Steve`s Country
For a smile as wide as a country sunrise
Midweek Coffee Chat. #19
Good morning to everyone on this sunny Wednesday! Well, it did not get quite as cold as what was forecast for us, so that part is nice. Although, another frost would have been good to get those leaves changing color faster. Frost is not actually needed for the leaves to change color though, that happens due to less daylight in the fall which signals to the trees it is time to go dormant.
So the leaves stop their normal functions and the changing of color happens. That is a simple look at it, however, it is a bit more complicated. But, a frost will get things moving faster and get trees changing color at the same time, which gives a nice big splash of color for fall. And some beautiful photography opportunities as well.
Since I have decided to cancel my river walks until winter, I will miss a lot of that fall splash of color. But there might be other possibilities open up for some nice autumn photography. Right now I am actually hoping for an early winter. I never thought I would actually say that. But that would take care of the bear problem, and therefore, my bird feeder problems too. Right now I have no idea what to do about feeding the birds.
If I even put up a new pole for the feeders, the bear will likely pull it down, like she did with the other one. However, waiting for the cold weather to hit before I work on it, well, that is not a good idea, too hard on my arthritis to work in the cold. I could take a chance and put it up now, just leave the feeders off until winter arrives, and hope she does not tear it down. But if she does tear it down, it could damage the deck, and my landlord might not like that.
But birds, especially smaller birds, stake out their winter feeding areas this time of the year. They need to do that so they have a good supply of food for the winter. So I need to feed now, or risk losing my birds, and once they leave, they will not come back. Decisions. I have an idea, but will it work? Guess I will find out. Sigh. Sorry for the ramble, but that is what is happening right now.
It is a beautiful morning! Skamper, Skitter and GPS were here for a short time yesterday afternoon. They each made 4 trips, then they were gone again. The blue jays are here right now getting some peanuts. The leaves are starting to change color and shining bright in the sun. Time for some more fall cleaning. I hope you all have a wonderful day and God bless!
Steve and Muffin.
©2022 Steve McLeod.
Steve`s Country 
Is there anything that would repell the bears?
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Unfortunately there is nothing that will work completely. I have tried some different ideas over the years and none have stopped them. An early winter would work, but I really don’t like that idea either! 😮🙀😂😹
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Shame
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Yes, they really need to come up with something.
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Hi, Steve. Is there any way you could put food out occasionally when you see the birds around, just on the deck rail, to get them used to coming to your place for the food in the winter? Don’t know how practical this is, but just a thought.
Praying for you and your safety, my friend.
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Yes, that is what I am doing right now, but the bigger birds are getting it all. I am going to try something this afternoon that might work for the smaller birds and keep the larger birds away. Thanks C.A. for the suggestion and for your prayers. 😊😺🍂🍁Just being on the deck now is risky since the bears come during the day.😮🙀
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When birds are hungry they search out their regular haunts and even will look elsewhere…I only put out a small amount of peanuts and sunflower seeds…once it is gone it is gone for the day…the birds see the squirrels and they know they will find food…just have to be patient ! 🥺🙂😻
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That works in nicer weather, but in winter the birds have a regular feeding route they follow. They establish that now so they don’t starve in the winter. And they will not stray far from that route. That’s why it is so important to keep up feeding once started for the winter, no matter what the amount of food. Have a great day!😊😺🍂🍁
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Steve, I hope your plans bear (sorry for this word) some fruitful results for your bird feeder.
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I hope so too, but for now a temporary feeder will have to do. I think that idea might work until winter.
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