[piscesmom]

What kind of birdseed would I put out in November in southern ontario? I've put out seed on our balcony before but nothing came. How do I attract birds to our balcony? I want to hang a birdfeeder out, but don't know where to start!

 

[expansia]

I used to live in Northern Ohio, so I'm not sure if that's close enough to Southern Ontario to be helpful or not.

There's a few things that might be hindering your bird attraction. The first is you usually need to start feeding them ahead of winter, either in late summer or early fall, so they will know there's a constant food supply and not migrate/look elsewhere. Starting in November might be too late.

If there are birds still around, and they're just not visiting you, then be sure your seed type matches your bird type. For example, sunflower seeds are for your bigger birds, like cardinals. Figure out what you see flying around and check at Lowes/Home Depot for the best food for them.

Lastly, I'd pull out the old bird candy trick. Skip the feeder and go with a seed and peanutbutter "suet" on a stick. You can buy them premade or make your own*. Birds need extra fat in the winter, plus it tastes really good to them... or a squirrel.

*Mix enough peanutbutter (and a little honey if your birds aren't vegan) in with your birdseed to form a ball that stays together. It should be about softball-sized. Put it in an old onion mesh bag. Tie it to a hook or post so the birds can land on it and peck at the contents through the mesh holes.

 

[piscesmom]

Thanks

I have rarely seen them, and I don't my bird species too well. This is what makes me want to start to begin with. However, I hear them constantly. I've seen a few black ones sitting on the pole across the street though. We live on the third floor of an apartment building and there are big pine trees on either side of our balcony but not close enough to reach. I've thrown out birdseed onto the lawn and in towards the tree, as well as left a pile on the railing of the balcony. We rarely go out there and yet the seed was left untouched. There is a hook at about head hieght that I want to either hang a feeder or plant on. Being this time of year, a plant will obviously not do well.