A Guide to Feeding Winter Birds in British Columbia

David Allinson is the president of the Rocky Point Bird Observatory in Victoria, B.C.

As a resource on bird feeding, this book helps fill a regional void.
Waldon mixes humor with useful trivia in relating the natural history of
birds. At the same time, he provides important information on helping
birds through the stresses of the winter season.

The introduction offers advice and tips on feeders and feed, as well as
methods for keeping predators at bay. It is estimated that cats alone
annually kill 500 million birds in North America—a sobering statistic,
especially when combined with the loss of bird habitat through the
felling of northern and southern rain forests. Other perils to bird
feeding addressed by the author include squirrels, mice, and window
strikes. Unfortunately, Waldon does not discuss at length the problems
associated with disease, and the importance of maintaining clean
feeders, even in winter (a number of pine siskins in southwestern B.C.
were reported this past winter to be dying as a result of salmonella
poisoning). As well, the chapter on feeders and providing habitat could
be fuller, though Waldon presents the material concisely and
effectively.

The section on bird feed is detailed, discussing the pros and cons of
various seeds. The author even includes paragraphs on providing carrion
for birds like eagles and magpies, which illustrates that one need not
be limited by generic wild-bird mixes when looking to attract birds to
one’s garden in winter.

Waldon’s species accounts are well researched and very interesting to
read. Most bird guides are limited to identification clues, not
information regarding biology, breeding, and diet. For the millions in
North America who feed birds in winter (and year-round), books like this
one are especially welcome for answering some of the many questions that
arise. Thus, Waldon touches on the recent range expansions of the
Steller’s jay (B.C.’s provincial bird) and the westward march of the
blue jay, which no doubt are due, in part, to the abundance of winter
bird feeders.

One last quibble: the absence of a section on the relationship between
hawks and feeders. One of the most common questions received by active
birders concerns hawks “terrorizing” beloved songbirds at feeders.
Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks are often attracted to yards with
feeders for their ready supply of sparrows and finches.

All in all, this guide is a highly recommended reference for both the
casual backyard birder and the serious feeder–watcher.