Sewell (Washington Township), New Jersey

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.  How do birds get ready for migration?

A.  The key component in this process is shorter days at the end of summer.  There are photoreceptors in a bird's brain that trigger hormonal changes.  One hormonal change causes many birds to molt at the end of summer.  The new feathers will stand up better to the challenges of long flight.  Another hormonal change triggers a huge appetite.  Birds eat voraciously and gain weight.  Many insect-eating birds will supplement their diets at this time of year with fruits, grains, etc. that can be converted to body fat, which birds burn effciently for energy.  All these hormonal changes make birds restless.  Then, one day, when the winds are favorable, it's time to head south! 

Q.  Can I make wild birds dependent by feeding them year-round?

A.  No; remember that what we provide the birds is only a fraction of their diet.  Birds will always forage for food on their own.  During the summer months feeding the birds gives the adults an extra helping hand since nesting is such an intense, high-energy process.  Feeding the birds during the cold, winter months can make the difference between life and death to a bird who has difficulty finding food buried under snow and ice.

Q.  The Goldfinches aren't coming to my finch feeder.  What's wrong?

A.  First, keep in mind that of all the seeds, nyjer is one the smallest and because of its size it is more susceptible to moisture, humidity, etc thus harder to keep fresh.  Keep the seed stored in a cool, dry place like a plastic or metal container in the garage.  Nyjer is fresh when it has a sheen to it and is not dried out.  Try putting smaller amounts of nyjer in your feeders and see if this makes a difference.  Try giving your feeders a shake every couple of days to distribute the seed and to prevent clumping.  Moisture from morning dew and/or humidity can cause this seed to clump.  Never let your seed stay wet as it will get moldy.  Birds will not eat moldy seed just as you would not eat food that had been left out to spoil and go bad.  A plastic rain guard placed over the finch feeder will help to keep your seed dry.  If you have done all of the above and still aren't attracting goldfinches try placing the finch feeders on a separate pole away from your other feeders.  Also know that finches may be feeding in a different part of their territory from week to week or depending on the time of year, certain favorite flower seeds such as Purple Coneflower and Black Eyed Susan might be available so the finches might actually be off foraging in the wild for these choice seeds.

Q.  Why won't the hummingbirds come to my feeder?

A.  First, make sure that  your nectar and the feeder it is in are fresh and clean.  Make your nectar by boiling 4 parts water and adding 1 part white sugar (never use brown sugar, molasses or red dye).  Let the mixture cool before placing in your feeder and the remaining nectar can be store in the refrigerator.  Keeping the hummingbird feeder out of direct sunlight will keep the nectar from spoiling as quickly.  If you change your nectar every couple of days in warm weather then cleaning the feeder will never be a problem.  The feeders can be cleaned with hot water and a brush, if necessary, to clean the ports.  If mold or dirt are present a solution of 1 part bleach or vinegar to 10 parts water can be used to disinfect the feeder.  Make sure the feeder is rinsed thoroughly with water before adding your nectar.  If nectar appears cloudy or smells, take your feeder down and clean it thoroughly before hanging it up again.  If you have done all this and still haven't attracted hummingbirds consider the location of your feeder.  Try a new location away from your regular bird feeders, perhaps, and in or near a garden bed of nectar-rich flowers.

Q.  Will leaving up my hummingbird feeder keep them from migrating?

A.  No, because the Ruby Throated Hummingbird, like all birds, instinctively knows when it is time to leave.  Seasonal changes in the weather including wind, temperature and daylight are indicators for the birds.  Hummingbirds begin their journey south in August.  Not all hummingbirds leave at this time however.  The females and juveniles are the last to go but remember that when our NJ Ruby Throats leave that they are being replaced by the Ruby Throats who have traveled to NJ from places farther north.  It is therefore safe to leave your nectar feeders up until late September or early October so that the last "stragglers" can still get the energy they need for their long journey over the Gulf of Mexico and beyond!