April is a wonderful time to take out the binoculars and do some bird watching. The last Saturday of April is National Go Birding Day. Fun fact, there are over 10,000 different bird species with two-thirds of them residing in rainforests.
The best time of day to go birdwatching is in the mornings. Insects start to wake up at the first rays of sunshine, which attract the birds. Many birds spend the nights migrating and need to refuel in the mornings.
One local bird enthusiast, Brian Krog, had some very helpful pointers to anyone looking to attract birds to their houses. Brian advises to hang multiple types of bird feeders’ underneath eaves and in front of the windows they look out of the most. The more different types of feeders and bird food that is put out, the more different types of birds you will attract. Never let the feed run out and to do it all year round. Brian says he has been doing this for several years now and continues to have new bird species show up. He also points out that you can put food out on ground level, but to make sure you pack it up inside each evening so you don’t attract unwanted critters such as mice, rats, or raccoons. Hummingbirds also come out this month, so don’t forget to put out sugar water for them.
When asked what type of bird food he recommended, Brian suggested canary seed, sunflower seeds, wheat, and corn. He also mentioned that Jays and Magpies like peanuts and dog kibble.
If you are interested in going out to look for birds, a great place to check out next time you are in Vernon is the Allan Brooks Nature Center. There is a lovely nature walk with viewpoints along the trail. Or simply go for a walk around the block and surely you will find some lovely birds.
Whitevalley Resource Centre would like to thank our sponsors, The United Way, and Interior Health.
