DEAR JOAN: I frequently put out crumbs for the birds, such as bread, crackers and chips. There is not a bird to be seen in the sky, but by the time I get back to my porch the treats are covered by seagulls and crows. Little birds don’t stand a chance.
How do they know I’m putting stuff out there when they’re nowhere around? It amazes me every time.
Sherry Hughes
Newark
DEAR SHERRY: Some bird species have a terrific sense of smell, but most birds rely on their vision. They sit in trees or fly overhead, looking for sources of food. A shift in light or a movement can attract their attention and if they recognize it as food, they sweep in.
Birds spend much of their time looking for food. They have fast metabolisms and need to eat frequently. Experience teaches them to recognize food scattered on decks or poured into bird feeders.
If you regularly put out food for them, they also know that and they keep an eye on your yard because it has become a food source for them. Seagulls and crows are among the best scavengers, so it’s no surprise they get there first.
I would like to suggest you use your breadcrumbs for meat loaf, though. Bread and crackers really aren’t good for birds. It has little nutritional value for them, but they’ll eat it. They can fill up on it and ignore the foods that they should be eating. Birds fed on a diet of breadcrumbs can die of malnutrition. I’m sure you aren’t giving them much, but if you’d like to enjoy birds in your yard, give them seeds and nuts.
DEAR JOAN: We have had hummingbird feeders in our backyard for at least 10 years. During that time, there have not been any bees around the feeders.
In the past couple of weeks, however, there have been an abundance of bees. It is almost impossible for the hummingbirds to get to the feeders.
Can you suggest something we can do to get the bees away?
Don Van Meter
Bay Area
DEAR DON: This may require getting new feeders. Hummers are attracted to the color red, while bees and wasps like yellow. If your feeders have yellow on them, try to remove it or disguise it.
Of course, if it’s the color that gets their attention, it’s is the sugary nectar that really draws them. Check to see if your feeders are dripping, something that can happen especially in older feeders. It’s the leaks that attract insects.
If you’re looking to replace your feeders, try a basin feeder first and see how it works for you. They don’t leak and insects have trouble getting to the nectar as they don’t have the long beak and tongue that hummers have.
You also can try taking down the feeders for a couple of days. When there is no food for them, bees will quickly abandon the area. Hummingbirds aren’t as easily discouraged and will come back when the feeders return.
Another simple solution is to install bee guards.
Hop on over
Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA will be visiting Pet Food Express, 631 Broadway Ave. in Millbrae, with adoptable rabbits from noon to 4 p.m. June 29.
The rabbit adoption fee will be $20, half off the usual adoption fee. The group has about 20 rabbits available for adoption.
Volunteers and staff members will be available to answer questions about rabbit care, diet, housing and house training.
The group places up to 200 rabbits each year, making bunnies the third most popular adopted pet. With proper care, rabbits can live 10 to 12 years.
Joan Morris’ column runs five days a week in print and online. Contact her at jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com.
