Get ready for heavy bird feeding season

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 may 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 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 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 be receiving 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 Lynchburg Bird Club will sponsor a morning bird walk at Johnson’s Orchard in Bedford County on Saturday, Oct. 24. Meet at 7 a.m. at the Waterlick Plaza Shopping Center parking lot (located on West Highway 460 Business). The orchard store will be open that day for those interested in purchasing apples or cider. For more information, call 385-6868.

Dalmas, a naturalist, writes a weekly column for The News & Advance. Readers may e-mail her at .