“I have been feeding birds for 30 years and this bear was only the second one I have ever seen interested in the seed. The bear was very hungry and he had every right to swipe at my dumbass. He was just doing bear stuff and I was bothering his attempt at a meal.” –Flowwell
Here’s a quick word to the wise, if a bear is outside your window snacking on a bird feeder don’t open the freaking window. Seems like common sense advice but when an opportunity for a video for social media presents itself all bets are off.
After receiving a quick swipe from the bear’s paw the California man learned a valuable lesson, just because your are viewing life as it happens through the screen on your phone doesn’t make you safe from its reality.
Here’s some advice from Bearwise.org on bird feeders in bear country:
Don’t “Reward” Bears For Coming Into Your Yard
Wild black bears are normally shy of humans and will stay away from people and their residences. However, readily accessible bird seed “rewards” bears for overcoming their natural fear of humans and makes them likely to return.
Even if a bear can’t reach your feeder, the sight and smell will still attract them. Bears have been seen sitting under feeders for hours, trying to figure out how to get them down. While they’re thinking, they may look around to see if there’s anything else interesting at your place. Be extra vigilant and make sure you’ve thoroughly bear-proofed your home, garage, and property.
How To Attract Birds, Not Bears
Here are some proven and effective ways to attract birds without having to feed them:
Add A Water Feature
Birds need fresh water to drink and bathe, and are always on the lookout for dependable sources. Adding a simple bird bath, a fountain or a small pool with a bubbler to your garden is a sure-fire attractant. There are even water features that can be hung like a feeder. Birds are attracted to the sound of moving water; add a few flat “bathing” stones for birds.
Shelter And Perches
Birds need places to perch and places to hide from predators. Small branching trees and bushes provide perches, shelter and an easy way for you to watch the birds. Adding a colorful windchime or other decoration to your garden will give hummingbirds a place to perch as well.
Nesting Boxes
Several species of birds use nesting boxes, and many cavity-nesting birds now depend on them because there are far fewer standing dead trees. Nest boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes designed to attract different species. Visit NestWatch.org for help finding the right boxes for the bird species nesting in your area.
Plant For Birds
Conservationists recommend planting native plants, flowers, bushes, vines, trees and evergreens to provide birds with food and shelter from predators and bad weather. An added benefit for us: native plants are often easier to care for than non-native plants.
Brightly colored, trumpet-shaped and tubular flowers attract hummingbirds. Sunflowers, coneflowers, asters and marigolds all produce seeds birds like to eat. Many attractive bushes and flowering trees also attract birds that eat fruits and berries. Nurseries can help you choose beneficial native plants that do well in your area.
TIP: Avoid pesticides; many birds rely on insects for a big part of their diet.
The Audubon Society’s Native Plants Database contains thousands of plants; just enter your zip code and you’ll get a selection of Best Choices for your area, along with photos, local resources and next steps. Your local chapter of the Audubon Society may be able to recommend experts who can help. And the Pollinator Partnership offers regional planting guides and zip code recommendations.
Sand Baths And Grit
Birds take dust baths; you can make a simple dust bath using fine sand surrounded by pavers or landscaping timbers. Position it near cover so birds are safe from predators. Birds don’t have teeth (their gizzards digest food and need grit to work properly) so they’ll appreciate a corner with sand and small bits of gravel and stone.
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