch holes below the big ones and pound in a bit of dowel for a perch.
Stuff the holes with suet or shunky peanut butter and watch the birds
go.
You will have the best sucess with your
feeders if you know your birds and
what they like. This is a great excuse to stare idly out your window. Most commercial bird seed mixes contain a lot of millet, though few birds like this seed. It is easy to buy bulk seed at many "home improvement centers" or feed stores and mix your own to suit your native birds. Chickadees love black oil sunflower seeds, nuthaches like thistle and rape, waxwings love raisins. There are
as many preferences as species. A good bird book will help
you enormously in this area.
The most important things are to keep your feeders filled and clean. Moldy seed and dirty feeders become a vector for songbird fever (a form of salmonilla) and can then infect you or
your pets. Take the feeders
down as soon as spring has truly sprung, clean them and store them for next winter.
Mother Bless, Kara Shima
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