Recycle for Feathered Friends
This article was submitted by Soni Cochran, Extension Associate, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County. The article appeared in the Nebline Newsletter. Dates: December 1994 and updated January 1998.

"Chick-a-dee-dee-dee"...the song of the Black-capped Chickadee. Who hasn't heard its cheery voice in the cold of winter? These feathered acrobats are among the friendliest birds in the neighborhood. Our winter landscape is brightened by cardinals, American Goldfinch, blue jays, juncos, nuthatches and, or course, chickadees who are frequent visitors of backyard feeding stations.

Feeding stations can be simple and inexpensive to make. Scrap lumber, tin cans, plastic soda bottles, milk jugs and cartons, and plastic buckets are easy to find. All it takes is a little creativity and knowledge about the birds you're trying to attract.

Many birds we enjoy at our feeders have specific seed preferences or prefer suet. Location of feeders and number of feeders is also very important. The feeders should be protected from strong winds, preferably near shrubbery or conifers. Recycle your Christmas tree by propping it up by the feeder to give the birds added shelter. With several feeders in your backyard, more birds will have an opportunity to feed at the same time. 

There are many resources available to bird enthusiasts. A terrific starter book is Shelves, Houses and Feeders for Birds and Mammals (RP338). This popular book is a must for backyard enthusiasts. You'll get plans and information on constructing bird and mammal houses, shelves, a variety of feeders and a special section on building feeders and houses from recycled materials. These publications are available at the Lancaster County Extension Office for local residents. Nebraska residents may contact their local Extension office for availability. If you live outside of Nebraska, contact University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Publications Dept for order information.

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