For the birds: Stock up at Nature Center’s bird seed sale

Winter is coming and our fine feathered bird friends that stay in Northeast Ohio for the snowy season will be in search of food. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes has partnered with Dave Pretnar, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Mayfield Heights to ensure everyone can keep the birds fed this winter.

The Nature Center’s annual Bird Seed Sale fundraiser is now underway with different types of seed in 20-pound bags, suet, feeders, and accessories available for sale. The sale runs through Monday, Oct. 28, with pickups on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Nature Center parking lot, 2600 South Park Blvd., 44120.

In the winter birds need up to 50% more food, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. Nature Center officials say most people will need between 40 and 60 pounds per month for each feeder, which should last from November through March, depending on the feeder size and the birds that visit.

The Nature Center’s blog offers advice on what types of seeds work best for fall and winter. Here are some additional tips from the experts:

  • Offer more food by putting out multiple large-capacity feeders and offering ground feed.
  • Fill feeders daily with only as much seed as the birds can eat before sundown.
  • Provide a variety of seeds to attract the most species. Black oil sunflower seeds are a good choice because they are high fat and easy for small birds to handle. You can also offer nyjer thistle seed, peanuts cracked corn, or suet.
  • Store seed properly. Store bird seed in rodent and insect-proof containers to keep it fresh. Discard any seed that's wet, moldy, or smells off.
  • Keep feeders up into spring, which can help support birds on their migration north.
  • Hang feeders high enough to avoid deer access. You will also want to keep squirrels away from feeders.
Additionally, the Nature Center needs volunteers who interested in counting birds for science as part of Project FeederWatch, a program of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. All birding abilities welcome!