OutdoorNebraska

Simple Things You Can Do to Help Birds! Keep cats indoors Your fluffy cat may snuggle up with you inside, but outside it is not so snuggly! In fact, by some estimates, house cats are the main killer of songbirds. Keeping your cat indoors is safer for both the birds and your cat. Remember, great horned owls, cars and bobcats are all predators of house cats. Protect your feline and your feathered friends by keeping cats indoors. Landscape for birds Birds need a wide variety of plants. Plants that produce berries and seeds provide food for many birds. Other plants provide shelter. A large hole in a tree is perfect for a screech owl or a pine tree is perfect for a dove's nest. Plus, placing feeders near bushes, trees and shrubs will give birds a safe hiding place while they are eating. Provide bird feeders Here in Nebraska, there is often plenty of food for birds in the summer months – insects, berries, seeds, nuts, fish. But in the winter, it's a different story. Some birds migrate south for the winter so they always have a good supply of food. But, other birds stick around during the cold winter months. For these birds, providing a feeder can really help. And, most importantly, be sure to keep feeders clean and full. Provide water Like food, water is import- ant for birds. A regular source of water makes sure birds have water to drink and can stay hydrated. This helps birds regulate their temperature and not get too cold or too hot. Water also helps keep birds clean and free of mites, fleas and diseases. A bird bath does not need to be fancy. It can simply be a shallow dish of water. Don't forget to keep your bird bath clean. Take a friend! Not only is it important that you appreciate birds, but it is important for everyone to know why birds are so amazing. Next time you head out to look for birds (or any wildlife) take a friend with you. In the end, you and your friend will have a great time and you will both learn about birds! Cookie-Cutter Bird Feeders Blue Jay Materials: bird seed, large cookie cutters (simple designs like hearts and stars work best), clear clear gelatin (you'll find it at the grocery store with the Jell-O), large pot, aluminum foil or waxed paper, spoon for stirring, twine or string. Instructions: 1. Mix gelatin and water in pan. Heat until the clear gelatin has dissolved. Remove from heat. 2. Add bird seed so the gelatin liquid is totally filled with seed and there is no remaining liquid. 3. Place cookie cutters on aluminum foil or waxed paper. Fill cookie cutters half full with the gelatin/bird seed mixture. Lay loop of string so that the ends of the string are inside the cookie cutter while the loop is outside. 4. Fill the remaining half of the cookie cutter with the gelatin/ bird seed mixture. Be sure the ends of the string are laying between the two layers of the mixture. 5. Firmly press gelatin/bird seed mixture until the feeder is evenly full. 6. Allow to dry for several hours or overnight. Hang from trees and wait for birds to visit! BIRDOLOGY: A Kid's Book About Birds — 3 BIRDOLOGY: A Kid's Book About Birds — 3

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