Quote:
Originally Posted by BroadHopper
I recall that the fish and game and national wildlife federation would prefer that people do not hang out bird feeders during the fall and winter months. It effect the migration of wild birds, if there is food supply they may not migrate.
This was a while ago, I have not heard anything since. Because of this my family do not hang out bird feeders in the fall and winter months. We will hang out the feeders during the summer, especially the hummingbird feeder.
If you have trouble with squirrels and 'coons, sprinkling cayenne pepper in the bird feed deter them. The birds cannot taste the pepper. I am not sure if this trick will deter the bears, but they usually tear down the feeder before they feed.
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Several posts through Google say that feeding birds in the fall and winter does not stop migration. The birds innate urge to go is too strong.
NH F&G does recommend taking down feeders before bears get active in the spring. Last year, our Masonic Lodge had a Ladies night and invited a F&G rep to speak. The advice was to feed over the winter, but take them down before the bears come out....the catch phrase was "don't make a good bear a bad bear.