Waukesha County Home

HOME DECEMBER 2019 2 Distributed by: ©2018 by Conley Media Waukesha County Home is published monthly by Conley Media - Waukesha County, 801 N. Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. A publication of Conley Media Sales Director: Jim Baumgart 262/513-2621 jbaumgart@conleynet.com Editor: Dan Muckelbauer 262/513-2626 dmuck@conleynet.com Production: Patricia Scheel 262/513-2690 pscheel@conleynet.com Home Volume 8 ■ Number 12 ■ December 2019 Birds From Page 1 citrus fruits, peanuts, cracked corn, and suet are favorite eats of Wisconsin winter birds. "If you want to offer a vital winter meal to dark-eyed juncos and spar- rows, try sprinkling some millet out on the ground by your feed- er," Robson said. Meal worms also provide tasty snacks for tit- mice and bluebirds. Water, location are essential Robson added that fresh water is essential for backyard birds year-round. "(In winter), if you can, put out a heated water dish or bird bath," she said. To deter rodents and predators, bird feeding areas should be kept free of waste and debris. Bird feeders should be placed close to natural cover such as shrubs, trees or piles of brush, which offer protection not only from winter weather elements, but from predators such as hawks. However, Robson advises mov- ing feeders away from trees with solid branches, as the feeders can be easily accessed by cats and rodents. Although installing bird-safe glass or glass deter- rents can help prevent birds from sustaining fatal injuries from fly- ing into windowpanes, a less costly solution is to place feeders more than 10 feet away from them. "If you don't have the room, keeping the feeder close (less than 3 feet) is the next best spac- ing option for windows," Robson noted. If hawks or other raptors decide to pay a visit to your yard, take your feeders down for a few days. "The hawk will realize the easy access to a meal is no longer, and move on," Robson said. As cats are a major predator of native birds in both urban and suburban areas, she recom- mends that cat owners keep their frisky felines indoors. "(This) will go a long way in keeping backyard birds safe from preda- tion," Robson added. An updated bird guide, a quali- ty pair of binoculars, a digital camera and build-your-own (or ready-made) birdhouses are ideal for the birder on your gift list. For additional gift sugges- tions and other tips for birders, visit audobon.org. Having cover can be a two-way street for birding enthusiasts. While it can protect the birds from preda- tors such as hawks and other raptors as well as provide shelter, it can also be used by predators such as cats. Take care in setting up feeders and water sources for birds. Make holiday decorating fun and bright There are many traditional and contem- porary ways to decorate for the holidays both inside and outside the home. Christ- mas is arguably the most popular decorat- ing holiday, but having decorations that are re-usable for other holidays is a great idea. Consider a wide variety of options: ■ Rope lights, icicle lights or net lights for bushes or trees ■ Try multiple function light sets that will do amazing things ■ Consider various sizes of bulbs from big, small, sphere, round or warm, cool or multiple colors ■ Pathway, spotlight or window lighting ■ Use LED lighting options as they are energy efficient and last for years ■ Find paper, bows, boxes or bags to make presents pretty ■ Use ceramic buildings and accessories to create a Christmas village ■ Small and large outdoor inflatables ■ Others include ornaments, wreathes, garland, tinsel, stockings, trees, tree skirts and more. ■ Choose Christmas decorations that have more of a wintry feel that can be used for a longer time frame

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