Bird feeding - FRUIT

EASY WINTER BIRD FEEDING: FRUIT

 

A female Cardinal considered dull compared to her bright red mate is a welcomed guest in my winter garden.

Mockingbirds, Cardinals and Purple Finches are a few of our local back yard birds that eat fruit. A planting of fruiting trees and shrubs is a sure way to bring these and many other beautiful migrating birds into our gardens. Most birds follow these fruiting trees and flowers as they migrate south in the winter months.

For the birds that don't migrate, fruit in winter is impossible to find but still greatly appreciated if you can supply it.

Best known for it's mating song on summer nights, Mockingbirds
will become daily visitors if you put apples in your garden for them.

 Apples, grapes, raisins are the best choice for winter bird feeding.*

Raisins are the easiest fruit to supply. Just put a few in the same area each day and your birds will make a daily visit to that area.

If you have extra apples, rather than putting them in the trash feed them to birds. Apples store for a long period of time so keep them in your crisper until you want them. They don't have to be perfect. Over-ripe apples with a few brown spots are fine. Birds aren't picky. Simply cut off the top or slice them if you prefer. You can toss them out the door but I put them on a spike where I have a good view from my window.

Purple finches are attracted to fruit and many types of seeds.

If you have a lot of extra grapes put some in the freezer until you need them. I only put out three of four grapes a day. You can also serve blueberries or cranberries if available.

I try to avoid waste that can attract unwanted visitors at night, such as mice.

Don't be surprised to see a beautiful Mockingbird in your garden every winter day enjoying an apple or a few grapes.

I prefer to slice off the top of the apple and place it on the ground. 
Birds will have two options to feed and easier access. 

*Our local birds do not eat oranges, bananas and other tropical fruit so don't put them out.

Enjoy your garden all year long, 

James