Feeding birds in the winter time can provide a source of enjoyment for many people. The observation of a variety of birds is amazing to experience as they find and come to the feeder station.
The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. Winter Staycation Brochure (download) provides a listing of those winter birds who may frequent the bird feeders in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.
Whether you are a novice or experienced bird watcher, it is a delight to see the flight of the black-capped chickadee arriving at the bird feeder. The chickadee does not swoop straight in an undulating or bouncing flight pattern. If one was to describe it on a piece of paper, it may look like a sine wave with curves up and down. The call or song of the black-capped chickadee is quite distinctive as a chickadee-dee-dee-dee. Though it will vary in their spring territory call which is a long high note followed by two lower short notes.
Besides the black-capped chickadee, the northern flicker is common in the afforestation area as is the bohemian waxwing. There is for sure the possibility the chance of seeing plethora of species depending on your time for observation, the weather, and when you arrive during the day.
Place a bird feeder in a site sheltered and protected from strong winter blizzard winds. The bird feeder should have a large canopy to keep snow and ice away from the bird seed placed out. Think of bird predators and squirrels who may also enjoy lunch at the bird feeder. If the bird feeder is placed near natural cover which will assist perching birds assess the bird feeder station area for safety.
Clean the bird feeder regularly. Bird balls and suet feeders also provide nutritious snacks for wild birds. Black oil sunflower seeds provides fat to birds which is a necessary nutrient. Birds require extra fat to keep them going through the long cold days. This bird feed may attract a good variety of birds. Nyger seeds, sunflower seeds and peanuts are also winter bird feeder choices. Try filling different locations of bird feeders with different seed to see what species of birds are attracted to the change of food.
As you embark on a winter bird feeding strategem, remember that some species of worms are meat eaters, seeking out insects, grasshoppers worms over the other months. A winter surprise of mealworms may provide the wild birds with a treat. Fruit is enjoyed by many birds. Placing out apples, bananas citrus fruits may be enjoyed by your several bird visitors. Consider spreading some peanut butter on an apple and add bits of peanuts and raisins. Remember to not place such a treat where dogs would reach it, as dogs cannot have raisins or they will have seizures.
In 2021 February experienced a terrific arctic cold front setting records with -53 Celsius records. At times like these, it is vitally important to keep any bird feeders topped up which birds may have become dependent upon.
Some birds are more comfortable feeding from the ground. Think of what other animals may be nearby which may pose a hazard to the birds feeding from the ground. Once in a while step on the snow at the base of the bird feeder, to provide ease of access to the ground feeding birds.
Partipate in the Christmas Bird Count and the Backyard Bird Count February 12-15, 2021 Register your count on the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Areas E-bird hotspot, Baker Area Eco-Quest on iNaturalist or on the Cornell Lab Audubon web pages.
As part of the winter-staycation challenges, register for the prize draw by sending in your photograph of a bird feeding station visitor.
For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
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Facebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
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Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date! Canada Helps
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
- Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
- Make it your own
- Spread the word about the UN Decade
- Let’s Bring Back Forests
- Let’s Green Our Cities
“It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.”
— Robert Louis Stevenson
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
John Muir
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 