Stock up on seed at bird club seed sale

If you feed birds, you are among the more than 50 million people in the United States who participate in this popular activity. Here in our area, the birds will begin to flock to the feeders after the first frost knocks down much of the wild seed crop that was produced this past summer. During very cold weather, a bird might require up to 20 times more food than it needed in moderate conditions.

You can get ready for your visitors at the Lynchburg Bird Club annual seed sale on from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 5 at Aylor’s Store in Forest. This is the perfect time to stock up for the winter-feeding season because when you purchase your seed, you do more than simply benefit the birds that visit your yard. Profits from the sale are used to support organizations that promote conservation of habitat, provide rehabilitation to injured birds and fund research projects that increase our understanding of the birdlife in Virginia.

If you have ordered seed within the past two years or are a member of the Lynchburg Bird Club, you should receive your order form in the mail shortly. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact Robert Ferrell at 847-0941 to request an order form.

We will have our usual varieties again this year. For the finches, titmice, chickadees, and cardinals, either black oil or striped sunflower seed is best. For those who want to avoid the messy hulls, try sunflower hearts (these are also referred to as sunflower chips). Although this seed seems to be very expensive, remember that it is all edible.

Goldfinches and siskins really appreciate niger seeds. If you have given up fighting with the squirrels, we have some peanut pieces for them. Maybe you are one of those fortunate people who don’t have a squirrel problem. If that is the case, then the bluejays love peanuts. Of course, the standard mixed wild bird seed is also available.

On the day of the sale, members of the Lynchburg Bird Club will be available to answer any questions that you may have about feeding birds or attracting them to your yard. Would you like more information about which species prefer the various types of seeds? Are you uncertain about what type of feeder to purchase? What can be done to keep the squirrels from gobbling down everything? Do you want to know about the best ways to offer suet?

Our hospitality table will be filled with delicious home baked goods and hot drinks to keep you warm while your seed is being loaded in your car. You will have time to browse through an excellent variety of bird feeders, birdbaths, and other feeding accessories. Take time to visit with the members of the bird club who will be happy to assist you, answer questions, or simply listen to the tales of the birds around your home.

News and notes

»The OWLS (Older, Wiser, Livelier Birders) will meet tomorrow for their monthly morning bird walk at Old City Cemetery. The group meets on the third Thursday of each month (excluding December, January, and February) at 8:30 a.m. by the entrance gate. Anyone is welcome to attend. For more information, call 384-8696.

»The Lynchburg Bird Club will sponsor a field trip to James River State Park on Saturday, Oct. 22. Meet the group at the Amelon Shopping Center (intersection of Route 29 North and Route 130) at 7:30 a.m. or you may meet the group at the park entrance around 8:15. Bring your binoculars, a picnic lunch and something to drink. We will be returning to town in the early afternoon. For more information, call (434) 298-7773.

Dalmas, a naturalist, writes a weekly column for The News & Advance. Readers may email her at jtdalmas@juno.com.