For the Birds: How to Celebrate National Bird Feeding Month in Selma
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Time to read 4 min
DeWayne’s in Selma, NC – Boutique, Gift Shop, Men’s Clothing, Garden Center & More
Did you know that February is one of the toughest months for our local birds?
While we are staying cozy indoors, the wild birds of Johnston County are working overtime to survive. By February, most natural food sources (like berries and seeds) are depleted, and the cold nights require birds to burn huge amounts of energy just to stay warm. That's why February is designated as National Bird Feeding Month - and it's the perfect time to turn your backyard into a sanctuary!
Whether you are a seasoned birder or just want to see a pop of color outside your kitchen window, we have stocked the Atrium at DeWayne's with everything you need. To help you get started, we've created a "Backyard Menu Match" so you know exactly which feeders and treats will attract your favorite feathered neighbors.
The Backyard Menu Match
Different birds have different styles! Here is how to curate your menu using top brands like Cole's, Mr. Bird, and Better Bird, all available in our Atrium.
1. The "Bluebird Special"
The Guests: Eastern Bluebirds (everyone's favorite!)
The Main Course: Bluebirds love insects and fruit. Try the Mr. Bird Bugs, Nuts & Fruit. It comes in a convenient block or cylinder that slips right into a feeder.
The Feeder: Bluebirds aren't great perching on tiny tubes. They prefer stability.
Real Estate Tip: Bluebirds are already scouting for nesting sites in February! We have a beautiful selection of Bluebird Houses in stock. Get yours up now so they settle in your yard before spring.
2. The "Cardinal Cravings"
The Guests: Northern Cardinals Tufted Titmice, and Chickadees.
The Main Course: These birds go crazy for Safflower. Try the Mr. Bird Safflower Feast (a cylinder) or our loose Zero-Waste Bird Feed.
- Why Zero-Waste? It contains no shells! That means no mess on your patio and no weeds sprouting in your lawn.
- The Feeder: The Terrific Tube Feeder: A classic choice that keeps seed dry.
- Window Bird Feeder: Want a front-row seat? Suction this clean feeder right to you kitchen window. The cats (especially Ginger and Rosie!) love watching "Bird TV."
3. The "Robin's Restaurant"
The Guests: American Robins
The Main Course: Robins are ground foragers and love berries and suet. Grab a bag of Suet Kibbles (loose suet chunks) or fruit blends.
The Feeder: Robins usually struggle with standard tube feeders. That's why we carry a specialized Robin Feeder. It is a hangable, weather-resistant tray with an adjustable domed roof that protects the seed (and the bird) from rain while giving them plenty of room to dine.
4. The "Woodpecker Warrior"
The Guests: Downy Woodpeckers and Nuthatches.
The Main Course: They need high-fat energy. Cole's Natural Peanut Suet is a guaranteed winner.
The Feeder: The Mighty Mesh Feeder. This all-metal mesh feeder is durable and allows woodpeckers to cling anywhere on the surface to peck at the food, just like the do on trees.
The "Squirrel Strategy" (Spicy or Sweet?)
We can't talk about bird feeding without addressing the fuzzy elephant in the room: Squirrels.
If squirrels are stealing your bird seed, we have two proven strategies:
Strategy A: The Spicy Route (The Deterrent)
Did you know birds can't taste heat, but squirrels hate it" We carry Cole's Flaming Hot Feast and Flaming Squirrel Seed Sauce. This seed is coated in hot chili oil. The birds will gobble it up happily, but one sniff will send squirrels running for the hills!
Strategy B: The Distraction Method
Sometimes, you just have to give them their own buffet. Set up a Sweet Corn Squirrelog or Wild Delight Corn on the Cob far away from your bird feeders. It keeps them busy, full, and away from the expensive bird seed.
The Winter Watering Hole
While food is scarce in February, fresh water is even harder to find, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. A bird's metabolism requires water to digest all those seeds.
Pro Tip: You don't need a fancy pond. A simple shallow birdbath (or even a glazed saucer from our pottery section) works wonders. If you want to be a 5-starhost, consider adding a heater or breaking the ice on freezing mornings. A source of fresh water will attract birds that might not even eat seeds like Mockingbirds and Warblers.
Feeder Hygiene
A clean feeder is a happy feeder. With all this traffic at your "restaurant," things can get messy. February is a great time to do a mid-winter deep clean.
- The Method: Empty your feeders and scrub them with hot, soapy water ( a little vinegar or weak bleach solution helps disinfect). Rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely before refiling.
- Why? This prevents the spread of diseases among our local flock and keeps the seed fresh and mold-free.
Mark Your Calendars: The Great Backyard Bird Count
Want to put your new feeders to good use? The Great Backyard Bird Count happens every February (this year it is February 13-16). It's a global event where people watch birds for just 15 minutes and report what they see to help scientists track bird population. It's a fantastic weekend activity for kids! Get your feeders filled up now so your yard is the "place to be" when the count starts.
Did You Know?
- Cardinals are the ultimate romantics. You will often see them in pairs because they mate for life. During courtship (which starts soon!), the male often feeds seeds to the female beak-to-beak.
- Goldfinches are molting right now. You might see them looking a little patchy or olive-colored, but by spring, the males will turn that brilliant electric yellow we all love.
Selma, NC Birdwatching: Can You Spot Them All?
Once your feeders are full, the fun begins! Print this checklist out or keep it on your phone. How many of these local Selma locals can you spot in your yard this month?
This is just a starter flock. North Carolina is home to over 470 species. If you spot a visitor you don't recognize, head over to Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds Guide to identify your mystery guest.
Ready to Turn Your Backyard into a Haven?
Stop by the Atrium at DeWayne's this week to get ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count! Whether you need a specific cylinder for your Bluebirds, a squirrel-proof spicy mix, a shallow bowl for water, or just a classic tube feeder to get started, we have the supplies to make your yard a certified wildlife sanctuary.