It’s National Bird Feeding Month.

Jefferson resident Matt Wetrich is a local bird expert and says bird feeding is for people and that birds are the most watchable wildlife there is. For that reason, he suggests putting up bird feeders in convenient areas where you like to watch birds from inside your home. He also offers some advice for keeping squirrels out of bird feeders.

“The only way that I’ve had great success with keeping squirrels out of bird feeders is putting them on some sort of pole system with a baffle on it. So they can’t climb up the pole then. So squirrels can jump ten feet sideways and five feet high, so you’ve got to keep that in mind too. Keep them away from trees, or a fence, or a house so they can’t jump.”

Wetrich points out that black-oil sunflower seeds are the best food source to use for bird feeders.

“That’s the way to go. It’s the most universally eaten source of food by any bird that’s going to come to your feeder this time of year. It’s a high energy food source (and) it’s got more value to the birds. It gives them the ability to stay warm. They are burning a lot of calories right now. So those high energy sources of food are the most important.”

Wetrich adds that peanut pieces, thistle seeds and suet are great varieties to attract diverse species of birds.