ature, in our own back yards, provides a precious tranquil space in summer, offer- ing among other blessings the best medicine we have for de-stressing. For people who combine the hobbies of gardening and feeding wild birds, the rewards are many. The beauty and fragrance of flowers along with the co- lours and songs of birds are food for the soul. When it comes to at- tracting wild birds in summer, there are specific feeders and foods as well as plants that can help you draw in some spectacular species. Here are some tips that can bring great results.


Sherrie Versluis Feathered Friends


Some of the easiest birds to attract are the bright-coloured finches, whose songs are among


the sweetest heard in the bird kingdom. We are treat- ed to several species in Manitoba, among them house and purple finches, and the brilliant yellow American goldfinch. House and purple finches are most attracted to black


oil sunflower in almost any style of feeder, but they es- pecially enjoy window feeders which suction cup right to your window. You can offer shelled sunflower in these feeders so the area below the window will re- main clean. Window feeders – along with static cling decals – prevent birds from colliding with the glass, a leading cause of mortality in the songbird population. American goldfinches also eat sunflower seeds but are often chased off by larger birds. To prevent this, consider putting up a thistle feeder; it has very tiny holes and other birds cannot access the seed inside. The food to use is called Nyjer seed, and goldfinches truly enjoy it. Note that it’s important to set out the tiny seed in the proper feeder or it will just blow away. House sparrows also like Nyjer and will dominate a feeder if they can access the seed; they are unable, though, to take over a quality thistle feeder. Plant favourites the home-owner can grow for


finches include zinnias, cosmos, purple coneflowers and black-eyed susans. Allow these to go to seed and watch your finches indulge. For nesting, finches like shrubs, and the caragana variety is especially popular. Orioles are among my personal favourite birds to attract. They are colourful and wonderful singers; I can’t recommend too strongly that bird lovers make the effort to entice these gems into their yards. Most people fail to attract them simply because they don’t offer the right foods and feeders. There are three op- tions: nectar, fruit and jelly feeders.


Nectar feeders for orioles are similar to humming-


Bring the songs of summer home N


A careful choice of food and feeders can make your home a sanctuary for birds of spectacular colour and song offerings of great sweetness.


American goldfinch chow down at a thistle birdfeeder.


bird feeders, but a slight difference in design meets the oriole’s needs. The nectar combines four cups of water and one cup of white sugar. The water should be boiled first, then taken off the element; the sugar is then added and stirred till dissolved.


You should change the feeder at least once a week, twice in really hot weather. You can make a large amount of nectar and leave it in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you aren’t making it fresh every time. No other sweeteners should be added as these usually ferment quickly in the sun. Do not add any type of colouring, as this is toxic and damaging to the birds’ health.


The nectar recipe also applies to hummingbirds. Feeders for both species are designed to be colourful and attractive, so you don’t need to dye the nectar. Fruit feeders are made for offering oranges, a happy indulgence of orioles and many species of migratory birds in spring. Jelly feeders are the feeder for attract- ing orioles along with many varieties of warblers and the glorious tanagers. Grape jelly is the food of choice, and not to be confused with Jello or jam. Results for this type of feeder are so great that my record for one season is 53 jars of jelly! These special feeders are available in several designs. Orioles are very active in spring, may then disap- pear during nesting but will return with their young in early August. The same can apply to hummingbirds. You should in this period be prepared to go through


cat’s failure to use the litter box is a major reason why people relinquish the animal to a shel- ter, abandon it or give it away. It seems paradoxical that kittens who so quickly learn to use a litter box and cats who like to dig around and then cover their elimination should use the far less ap- pealing floor, carpet or bed to do their “business.” What causes a cat to aban- don the litter box and go elsewhere? When this behaviour occurs, you


should first consider the problem as a possible health issue. Cats with medi- cal problems such as urinary tract in- fections or crystals frequently begin eliminating outside their litter boxes. Therefore, it is wise to check with a veterinarian to rule out any physical ill- ness. Cats don’t always act sick, even if they are, and if you wait until the cat is clearly ill, the problem may have be- come life-threatening. If you find that the cat has no medi- cal ailments, investigate the litter box environment. In multiple cat homes, most experts recommend one box for


14 www.lifestyles55.net


Cleaning up litter problems A


every cat plus one (that is, if you have three cats you should have four litter boxes). This way a cat should find a clean, unoccupied box to use. Loca- tion might also be an issue for the cat. Avoid placing the boxes in high traf- fic or noisy areas. Cats need to feel safe and somewhat private when using the litter box, but avoid placing the box in an isolated area where the cat rarely goes. In larger homes there should be a box on every floor.


The litter itself might be the issue. Some cats simply refuse to use a soiled litter box. When outside, cats do not go in the same spot but move about to find new soil. Some cats are more toler- ant than others, but no cat likes to use a dirty litter box, just as we cringe at seeing an unflushed toilet. Therefore, daily cleaning of the litter box will en- courage its use and discourage the cat from seeking an alternate place. Also make sure the litter box is large enough for the cat to have some manoeuvring room. The cat’s body length should not be longer than the box. A covered


lots of jelly! The entire bird family will happily eat jelly and drink nectar all day long.


As for plants, many berry-producing shrubs and trees attract orioles, and they nest most often in very tall trees, especially poplars. Bee balm, salvia, columbine, hollyhocks, foxglove and even the simple petunia will offer nectar for hummingbirds and even butterflies. Be sure to choose a quality feeder for hummingbirds, one that is bug-proof, leak-proof and easy to clean. Most feeders are fun to look at but not functional in at- tracting them. Hummingbird and oriole feeders should all be in place by the end of April for spring feeding and in early August for fall feeding.


A water offering is a worthwhile asset. It will attract many bird species including insect-eaters, which do not come to feeders.


Large birdbaths should have rocks or an ornament in the centre to help smaller birds feel safe. Hanging birdbath bottles are ideal for finches, chickadees, nut- hatches, and other small species. A great addition to a birdbath is a dripper; these come equipped with a pump, and the sound of trickling water is a real draw for birds. With features such as these, and some effort, you can this summer make your yard a sanctuary, offering the peace and serenity that only nature can provide. Sherrie Versluis is the owner of The Preferred Perch Wild Bird Specialty & Gift Store at 1604 St. Mary’s Road. Phone 204-257-3724; email preperch@mymts.net


What makes a cat ‛dirty’? It could be medical or simply the litter box environment you’re providing for them.


litter box, while reducing the odour for us, concentrates the odour for the cat and could lead to dislike of the box. The type of litter being used can also cause litter box aversion. Most cats pre- fer a litter that feels similar to the soil or sand they would naturally use. Some cats can be conditioned to use pellets, crystals and other manufactured litters but sometimes cats try to let us know that the litter in their box is not their preference by going outside the box. If you have been using a litter that is not similar to what a cat would find naturally, consider looking for one that is closer in texture to what a cat on its own would use.


Occasionally a scented or deodorized litter can put off cats. Their extremely keen sense of smell and their proximity to the litter can make these perfumed environments uninviting. The best way to keep the box odour free is to re- move the odours, not cover them up or overpower them with stronger odours. Also, increasing the depth of the litter can make a litter box more inviting: for


most cats, the deeper the better. One way to determine what your cat likes is to add another litter box with a differ- ent type of litter. Occasionally stress, usually caused by change in the cat’s world, can result in inappropriate elimination. The change could be any thing from a person or animal added or removed from the household to a new home or renova- tions or even new furniture – or pos- sibly an increase in stress in the house- hold. By giving the cat lots of positive attention you can reassure him that he is safe and an important part of the household.


Solving litter box issues can be a chal-


lenge. However, as angry as you might be, you should not punish a cat for not using the box. Do not drop the cat in the box, or rub the cat’s nose in the lit- ter. Such negative actions are likely to make the situation worse. Remember, if everything were fine, the litter box would be an indoor cat’s first choice as a bathroom. If it’s not, you must find out why.


April 2017


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