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As Fall Approaches, Let's Talk Birds and Bears

Bird activity in Central Florida changes quite a bit with the seasons. Spring and summer bring scores of birds to backyard feeders – both local and migratory. Then comes fall and early winter where we start to wonder – “Where did the birds go?”

It’s normal for bird activity to dip during fall and early winter. With the help of the summer’s rain, natural food is abundant and calorie requirements are lower now that nesting is over.  Northern states get a boost in activity at their feeders when the snow comes and food gets covered up. Florida? Not so much.

The key is to hang in there, don’t fill feeders as full so they stay fresh, and continue to be a consistent food source even if birds seem scarce. Keeping feeders in action helps birds return quickly when seasons change again. Adding a birdbath can also bring more birds when they don’t need as much food.

Similar to birds, bear activity is much higher during spring and summer with far less movement in the fall and winter. This summer, there have been a few accounts of black bears in the Winter Springs and Oviedo areas. While backyard birders shouldn’t panic, there are some tips that help can make sure you’re only feeding the birds (and perhaps the occasional squirrel, no?):

• When possible, keep feeders entirely out of bears’ reach by stringing them up high between two trees or by using a heavy duty pole (think flag pole) that cannot be knocked over by a bear.
• If feeders cannot be kept out of reach, be sure to bring them in at dusk and put them back out in the morning. Bear activity is highest at night and birds are not eating then anyway. This has the added benefit of decreasing raccoon visits to the feeder as well.
• When bear activity is high, consider switching to foods that many bears will avoid – hot pepper seed and suet products, safflower, etc. You can also try foods that don’t have much smell – like nyjer (during goldfinch season) or millet to keep bears from picking up the scent.
• Use bear-resistant feeders that make getting a little bit of seed not worth the effort. Many of these have warranties so this also prevents the need to replace a bear damaged feeder.

By respecting nature and exercising responsible bird feeding, you can continue to enjoy the birds you love – even if there might be fewer of them this time of year.

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