Fall is marked by the spectacular sounds and sightings of migrating birds. By November however, this migration is almost complete and thoughts turn to looking after the many birds that over-winter with us ... the Chickadees, Cardinals, Nuthatches and Blue Jays to mention but a few.

Don't Wait for the Snow
Backyard feeders provide a wonderful way to help these birds in winter and bring many hours of enjoyment as they find food. If you haven't done so already and would like to help our feathered friends this winter, get your bird feeder up and well stocked now. Don't wait until the snow falls and the temperature drops! Our wintering birds will be sourcing out food supplies now to identify reliable locations when the worst of winter hits.

Tips
The most important factor in setting up a successful feeding station is to offer a variety of foods and to place each in the proper setting. A good all-round feeding program that will attract birds should include the following:
- A hanging feed with sunflower seed;
- A ground or tray-type feeder with cracked corn and mixed seed;
- A suet feeder;
- Water;

Remember, that the birds will depend on your generosity during these cold months. Keep your feeders well stocked at all times. They will reward you with their delightful presence.

Saga of the Baby Jay
Neighbours on Farnham tell a wonderful tale of rescuing a baby Blue Jay that had fallen from its nest this summer, landing on the driveway of 35 Farnham Crescent. For several days, Christiane and Hans Riccius, helped by neighbours Julie August and Thomas Buckley, and then myself, worked to rescue the little fledging and to encourage his parents return for feeding and security.

Neighbourhood cats were kept inside while Christiane and Hans made the baby jay comfortable, first a pail, then a small box lined with pine needles, mounted by tuck tape to a ladder and placed under a tree near the driveway. The parents, however, found it difficult to feed the jay.

After contacting me, a new home was assembled in a larger box to accommodate the parents, enabling nature to take over. The box was placed higher up on the ladder and closer to the cedar hedge.

The parents came to our rescue and soon were feeding their youngster in its new home. After several days, the birds disappeared only to return again and again to the cedar hedge as a threesome.

A happy ending for all. Thank you for caring.