Birdfeeders

As the snow storms roar through the midwest and east, offering a sheltered dining area for ground feeding birds can be very helpful. A feeding shelter can be especially useful to quail and pheasants who don’t like to venture far into the open unless absolutely necessary. The easiest shelter is a picnic table situated at least 10 feet from shrubs, brush or other hiding places. Placing a platform feeder full of seeds under the table will protect it from the snow and allow the birds some shelter while they eat. Of course, you can build a lean-to facing south to make use of any possible winter sun.The roof can be weather proof plywood or to look nice, use a thick hatch of evergreen branches. You can just scatter seed on the ground, but I find it preferable to use a platform feeder to cut down on the mess.